5 Tips for Maintaining Your Sneakers in Pristine Condition

It’s practically impossible to keep your shoes in pristine condition without regularly cleaning them.

The minute you buy your new sneakers you’ll want to take them outside where mud, dirt, grass and other debris will start to wear them down. To ensure your sneakers stay in their best pristine condition and shape over time, you’ll need to perform regular shoe cleaning and maintenance.

Just remember that before you get started you’ll want to use a shoe tree or some crumpled newspaper to help your sneakers keep their shape as you get ready to clean them.

Table of Contents

Use these tips to help keep your sneakers crisp and clean.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Sneakers Clean

Buy the right cleaning products: While you can use some household items to clean your sneakers, nothing will keep them as pristine as cleaners designed specifically for sneakers. Check out brands like Nike and Asics that offer special cleaning products designed for sneakers. With a promo code for Asics, you can even enjoy a discount on your next purchase.
Never use the washing machine: The hot water and tumbling of a washing machine can cause the soles of your sneakers to detach and damage your sneakers. If you need to clean your sneakers, always do so by hand.

Store your shoes correctly: It doesn’t matter whether you use a shoe tree, shoe boxes or anything other storage method – what matters is that you don’t leave your sneakers at the mercy of the elements. A protector spray can also help protect your shoes before you leave the house.
Stuff your shoes with newspaper: If you don’t wear your shoes often, consider stuffing them with newspaper. Stuffing your sneakers with newspaper will help remove moisture and bacteria while helping to maintain their original shape.
Refresh your sneakers: If your sneakers are looking a little dull, an easy way to brighten them is to replace the laces. A good shoe cleaning and new laces will leave your sneakers looking almost as good as the day you bought them. If you need some more inspiration, check out these different ways of lacing your shoes.

How to Clean Your Shoes Step by Step

Here is our step by step guide for cleaning your sneakers:

Start with a dry brush

Grab a dry-brittle brush to remove dirt from the outsole, midsole and uppers. Scrub in small circles to remove dirt, grime and small debris. If you don’t have a shoe brush, just use an old toothbrush.

Use a mild cleaning solution

In a small bowel, mix warm water and a mild cleaning solution. If you can’t find a mild cleaning solution, try using dish soap.

If you’re cleaning a white pair of sneakers, you can also make your own cleaning paste by mixing water and baking soda. Just wear gloves as the baking soda can irritate your skin.

Wash the laces by hand

Take off the laces from your sneakers and use dish soap or a mild cleaning solution to wash them by hand. Once you’re done cleaning them, dry them with a soft cloth.

Remove the soles and wash them

The soles of your sneakers are often the dirtiest part. Use the same bristle brush you used on the outside of your sneakers to wash them thoroughly with hot water. Just make sure you let them completely dry before placing them back in your sneakers or they can lose their shape.