Sneakers are a staple in most people’s wardrobes. They’re comfortable, versatile, and easy to wear for a variety of activities. However, sneakers also tend to get quite dirty from everyday wear. Mud, dirt, stains, and general grime can quickly build up and make your sneakers look dingy and worn out.
Washing your sneakers regularly is important to keep them looking fresh and extend their lifespan. But how should you properly clean dirty sneakers? Can you simply toss them in the washing machine? Or do sneakers require more delicate care?
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the ins and outs of washing dirty sneakers, whether by machine or by hand. We’ll cover tips and best practices to safely clean even the dirtiest sneakers and have them looking like new again.
Supplies Needed for Washing Sneakers
Before getting into the washing methods, you’ll need to gather the proper supplies. Having these sneaker cleaning tools on hand will make the process much easier.
For Machine Washing
- Mesh laundry bag: A mesh bag will keep your sneakers contained in the machine and prevent them from banging around or getting damaged.
- Mild detergent: Skip the heavy-duty detergents here; a mild liquid detergent is best for sneakers so it doesn’t damage the materials.
- Old towels: Use these for stuffing inside the sneakers to help them retain their shape in the wash.
- Toothbrush: An old toothbrush is helpful for scrubbing stains or cleaning the grooves.
For Hand Washing
- Large bowl: You’ll need a container big enough to hold the sneakers and water. A large bowl works well.
- Mild soap: As with machine washing, use a gentle liquid soap that won’t be too harsh.
- Toothbrush: Again, the toothbrush is great for scrubbing the sneakers by hand.
- Soft bristle brush: This helps scrub off caked on dirt.
- Microfiber cloths: These cloths safely clean leather or suede sneakers without damage.
- Laundry detergent: Add just a small amount to the water for extra cleaning power.
- Baking soda: Helpful for whitening soles or absorbing odors.
- White vinegar: For disinfecting and deodorizing sneakers.
- Old towel: After hand washing, stuff sneakers with a towel to absorb moisture and retain shape.
How to Wash Sneakers in a Machine
Using a washing machine is a convenient, easy way to wash most types of sneakers, especially fabric styles. Just be sure to follow these key tips:
1. Check Sneaker Care Instructions
Before machine washing, always check the care label inside your sneakers first. The instructions will indicate if they are safe to machine wash or need hand washing instead.
If there’s no care label, look up the sneaker brand and style online to see if the manufacturer provides cleaning recommendations.
2. Use a Mesh Laundry Bag
Place the sneakers inside a mesh laundry bag and zip it closed before putting in the machine. This protects the sneakers from damage and prevents the laces and shoes from tangling with other laundry.
3. Wash with Cold Water
Wash sneakers in cold water only—warm or hot water can damage the glues and materials. Use the delicate or gentle cycle setting.
4. Use a Mild Detergent
Pour a small amount of mild liquid detergent into the machine—about 1-2 tablespoons. Steer clear of powder detergents, as they may leave residue.
5. Stuff with Towels
To help retain the shape, stuff each sneaker with an old towel before placing in the bag. Don’t machine wash sneakers without a towel fill, or they may get warped and misshapen.
6. Air Dry Completely
Never put wet sneakers into the dryer—the heat will ruin them. Always air dry washed sneakers completely before wearing again.
Stuffing with new dry towels speeds up drying time; replace towels as needed.
Tips for Machine Washing Sneakers
- Turn sneakers inside out first if very dirty, for better cleaning.
- Use the delicate cycle for extra care.
- Add white vinegar to the detergent for extra odor removal.
- Spot treat tough stains first with a toothbrush and detergent.
- Remove laces and wash separately if really dirty.
- Wash similar colored sneakers together to prevent dye transfer.
How to Hand Wash Sneakers
For certain sneaker fabrics like leather and suede, hand washing is the safest bet. Follow this detailed guide to properly hand wash sneakers:
1. Remove Laces and Insoles
First take out the laces and insoles and set aside. Remove any inserts too. Hand wash laces separately in soapy water.
2. Prepare the Wash Solution
Fill a large bowl or tub with cool water. Add 2-3 tablespoons of a gentle laundry detergent and stir to dissolve.
3. Use a Toothbrush on Dirty Areas
Before placing in the water, scrub stains with an old toothbrush and liquid soap. This pre-treats and lifts grime.
4. Submerge and Gently Clean
Place sneakers in the wash solution. Use a soft bristle brush to gently clean all over, especially on textured rubber soles.
Avoid vigorous scrubbing, which can damage materials.
5. Rinse Thoroughly
Drain the dirty wash water and refill the tub with clean cool water for rinsing. Continue rinsing until water runs clear.
6. Air Dry and Stuff with Towels
Remove sneakers and gently press out excess moisture with a towel. Then stuff insides tightly with dry towels to help them retain shape as they fully air dry.
Replace towels whenever damp. Don’t wear until completely dry.
Tips for Hand Washing Sneakers
- Use extra mild soap for suede and leather sneakers.
- Mix a few tbsp of baking soda into the wash water for whitening soles.
- Spot clean suede with a suede brush or microfiber cloth only.
- Use an old toothbrush dipped in soap to scrub grooves and textured areas.
- For smelly sneakers, add 1⁄2 cup white vinegar to the rinse water.
- Speed up drying by placing near a fan and rotating stuffed towels.
Cleaning White Sneakers
White sneakers easily show dirt, scuffs, and stains. That crisp white look also tends to dull over time with wear.
Here are the best tips for revitalizing dingy white sneakers:
Pretreat Stubborn Stains
Before washing, rub stains with a toothbrush dipped in laundry detergent or baking soda and water. This helps lift discoloration.
Use Baking Soda in the Wash
For machine washing, add 1⁄4 cup baking soda to the detergent to boost cleaning power. For hand washing, stir 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda into the soapy wash water.
Rinse with Vinegar
After washing white sneakers, do a final rinse in a bath of 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts water. The vinegar disinfects and brightens white material.
Avoid Heat Drying
Machine drying can yellow white sneakers. Always air dry out of direct sunlight.
Use Whitening Toothpaste
Gently rub white toothpaste on stained or dingy areas with a toothbrush. The abrasives lift discoloration. Rinse paste off fully.
Apply Rubbing Alcohol
Dip a cotton pad in rubbing alcohol and dab on scuffs or stains. This can help lift dirt from white sneakers.
Cleaning Leather Sneakers
Leather sneaker uppers require gentle care to avoid drying out or warping when washing. Here are some do’s and don’ts:
Do
- Use a leather cleaner or mild soap made for delicates. Avoid detergents.
- Spot clean scuffs with a magic eraser sponge.
- Apply a leather conditioner after washing, to renew oils.
- Use a soft cloth to blot dry after cleaning.
- Speed up drying process with a hairdryer on cool setting.
- Stuff with towels to retain shape while drying.
Don’t
- Soak leather sneakers fully in water, just spot clean.
- Use heat from dryer, fireplace, or direct sun to dry.
- Use abrasive brushes or scrub aggressively.
- Wear again before fully dried.
Cleaning Suede Sneakers
Suede is a very delicate material that requires extra care when washing. Here are some suede sneaker cleaning tips:
Do
- Use a suede brush and mild soap to gently spot clean stains.
- Let suede air dry away from direct heat or sunlight.
- Use a suede eraser bar to remove scuffs.
- Apply suede protector spray after cleaning for water resistance.
- Refresh crushed suede with a suede brush.
Don’t
- Fully submerge suede in water. Just spot treat stains.
- Use heat from dryer, fireplace, or direct sun to dry.
- Use detergents, bleach, or other harsh cleaners on suede.
- Scrub or wring suede to clean.
- Wear again before fully dried.
Removing Odors from Smelly Sneakers
It’s common for active sneakers to develop unpleasant foot odor, mildew smells, or stale stenches. Here are some handy methods to banish bad smells from smelly sneakers:
Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda liberally inside sneakers and leave overnight. The powder absorbs and neutralizes odors. Shake out excess.
White Vinegar
Wipe or mist the insides with undiluted white vinegar, which kills bacteria and odors. Let sit before airing out.
Freeze Overnight
Place smelly sneakers in a plastic bag and freeze overnight. Freezing helps kill odor-causing bacteria.
Tea Bags
Stuff damp tea bags inside sneakers and let sit overnight. The tea leaves’ tannins absorb and remove smells.
Activated Charcoal
Leave odor-eliminating activated charcoal bags inside sneakers to absorb foul odors. Change bags monthly.
Dryer Sheets
Stuffing fresh scented dryer sheets in smelly sneakers will help mask unpleasant odors.
How Often Should You Wash Sneakers?
A good rule of thumb is to wash sneakers every 2-3 weeks if you wear them regularly. Wash them right away if:
- Sneakers get stained or heavily soiled
- Insoles smell or have a dirty buildup
- Whites look dingy or yellowed
- There are signs of grime embedded in rubber soles
- Materials look dusty, dirty, or scuffed
Washing sneakers before they get too dirty prevents stains from setting and smells from building up. But avoid over-washing, which can damage materials over time.
Drying Wet Sneakers
It’s crucial to dry wet sneakers fully before wearing again. Bacteria and odors flourish in dampness, and materials can warp. Here are some drying tips:
- Air dry out of direct sunlight, which can damage sneakers.
- Stuff damp sneakers with dry towels to absorb moisture faster. Replace towels as needed.
- Place near a fan on low speed to circulate fresh air through sneakers.
- Insert crumpled newspaper inside to absorb moisture; replace when wet.
- Insert dryer sheets or charcoal bags to deter odors as sneakers dry.
- For leather sneakers, use a hairdryer on cool setting to gently speed up drying.
- Don’t wear sneakers until 100% dry inside and out. Walking in damp sneakers can ruin the shape.
Caring for Sneakers Between Washes
Your sneakers will stay fresher longer if you care for them properly between washes:
- Give sneakers a day off between wears to air out and dry. Rotating extends lifespan.
- Remove insoles and laces to dry overnight after wearing.
- Sprinkle baking soda inside to absorb moisture and odors.
- Use disinfectant wipes on insoles to kill bacteria.
- Spot clean stains immediately using soap and a toothbrush.
- Use a suede eraser bar to remove scuffs on suede sneakers.
- Apply waterproofing spray to help repel dirt and stains.
- Store sneakers with cedar shoe trees or charcoal bags to deter odors.
Avoid Putting Sneakers in the Dryer
It’s tempting to toss your damp sneakers straight into the dryer after washing. But resist the urge!
The heat from a dryer, even on low settings, can damage sneakers in multiple ways:
- Adhesives melt, causing soles to separate.
- Leather and suede become cracked or brittle.
- Knit fabrics shrink or warp out of shape.
- Glues weaken, compromising structure.
- Decorative elements like bows or badges peel off.
- Materials like rubber discolor or yellow.
Stick to air drying out of direct sunlight to safely dry sneakers and prolong their lifespan. Your patience will pay off!
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Machine Wash Sneakers
While most sneakers can go in the washing machine, there are exceptions. Don’t machine wash if sneakers have:
- Visible cracks, holes, or coming apart at seams
- Fragile decorations or appliques
- Patented leather which may crack and peel
- Exposed sheepskin, suede, or nubuck
- Electrical components like fitness trackers
- Actual signatures like celebrity autographs
- Anything glued on like spikes, studs, or rhinestones
- Canvas that looks loose, worn, or delicate
When in doubt, go the hand wash route if sneakers show any wear and tear or have delicate features. Machine washing could further damage weakened materials or constructions.
Whitening Shoes and Shoelaces
Over time, the rubber parts of sneakers as well as the shoelaces can yellow from dirt, sweat, and age. Here are some easy DIY tips for whitening:
For Rubber Soles and Toecaps
- Rub with magic eraser sponges to lift yellow stains.
- Apply baking soda and water paste. Let sit before rinsing.
- Scrub with old toothbrush and hydrogen peroxide.
- Spray with whitening shoe cleaner sprays.
For Shoelaces
- Soak laces in mixture of hot water, baking soda, and white vinegar for 30 minutes.
- Add laces to load of white laundry for a bleaching effect.
- Spot treat yellow stains with lemon juice and set out in sun.
- Replace really dingy laces—sometimes they are too far gone!
How to Wash Specific Types of Sneakers
Not all sneakers are created equal when it comes to washing methods. Here are some special considerations for specific sneaker varieties:
Canvas Sneakers
- Pre-treat stains by rubbing with toothbrush and mild soap.
- Machine wash using cold water and mild detergent. Air dry only.
- For whites, add baking soda to the wash cycle.
- To whiten soles, scrub with toothbrush and baking soda paste.
Leather Sneakers
- Wipe clean with a damp soft cloth, avoiding over-wetting leather.
- Use a mild leather cleaner and soft brush to gently scrub stains.
- Apply leather conditioner after washing to renew oils.
- Stuff with paper towels as they fully air dry.
Suede Sneakers
- Use suede brush and gentle soap solution to spot clean only.
- Let suede air dry away from direct heat or sunlight.
- Use suede eraser bar to remove scuffs and re-brush nap.
- Apply suede protector spray after washing for water resistance.
Mesh Fabric Sneakers
- Turn inside out and machine wash on gentle, cold cycle.
- Avoid over-drying mesh or it may warp or shrink.
- Use an old toothbrush to carefully clean mesh crevices.
- Air dry fully stuffed with towels.
Knit Fabric Sneakers
- Hand wash only by dabbing stains with mild detergent and sponge.
- Reshape and air dry fully laying flat or stuffed with towels.
- Use fabric shaver to gently remove bobbles or pills.
- Apply fabric protector spray after to help repel dirt.
How to Clean Sneakers By Hand
Hand washing is the most gentle method for delicate sneaker fabrics like suede and leather. Follow these steps:
Step 1
Mix a cleaning solution of cool water, gentle laundry soap, and a splash of white vinegar.
Step 2
Dip a soft bristle brush into the mixture and gently scrub stained or dirty areas of the sneaker material.
Step 3
Use a clean microfiber cloth dipped in the solution to dab clean the rest of the sneaker, avoiding over-saturating.
Step 4
Wipe sneakers with a dry microfiber cloth to soak up excess moisture. Allow to fully air dry.
Step 5
For suede, use a suede brush to restore the nap. For leather, apply conditioner.
Deep Cleaning Grimy Sneakers
Over time sneakers can get really grimy with caked