How to Clean On Cloud Shoes

cleaning on cloud shoes

How to Clean On Cloud Shoes

Your On Cloud shoes got you through another epic run, but now they're looking more "muddy trail" than "cloud nine."

Here's the thing: On Cloud shoes can be magnets for dirt, grime, and whatever else you've stepped through. And let's be honest, dirty shoes perform worse and wear out faster, which means you're not getting the most out of your investment.

Who has time to mix cleaning solutions and scrub for ages when you could be out there logging more miles? 

That's exactly why SneakERASERS exists. We faced the same frustrating problem, which led us to create the instant sneaker cleaner that's changing the shoe-cleaning game.

Ready to clean your On Cloud shoes, so they look fresh again? Let's dive into the methods that actually work, including the revolutionary SneakERASERS approach that saves your soles in seconds.

What You'll Need Before Cleaning 

Whether you’re going the traditional route or using SneakERASERS to clean your On Cloud shoes, you’ll need some cleaning supplies to get started. 

Essential Cleaning Supplies

  • Soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush

  • 2 tablespoons mild detergent or gentle soap

  • Clean cloths or sponges

  • Lukewarm water

  • Medium-sized mesh laundry bag (for machine washing)

  • Paper towels or a newspaper for drying

SneakERASERS for Shoe Cleaning

  • SneakERASERS Shoe Cleaner 20PK: Ideal for consistent cleanings. Designed to help with shoe soles and uppers. You’ll need a little water to activate cleaning properties. 

  • SneakERASERS SOAK – Our own special detergent formula. Specifically designed for mesh materials, fabric uppers, and shoelaces

Materials to Avoid

Avoid using any of the following when cleaning your On Cloud shoes:

  • Harsh chemicals and bleach

  • Hot water

  • Direct heat sources for drying

Step-by-Step Hand-Washing Method 

Before you start cleaning, take 3-5 minutes to prep your On Cloud shoes properly. Remove the laces and insoles completely. 

This lets you clean every part of the shoe and prevents the laces from getting tangled or damaged. 

Brush off any loose dirt and debris with your soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush. If your shoes have wet mud on them, let it dry first before cleaning. 

Dried mud is much easier to remove than wet, sticky mud that just smears around. A good practice whenever you need to clean muddy shoes.

The Traditional Cleaning Process

  1. Mix 1 tablespoon of mild detergent or gentle soap with lukewarm water to create your cleaning solution. 

  2. Using your soft brush, gently work on the upper materials of your shoes for 30-45 seconds per area, paying extra attention to stained areas by using small circular motions. 

  3. Clean the outsoles thoroughly next. They often have dirt embedded in the grooves that affects how your shoes grip the ground. 

  4. Once you've cleaned everything, rinse your shoes with clean water to remove all soap residue. Leftover soap can attract more dirt and make your shoes look dull.

Cleaning Laces and Insoles Separately

  1. Remember to clean your laces and insoles because they need attention too. For fabric laces, soak them in a SneakERASERS SOAK solution for deep cleaning that gets rid of built-up sweat and dirt. 

  2. Your insoles should be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild soap since they absorb the most moisture and odor from your feet. 

  3. Allow both the laces and insoles to completely air dry before putting them back in your shoes. Putting damp insoles back in can create a breeding ground for bacteria and bad smells.

How to Clean On Cloud Shoes with SneakERASERS 

Do you have one minute to get your On Cloud shoes back to how you want them to look? That’s where SneakERASERS comes in!

Our innovative dual-layered sponges handle both everyday dirt and stubborn stains without switching products or mixing complicated solutions. 

Unlike harsh chemicals that can damage On Cloud's technical materials, SneakERASERS work safely on all the different fabrics and synthetic materials these shoes use. 

Plus, they're compact and portable, making it effortless to keep your shoes looking fresh between deep cleaning sessions.

Perfect for runners and active people who wear their On Clouds frequently and need that instant satisfaction of watching scuffs disappear.

How to Clean Your On Cloud Shoes with SneakERASERS

Start by removing your laces and insoles just like with traditional cleaning. 

  1. For your white CloudTec® pods and midsole areas where dirt loves to build up, grab a SneakERASERS sponge and activate with a little water. 

  2. Remember to swipe, don't scrub. Use gentle swiping motions across the surface, and watch those impossible scuff marks disappear in seconds. 

  3. This makes SneakERASERS a perfect tool to get scuff marks off your shoes efficiently. 

  4. The sponge will gradually disintegrate like a pencil eraser as it works, which is completely normal and shows it's doing its job.

Cleaning Fabric/Mesh On Cloud Uppers

For knit and mesh uppers, you'll need SneakERASERS SOAK since these porous materials require a different approach than non-porous surfaces. 

Soak your mesh sections and laces in the solution for complete cleaning that penetrates deep into the fabric fibers. 

You’ll want to let these sit in the solution for anywhere between two hours to overnight. Then, let them air dry.

This is the only way to properly clean these materials without damaging them.

Why Choose SneakERASERS Over Traditional Methods?

The biggest advantage of SneakERASERS is pure convenience. No harsh chemicals, no complicated kits, no mixing water with soap or gathering multiple supplies. 

Everything comes ready to use, so you can start cleaning immediately. This makes them perfect for maintaining your shoes between wears instead of waiting until they're really dirty. 

They're also ideal for travel and gym bag storage since they take up minimal space and won't leak or spill like liquid cleaners can. 

SneakERASERS also last longer than your typical cleaning products. You can clean your shoes multiple times before you need to replace the sponge. 

No more hauling out four different cleaning liquids, brushes, and other supplies to get scuff marks off your shoes. Now, you can clean your shoes in seconds. 

When Should You Machine Wash Your On Cloud Shoes?

We don’t recommend you machine wash your On Cloud shoes unless you really need it (and at that point, if stains are showing, we recommend our SOAK solution instead). 

Machine washing your On Cloud shoes is only safe for fabric and mesh models that show significant staining or mud buildup that hand cleaning won't budge. 

This method works best when your shoes have been exposed to heavy dirt, mud, or other substances that traditional cleaning methods or SneakERASERS can’t fix. 

Proper Machine Washing Steps

If you decide to machine wash your fabric On Cloud shoes, always place them in mesh laundry bags or old pillowcases to protect them during the cycle. 

Use cold water and the gentle cycle setting, then add just 1 tablespoon of mild detergent. Too much soap can leave residue that attracts more dirt. 

Add 2-3 bath towels to cushion your shoes and prevent them from banging around the drum. Finally, run an extra rinse cycle to completely remove all soap from your shoes.

How to Keep Your On Cloud Shoes Cleaner for Longer

The easiest way to keep your On Cloud shoes looking fresh is to do a quick touch-up with a SneakERASERS sponge after each use, especially if you've been running or walking in dirty conditions. 

These are perfect for those spontaneous moments when you need clean shoes but don't have time for a full cleaning session. 

If possible, rotate between multiple pairs of shoes to give each pair time to air out and recover between wears. Store your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors and weaken materials over time. 

Keep SneakERASERS in your gym bag so you can handle dirt and stains immediately before they have a chance to set in.

Implement a Regular Cleaning Schedule

Create a simple cleaning routine by doing light maintenance with SneakERASERS after each use, then giving your shoes a thorough cleaning every 2-3 weeks or more often if you use them daily for running or intense activities. 

This regular schedule prevents dirt from building up and keeps your shoes performing at their best. These tips work whether you want to clean your running shoes or just keep your favorite pair looking fresh. 

Trust us. Implement a regular cleaning schedule for sneakers into your routine. With a little daily maintenance after your outdoor activities, long, tedious shoe cleans will be a thing of the past. 

Keep Your On Clouds Fresh

Now, you have three proven methods to clean your On Cloud shoes: gentle hand washing, quick and easy cleaning with SneakERASERS, and machine washing for deep cleaning (though we recommend using the former two if you can). Remember to always air dry your shoes properly, avoid harsh chemicals and heat, and stick to a regular cleaning routine.

When your shoes look good, you feel confident and ready for whatever adventure comes next. That's the power of clean shoes, and that's why we want to be here for you, whether you need to clean On Cloud shoes or another pair of sneakers sitting in your closet.