How To Clean Athletic Shoes: Remove Stains and Odors Easily

How do you clean athletic shoes? You can clean athletic shoes using a simple mixture of soap and water for general cleaning, or tackle tougher stains with baking soda and vinegar. Removing shoe odor involves using baking soda, shoe deodorizers, or even placing shoes in the freezer. This article provides a comprehensive shoe care guide to keep your athletic shoes fresh and clean.

Keeping your cleaning sneakers in tip-top shape not only extends their lifespan but also boosts your confidence, whether you’re hitting the gym, pounding the pavement, or just running errands. From cleaning running shoes caked in mud to banishing stubborn shoe odor, this guide provides a step-by-step approach to washing athletic shoes effectively. You’ll learn the best way to clean shoes, including cleaning white shoes, as well as helpful shoe cleaning tips for maintaining freshness and hygiene. Let’s dive in!

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Why Cleaning Your Athletic Shoes Matters

Regular athletic shoe maintenance is more than just aesthetics. Dirty shoes can harbor bacteria and fungi, leading to unpleasant odors and potential foot problems. Cleaning your shoes helps:

• Prevent bad smells: Sweat and dirt create a breeding ground for bacteria.
• Extend shoe life: Removing dirt and grime prevents material breakdown.
• Improve hygiene: Clean shoes reduce the risk of foot infections.
• Maintain performance: Clean shoes may feel more comfortable and supportive.
• Enhance Appearance: Fresh-looking shoes make a good impression.

Gathering Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you begin, gather these essential supplies for effectively cleaning sneakers. Having everything on hand will make the process smooth and efficient.

• Soft-bristled brush: An old toothbrush or specialized shoe brush works well.
• Mild detergent: Dish soap or laundry detergent, diluted in water.
• Baking soda: Excellent for odor removal and stain lifting.
• White vinegar: A natural cleaner and deodorizer.
• Microfiber cloths: For wiping and drying.
• Water: Both warm and cold.
• Shoe cleaner: Commercial shoe cleaner designed for your shoe material type is an option.
• Magic Eraser: For cleaning white midsoles.
• Old towels: To protect your work surface.

Step-by-Step: General Cleaning for Athletic Shoes

This method is suitable for most types of athletic shoes and can be used for regular cleaning sneakers.

1. Remove Laces and Insoles: Take out the laces and insoles. These will be cleaned separately.
2. Dry Brush: Use a soft-bristled brush to remove loose dirt and debris from the shoe’s surface, paying attention to crevices and seams.
3. Prepare Cleaning Solution: Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water. Aim for a sudsy solution.
4. Clean the Shoes: Dip the soft brush into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the shoes. Work in sections, focusing on areas with visible dirt or stains.
5. Wipe with a Damp Cloth: Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the soapy residue.
6. Clean Laces: Hand wash laces in the soap solution, or place them in a laundry bag and wash them in the washing machine on a delicate cycle.
7. Clean Insoles: Wipe the insoles with the cleaning solution and a damp cloth.
8. Air Dry: Allow shoes, laces, and insoles to air dry completely, away from direct sunlight or heat. Stuffing the shoes with paper towels can help them retain their shape and speed up the drying process.

Tackling Stubborn Stains

Sometimes, a general cleaning isn’t enough. Here’s how to address specific stains when cleaning running shoes or other athletic footwear.

Mud Stains

1. Let it Dry: Allow the mud to dry completely. Wet mud is harder to remove.
2. Brush it Off: Use a stiff brush to break up and remove the dried mud.
3. Apply Paste: Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it to the stained area.
4. Scrub Gently: Use a soft brush to scrub the paste into the stain.
5. Rinse and Dry: Rinse with water and let the shoes air dry.

Oil Stains

1. Blot Excess Oil: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot up as much oil as possible.
2. Apply Cornstarch or Baking Soda: Cover the oil stain with cornstarch or baking soda to absorb the remaining oil.
3. Let it Sit: Allow the powder to sit for several hours or overnight.
4. Vacuum or Brush Off: Vacuum or brush away the powder.
5. Clean with Detergent: Clean the area with a mild detergent and water.
6. Rinse and Dry: Rinse with water and let the shoes air dry.

Grass Stains

1. Pre-treat: Apply a stain remover specifically designed for grass stains.
2. Soak: Soak the shoes in cold water with a mild detergent for about 30 minutes.
3. Scrub Gently: Use a soft brush to scrub the stained area.
4. Rinse and Dry: Rinse with water and let the shoes air dry.

Ink Stains

1. Blot Immediately: If the ink is fresh, blot it immediately with a clean cloth.
2. Apply Rubbing Alcohol: Dab a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and gently blot the ink stain.
3. Wipe Clean: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the alcohol and ink residue.
4. Repeat if Necessary: Repeat the process until the stain is gone.
5. Rinse and Dry: Rinse with water and let the shoes air dry.

Cleaning White Shoes

White athletic shoes are prone to showing dirt and stains. Here’s how to keep them looking their best:

• Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with a little water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the shoes, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then scrub with a brush. Rinse thoroughly.
• Magic Eraser: Use a magic eraser for cleaning white midsoles. It is very effective in removing scuff marks and stains.
• Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda: Mix hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and a little water to make a paste. Apply the paste, let it sit, and then rinse off.
• Bleach Solution (Use with Caution): For tough stains on white canvas shoes, mix bleach with water (1 part bleach to 5 parts water). Use a toothbrush to apply the solution, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Caution: Bleach can damage some materials, so test a small, inconspicuous area first.

Removing Shoe Odor

Nobody likes stinky shoes! Here are several methods for removing shoe odor effectively.

Baking Soda

1. Apply Generously: Sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes, covering the entire insole.
2. Let it Sit: Let the baking soda sit overnight or for at least 24 hours.
3. Shake it Out: Shake out the baking soda thoroughly before wearing the shoes.

Freezing

1. Place in a Bag: Put the shoes in a sealed plastic bag.
2. Freeze: Place the bag in the freezer for several hours or overnight.
3. Thaw: Remove the shoes from the bag and allow them to thaw completely before wearing.

Shoe Deodorizer Sprays

1. Choose a Product: Purchase a shoe deodorizer spray from a store.
2. Spray Inside: Spray the inside of the shoes according to the product instructions.
3. Air Dry: Allow the shoes to air dry completely before wearing.

Vinegar Solution

1. Mix Vinegar and Water: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray Lightly: Lightly spray the inside of the shoes with the vinegar solution.
3. Air Dry: Allow the shoes to air dry completely.

Activated Charcoal

1. Place Charcoal Inserts: Place activated charcoal inserts inside the shoes.
2. Leave Overnight: Leave the inserts in the shoes overnight to absorb odors.

Tea Bags

1. Dry Tea Bags: Place dry, unused tea bags inside the shoes.
2. Leave Overnight: Leave the tea bags in the shoes overnight to absorb odors.

How to Disinfect Shoes

Beyond just cleaning, disinfecting your shoes is crucial to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, especially if you wear them frequently or have foot issues. Here’s how to disinfect shoes effectively:

1. Prepare Disinfectant Solution: Use a disinfectant spray (Lysol or similar) or a solution of diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water).
2. Spray or Wipe: Spray the inside of the shoes thoroughly with the disinfectant solution or wipe with a cloth dampened with the solution.
3. Let it Sit: Allow the disinfectant to sit for at least 10 minutes to kill bacteria and fungi.
4. Air Dry: Allow the shoes to air dry completely before wearing.

Disinfecting Tips

• Focus on Insoles: Pay special attention to the insoles, as they are a breeding ground for bacteria.
• Rotate Shoes: Rotate your shoes to allow them to air out between wearings.
• Wear Socks: Always wear socks to absorb sweat and moisture.
• Wash Socks Properly: Wash your socks in hot water to kill bacteria.

Caring for Different Shoe Materials

The best way to clean shoes depends on their material. Here’s how to care for common athletic shoe materials.

Leather

• Clean Gently: Use a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap and water solution.
• Leather Cleaner: Apply a leather cleaner and conditioner to maintain the material’s suppleness.
• Avoid Immersion: Do not immerse leather shoes in water.
• Air Dry: Allow leather shoes to air dry away from direct heat and sunlight.

Suede

• Suede Brush: Use a suede brush to remove dirt and scuff marks.
• Suede Cleaner: Apply a suede cleaner specifically designed for suede materials.
• Protectant Spray: Use a suede protectant spray to prevent future stains and damage.
• Avoid Water: Keep suede shoes away from water, as it can damage the material.

Canvas

• General Cleaning: Canvas shoes can be cleaned with a mild detergent and water solution.
• Stain Treatment: Use a stain remover for tough stains.
• Machine Washable: Some canvas shoes are machine washable on a gentle cycle.
• Air Dry: Allow canvas shoes to air dry completely.

Mesh

• Gentle Cleaning: Use a soft brush and a mild detergent to clean mesh shoes.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the shoes thoroughly to remove soap residue.
• Air Dry: Allow mesh shoes to air dry completely.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as they can damage the mesh material.

Prevention is Key: Tips for Keeping Shoes Clean

Proactive care can reduce the frequency of deep cleans. Here are some preventative shoe cleaning tips.

• Use Shoe Protector Sprays: Apply a shoe protector spray to create a barrier against dirt and stains.
• Clean Regularly: Wipe down your shoes after each use to remove dirt and sweat.
• Rotate Shoes: Rotate your shoes to allow them to air out and dry between wearings.
• Wear Socks: Always wear socks to absorb sweat and moisture.
• Store Properly: Store your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Use Shoe Trees: Shoe trees help maintain the shape of your shoes and absorb moisture.

Storing Your Athletic Shoes

Proper storage is vital for maintaining the condition of your athletic shoes and preventing damage.

• Clean Before Storing: Make sure your shoes are clean and dry before storing them.
• Use Shoe Boxes: Store your shoes in their original boxes or in clear plastic containers.
• Stuff with Paper: Stuff your shoes with paper or shoe trees to help them maintain their shape.
• Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Store your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Avoid overcrowding your shoe storage area, as this can damage the shoes.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Cleaning Athletic Shoes

Here are some frequently asked questions to further assist you with your athletic shoe maintenance.

Q: Can I put my athletic shoes in the washing machine?

A: Yes, some athletic shoes, especially those made of canvas or synthetic materials, can be machine washed. Remove the laces and insoles, place the shoes in a laundry bag, and wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. Always air dry.

Q: How often should I clean my athletic shoes?

A: Clean your athletic shoes every 2-4 weeks, depending on how often you wear them and the conditions you expose them to. Spot clean after each use if they get particularly dirty.

Q: What is the best way to remove yellowing from white shoes?

A: A mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and water can help remove yellowing. Apply the paste, let it sit, and then rinse off.

Q: How do I prevent my shoes from smelling?

A: Wear socks, rotate your shoes, use shoe deodorizer sprays, and regularly clean and disinfect your shoes.

Q: Can I use bleach to clean colored athletic shoes?

A: No, bleach can discolor or damage colored athletic shoes. Use a mild detergent and water solution instead.

Q: What should I do if my shoes get wet?

A: Stuff your shoes with paper towels to absorb moisture and let them air dry away from direct heat or sunlight.

Q: How do I clean the rubber soles of my athletic shoes?

A: Use a magic eraser or a solution of baking soda and water to scrub the rubber soles. Rinse thoroughly.

Q: Is it safe to put my shoes in the dryer?

A: No, putting your shoes in the dryer can damage the materials and adhesives. Always air dry your shoes.

By following these tips and techniques, you can keep your athletic shoes clean, fresh, and in great condition for longer, enhancing both their appearance and performance. Happy cleaning!