How to Clean On Cloud Shoes

cleaning on cloud shoes

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

On Cloud shoes can pick up dirt, grime, and marks during everyday wear. Start by checking the care instructions for your exact model and its materials, then choose a gentle cleaning method that fits those instructions.

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 freshen up your On Cloud shoes? Start with gentle hand-cleaning, then choose any touch-up product according to the material and care instructions.

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

  • Mild detergent or gentle soap, diluted according to its label and your shoe's care instructions

  • Soft, clean cloths

  • Lukewarm water

  • Paper towels for air-drying

SneakERASERS for Shoe Cleaning

Our SneakERASERS Shoe Cleaning Kit contains three products with different uses. Check your shoe's care instructions before choosing one.

  • SneakERASERS 10pk: Water-activated sponges for compatible soles, midsoles, and smooth, non-porous surfaces. They are not for mesh, knit, or fabric uppers.

  • Pre-Moistened Singles: Four ready-to-use sponges for touch-ups on compatible non-porous surfaces.

  • SneakERASERS SOAK: A detergent mixed with lukewarm water for suitable fabric footwear and fabric laces, only where their care instructions permit soaking.

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 

For a full hand-clean, remove the laces and any removable insoles so you can clean and dry them separately. Do not force out a fixed insole. You can leave these in place for an external sole touch-up.

Use a soft brush to remove loose dirt as your model's care instructions allow. Let wet mud dry before gently brushing it away; our guide to cleaning muddy shoes explains this preparation step.

Choose the rest of the cleaning method by material. When cleaning cleats after games, check their separate care instructions, too.

The Traditional Cleaning Process

  1. Dilute mild detergent or gentle soap in lukewarm water according to its label and your shoe's care instructions.

  2. Gently clean permitted upper materials with a soft cloth or soft brush as needed. Avoid hard pressure and abrasive sponges on mesh, knit, or fabric.

  3. Clean the outsoles with a soft brush or cloth, paying attention to dirt in the grooves.

  4. Remove all soap residue with clean water using the method permitted for your model. Air-dry the shoes completely at room temperature, away from direct heat, before wearing them.

Cleaning Laces and Insoles Separately

  1. Check the care instructions for the laces and insoles separately. Use SneakERASERS SOAK on compatible fabric laces only if their care instructions permit soaking, following the product's dilution and soaking directions.

  2. Rinse the cleaned fabric laces thoroughly with clean water to remove all detergent residue.

  3. Clean removable insoles with a damp cloth and diluted mild soap only if their care instructions allow it. Wipe away soap residue with a clean, damp cloth rather than leaving detergent behind.

  4. Let the laces and insoles air-dry completely away from direct heat before putting them back into fully dry shoes.

How to Clean On Cloud Shoes with SneakERASERS 

SneakERASERS sponges can help with everyday dirt and surface scuffs on compatible soles, midsoles, and smooth, non-porous areas. Results depend on the material and the condition of the mark.

Do not use the sponges on mesh, knit, or fabric uppers, suede, nubuck, or untreated leather. Check the care instructions for your exact On model, test a hidden area, and avoid any finish that prohibits abrasive cleaning.

The sponges are compact enough to keep on hand for suitable touch-ups between fuller hand-cleans. They are not a cleaning method for every part of every On shoe.

How to Clean Your On Cloud Shoes with SneakERASERS

For an external sole touch-up, you do not need to remove the laces or insoles.

  1. Check that the sole or midsole surface is compatible with the product and your model's care instructions. Test a hidden area before working on visible marks.

  2. Generously wet the white side of a dry SneakERASERS sponge with water before use.

  3. Use short, gentle swipes with the white side to lift everyday dirt and surface scuffs. Avoid hard pressure, and stop if the surface's color or finish changes.

  4. Use the orange shammy side to wipe away remaining residue and finish the compatible surface. Let the area dry before wearing the shoes.

  5. The white sponge gradually wears down like a pencil eraser. Results vary; do not press harder to force off a mark. For further material-specific advice, see our guide to removing shoe scuff marks.

Cleaning Fabric/Mesh On Cloud Uppers

Clean mesh, knit, and fabric uppers by the method permitted for your exact On model. SneakERASERS SOAK is an option for compatible fabric footwear only when the shoe's care instructions allow immersion; a mesh upper alone does not establish that the whole shoe can be soaked.

Do not soak shoes containing leather, suede, nubuck, or other materials or components that must not be immersed. If your model's instructions do not permit soaking, use the hand-cleaning method instead.

For footwear that can be soaked, mix SOAK with lukewarm water according to the package directions and follow the permitted soaking time. Gently agitate compatible fabric as allowed by the care instructions, for example by lightly rubbing suitable fabric sections together without hard pressure.

Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all detergent, then air-dry completely at room temperature away from direct heat and sunlight.

The same material check applies when cleaning Lejan shoes: follow that pair's care instructions and use sponges only on compatible non-porous areas.

Why Choose SneakERASERS Over Traditional Methods?

Choose the product that fits the cleaning job. Dry SneakERASERS sponges need water, Pre-Moistened Singles are ready for suitable touch-ups, and SOAK must be mixed with lukewarm water for footwear that can be immersed.

Sponges and sealed Singles are compact options for a gym bag or travel kit. Check the material and product directions before each use.

How long sponges last depends on the surface, dirt level, and pressure applied. The white side wears down during cleaning; gentle swipes help you avoid using excessive pressure.

Cleaning time and results vary. Use sponges for everyday dirt and surface scuffs on compatible non-porous areas, and allow time for any rinsed or washed footwear to air-dry completely.

Can You Machine Wash On Cloud Shoes?

On's shoe-care guide recommends hand-cleaning and advises against putting running shoes in a washing machine or tumble dryer. Follow the care instructions for your exact model, then let the shoes air-dry completely away from direct heat.

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

Check your On Cloud shoes after use and remove loose dirt with the method permitted for the material. Use SneakERASERS for touch-ups only on compatible non-porous soles, midsoles, or smooth areas, not across the entire shoe.

Use gentle hand-cleaning for mesh, knit, or fabric uppers as your model's instructions allow.

If possible, rotate between pairs so each can air out between wears. Our guide to cleaning kids' shoes covers care for family footwear. Store fully dry shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Keep the appropriate product on hand for the surfaces you clean, and follow its directions whenever you use it.

Implement a Regular Cleaning Schedule

Base cleaning frequency on how often you wear the shoes, their condition, and the model's care instructions. For advice on cleaning gym shoes, check the material before choosing a method.

Use sponge touch-ups only on compatible non-porous areas. When cleaning your running shoes more thoroughly, follow their hand-cleaning instructions and let every part dry fully.

Check for dirt after outings and address it gently as needed. Adjust the cleaning method and frequency to the material, stain, and model's care instructions.

Keep Your On Clouds Fresh

Keep your On Cloud shoes fresh with gentle hand-cleaning and products chosen for the specific material. Use SneakERASERS sponges only on compatible non-porous areas, and consider SOAK only where the model's care instructions permit immersion. Let the shoes, laces, and insoles air-dry completely away from direct heat before reassembly and wear.

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.