How to Clean Sneakers?

How to Care for Your Sneakers So They Look Like New

Sneakers are more than just athletic shoes – for many people they are part of a lifestyle and a collecting passion. Every streetwear fan knows how important it is to keep their favorite pairs in perfect condition. Clean, well-kept shoes catch the eye and complete any outfit, so they're worth a little attention. In this article we share how to care for your sneakers so they look like new – from everyday care, through cleaning sneakers made from different materials, to protecting your shoes with waterproofing. Whether you have classic white Nike Air Force 1, retro Air Jordan 1, or modern adidas Yeezy Boost 350 with a textile upper – our tips will keep them looking fresh for a long time.

Why Is It Worth Taking Care of Your Sneakers?

Many people wonder whether regular care of athletic footwear is really necessary. The answer is: yes, if you want to enjoy them for as long as possible. Taking care of your sneakers comes with several benefits:

• Longer lifespan: Regular cleaning and maintenance keep materials from wearing out prematurely. Removing dirt and dust prevents them from working into the structure of fabrics or leather, which could cause cracking or color fading.
• Better look: It's obvious – clean shoes look better. By taking care of them, you avoid permanent stains and discoloration, and your sneakers always look like they're fresh out of the box.
• Preserving value: This applies especially to limited editions and expensive models. If you own collector's pairs (e.g., rare releases of Nike Dunk Low or limited Air Jordan 1), keeping them in excellent condition will help preserve, or even increase, their value over time.
• Hygiene and freshness: Care is not just about outward appearance. By cleaning the inside of the shoe and airing it out regularly, you get rid of unpleasant odors and bacteria. A fresh interior boosts wearing comfort.

As you can see, it's worth spending a few moments on sneaker care. Below we share specific tips on how to clean athletic shoes made from different materials and how to protect them from dirt.

Preparing to Clean Your Sneakers

Before you start the actual cleaning, properly prepare both the shoes and your workspace. Here are a few steps worth taking before cleaning your sneakers:

• Remove the laces and insoles: Take the laces off the shoes – it's easier to clean the tongue and the area around the eyelets. You can wash the laces separately by hand in warm soapy water or in the washing machine (e.g., put them in a small bag so they don't tangle). If your shoes have removable insoles, take them out and set them aside to air out or to be cleaned separately.
• Remove loose dirt: Gently knock the soles together over a trash can to get rid of sand and soil. Then, using a soft brush (e.g., a shoe brush or an old toothbrush), brush off the surface of the upper, the sole and all the nooks and crannies. Removing dust and loose dirt will keep it from smearing during the actual cleaning.
• Protect the surrounding area: If you're cleaning your shoes at home, set up your workspace – e.g., lay out old towels or newspapers so you don't dirty the floor. Also prepare a clean bowl of lukewarm water and a soft microfiber cloth.
• Prepare your cleaning supplies: Avoid harsh chemicals (e.g., bleach) that can damage the color and structure of the material. Instead, use mild soap, dish soap or – best of all – a dedicated sneaker cleaning product. Professional cleaning kits are a great solution, such as Crep Protect Cure, which includes a special cleaning solution, a brush and a cloth for safely cleaning footwear.
• Test a small area: If you're using a new cleaning product, first try it on a small, inconspicuous part of the shoe. That way you'll make sure it doesn't discolor the material.

Keep in mind that different materials call for a slightly different approach. Below we describe how to clean sneakers depending on whether they're made of leather, suede or fabric.

Cleaning Sneakers by Material

Cleaning Leather Sneakers

Shoes made from natural or faux leather are fairly easy to clean, because leather has a smooth surface that doesn't absorb dirt as readily as fabric or suede. Still, it needs to be handled with care so you don't scratch or damage the top layer. How do you clean leather sneakers step by step?

1. Dusting and wiping: Start by wiping the shoes with a dry or slightly damp cloth to pick up surface dust. You can also gently use a soft brush to remove dirt from hard-to-reach spots (e.g., where the upper meets the sole).
2. Washing the upper: Mix a solution of lukewarm water with a few drops of mild detergent (e.g., liquid soap or dish soap). Dip a sponge or cloth in it, wring out the excess water well and gently wash the leather surface in circular motions. Avoid soaking – the cloth should be only damp, not dripping with water.
3. Removing stubborn stains: If there are persistent marks on the leather, you can use a soft brush dipped in the prepared solution. Gently rub the stain, being careful not to scratch the leather's texture. For white soles or rubber parts that have yellowed, a soft melamine sponge (a so-called magic sponge) can help, but use it carefully and only on rubber – it's slightly abrasive.
4. Wiping with clean water: After washing the shoes with detergent, wipe the upper with clean water (use a fresh cloth dampened in clean water). This removes any soap residue that could leave marks.
5. Drying: Wipe excess moisture off the surface of the shoe with a dry towel. Then let the sneakers air-dry naturally at room temperature. Don't speed up drying with a radiator or a hair dryer – too much heat can cause the leather to crack or warp. It's a good idea to put some crumpled paper (e.g., paper towels) inside the shoe or use shoe trees, which will help the upper keep its shape as it dries.
6. Leather care after cleaning: Once the shoes are dry, you can give the leather some extra care. If it's full-grain leather, it's worth applying a bit of shoe polish or cream in a matching color (or a colorless one). This will nourish the material and conceal minor scratches. For white leather sneakers (e.g., the iconic Nike Air Force 1), you can use white polish to restore their perfect whiteness.

Leather parts of footwear are relatively resilient, but it's still worth protecting them from future dirt. As soon as the shoes are completely dry, you can apply the Crep Protect waterproofing spray, which adds a protective layer to the leather surface (we write more about waterproofing below). That way your leather sneakers will stay clean longer.

Cleaning Suede and Nubuck Sneakers

Suede and nubuck are eye-catching materials, but they need exceptional care. They have a soft, napped texture that gets dirty easily and absorbs moisture, and improper cleaning can leave permanent marks. Here's how to care for sneakers made of suede or nubuck:

1. Start with a dry brush: Always begin cleaning dry. Use a special suede brush (with soft bristles) or a regular soft-bristled brush. Gently brush the surface of the shoe to remove dust and loose dirt. If your shoes are caked with mud, let it dry first before brushing, then crumble it off and brush away the remains.
2. Removing stains with an eraser: A suede eraser or a special cleaning block works great for small stains and scuffs on suede. Gently rub the soiled areas with the eraser, the way you'd erase pencil from paper. This method can often remove darker marks without using any water.
3. Wet cleaning (carefully!): If your shoes need a more thorough refresh, you can use a dedicated suede/nubuck cleaner or a gentle shoe shampoo. Apply a small amount of the product (e.g., cleaning foam) to a cloth or soft brush and very gently clean the suede surface in circular motions. Try to dampen the entire section of the upper you're cleaning evenly so that no water rings form. Avoid soaking the material – use the minimum amount of product and water necessary.
4. Drying the shoes: After wet cleaning, soak up excess moisture by pressing a dry absorbent cloth or paper towel against the surface of the shoe (don't rub, just press to absorb the water). Then stuff the inside of the shoe with dry paper and leave it to dry at room temperature. As with leather, don't dry suede near heat sources or in the sun. Be patient and wait for it to dry on its own.
5. Restoring the nap: Once the shoes are dry, use the suede brush again to gently “ruffle” the surface of the material. This restores its natural, soft nap and an even color. Brush in one direction to achieve a uniform look.

An especially important stage of caring for suede and nubuck is waterproofing, because these materials easily absorb moisture and dirt. Once the footwear is fully dry, apply the Crep Protect suede and nubuck waterproofer (spray) to protect the surface. Spray the shoes evenly from a distance of about 20 cm and wait for the product to dry. Waterproofing means that, for example, an accidental puddle or rain won't leave stains on your favorite suede New Balance 574 or nubuck Air Jordan 4. Remember to repeat this treatment regularly, especially if you wear a given pair often.

Cleaning Fabric Sneakers (Mesh, Canvas, etc.)

Many modern shoes (e.g., running and lifestyle models) have uppers made of breathable fabrics – mesh, knit or canvas. For example, the upper of the adidas Yeezy Boost 350 is made of Primeknit material, while classic Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers are canvas. These surfaces get dirty too, but cleaning them differs slightly from cleaning leather or suede:

1. Pre-cleaning: As before, start by removing loose dirt. A soft-bristled brush will help you sweep dust out of mesh weaves and fabric textures. For canvas shoes, remove dust and sand from the surface with a dry cloth.
2. Hand washing: Mix a solution of lukewarm water with a little mild detergent (e.g., dish soap, soap or a dedicated shoe laundry liquid). Dip a soft brush or sponge in it, wring out the excess water and gently clean the fabric upper. Use circular motions and don't scrub too hard, so you don't damage the fabric fibers.
3. Tackling stubborn dirt: If the stains are tough, you can leave the detergent foam on the material for a few minutes to dissolve the dirt. Then gently scrub the spot again. Avoid excessive rubbing, though, so you don't cause the material to pill.
4. Rinsing: Remove the remaining detergent from the upper. It's best done with a clean damp cloth, wiping the material several times and rinsing the cloth in clean water. Don't pour a stream of water directly onto the shoe, because too much water can dissolve the glue holding the parts of the shoe together.
5. Drying: After cleaning, squeeze the excess water out of the material (e.g., by wrapping the shoe in dry towels for a moment so they soak up the moisture). Then stuff the inside with paper and leave the shoes to dry at room temperature. Again – no radiator and no sun, so the material doesn't warp or lose color.

Can You Wash Sneakers in the Washing Machine?

It's a common question. While some people decide to toss canvas sneakers into the washing machine, it isn't recommended for more expensive sneakers. Machine washing and spinning can damage the glue bonds and the structure of the shoe. If you really want to use the washing machine for cheaper, fabric shoes, though, take the following precautions: choose a delicate cycle (with no spin or a low spin speed), use cold water, put the shoes in a protective bag or pillowcase, and wash the laces separately. After taking them out of the machine, stuff the shoes with paper right away and let them air-dry. Still, hand cleaning is the safest, especially when it comes to your favorite sneakers from your collection.

After cleaning and drying fabric shoes, it's worth applying a protective layer. Textile surfaces can also be protected from soaking up dirt and moisture – waterproofing sprays are made for this. Mist the clean upper lightly with Crep Protect and leave it to dry. This will keep, for example, mud from working into the fabric as easily, and next time cleaning will be simpler. In addition, you can always carry Crep Protect cleaning wipes with you, which let you quickly remove small stains from the material before they have time to soak into the fibers.

Extra Protection and Storing Your Sneakers

Even the best-cleaned shoes will get dirty again in time – but you can slow down that process by protecting and storing them properly. Here are a few tips on how to protect your sneakers day to day:

• Waterproofing new shoes: Even before the first outing, it's worth waterproofing freshly bought sneakers. That way they'll be less prone to dirt and moisture from the start. Use the spray mentioned above (e.g., Crep Protect) that's suited to the given material. Make sure the shoe is clean and dry before waterproofing.
• Reapplying waterproofing regularly: The protective layer wears down over time, especially if you wear a given pair often or walk in the rain. That's why every few weeks (or after a thorough cleaning), apply the waterproofing again to maintain effective protection against water and dirt.
• Avoiding extreme conditions: Try not to wear your favorite sneakers in really bad weather (pouring rain, slush in winter). If your shoes do get wet, clean them right away when you get home and let them dry naturally. Road salt and mud can permanently damage the material, so act quickly.
• Proper storage: When you're not wearing a given pair, store it in a dry, well-ventilated place. It's good to keep sneakers in boxes or fabric bags, which protect against dust but let them breathe. Put shoe trees inside the shoes or stuff them with paper – this prevents deformation of the upper. Avoid sunny spots (UV rays can fade colors and cause white parts to yellow).
• Freshening up the inside: To keep your shoes fresh at all times, don't forget about their interior. After a full day of wear, it's worth airing them out (take out the insoles and let the moisture evaporate). You can also use odor and moisture absorbers – special shoe fresheners are available on the market, such as Crep Protect Deodoriser Fresh Linen, which you put in your shoes overnight to neutralize odor and dry out the interior.
• Cleaning as you go: Don't wait until dirt hardens or stains eat into the material. If you notice a smudge, try to remove it right away (even with just a damp cloth or a shoe wipe). A quick reaction prevents permanent stains, and regular light cleaning means you'll need a deep wash less often.

Thanks to the precautions above, your sneakers will stay in great shape for a long time. Remember – it's easier to prevent damage and dirt than to remove it later. A few minutes spent on care every now and then really pays off when you see your shoes still looking like new.

Summary

Keeping sneakers in box-fresh condition takes consistency and the use of the right cleaning and protection methods. The key is reacting quickly to dirt, matching the cleaning method to the shoe's material and protecting the footwear from external factors. That way even heavily worn pairs can look great for a long time.

By following the tips above, you'll take care of your favorite kicks like a pro. Your shoes – whether leather Jordan sneakers, suede New Balance or fabric Yeezy – will repay you with great looks and durability. And when you need a new pair or want to top up your cleaning kit, check out our store.

Check out what SneakersJoint has to offer – with us you'll find both the latest sneaker models from top brands and all the essential Crep Protect products to care for them. Don't wait, see for yourself how easy it is to keep your shoes in perfect condition, and enjoy how they look every day!