Your favorite New Balance sneakers are starting to look rough around the edges, aren't they?

Those scuff marks and stubborn stains didn't just hurt your shoe game. They're actually shortening your investment's lifespan and affecting performance.

Picture this: bringing your kicks back to that fresh-out-the-box look while extending their life by years, not months. 

Whether you're dealing with mesh, leather, or suede, the right cleaning approach can transform even the grimiest pair into something that looks clean as new.

Ready to discover why traditional cleaning methods fall short and how SneakERASERS is changing the sneaker care game entirely? Keep reading to learn the exact step-by-step methods that work for every New Balance material.

What About New Balance Shoe Materials?

Fabric and Mesh Upper Models

Most New Balance shoes, like the popular 990v5 and Fresh Foam series, use fabric and mesh materials. These materials excel at breathability during workouts. However, they also act like magnets for dirt, dust, and stains. The good news is that fabric and mesh respond well to gentle cleaning methods, making them more manageable to maintain than you might expect.

Synthetic Materials and Mixed Construction

Many modern New Balance shoes use advanced synthetic materials that often resist water and stains better than natural materials. While these synthetic components are more durable against the elements, they still need regular cleaning to look their best. The advantage is that synthetic materials are the easiest to maintain when you have the right cleaning tools and know-how.

Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need: Traditional & SneakERASERS Methods

Here are the cleaning supplies you’ll need to get your New Balance shoes clean once again! 

Traditional Cleaning Arsenal

The classic approach to cleaning New Balance shoes requires several basic items you probably already have at home:

• Soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works perfectly)

• Mild detergent or dish soap

• Warm water and mixing bowl

• Microfiber cloth or clean towel

• Paper towels for drying

But here’s the thing: traditional cleaning is messy, time-consuming, and involves complicated mixing and measuring. When you're just trying to figure out how to clean your shoes quickly and effectively, who has time for all that preparation?

Modern Cleaning Innovation: SneakERASERS

SneakERASERS have revolutionized shoe care with their dual-layered, pre-moistened sponges that clean instantly without mixing solutions or complicated kits. 

The white side tackles everyday dirt, scuffs, and grime, while the orange side handles delicate surfaces and persistent stains. 

They don't use harsh chemicals, making them safer for your footwear and family. Their compact size means you can keep them in gym bags or cars for quick touch-ups wherever needed.

This is the instant sneaker cleaner that makes maintaining your New Balance shoes incredibly convenient and satisfying. Watch impossible scuff marks disappear in seconds with just a gentle swipe.

Additional Helpful Items

A few extra tools can enhance your shoe care routine even further. Shoe trees help sneakers maintain their shape when not being worn, while baking soda works effectively for removing unpleasant odors from shoe interiors.

For cleaning mesh and fabric uppers, and shoelaces, SneakERASERS SOAK provides a powerful solution that penetrates every fiber and crevice that regular cleaning might miss.

All you need is a bowl, some water, and 2-24 hours to let the shoes sit in the solution. Air dry, and you’ll see a night-and-day difference. 

How to Clean New Balances (The Traditional & SneakERASERS Way)

Now, to get into the good stuff: cleaning the New Balances. Follow our preparation steps and the different methods for getting those pesky marks off your sneakers. 

Preparation Steps (Same for All Methods)

Before you start cleaning, get your shoes ready by following these steps:

1. Take your shoes outside and tap the soles together to remove loose dirt

2. Remove the shoelaces and any removable insoles

3. Use a dry brush to gently remove surface dirt and debris

4. Choose your cleaning method based on how much time you have and what tools are available

Method 1: Traditional Hand Cleaning

Step 1: Creating the Cleaning Solution

Mix mild detergent with warm water using a 1:10 ratio (one part soap to ten parts water). Before cleaning the entire shoe, test this solution on a small, hidden area first to ensure it won't cause any damage or color changes. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, and abrasive cleaners because these can damage shoe materials and colors.

Step 2: Cleaning the Upper

Dip the soft brush into the cleaning solution and shake off excess water so it's damp but not dripping. Clean carefully using circular motions with light pressure, starting at the top and working downward to the bottom. Focus additional attention on heavily soiled or stained areas. For tight spots and detailed areas like logos or stitching, use an old toothbrush to reach all the small crevices that regular brushes can't access.

Step 3: Cleaning the Soles and Midsoles

For the rubber parts of shoes, use a stiffer brush that can handle the resilient material. Remove dirt from the grooves and traction patterns on the bottom since these areas collect the most grime. Pay special attention to white midsole areas because dirt shows up the most on these light-colored sections and can make entire shoes look dirty even when other parts are clean.

Method 2: Clean with SneakERASERS Products (The Faster Way)

What if we told you there’s a way for you to clean your New Balance shoes in less than five minutes? That’s where SneakERASERS comes in. 

Cleaning Your New Balance Shoes with SneakERASERS

When you compare SneakERASERS to soap and water, the difference is clear. SneakERASERS outperform traditional cleaning because the dual-sided system addresses different cleaning needs, providing both mild and intensive cleaning options in one tool. 

Since they don't use harsh chemicals, they're safer for all New Balance materials and won't damage your shoes. 

Most importantly, you see results immediately without waiting for cleaning solutions to soak in or activate.

This is what makes SneakERASERS so satisfying to use. You get that instant gratification of watching scuffs disappear right before your eyes.

Step 1: Clean Your Soles with SneakERASERS

Start with the white side for removing general dirt and scuff marks off your soles. Use gentle swiping motions (remember: swipe, don't scrub) with moderate pressure on the upper parts. 

When encountering persistent stains or needing to clean delicate areas, switch to the orange side. These sponges work exceptionally well on white midsoles and rubber soles where dirt shows up the most. Always work from the cleanest areas to the dirtiest areas to prevent spreading grime around the shoe.

The sponges will gradually disappear as they work, just like a pencil eraser. This is completely normal and shows the product is doing its job effectively.

Step 2: Target Problem Areas With A Lot of Buildups

Give extra attention to the toe boxes and heel areas since these spots get the most wear and dirt buildup. 

Use the corner of SneakERASERS sponges to reach detailed areas around the eyelets where shoelaces go through. 

Remember, swipe with the white side of the sponge to clean off most stains. Switch to the orange side to clean up any remaining residue and more sensitive surfaces. 

Curious how long a SneakERASERS sponge will last you? We wrote an article on that → How Long Do SneakERASERS Last?

Step 3: Clean Your Uppers With SneakERASERS SOAK

Alright, so you technically can’t clean your shoes in under five minutes if you need to use our SOAK product. But these are usually for more extreme scenarios. 

When mesh uppers are heavily soiled, SneakERASERS SOAK is the optimal choice for porous materials because it penetrates deeper into the fabric fibers than conventional cleaning methods. 

This product works particularly well for restoring white mesh when standard cleaning isn't sufficient. After using SneakERASERS SOAK, air dry completely.

Cleaning Laces and Insoles

SneakERASERS SOAK also works excellently for dirty shoelaces that have lost their original color.

If you prefer the traditional approach, soak laces in a detergent solution instead. For insoles, wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove sweat and odor buildup. Ensure both laces and insoles air dry completely before putting them back in shoes, since inserting wet components can cause mold and unpleasant smells.

How to Dry Your New Balance Shoes After You Clean Them

Air dry your New Balance shoes in a well-ventilated area with good air circulation away from direct sunlight to prevent damage and fading. Stuff them with clean paper towels to help them maintain their shape while drying, and position them so air can flow around the entire shoe. Depending on the materials and moisture level after cleaning, expect them to take 24 to 48 hours to dry completely in moderate humidity conditions.

Here’s What NOT to Do When Drying New Balances

Never put shoes in a machine dryer or near direct heat sources like radiators, heating vents, or fireplaces because the heat can warp the materials and break down the adhesive that holds shoes together. Don't place them in direct sunlight either, as this causes colors to fade and can make materials crack or become brittle. Even though faster drying might be tempting, resist the urge to use a hair dryer or other rapid-drying methods that can cause permanent damage.

How to Keep Your New Balance Shoes Fresher for Longer

Keep your New Balance shoes looking excellent with simple daily habits:

• Brush off dirt and debris after each wear

• Allow shoes to air out completely between wears (minimum 24 hours)

• Rotate between multiple pairs when possible

• Keep SneakERASERS handy for immediate touch-ups (the earlier you can deal with a stain, the easier it comes off–it’s why we keep a sponge on us at all times)

This approach prevents those major cleaning sessions that eat up your weekend time. Instead, you can maintain that "new pair" feeling with quick, effortless touch-ups whenever needed.

Weekly Maintenance

A quick weekly cleaning with SneakERASERS prevents dirt buildup and keeps shoes looking fresh without needing a full deep clean every time. During weekly inspections, look for developing stains or problem areas around the toe box, heel, and sides. The key is to address these issues before they become permanent stains that are much harder to remove later.

Keep your New Balance shoes in optimal condition longer with these simple steps:

• Apply the appropriate waterproof spray for specific shoe materials

• Use shoe trees to maintain shape and prevent creasing

• Store them in a cool, dry place (ideally 60-70°F with low humidity) away from extreme temperatures

What About the Different Types of New Balance Shoes?

Performance shoes like Fresh Foam and FuelCell models have extensive breathable mesh that needs special attention during cleaning. If you're wondering how to clean running shoes without damaging delicate materials, SneakERASERS SOAK is a great option. 

It works excellently for heavily used athletic shoes because it penetrates deep into the mesh fibers where sweat and dirt accumulate. 

Make sure to spend extra time on high-wear areas like the toe boxes, which take the most beating during runs and workouts.

That’s also not to say that SneakERASERS sneaker cleaners won’t work on performance New Balance shoes. 

We recommend using a combo of our sponges for cleaning your soles, heel counter, and toe box. Then, for more sensitive uppers, our SOAK packs a great one-two punch to keep your New Balance athletic shoes cleaner for longer. 

Lifestyle and Retro Models (990 series, 574)

Lifestyle and retro shoes like the 990 series and 574 models often combine different materials like mesh, suede, and leather all on the same shoe, which means different cleaning approaches are needed for different sections. 

SneakERASERS work perfectly for these shoes because they handle material transitions smoothly without having to switch between different cleaning products. 

Just remember that leather accents need careful attention, and cleaning products don't have conditioning properties, so leather parts need separate conditioning to keep them soft and flexible.

Limited Edition and Premium Models

When dealing with limited-edition or premium New Balance shoes, always test any cleaning method on a small, hidden area first to make sure it won't cause damage or color changes. SneakERASERS’ gentle formula is much safer for special materials than traditional caustic cleaning chemicals. 

For truly rare or irreplaceable pairs, consider taking them to a professional cleaner rather than risking damage with home cleaning methods.

What Costs More? Traditional vs. SneakERASERS Cleaning

Traditional cleaning seems cheaper initially, with initial supplies costing around $15-25 for brushes, detergent, and other basic items. However, there's an ongoing need to purchase replacement detergent and new brushes over time, plus each cleaning session takes 30-45 minutes of your valuable time. (And that’s not even counting the setup)

There's also the risk of damaging expensive shoes if cleaning solutions are mixed incorrectly or the wrong technique is used.

SneakERASERS Investment

SneakERASERS cost about the same upfront (depending on what you get), but they offer superior convenience and value for money. 

The biggest advantage is time savings since shoes can be cleaned in just 5-10 minutes instead of spending nearly an hour on traditional methods. They also reduce the risk of accidentally damaging shoes during cleaning, and their portable design adds extra value for people with active lifestyles who need quick cleaning solutions on the go.

Keep Your New Balance Shoes Looking Their Best

New Balance shoes used to take forever to clean with messy soap solutions, brushes, and guesswork about what products were safe for different materials. 

With modern cleaning solutions like SneakERASERS, professional-quality results can be achieved in just minutes instead of hours, with no mixing or measuring required. 

The difference comes down to using the right tools since SneakERASERS provides superior convenience and results while being more protective of your shoes than traditional methods.

Ready to revolutionize your New Balance shoe care routine? Experience the satisfaction of watching scuffs disappear instantly and keep your favorite sneakers looking clean as new with SneakERASERS. Quick. Easy. Effective.