How to Clean Sneakers

A clean pair of sneakers makes a noticeable difference in how an outfit lands — and a dirty pair undoes it just as visibly. The good news is that for most sneakers, effective cleaning does not require specialised equipment or expensive products. It requires the right sequence and the discipline to not reach for the dryer when you are done. We handle sneaker cleaning questions regularly, and the approach below works reliably on fabric and synthetic uppers across most everyday styles.

Start Before You Get Anything Wet

The instinct with dirty sneakers is to run them under water immediately, but a dry preparation step matters. Remove the laces — these can be soaked separately in warm soapy water while you work on the shoes themselves. Remove the insoles and set them aside to be cleaned by hand; most insoles do not tolerate full submersion well.

Take a dry stiff-bristled brush and knock off any dried mud, dust, or debris from the upper and sole. Dried soil brushes away cleanly when dry; wetting it first turns it to a paste that gets pushed into the fabric.

The Soap and Baking Soda Method

For fabric and synthetic uppers, mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap and a small amount of baking soda. The baking soda helps neutralise odour compounds and provides a mild abrasive action. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the solution and scrub the upper in small, methodical circles. Work in sections, wiping away the loosened soil with a clean cloth before moving on. The solution is mild enough to use confidently on canvas, knit, and most synthetic uppers.

For stubborn marks, let the solution sit on the surface for a minute or two before scrubbing. Do not soak the shoe entirely.

Soles and Scuff Marks

The rubber or EVA soles benefit from a different approach. A melamine sponge — the white eraser-style cleaning sponge sold at most hardware stores — removes scuff marks from rubber soles quickly and effectively. Use it with moderate pressure and a small amount of water. Restrict its use to rubber; melamine sponges are abrasive enough to damage leather, mesh, or fabric uppers if used there.

Whitening Steps for White Sneakers

If white sneakers look dull after the initial scrub, 3% hydrogen peroxide applied to the damp surface and allowed to air dry provides a brightening effect. For more significant yellowing or staining, an overnight soak in diluted oxygen bleach solution can help, but test on a hidden area first to confirm the material can handle it.

Drying: the Most Important Step

Stuff the cleaned sneakers firmly with clean towels — rolled to fit the toe box and heel cavity — to absorb moisture and help the shoe maintain its shape as it dries. Set them upright in a well-ventilated area at room temperature. The dryer is not an option for most sneakers: the combination of heat and tumbling can warp the structure, degrade adhesive bonds, and damage materials in ways that cannot be undone.

The Laundry Brothers offers wash & fold and dry cleaning pickup across Greater Vancouver, seven days a week. See service areas →