How to clean Nike Air Force 1: keep them bright white

White Nike Air Force 1 sneakers make every fit look clean, but they only stay that way if you maintain them properly. With the right approach, you can remove stains, prevent yellowing, and keep the leather supple. Below, you’ll find a practical guide to cleaning your Air Force 1 - from a quick refresh to removing stubborn stains - including tips for leather, suede, and mesh. Want to start with the basics? See our How to clean sneakers: step-by-step guide. Working specifically on white AF1s? Then follow the How to clean white sneakers (like Air Force 1) guide.

Quick start: what you need

• Soft brush or a clean toothbrush
• Microfiber cloth and lukewarm water
• Mild soap or a pH-neutral cleaner
• Baking soda and white vinegar (optional, for stains)
• Micellar water (for delicate leather)
• Magic eraser for midsoles
• Kitchen paper or unprinted paper for stuffing

Prefer an all-in-one solution? Go for a complete sneaker cleaning kit with brush, cloth, and cleaner.

Step-by-step: cleaning your Air Force 1

1. Preparation

Remove the laces and insoles. Brush off dry dirt with a soft brush. Stuff the toe box with paper to help keep its shape and reduce creasing during cleaning.

2. Clean the sole and edges

Make a mild soapy mix with lukewarm water and a drop of gentle soap. Scrub the outsole and midsoles with a brush or magic eraser. For yellowed or stubborn stains on the edges, a targeted cleaner works very effectively. Work in small circles and wipe in between with a slightly damp cloth.

3. Leather upper

Dip a microfiber cloth into the soapy water, wring it out well, and clean the leather with gentle circular motions. Don’t soak it - wet leather can wrinkle or discolor. Wipe again with clean water and pat dry.

4. Drying

Put paper back into the shoes and let them dry at room temperature, out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Count on 8-12 hours. You can hand-wash the laces in lukewarm water with a bit of soap and let them air-dry.

Stubborn stains and getting them white again

• Baking soda + white vinegar - Mix 1 part baking soda with 2 parts vinegar into a paste. Apply it to stains, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, brush lightly, and wipe clean. It also helps neutralize odors.
• White toothpaste - Use a non-gel toothpaste. Apply it with a toothbrush to yellowed or dull areas, brush gently, let it sit briefly, and wipe off with a damp cloth.
• Micellar water - Ideal for delicate or patent leather. Apply it to a cotton pad and wipe away stains without scrubbing. No rinsing needed, but do pat dry.
• Grass and street dirt - Dab the spot with a cotton swab and a little rubbing alcohol or white vinegar, brush gently, and wipe clean. Always test first on an inconspicuous area.

Want to get your midsoles/outsoles truly bright again? Follow the guide for cleaning white sneaker soles for an even result.

Material-specific approach

Leather (most common on AF1)

Use a pH-neutral cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Don’t scrub hard and avoid bleach. Treat stains locally, then lightly clean the whole panel for an even finish. After drying, you can optionally use a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple.

Suede and nubuck

Brush dry with a suede brush in the direction of the nap. Tackle stubborn stains with a suede eraser. If a shadow remains, dab sparingly with white vinegar, let it dry, and brush the nap back up. Avoid soaking - water marks suede very quickly.

Mesh and knit

Make a mild soapy mix, use a soft brush, and work without pressure. Don’t wring it out or rinse it under a hard stream of water - blot with a cloth instead. Always avoid bleach and the dryer to prevent warping and discoloration.

Washing machine: yes or no?

For Nike Air Force 1, the washing machine is not recommended. Heat, friction, and moisture can damage glue, make the leather wrinkle, and cause discoloration. If you still want to try it, do it as safely as possible: cold short cycle, low spin, shoes in a laundry bag together with towels, mild detergent, never in the dryer - always air-dry with paper in the toe box.

Prevention is better than cleaning

Protect new or freshly cleaned AF1s right away. Apply a water- and dirt-repellent layer with sneaker protector spray and repeat every few weeks. Use anti-crease protectors to limit toe box creases. Replace worn laces for a fresher look.

Frequently asked questions

How do I clean my Nike Air Force 1?

Remove the laces and insoles, brush away loose dirt, clean the sole with a brush and mild soapy water, and wipe the leather upper with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Let them air-dry with paper in the toe box.

How do I get my Nikes white again?

For cleaning white Nike Air Force 1s, baking soda with white vinegar, white toothpaste, or micellar water work well. Treat the area locally, let it sit briefly, brush gently, and pat dry. Avoid bleach to prevent yellowing.

Can Air Force 1 go in the washing machine?

They can, but it’s not recommended because of the risk of glue damage, deformation, and discoloration. If you do it anyway: use a cold cycle, low spin, a laundry bag, add towels, and only air-dry afterward.

How often should I clean my AF1?

Do light maintenance after every wear - wipe away sand and splashes right away. Do a deep clean every 2-4 weeks, depending on use and weather. Protecting them with spray extends the time between cleanings.

This article was written by Marijn van der Heijden.