Cleaning New Balance sneakers: how to do it right

Cleaning New Balance sneakers is best done by hand, in the right order and with attention to the material. That helps prevent discoloration, loose glue and a misshapen fit. Whether you want to freshen up white sneakers, carefully treat a suede pair or find out whether you can put your New Balance 530 in the washing machine, a calm step-by-step approach will get your sneakers clean again without unnecessary risk.

Below, you’ll read how to clean New Balance sneakers the smart way, which products you should and should not use, and what to pay extra attention to with mesh, suede, leather and soles.

How to clean New Balance sneakers safely

The safest way to clean New Balance sneakers is by hand using lukewarm water, a soft brush and a mild cleaning product. This lets you remove dirt and stains in a controlled way without soaking delicate materials. That is especially important for models with suede overlays, mesh panels or glued sole parts.

Always work from dry dirt to wet cleaning. Remove dust, sand and mud first before you start with water or cleaner. That way, you do not rub dirt deeper into the material. Then clean the upper, move on to the sole and finally let the sneakers dry slowly at room temperature.

Cleaning New Balance sneakers in 8 steps

1. Remove the laces and insoles from your sneakers.
2. Brush away loose dirt and dried mud while dry.
3. Make a mild cleaning solution with lukewarm water and a small amount of cleaner.
4. Clean the upper with a soft brush or cloth.
5. Treat stubborn stains locally and with minimal moisture.
6. Scrub the outsole and midsole separately with slightly more pressure.
7. Wipe away soap residue with a clean, slightly damp cloth.
8. Let your New Balance sneakers dry naturally at room temperature.

Step-by-step: cleaning New Balance sneakers

1. Remove the laces and insoles

By removing the laces and insoles first, you can better reach the tongue, eyelets and edges of the footbed. It also lets you clean each part more precisely. You can wash laces separately in lukewarm soapy water. Insoles are best cleaned with a slightly damp cloth and a little mild soap so they do not get too wet.

2. Remove dry dirt first with a brush

Use a dry, soft brush to remove sand, dust and dried mud. Pay extra attention to seams, mesh and the transition between the upper and sole. This is an important step, because dry dirt turns into mud once you add water. Ideally, choose the right brush firmness for each material; take a look at our sneaker brushes.

3. Make a mild cleaning solution

Use lukewarm water with a small amount of mild cleaning product. Think of a sneaker cleaner or a gentle soap without harsh additives. Do not make the solution too strong. Too much cleaner can leave residue or damage the material.

4. Clean the upper carefully

Lightly dip a soft brush or cloth into the solution and work in small circular motions. Do not soak the material. With mesh, careful handling is especially important because otherwise you push dirt deeper into the fabric. Leather is usually a bit easier to wipe clean with a cloth, while suede should be treated as dry as possible.

5. Treat stains locally

Stubborn stains require a targeted approach. Work on the affected area instead of rewetting the entire shoe. That helps limit color differences and prevents water marks. If in doubt, always test a product on an inconspicuous area first, especially on colored suede or nubuck.

6. Clean the sole and midsole separately

The outsole and midsole can usually handle a slightly firmer approach than the upper. Use a separate brush for this so you do not transfer coarse dirt back onto the upper. White midsoles in particular often look visibly fresher after a short, focused cleaning. For yellowed or stubborn stains on midsoles, you can find extra tips in cleaning white sneaker soles.

7. Remove soap residue

Wipe the shoe down with a clean microfiber cloth that is slightly damp. That removes foam and cleaning product without making the sneaker too wet. It is better not to rinse New Balance sneakers under the tap or submerge them in water.

8. Let your sneakers dry slowly

Let your New Balance sneakers dry at room temperature, out of direct sunlight and away from radiators, hair dryers or tumble dryers. You can stuff them with paper if needed to help them keep their shape and absorb excess moisture. Give them enough time to dry completely before wearing them again.

Which products should you use to clean New Balance sneakers?

You do not need a complicated kit to clean New Balance sneakers, but the right basics do help. Above all, choose mild products and soft tools.

• Soft brush - for the upper and delicate materials
• Slightly firmer brush - for the sole and midsole
• Microfiber cloth - to wipe away dirt and soap residue
• Lukewarm water - safe for hand cleaning
• Mild cleaning product or sneaker cleaner - for general cleaning
• Suede brush or suede eraser - for suede New Balance sneakers

Avoid harsh bleach, strong degreasers and abrasive cleaners. These can damage color, texture and glued parts.

Cleaning New Balance sneakers by material

Cleaning mesh New Balance sneakers

Mesh attracts dust quickly and can trap dirt between the fibers. So use very little moisture and a soft brush. Do not press too hard, because that pushes dirt further in. After cleaning, wipe the surface with a slightly damp cloth.

Cleaning suede New Balance sneakers

Suede requires the most care. Ideally, start with a suede brush or suede eraser on dry stains. If wet cleaning is necessary, work very sparingly with moisture. After drying, brush the suede again to restore its texture. Too much water can cause hard spots or color differences. For more tips, also read how to clean suede sneakers.

Cleaning leather New Balance sneakers

Leather is usually easier to clean than suede or mesh. A soft cloth with lukewarm water and a mild product is often enough. Do not rub too aggressively in the same spot, especially on colored panels or finished details.

Can New Balance sneakers go in the washing machine?

In most cases, the answer is no. Putting New Balance sneakers in the washing machine is usually not recommended because water, friction and spinning can damage the materials. Think of loose glue, a misshapen sole, discoloration and a shorter lifespan for the pair.

That also applies to popular models with multiple materials, such as mesh combined with suede or synthetic overlays. This type of construction responds less well to a full machine wash than to hand cleaning. If you want to clean New Balance sneakers without risk, hand washing remains the best choice.

Can you put New Balance 530 in the washing machine?

For the New Balance 530 as well, hand cleaning is the safest option. This model often combines mesh and synthetic materials, which can make it sensitive to deformation and wear in the washing machine. So it is better to use a soft brush, lukewarm water and a mild cleaning product to clean your New Balance 530.

How long should New Balance sneakers dry?

Usually allow about 12 to 24 hours of drying time, depending on the material, temperature and how much moisture you used. Mesh often dries faster than suede or lined models. Never place your sneakers on a radiator and do not use a hair dryer. Excessive heat can make materials shrink, harden or come loose.

How do you keep New Balance sneakers cleaner for longer?

Regular maintenance prevents dirt from settling in deeply. So brush off your sneakers as soon as you see dust or dried dirt, and deal with stains as quickly as possible. Protecting them after cleaning also helps. Use a suitable sneaker protector spray to create an extra barrier against moisture, street dirt and stains.

For different materials such as leather, suede, nubuck, mesh and textile, a protector is a logical addition after cleaning. That way you need less intensive cleaning and your sneakers stay looking fresh for longer.

If cleaning them yourself does not work or you are dealing with stubborn stains, choose to have your sneakers professionally cleaned.

Common mistakes when cleaning New Balance sneakers

• Getting your sneakers wet straight away without removing dry dirt first
• Using too much water, especially on suede and mesh
• Using a hard brush on delicate material
• Using strong cleaning agents or bleach
• Putting the shoes in the washing machine or dryer
• Drying them near a heat source instead of at room temperature

Frequently asked questions about cleaning New Balance sneakers

How do you get New Balance clean?

By brushing away dry dirt first, then cleaning the upper with a mild cleaner and lukewarm water, treating the sole separately and letting everything dry slowly. Hand cleaning is the safest method.

How do I get my sneakers clean again?

Always start with the least aggressive method: a dry brush, soft cloth and a mild soap solution. Work locally on stains and do not get the shoes too wet. That also applies when you want to freshen up white or light-colored sneakers.

What is the best product for cleaning sneakers?

The best product is a mild sneaker cleaner or gentle soap that suits the material of your shoes. For suede, sneaker brushes are ideally part of the process too. For protection after cleaning, a suitable protector spray is useful.

Can I clean New Balance with dish soap?

A very small amount of mild dish soap can work in some cases, but use it sparingly and test it on an inconspicuous spot first. A dedicated sneaker cleaner is usually the safer choice, especially for sensitive materials.

Why do marks appear after cleaning?

Marks often appear because a shoe was made too wet or dried unevenly. So work with minimal moisture, wipe away soap residue properly and let the shoe dry slowly and evenly at room temperature.

If you want to have everything you need at home right after cleaning, complete cleaning kits are useful. And if you are also looking for a new pair, be sure to check out the New Balance collection too.

This article was written by Marijn van der Heijden.