Ever pulled out your favorite tennis shoes only to cringe at the dirt and scuffs? We get it. Between busy workdays, workouts, and errands, keeping your tennis shoes clean probably isn’t top of mind. But clean shoes aren’t just about looks. They can last longer, perform better, and give your confidence a serious boost. Whether you’re team traditional cleaning or ready for a quicker solution, this guide covers everything you need to know. And if you're looking for a no-fuss fix, SneakERASERS has your back.

Why Regular Tennis Shoe Cleaning Matters

Keeping your kicks clean goes beyond appearances. Dirt, sweat, and grime break down materials over time, weakening glue and fabrics. That can lead to worn-out soles, funky smells, and even slip risks during workouts or jogs. Consistent cleaning helps your shoes last longer and feel fresher.

Plus, there’s nothing like walking into practice or brunch with shoes that look crisp. Clean tennis shoes elevate your whole outfit and can make you feel more put-together. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Essential Cleaning Supplies for Your Tennis Shoes

Our Solution: SneakERASERS Shoe Cleaner

SneakERASERS are designed to take the hassle out of shoe care. Our pre-moistened pads work right out of the pack. Just swipe and watch dirt disappear. No mixing. No rinsing. No waiting around.

We make cleaning your shoes easy. What used to take 30 minutes only takes 5 minutes and a couple swipes with SneakERASERS. Our SneakERASERS shoe cleaning kit is the perfect choice for starters. 

Our dry versions are great for heavy-duty jobs, while the pre-moistened singles are your go-to for on-the-go touch-ups.

Traditional Cleaning Supplies

If you’re going old school, here’s what you’ll need:

• A soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush

• Mild laundry detergent or pH-neutral dish soap

• Two cups of lukewarm water

• Microfiber cloths

For tougher odors or discoloration:

• Baking soda to freshen up insoles

• White vinegar for stubborn stains on white shoes

These tools work, but they can be messy and time-consuming.

How to Clean Your Tennis Shoes in Four Easy Steps

Cleaning your shoes is easy if you know what to do. Below, we’ll show you how to clean your tennis shoes the traditional way and with SneakERASERS. 

Step 1. Preparing Your Shoes

Start by removing laces and insoles to clean every nook and cranny. Tap the shoes together outside to shake off loose debris or use a brush to do the same.

In a hurry? SneakERASERS are your shortcut. You can often skip prep entirely. Just grab a pad and swipe—the textured material lifts surface dirt while cleaning.

Step 2. Cleaning the Uppers

Traditional Method:

• Mix a teaspoon of mild detergent with warm water.

• Dip your brush, scrub gently in circles, and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

• Blot with a towel and air-dry for 4-6 hours.

SneakERASERS Method: (Non-Porous)

• Wet the eraser and squeeze out extra moisture. 
• Swipe gently across stains and scuffs with the white side.
• Handle any sensitive surfaces with the orange side.
• No need to rinse. Just let it air dry.

Porous Uppers

• Get 1 scoop of detergent with lukewarm water in a bucket

• Place your shoes in the bucket and let them soak for 4-12 hours

• Rinse generously before leaving out to air dry.

Porous Uppers with SneakERASERS

• You’ll need our SneakERASERS Soak.

• Simply pour our Soak detergent into a bucket of water.

• Place your sneakers in the bucket (or whatever is holding the detergent and water) and soak for 2 hours to overnight

• Agitate the shoes and rinse off any stains and detergent

• Let your shoes air dry

It’s that easy. Great for reviving your gym shoes and even cleaning your Crocs. But in this case, we’re talking about tennis shoes. 

Step 3. Cleaning the Outsoles and Midsoles

Traditional Method:

• Use a stiff brush and strong cleaning solution.

• Scrub with serious effort to reach deep tread patterns.

• Be prepared for splatter and set aside dedicated space.

SneakERASERS 10 Pack:

• Specially designed to target grooves and ridges and clean the outsoles/midsoles.

• Swipe gently to lift built-up grime.

• Works in minutes without the mess or elbow grease.

You’ll be amazed by how much cleaner your soles look with minimal effort.

Step 4. Cleaning Laces and Insoles

Traditional Method:

• Soak laces in soapy water for 30 minutes.

• Scrub each lace individually and let air-dry.

• Sprinkle baking soda on insoles or wipe with antimicrobial cloths.

SneakERASERS Method:

• Place the laces in a SneakERASERS SOAK solution and let it sit from two hours to overnight

• Gently swipe insoles, focusing on the heel and toe areas.

Faster, easier, and more effective, especially when you're in a rush.

Drying Your Tennis Shoes

Proper drying helps shoes keep their shape. Insert paper towels or newspaper to absorb moisture and place shoes in a well-ventilated area at room temperature. Avoid direct heat or sunlight, which can cause materials to warp or fade.

You can try the mummification method of drying your tennis shoes. This involves wrapping paper towels around the outside of the shoe to absorb moisture. 

SneakERASERS use minimal water, so your shoes dry faster than traditional methods. You can often wear them again within minutes.

Special Considerations for Different Materials

Materials matter, and each type needs a different touch:

• Leather: Some tennis shoe models use leather materials. Use minimal water and light pressure to avoid damage, especially if you're cleaning white leather shoes. 

• Suede: Use short, gentle swipes with the grain. We do not recommend using SneakERASERS on suede, because it’s sensitive to water

• Knit or Mesh: Our SneakERASERS sponges are perfect for non-porous materials. For knit and mesh, we recommend SneakERASERS SOAK. 

Our products are safe for most shoes. Just swipe gently and let the eraser do the work.

How to Maintain Clean Tennis Shoes

Want to clean less often? Start with these smart habits:

• Tackle stains quickly to prevent set-in grime.

• Stick to a regular cleaning schedule. Once every two weeks works well.

• Store shoes in cool, dry places.

• Use cedar shoe trees or acid-free tissue to maintain shape and absorb moisture.

• Add a water-repellent spray to protect new shoes.

SneakERASERS pre-moistened singles make touch-ups super easy. Keep one in your bag or car so you can deal with messes on the spot. 

Common Tennis Shoe Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Cleaning shouldn’t come with regrets. Here are a few missteps to steer clear of:

• Using harsh chemicals: Bleach may whiten, but it also weakens fabrics and glue.

• Machine washing: It might be easy, but it can ruin cushioning and structure.

• Heat drying: High temps warp rubber and fade color.

SneakERASERS solve all of these problems. We skip the harsh stuff, use minimal water, and clean gently to keep your shoes looking and feeling fresh.

Real User Success Stories

We hear it all the time: “I thought my shoes were done for.” Then SneakERASERS steps in.

Marissa from Portland brought her muddy white runners back to life. "They looked brand new again!" she told us. Carlos, a basketball player, uses them weekly to keep his shoes court-ready. Parents say they’re a lifesaver for kids’ shoes that collect grime by lunchtime.

SneakERASERS work on everything from name-brand kicks to budget-friendly pairs. They’re especially clutch on white midsoles, which show every speck of dirt. You get instant results in minutes—and that satisfaction never gets old.

The Sneaker Cleaner You Didn’t Know You Needed

Whether you’re cleaning your Stan Smiths or a pair of Wilsons, refreshing your tennis shoes can be tricky. Traditional cleaning methods can damage your shoes with excess moisture, heat, and chemicals. SneakERASERS was created to fix that.

We know what it’s like to want clean shoes but not have the time. That’s why our products are quick, easy, and effective. They keep your sneakers looking like new, without the mess or stress.

Try SneakERASERS today and see why we’re trusted by parents, athletes, and sneaker fans everywhere.