How to Clean Leather Shoes

To clean leather shoes, dry brush off loose dirt, add a little Deep Cleaning Solution to a stiff-bristle brush, dip it in water, scrub in small circles, then wipe with a microfiber towel and let them air dry. Most leather sneakers are sealed full-grain leather, so dirt stays near the surface and comes off easily. Watch us do it on a pair of white Nike Air Force 1s in the video.

What you'll need

Jason Markk Essential Kit with Deep Cleaning Solution and Durables Cleaning Brush

Essential Kit

Concentrated Deep Cleaning Solution plus the stiff-bristle Durables brush, to clean and condition leather in one routine.

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Three Jason Markk Premium Microfiber Towels

Premium Microfiber Towels 3-Pack

Absorbs up to 7 times its weight in water and captures dirt and dust for a lint-free finish.

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Jason Markk Premium Leather Balm tin

Premium Leather Balm

Conditions waxed and oiled leather to keep it supple. Optional, and not for suede or nubuck.

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Plus a small bowl of water. Cleaning premium or soft leather? Use the soft Delicates Cleaning Brush instead of the stiff Durables brush.

Jason Markk Essential Kit and Repel Spray together in the Repel & Revive Bundle

Kit option

Clean it, then protect it

Get the Essential Kit from this tutorial together with Repel Spray, so you can add a breathable barrier against liquid and dirt once your shoes are dry.

Shop the Repel & Revive Bundle

Step by step

  1. Dry brushing a white leather Nike Air Force 1 with a Jason Markk brush

    Dry brush Video 0:48

    Take the laces out if you want to clean them separately, then brush the dry shoe to clear loose dirt from the upper, midsole and outsole.

  2. Adding Jason Markk Deep Cleaning Solution to a Durables brush over a bowl of water

    Add solution to the brush Video 1:04

    Add a small amount of Deep Cleaning Solution directly onto the bristles.

  3. Shaking excess water off a Jason Markk Durables brush over a bowl

    Dip and shake off the excess

    Dip the brush in water and shake off the excess. You want a damp brush, not a soaked shoe.

  4. Scrubbing the midsole of a white Nike Air Force 1 with a Jason Markk Durables brush

    Scrub in small circles

    Work panel by panel as the solution foams. Use the stiff Durables brush on full-grain leather, midsoles and outsoles, and the soft Delicates brush on premium or softer leather.

  5. Wiping a white Nike Air Force 1 with a Jason Markk microfiber towel

    Wipe and air dry Video 1:49

    Wipe away the foam and loosened dirt with a microfiber towel, repeat on stubborn spots, then let the shoes air dry at room temperature.

Ready to clean? Get the Essential Kit

Deep Cleaning Solution and the stiff-bristle Durables brush: the same two tools we used on the Air Force 1s.

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Keep them clean

Once they're clean and fully dry, keep them that way. Repel adds a breathable barrier against liquid and dirt (it isn't recommended for unsealed or vegetable-tanned leather), and Quick Wipes handle fresh marks between deep cleans.

Jason Markk Repel Spray bottle

Repel Spray

A clear, breathable barrier against liquid and dirt, sprayed as a fine non-aerosol mist.

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Jason Markk Quick Wipes 30 pack

Quick Wipes 30 Pack

Individually packed, pre-moistened wipes for fresh scuffs, spills and smudges on the go.

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FAQ

How often should you clean leather shoes?

There's no fixed schedule. Wipe off fresh marks as they happen (Quick Wipes work on leather, rubber and plastic), and do a full brush-and-solution clean when dirt starts to build up in the creases or on the midsole.

What should you never use on leather shoes?

Avoid soaking leather, putting it in the washing machine, or drying it with direct heat. Skip harsh household solvents. We don't recommend Deep Cleaning Solution on unsealed or painted leather, and test first if you're unsure.

How do you clean white leather sneakers?

Use the same five steps: dry brush, add solution to the brush, dip in water, scrub in small circles, wipe and air dry. Give midsoles and outsoles extra time with the stiff Durables brush. For more on whites, see How to Clean White Shoes Without Damage.

Can you put leather shoes in the washing machine?

No. Clean leather by hand with a brush and a small amount of solution, then air dry. Soaking and machine agitation can damage leather and the way the shoe is built.

Should I condition leather after cleaning?

Deep Cleaning Solution cleans and conditions as it works, so most leather sneakers don't need an extra step. For waxed or oiled leather, apply Premium Leather Balm every few months or as needed. It may darken the leather, so test a hidden spot first.

Can I use the same brush on suede?

No. The stiff Durables brush is for standard full-grain leather, rubber and plastic. Use the soft Delicates brush on premium leather, suede, nubuck and knits, and follow our suede guide.

  1. Dry Brush
  2. Apply Solution
  3. Scrub Shoes
  4. Wipe and Air Dry
Before and after comparison of a dirty Adidas Stan Smith sneaker cleaned with Jason Markk's Clean solution and Durables brush, restored from heavily soiled to bright white leather.

Essential Kit

Soils and stains are a part of life. When the inevitable happens, reach for our Essential Kit which pairs our concentrated Deep Cleaning Solution with our stiff bristled Durables Cleaning Brush — the perfect duo to safely deliver exceptional cleaning and conditioning for your shoes and more.

Icon for Concentrated Formula

Concentrated Formula

Icon for Cleans and Conditions

Cleans and Conditions

Icon for Breathable Barrier

Certified Biodegradable Formula

Icon for Safe To Use On Most Materials

Safe On Most Materials

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