Cleaning sneakers: how to do it safely | Hypedpair

Do you want to clean your sneakers without damaging the color, shape, or material? Then the right approach matters more than scrubbing hard. Whether you are cleaning white sneakers, refreshing mesh shoes, or trying to clean white leather sneakers, the right order, mild products, and a material-specific approach will keep your sneakers looking good for longer. On this page, you will read how to clean sneakers safely, what you can use to clean sneakers, and when toothpaste is or is not a smart idea.

What is the best way to clean sneakers?

The best way to clean sneakers is with a mild cleaner, lukewarm water, a soft brush, and a microfiber cloth. This lets you remove dirt step by step without causing unnecessary wear. That approach works better than aggressive products or the washing machine, especially for leather, suede, nubuck, and mesh.

A safe basic rule is: first remove dry dirt, then clean targeted areas, and only at the very end let them dry and protect them. That helps prevent mud from being pushed deeper into the material or water stains from forming. Especially if you clean your sneakers regularly, it pays to work gently and consistently instead of cleaning too aggressively once in a while.

Step-by-step sneaker cleaning in 7 steps

1. Remove the laces and insoles from your sneakers

Always start by removing the laces and, if possible, the insoles too. This makes it easier to reach the tongue, edges, and seams of the shoe. Laces also tend to get dirty faster than the upper, which can make clean shoes still look dull if you leave the laces in.

2. Brush away loose dirt while dry first

Use a dry, soft brush to remove sand, dust, and dried mud from the outsole, midsole, and upper. This step matters because otherwise you will smear dirt around while cleaning and push it deeper into the material. Work calmly and pay extra attention to seams, panels, and the edge between the sole and upper. Preferably use soft sneaker brushes.

3. Use a mild sneaker cleaner

Lightly dampen the brush and apply a small amount of cleaner. A mild sneaker cleaner is safer than all-purpose cleaner, bleach, or aggressive degreasers. For at-home maintenance, a material-friendly formula is the best choice, especially if you rotate between different types of sneakers.

The Hypedpair Sneaker Cleaning Kit was made for this and includes a cleaning serum, a special brush, and a microfiber cloth. The formula consists of 99% natural ingredients, is biodegradable, and suitable for leather, suede, nubuck, mesh, and textile. For an easy start, you can choose complete sneaker cleaning kits.

4. Clean in small circles per section

Do not clean the entire sneaker all at once. Instead, work section by section. For example, start at the toe box, then move to the sides, tongue, and heel. Make small circular movements and do not apply too much pressure. That way you stay in control and avoid treating delicate materials too roughly.

5. Wipe away foam and dirt immediately

Use a clean microfiber cloth to remove loosened dirt and excess foam. Do not wait too long, because dirty water can soak back in. This step makes a visible difference right away, especially when cleaning white shoes.

6. Let your sneakers air dry

Always let sneakers dry at room temperature. Do not place them on a radiator, in direct sunlight, or in the dryer. Heat can weaken glue, shrink materials, or dry out leather and suede. If needed, stuff some paper into the shoes to help them hold their shape while drying.

7. Protect your sneakers after cleaning

Once your sneakers are dry, protecting them is the logical final step. A good sneaker protection spray adds an invisible water- and dirt-repellent layer to the material, so new dirt sticks less easily. This is especially worthwhile for white sneakers, suede, and nubuck.

The Hypedpair Sneaker Protection Spray is suitable for leather, suede, nubuck, mesh, and textile and helps keep your sneakers clean for longer. If you want to combine cleaning and protecting in one routine, you can choose the Hypedpair Sneaker Care Combi Set.

What can you use to clean sneakers?

For most sneakers, you do not need much, as long as you use the right products. Safe cleaning mainly comes down to mild products and the right tools.

• A soft or medium sneaker brush
• A mild sneaker cleaner or cleaning serum
• Lukewarm water
• microfiber cloths
• Optionally, a separate brush for soles
• A protection spray for after drying

It is best to avoid aggressive products such as bleach, undiluted all-purpose cleaner, or harsh scouring pads. They may seem to deliver quick results, but they can cause discoloration, drying out, or damage to the material.

Cleaning sneakers by material

One of the most important lessons in good sneaker care is that not every material reacts the same way to moisture, friction, and cleaners. That is why recognizing the material is the first real step before you start cleaning.

Cleaning leather sneakers

Cleaning white leather shoes or leather sneakers requires a careful approach. Leather likes mild cleaning and regular maintenance, but not being soaked. Use a soft brush or cloth with a small amount of cleaner and wipe the dirt away immediately afterward.

Let leather dry slowly and avoid getting it too wet for too long. If you want to clean white leather sneakers, work extra carefully along stitching and crease points, because dirt often builds up there. After cleaning, protecting them is a smart idea so new dirt sticks less quickly.

Cleaning suede and nubuck

Suede and nubuck are more sensitive to water and pressure than smooth leather. So use very little moisture and work with a suitable brush. Dry brushing first is even more important here. It is better to treat stubborn spots locally than to get the whole shoe wet.

Patience matters with this material. Cleaning too wet can change the texture or make stains more visible. Always re-protect suede and nubuck afterward with a spray. Read our tips here for cleaning suede sneakers.

Cleaning mesh and athletic sneakers

Cleaning white athletic shoes or mesh sneakers requires a light touch. Mesh is airy and comfortable, but it absorbs dirt quickly. That is why you should use a soft brush, little water, and a mild cleaner. Do not press too hard into the material, because that can push dirt deeper into the weave.

For sporty models with lots of textile panels, the combination of a brush, serum, and microfiber cloth is usually the safest. Let mesh sneakers dry completely in the air before wearing them again.

Cleaning fabric and canvas sneakers

Cleaning white fabric shoes or white canvas sneakers can be done well at home, as long as you do not work too aggressively. Textile can usually be cleaned well with a mild soap solution or sneaker cleaner and a soft brush. Work in small sections and remove loosened dirt right away.

With white fabric shoes, you see results quickly, but you also see water marks quickly if you use too much water. So it is better to do several light cleaning sessions than one heavy cleaning round.

Cleaning white sneakers without a yellow tint or dull look

White sneakers are often the hardest to keep truly fresh. It is not just dirt, but also dust, street grime, oxidation, and old product residue that slowly turn white into grey or yellowish. That is why a quick clean sometimes works less well than a careful, structured approach.

Start by cleaning the laces separately. Then clean the upper, followed by the midsole, and finish with the outsole. This order helps prevent dirt from the bottom from ending up back on the white upper. Wipe away foam as you go and let the sneaker dry fully before deciding whether it needs a second round.

When cleaning white leather sneakers, a mild cleaner is almost always the safest choice. With white fabric sneakers or white athletic shoes, it is especially important not to use too much water. That helps prevent edges and discoloration while drying.

Can you clean sneakers with toothpaste?

Cleaning sneakers with toothpaste is often mentioned as a quick household solution, especially for white sneakers. In some cases, white non-gel toothpaste can temporarily freshen surface dirt on a white sole or a small piece of smooth material. Still, it is not an ideal standard method.

Toothpaste was not made for sneaker materials. The formula can be too abrasive, leave residue behind, or cause stains on mesh, suede, nubuck, and textile. Even when cleaning white shoes with toothpaste, you risk uneven results, especially if you use too much or fail to remove it properly.

If you want to clean white shoes with toothpaste because you do not have anything else at home, test it first on an inconspicuous spot and use it only very sparingly on smooth white surfaces. For regular maintenance, a real sneaker cleaner is safer and more consistent.

Common mistakes when cleaning sneakers

• Using too much water, especially on suede, nubuck, and textile
• Scrubbing too hard and damaging the texture
• Putting sneakers in the dryer or on a radiator
• Using aggressive cleaning products
• Not distinguishing between leather, suede, mesh, and fabric
• Not removing dirt dry first
• Not using a protection spray after cleaning

How to keep sneakers cleaner for longer

Cleaning sneakers is important, but preventing them from getting dirty again too quickly is just as smart. With a few simple habits, you can extend the time between cleaning sessions and keep your collection fresher for longer.

• Spray new sneakers with protection right after purchase
• Remove street dirt as soon as possible after wearing them
• Let wet sneakers dry calmly at room temperature
• Store your sneakers clean and dust-free
• For light dirt, do a quick maintenance clean instead of waiting until the dirt sets in

Frequently asked questions about cleaning sneakers

How often should you clean sneakers?

That depends on how often you wear them and under what conditions. If you wear sneakers daily, a light maintenance clean every week is smart, with a more thorough cleaning once dirt remains visible.

Can I put my sneakers in the washing machine?

That is usually not the best choice. The combination of lots of water, friction, and spinning can affect glue, shape, and material. Cleaning sneakers by hand is safer, especially for premium sneakers or delicate materials. You can also read more about putting sneakers in the washing machine: yes or no.

What is a good sneaker cleaner?

A good sneaker cleaner is mild, material-friendly, and does not leave aggressive residue behind. Preferably choose a cleaner that is suitable for multiple materials. The Hypedpair complete cleaning kit was developed for home use on leather, suede, nubuck, mesh, and textile.

How do I clean white leather shoes?

You can best clean white leather shoes with a soft brush or cloth and a mild cleaner. Use little moisture, work section by section, and wipe dirt away immediately with a microfiber cloth. Then let them dry slowly and protect them again. Also check out our tips for cleaning leather sneakers.

How do I clean white fabric shoes?

Cleaning white fabric shoes requires a soft brush, mild cleaner, and little water. Work in small sections and avoid soaking the shoe. That helps reduce the risk of water marks and dull patches.

How do I get dirty soles clean again?

Clean the sole separately with a brush and some cleaner. You can then wipe the midsole with a cloth. Because soles are often the dirtiest part, it is smart to use a separate brush for them. For extra tips, you can also read about cleaning white soles.

Can I clean white athletic shoes with household products?

Sometimes you can, but the risk of discoloration or material issues is greater. Especially with modern athletic sneakers featuring mesh, glued parts, and different panels, a dedicated sneaker cleaner is usually the safer choice.

What should I do after cleaning my sneakers?

First let them dry completely and then apply a protection spray. That helps new dirt stick less quickly and keeps your sneakers looking neat for longer. This is especially useful for white sneakers and materials that stain easily.

This article was written by Marijn van der Heijden.