Quick answer: To clean sneakers, match the method to the material. Dry brush off loose dirt, scrub with a shoe cleaner on the right brush (stiff for leather and soles, soft for suede, canvas, mesh and knits), wipe with a microfiber towel and air dry away from heat. Finish with Repel. Skip the washing machine for most pairs. Pick your material below for the full video guide.
- Guides: 9 video tutorials
- Materials: leather, suede, canvas, mesh, knit and more
- Drying: air dry, no heat
Jump to: The basic routine · By material · All guides · Kits · FAQ
The basic routine for any sneaker
Prep
Take out the laces and insoles and knock off loose dirt with a dry brush.
Pick the brush
Stiff bristles for full-grain leather, rubber and midsoles. Soft bristles for suede, nubuck, premium leather, canvas, cotton, mesh and knits.
Clean
Scrub with Ready-To-Use Foam, or a few drops of Deep Cleaning Solution on a damp brush, in small sections.
Wipe
Lift the dirty foam and moisture out with a microfiber towel.
Dry and protect
Air dry away from direct heat, then spray Repel once the pair is fully dry.
How to clean sneakers by material
| Material | What to use | Watch out for | Full guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leather (smooth, full-grain) | Stiff brush, Deep Cleaning Solution or foam | Unsealed or painted leather: Deep Cleaning Solution isn't recommended | Leather guide |
| Suede and nubuck | Start dry; foam on a soft brush only where needed | Dyed suede can bleed with any water. Quick Wipes aren't for suede or nubuck | Suede guide |
| Canvas | Foam on a soft brush over the whole upper | Spot cleaning one area can leave a ring | Canvas guide |
| Mesh and knit | Soft brush, light foam, press out with microfiber | Too much water soaks into the weave | Mesh and knit guide |
| Running shoes | Soft brush on uppers, stiff brush on soles | No dryer and no direct heat | Running shoe guide |
| Midsoles and soles | Stiff brush and foam, towel-wrapped handle for scuffs | Yellowing from oxidation won't scrub off | Midsole guide |
| Hats | Ready-To-Use Hat Cleaner on a soft brush | No soaking, no washing machine, no dishwasher | Hat guide |
All sneaker cleaning guides

How to Clean Leather Shoes
Smooth and full-grain leather, shown on white Air Force 1s.
Watch the guide: How to Clean Leather Shoes
How to Clean Suede Shoes
Start dry, then foam only where needed. Shown on Adidas Gazelles.
Watch the guide: How to Clean Suede Shoes
How to Clean Canvas Shoes
Cotton canvas and rubber sidewalls, shown on Converse Chucks.
Watch the guide: How to Clean Canvas Shoes
How to Clean Mesh and Knit Shoes
Open weaves need a soft brush and light moisture.
Watch the guide: How to Clean Mesh and Knit Shoes
How to Clean Running Shoes
Mesh uppers, foam midsoles and muddy outsoles, shown on Hokas.
Watch the guide: How to Clean Running Shoes
How to Clean White Midsoles and Soles
Stiff brush, foam and the towel-wrapped handle trick.
Watch the guide: How to Clean White Midsoles and Soles
How to Clean a Baseball Hat
Fitted caps and snapbacks: sweatband first, no soaking.
Watch the guide: How to Clean a Baseball Hat
Can You Wash Sneakers in the Washing Machine?
Which pairs can go in, which can't, and the safer hand clean.
Watch the guide: Can You Wash Sneakers in the Washing Machine?
How to Use Repel Spray
Protect clean, dry pairs against liquid and dirt.
Watch the guide: How to Use Repel SprayStart with a kit
Not sure where to begin? The Essential Kit handles everyday leather, rubber and plastic. The Quick Clean Kit is ready to go for cotton, knits, leather, suede and more.

Essential Kit
Concentrated Deep Cleaning Solution plus the stiff Durables brush for leather, rubber and plastic.
Shop the Essential Kit Essential Kit
Quick Clean Kit
Ready-To-Use Foam Cleaner with the soft Delicates brush, for cotton, knits, leather, suede and more.
Shop the Quick Clean Kit Quick Clean KitMistakes to avoid
- Throwing most pairs in the washing machine. Leather, suede, nubuck and performance shoes can lose their shape, finish and glue. See which pairs can go in.
- Using a stiff brush on delicate materials. Save stiff bristles for full-grain leather, rubber and soles.
- Soaking the upper. A little foam goes a long way; wipe the excess away as you go.
- Drying with heat. Skip the dryer, radiator and direct sun. Air dry at room temperature.
- Spraying Repel on dirty or damp shoes. Clean first, let them dry fully, then protect.
FAQ
What's the best way to clean sneakers?
Dry brush off loose dirt, scrub with a shoe cleaner on the right brush for the material, wipe with a microfiber towel and air dry away from heat. Then protect the clean pair with Repel. Each material guide above shows the full routine on video.
Can I put my sneakers in the washing machine?
We don't recommend it for most pairs. Leather, suede, nubuck and performance running shoes can lose their shape, finish and glue. Some plain canvas or cotton pairs can handle a cold, gentle cycle if the care label allows it. Read the washing machine guide.
Can I use one cleaner on all my shoes?
Deep Cleaning Solution is safe to use on most colors and materials, including leather, suede, nubuck, canvas, cotton and knits. We don't recommend it for unsealed or painted leather, and take extra care with dyed suede, which can bleed with any water contact. Ready-To-Use Foam is pre-mixed and ready the moment you need it.
Which brush should I use?
Use a stiff-bristled brush, like the Durables Cleaning Brush in the Essential Kit, on full-grain leather, rubber and plastic. Use a soft-bristled brush, like the Delicates Cleaning Brush in the Quick Clean Kit, on suede, nubuck, premium leather, cotton and knits.
How do I dry sneakers after cleaning?
Let them air dry at room temperature, away from direct heat and sun. Stuff them with a towel or paper if you want them to hold their shape while they dry.
How do I keep sneakers clean between deep cleans?
Spray clean, dry pairs with Repel, which dries clear and forms a breathable barrier against liquid and dirt. Keep Quick Wipes on hand for scuffs and spills on the go (not for suede or nubuck).