How To · Fashion · Build
The complete guide to sneaker care and maintenance
Sneakers deserve the same attention as any investment piece in your closet. A few simple habits—and the right tools—will keep them looking fresh and performing well for years.
5 min read · IrisYour sneakers take a beating. Whether you're commuting, running errands, or actually running, they collect dirt, salt, scuffs, and creasing that compounds over time. The difference between sneakers that look tired after one season and ones that hold their shape and color for years comes down to one thing: consistent, intentional care.
This isn't about obsessive restoration or specialty services. It's about understanding what your sneakers are made of, knowing which cleaning methods won't damage them, and building a maintenance rhythm that fits your life. Start here.
The key is catching dirt and grime before they set in—a five-minute weekly clean prevents the need for aggressive scrubbing later.
What you'll need.
- 01Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
- 02Stiff-bristled sole brush
- 03Soft cloth or sponge
- 04Mild dish soap
- 05Newspaper or paper towels
- 06Leather conditioner or fabric protectant spray (optional)
- 07Replacement laces and insoles (optional)
- 08Baking soda
Step one · 3 minutes
Remove loose dirt and debris
Start dry. Use a soft brush—a old toothbrush works, or invest in a sneaker-specific brush—to gently remove dust, dirt, and dried mud from the entire shoe. Pay special attention to the sole edges, toe box creases, and any textured panels where grime collects. For canvas or mesh uppers, brush in one direction to avoid pushing dirt deeper into the weave. Don't skip this step; it prevents you from grinding dirt into the material when you wet-clean later.
Keep a small brush in your entryway or gym bag for quick touch-ups after outdoor wear.
Step two · 5 minutes
Prepare your cleaning solution
Mix lukewarm water with a small amount of mild dish soap or sneaker-specific cleaner in a bowl. The water should be just barely soapy—too much soap leaves residue and can damage certain materials. For white sneakers or light colors, some people add a tiny splash of white vinegar to brighten. Avoid bleach, harsh degreasers, and anything abrasive. Test your solution on an inconspicuous area first, especially if your sneakers are suede, nubuck, or have delicate finishes.
If you're dealing with stubborn stains on leather, let the soapy water sit on the spot for 30 seconds before scrubbing.
Step three · 8 minutes
Clean the upper, sides, and heel
Dip a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush into your soapy water and gently scrub the entire upper in circular motions. Work methodically—uppers first, then sides, then heel counter. For canvas or mesh, you can apply slightly more pressure. For leather, use a lighter touch. Pay attention to the collar, tongue, and any seams where sweat and dirt accumulate. Rinse your cloth frequently and keep working with clean, soapy water rather than dirty water. Once you've covered the whole upper, wipe everything down with a damp cloth using plain water to remove soap residue.
For scuffs on leather, a magic eraser (melamine foam) works surprisingly well—just test it first and use it sparingly.
Step four · 6 minutes
Scrub the sole and midsole
The sole takes the most abuse and shows dirt most visibly. Use a stiffer brush (a dedicated sole brush or old toothbrush) and your soapy water to scrub the entire bottom surface, including the edges where the sole meets the upper. Work into the tread grooves where dirt and salt compress. For the midsole—the usually white or colored band between upper and sole—use a gentler approach with a soft brush to avoid yellowing or discoloration. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and a cloth until no soap remains. Dry the sole with a towel.
For stubborn salt stains on midsoles, a paste of baking soda and water applied for a few minutes works gently and effectively.
Step five · 4 minutes
Dry properly and protect
Never put sneakers in the dryer or place them directly in sunlight—heat warps materials and breaks down glue. Instead, stuff them loosely with clean, dry newspaper or paper towels to help them hold their shape and absorb moisture. Place them in a cool, dry spot with good air circulation. Replace the paper every few hours if they're very wet. Once fully dry (usually 24 hours), remove the paper. For leather sneakers, consider applying a thin coat of leather conditioner or protectant spray to maintain suppleness and water resistance. For canvas, a fabric protectant spray adds a layer of defense against stains and moisture.
Rotate your sneakers—wearing the same pair daily speeds up wear. Giving them a day to rest between wears extends their lifespan significantly.
Step six · 2 minutes
Address the insoles and laces
Insoles absorb sweat and odor, so they need attention too. Remove them and either hand-wash them with soapy water or replace them if they're worn. For laces, you have two options: toss them in a mesh laundry bag and run them through the washing machine on cold, or hand-wash them in your soapy water and air-dry. If laces are permanently stained or frayed, replacement laces are inexpensive and instantly refresh a shoe's appearance. Clean laces are a small detail that makes a big visual difference.
Keep an extra pair of laces on hand—swapping them out for a quick refresh takes 30 seconds and costs almost nothing.
How to know your sneakers are properly maintained
Well-maintained sneakers should look visibly cleaner, smell fresher, and feel more comfortable. The upper should have no visible dirt or salt stains, the midsole should be bright (or its original color), and the sole should show no caked-on grime. Beyond appearance, properly cared-for sneakers hold their shape better, the materials stay supple, and they're less likely to develop odor or mold.
Questions at the mirror.
My white midsole keeps yellowing no matter how much I clean it. What's happening?
Yellowing usually comes from oxidation (exposure to sun and air), heat damage, or residual soap buildup. Prevent it by drying away from direct sunlight, using minimal soap, and rinsing thoroughly. Once yellowing sets in, it's difficult to reverse completely, but a midsole-specific whitening product or a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can help lighten it. Always test on a hidden area first.
Can I machine wash my sneakers?
It depends on the shoe. Canvas sneakers and some athletic shoes can handle a gentle cold-water cycle in a mesh bag, but leather, suede, and glued construction are at risk. The agitation can damage materials and the heat from drying can warp them. Hand-cleaning gives you control and is gentler on most sneakers. If you do machine wash, skip the dryer entirely and air-dry.
My sneakers smell bad. How do I fix it?
Odor comes from sweat and bacteria in the insoles and lining. Remove and replace the insoles, or soak them in a mixture of water and white vinegar for 30 minutes, then air-dry. Sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes overnight to absorb odor. Make sure sneakers are fully dry before wearing—damp shoes breed bacteria. Rotating shoes and letting them air out between wears prevents odor from building up.
Is it worth getting sneakers professionally cleaned?
For everyday wear sneakers, home care is sufficient and more economical. Professional cleaning makes sense for rare, expensive, or heavily soiled sneakers where you want expert restoration. Most sneaker care is preventive—regular light cleaning beats occasional deep cleaning every time.