How to Clean Sneakers: Every Material, Step by Step

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

  1. Prep

    Take out the laces and insoles and knock off loose dirt with a dry brush.

  2. Pick the brush

    Stiff bristles for full-grain leather, rubber and midsoles. Soft bristles for suede, nubuck, premium leather, canvas, cotton, mesh and knits.

  3. Clean

    Scrub with Ready-To-Use Foam, or a few drops of Deep Cleaning Solution on a damp brush, in small sections.

  4. Wipe

    Lift the dirty foam and moisture out with a microfiber towel.

  5. 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 video tutorial

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 video tutorial

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 video tutorial

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 video tutorial

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 video tutorial

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 video tutorial

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 video tutorial

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? video tutorial

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 video tutorial

How to Use Repel Spray

Protect clean, dry pairs against liquid and dirt.

Watch the guide: How to Use Repel Spray

Start 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.

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

Essential Kit

Concentrated Deep Cleaning Solution plus the stiff Durables brush for leather, rubber and plastic.

Shop the Essential Kit Essential Kit
Jason Markk Quick Clean Kit with Ready-To-Use Foam Cleaner and Delicates Cleaning Brush

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 Kit

Mistakes 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).

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