Sneaker Cleaning & Care Guide
Material-by-material cleaning steps and everyday care tips. Ten minutes of upkeep adds years to a good pair — especially one you picked up pre-owned.
Basic cleaning kit
A soft-bristle brush, mild soap or sneaker cleaner, warm (not hot) water, a microfiber cloth and old newspaper for drying. Skip bleach and washing machines — both break down glue and fade colors.
Canvas & knit uppers
Dry-brush loose dirt first, then work diluted cleaner in circular motions. Dab knit fabric instead of scrubbing — rubbing stretches the weave. Rinse the foam off with a damp cloth and air-dry away from sunlight.
Leather & synthetic uppers
Wipe with a barely-damp cloth and a drop of mild soap, then buff dry immediately. Condition real leather once a month to prevent cracking; stuff shoe trees or paper inside to hold the shape.
Suede & nubuck
Water is the enemy — use a suede brush and eraser only, brushing in one direction. For stains, use dedicated suede cleaner sparingly. A waterproofing spray after each clean buys real protection.
Midsoles & outsoles
The most forgiving part: scrub with cleaner and a stiff brush, and use a magic eraser for scuffs on rubber. Yellowed icy soles need dedicated sole sauce — regular cleaner won't reverse oxidation.
Drying & storage
Always air-dry at room temperature, never on a radiator or in a dryer. Store pairs in a cool, dry place out of direct sun; silica gel packs in the box fight both odor and yellowing.
Deodorizing pre-owned pairs
Every pair we ship is cleaned and deodorized, but for ongoing freshness: baking soda overnight inside the shoe, cedar shoe trees, and rotating pairs so each gets a day to breathe.
FAQ
Can I machine-wash sneakers?
Not recommended. Machine washing weakens the glue bonds, deforms cushioning and fades colors. Hand cleaning with a brush and mild cleaner is safer and nearly as fast.
How do I remove yellowing from soles?
Yellowing is oxidation and needs a dedicated sole-restoring product (often called sole sauce) plus sunlight-blocked curing. Regular cleaners only remove surface dirt.
How should I store shoes I don't wear often?
Clean first, dry fully, stuff with paper or shoe trees, then box them with silica gel in a cool dry spot away from sunlight. Check every couple of months for moisture.
