10 Tips on How to Clean Your Sneakers



Laces

Laces need just as much care as anything else, if you have white laces normal wash on cold (if washing in a machine, place in either a pillowcase or a "Bra wash bag" for women's delicates). 

Insole Odor

The most 'funked' up part of the shoe needs love to, sometimes it’s a basic airing out – if excessive remove them & store in an enclosed box with baking soda to eliminate the odors.

Suede

Yes we know, don't get it wet. Luckily, since most sneakers are massed produced they are easy to clean. A quick and easy under $10 solution is a suede eraser and brush (easily found online or at most "shoe" stores. The eraser allows you to 'rub' out stains and water spots while revitalizing the suede. Upon completion you brush away excess eraser dust.

Outsole

I personally use a 70% eco-friendly dish soap solution & 30% purified water to clean myoutsoles. First wet with a spray bottom, scrub with a brush, and then scrub soap with dish soap dispenser brush until clean. (pictured). Re-spray to remove dirt and grime – then towel or blow-dry (on cold). Always brush with the lines of your shoes respective sole. I also keep a small set of "tools" actually an iPhone tool kit to get hard to reach areas. 

Midsole

Basically the same as the outsole only with a softer brush, majority of shoes are no longer injection dyed & if too abrasive you'll crack some midsoles. If the midsole is white with excessive marks try the Mr. Clean eraser. 

Creasing

While everyone says “wear your kicks", some creasing can be excessive – to protect toe boxes after wears I insert cedar shoe trees in conjunction with plastic "sneaker shields". This lets the shoe resettle while stored.

Peanut Butter

Most people do not realize the cleaning power of peanut butter. The oils in peanut butter give plastic a natural shine and will remove 99% of chemical oxidation in plastics. This can be used on plastic sneaker trims and on the popular FuelBand (ensure all electronic openings are covered). Just make sure you stick with creamy, pause. 

Lighter Fluid

When you have a stain/gum on your midsole or outsole that will not come off, try this but proceed with caution. Depending on the model of shoe you can also remove factory splatter paint etc. Extreme cases only & be in a well-ventilated area!

Jason Markk

Forget all those tips I just gave you...just go buy a Jason Markk kit, most people will take the easy route anyways

Rewear

The most important part of cleaning is wearing them to get dirty!