How To · Fashion · Men's Style
How to Clean and Maintain Your Sneakers
A good sneaker deserves better than neglect. We'll walk you through the essentials of keeping your kicks clean, protected, and wearable for years.
5 min read · IrisSneakers accumulate dirt, salt, and grime faster than you'd think—especially if you actually wear them. The good news: basic maintenance takes minutes and costs nothing. The catch: you need the right approach for your specific sneaker material, whether that's canvas, suede, leather, or mesh.
This guide covers the fundamentals every sneaker owner should know. We're talking about dry cleaning, wet cleaning, spot treatment, and the occasional deep refresh. Do this right and your sneakers will look intentional, not neglected.
Sneakers aren't meant to sit in a closet—they're meant to be worn and cared for.
What you'll need.
- 01Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
- 02Mild dish soap
- 03Lukewarm water
- 04Clean, lint-free cloth
- 05Newspaper or paper towels
- 06Fabric or suede protectant spray (optional)
- 07Baking soda or activated charcoal (for odor)
Step one · 2 minutes
Remove loose dirt with a dry brush
Start with a soft-bristled brush—an old toothbrush works fine. Brush the entire upper surface, paying attention to creases, seams, and the toe box where dirt collects. Flip the sneaker over and brush the sole, working the bristles into the tread pattern. This removes surface dust before any water touches the shoe, preventing mud from forming.
Brush in one direction along the grain of suede or nubuck to avoid raising the nap.
Step two · 3 minutes
Spot-clean with warm water and mild soap
Mix lukewarm water with a drop of dish soap in a small bowl. Dip your brush into the solution and gently scrub visible stains on the upper. For canvas and mesh, you can be more aggressive. For suede or delicate materials, use a damp cloth instead of the brush. Work in circular motions and avoid soaking the shoe. Rinse the brush frequently to avoid redepositing dirt.
Never use hot water—it can warp the sole and damage adhesives.
Step three · 2 minutes
Clean the insole and interior
Remove the insole if possible and wipe it down with a damp cloth. If your sneaker smells, sprinkle baking soda inside, let it sit for a few hours, and vacuum it out. For stubborn odor, crumpled newspaper or activated charcoal left overnight works well. Wipe the interior walls with a barely damp cloth to remove dust and sweat residue.
Replace insoles every 6–12 months if you wear the sneakers frequently.
Step four · 1 minute
Rinse and remove excess water
Run a clean, damp cloth over the entire shoe to remove any soap residue. Use a dry cloth to pat away excess moisture. Don't wring or squeeze the sneaker. The goal is damp, not wet. Pay special attention to seams where water can get trapped.
Stuff the sneaker loosely with newspaper to help it dry evenly and absorb moisture from the inside.
Step five · 30 seconds
Air dry completely
Place the sneaker in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Let it dry for at least 24 hours. Direct heat (radiators, hair dryers, ovens) can shrink the shoe and damage materials. Sunlight can fade colors and degrade rubber. Patience here prevents permanent damage.
Rotate the newspaper inside every few hours to speed drying.
Step six · 1 minute
Apply protectant (optional but recommended)
Once fully dry, consider a fabric or suede protectant spray designed for sneakers. This creates a water-resistant barrier and helps repel dirt. Follow the product instructions carefully—usually a light, even coat applied in a well-ventilated area. This step extends the time between deep cleans, especially for light-colored or delicate sneakers.
Test any protectant on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't darken or stain your sneaker.
How to know it works.
A properly cleaned and maintained sneaker should look intentional and fresh, not dingy or neglected. The upper should be free of visible dirt and stains, the sole should show its original color or pattern, and there should be no odor when you put the shoe on. You'll also notice the shoe feels lighter and more comfortable because you've removed accumulated grime.
Questions at the mirror.
What if my sneaker has scuffs on the leather or suede?
Light scuffs on suede can sometimes be gently brushed away with a dry suede brush. For leather scuffs, a matching leather cream or conditioner can minimize their appearance. Deep scuffs are part of the shoe's character—embrace the wear or accept that sneakers are meant to be lived in.
Can I machine wash my sneakers?
We don't recommend it. Machine washing can damage adhesives, warp the sole, and cause colors to bleed. Hand cleaning gives you control and prevents costly mistakes. The only exception: some brands now make machine-washable sneakers—check your shoe's care tag first.
How often should I deep clean?
For daily wearers, a quick dry brush weekly and spot-cleaning as needed keeps sneakers fresh. Do a full wet clean every month or two, depending on how much you wear them and the conditions. Occasional wearers can stretch this to every few months.
What about yellowing on white sneakers?
Yellowing is usually oxidation or dirt buildup in the rubber. Gentle cleaning helps, but some yellowing is inevitable with age and UV exposure. Storing white sneakers in a cool, dark place slows the process. Specialized white sneaker cleaners exist, but they're optional—the patina is part of wearing real shoes.