White mesh running shoes are having a moment, and for good reason. They're incredibly breathable, feather-light on your feet, and give off that crisp, athletic vibe we all love. 

But the moment you step outside, those pristine white shoes turn into dirt magnets. One puddle, one grassy shortcut, and suddenly your brand-new kicks look like they've been through a mud marathon.

Sound familiar? We get it. That frustration with dirty mesh running shoes that seemed impossible to clean is exactly what led our founders to create SneakERASERS. 

We've tested every cleaning method out there and found the approaches that actually work. Ready to transform your white mesh shoes back to their glory? Let's get started!

Understanding Mesh Material and Why It Gets Dirty

Mesh fabric is basically a net-like material made from polyester or cotton that's woven with tiny holes throughout. Running shoe companies love using mesh because it lets air flow through your shoes, keeping your feet cool and making the shoes super lightweight. 

This perforated design acts like a screen door for your feet: air gets in and out easily, which is perfect when you're sweating during a run.

But here's the downside of all those perforations. They're like miniature dirt traps. Every speck of dust, drop of sweat, and splash of mud gets caught in the mesh and sits there. 

Unlike smooth leather shoes, where dirt just sits on top, mesh actually grabs onto grime and pulls it deep into the fabric. 

That's why you need to clean mesh shoes promptly. Once dirt settles in, it becomes much harder to get out and can leave permanent stains.

Why White Mesh Shoes Require Special Care

White mesh shoes are beautiful when they're spotless, but they show every single mark, scuff, and yellow spot way more than black or gray shoes do. 

It's like wearing a white t-shirt versus a dark one: every little stain jumps out at you. The mesh fibers are also quite fragile, so if you scrub too aggressively or use harsh cleaners like bleach, you can actually damage the material and make it look fuzzy or worn out.

Taking good care of your white mesh shoes isn't just about looks. It's about making them last longer, too. 

When you clean them properly, you keep those tiny air holes clear so your feet can still breathe during workouts. 

Treat them with care, maintain them regularly, and they'll keep your feet comfortable while looking pristine for months. Think of it as recreating that "new pair" feeling every time you lace up.

Supplies and Tools You'll Need

Before you roll up your sleeves, make sure you’ve got these essentials on hand. Odds are, you already have most of them at home:

• Natural bristle brush or clean toothbrush

• Dawn dish soap or Tide Free & Gentle laundry detergent

• Baking soda

• White vinegar

• Microfiber cloths

• Small bowl for mixing cleaning solution

• Shoe trees or crumpled newspaper (to maintain shape while drying)

• Optional: Mesh shoe cleaner from a sporting goods store

• Protective spray to repel dirt and stains

• SneakERASERS (just add water for quick scuff removal) - use our SneakERASERS sneaker cleaning kit for maximum cleaning efficiency

What to Avoid When Cleaning Mesh

Mesh shoes may be stylish and breathable, but they need a gentle touch. Here’s what to avoid so you don’t accidentally ruin them while cleaning.

• Bleach or ammonia-based cleaners – These can discolor your shoes and weaken the mesh.

• Hot water (over 80°F) – High temps can cause shrinking, warping, or even turn white shoes yellow.

• Washing machines and dryers – The spinning, heat, and tumbling can distort the shape, damage the glue, and ruin the mesh.

• Wire brushes or harsh scrubbing – Mesh fibers are delicate. Scrubbing too hard can make them fray and look permanently fuzzy.

How to Clean White Mesh Running Shoes (The Old Way)

Getting your white mesh shoes spotless starts with good preparation. First, remove the laces and insoles so you can reach all the hidden dirt spots, then use a soft brush to knock off any loose dirt before you start using water. 

Always stuff your shoes with newspaper or shoe trees to help them keep their shape while you clean. 

Remember to brush in consistent strokes following the same direction as the mesh pattern. Going against it can snag and damage the fine fibers.

Begin with dry cleaning methods first, then move to wet cleaning only when needed. This prevents you from accidentally grinding dirt deeper into the mesh, which makes stains harder to remove. 

Take your time with each step rather than rushing through the process. Your shoes will look much better if you're patient and methodical.

Step 1: Removing the Laces and Insoles

Start by carefully removing the laces so you don't bend or damage the metal eyelets. This gives you access to dirt that collects around the tongue and in hidden spots. 

Wash the laces by hand with soap and water, or place them in a mesh laundry bag if you're adding them to a wash cycle. 

If your shoes have removable insoles, take them out and clean them with a mild soap solution, then let them air dry completely before putting them back. If the insoles are not removable, simply work around them and focus on the areas you can reach.

Step 2: Pre-Cleaning…Brushing Away Surface Dirt

Before using any water, use a natural bristle brush or clean toothbrush to gently sweep away loose dirt, just like you would when cleaning running shoes made with similar materials. 

Brush in the same direction as the mesh pattern and avoid scrubbing back and forth to prevent fiber damage. 

You can also lightly tap the shoes together, sole to sole, to knock dirt loose from the bottom. 

This dry brushing step is important because it helps prevent dirt from turning into mud once you start cleaning with water, especially when dealing with shoes that have been worn in muddy conditions.

Step 3: Creating the Cleaning Solution

Mix 1 tablespoon of Dawn dish soap or Tide Free & Gentle laundry detergent with 10 tablespoons of lukewarm water between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Avoid using hot water above 80 degrees, which can shrink mesh and turn white fabric yellow. 

For sensitive stains, make a paste with 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon water, or use a 1 to 2 ratio of white vinegar to water. Always aim to use a pH-neutral cleaner between 6.5 and 7.5 to keep the mesh safe from damage or discoloration.

Step 4: Cleaning the Mesh Upper

Dip your brush into the cleaning solution and scrub the mesh gently in small circular motions, following the pattern of the fabric. 

Focus on stained areas and only dampen the mesh instead of soaking it. Work in sections about 3 to 4 inches wide and avoid letting soap sit on the material for longer than 2 to 3 minutes. 

Once clean, use a damp cloth to wipe off any leftover soap so it doesn’t attract more dirt later.

Step 5: Cleaning the Soles and Midsoles

You can apply more pressure when cleaning the rubber soles since they’re much sturdier than mesh. Focus on scrubbing away scuff marks and built-up dirt from the treads. 

Take extra care with the midsoles, especially if they’re made of foam or softer materials that can be damaged easily. 

For tough stains, use a paste made from 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of water, or try proven techniques for removing scuff marks like a pro. 

Let the paste sit for 10 to 15 minutes before scrubbing. While store-bought sole cleaners are available, the baking soda method is both highly effective and budget-friendly.

How to Clean White Mesh Running Shoes with SneakERASERS

SneakERASERS are special dual-layered sponges made just for cleaning sneakers without using harsh chemicals or complicated kits. 

They have two different sides that work in different ways: the white side handles everyday dirt and scuff marks, while the orange side is gentler and works better on sensitive surfaces and stubborn stains. 

The best part? You only need to add water to make them work, so they're perfect for quick touch-ups when you're out and about.

These sponges are incredibly convenient because they're small enough to throw in your gym bag or backpack, and you don't need to carry around bottles of cleaner or worry about making a mess. 

They're especially good for white mesh shoes because they clean effectively without the risk of using too much soap or chemicals that might damage the delicate fibers. Quick. Easy. Effective.

Using SneakERASERS on Soles and Midsoles

SneakERASERS work amazingly well on white soles and midsoles. This is really where they shine the brightest. Start with the orange side for those sensitive, stubborn stains that seem stuck on forever, then switch to the white side to finish the job and get that final clean look. 

The orange side breaks down the hard-to-remove dirt and scuff marks, while the white side polishes everything up and removes any leftover residue.

The best thing about using SneakERASERS on soles is that you don't need to buy a bunch of different cleaners or work so hard that your arm gets tired. 

One little sponge does all the work, and because it's designed specifically for sneakers, you don't have to worry about using the wrong product or damaging your shoes. It's the easiest way to keep your shoes looking like new.

SneakERASERS SOAK for Mesh and Laces

SneakERASERS SOAK is a specially formulated liquid solution designed for deep cleaning mesh fabric and shoelaces, making it perfect for cleaning On Cloud shoes and other sneakers with delicate uppers. 

When regular methods aren’t enough, this soak penetrates deep into the fabric fibers to remove stubborn dirt and stains without causing damage. 

It’s like a deep conditioning treatment for your shoes, reaching grime that surface cleaning simply can’t touch.

For your shoelaces, remove them completely and let them soak in the SneakERASERS SOAK solution for the time recommended on the bottle. 

This method works much better than trying to clean laces by hand, and it gets them looking bright white again without fraying or weakening the material. 

Remember, knit and mesh uppers can only be cleaned with SneakERASERS SOAK, making this an essential product for maintaining your favorite mesh sneakers.

Special Techniques for White Mesh Shoes

Try this simple, safe method using baking soda for powerful results to brighten up your white mesh shoes without damaging them.

• Make a baking soda paste – Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water to create a thick paste.

• Apply with a soft brush – Gently scrub in the same direction as the mesh pattern to avoid damaging the fibers.

• Let it sit for 30 minutes – Set a timer! This gives the paste time to draw out deep-set dirt.

• Rinse thoroughly – After 30 minutes, rinse off the paste with cool water.

• Why it works – Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive that lifts stains and neutralizes odors without damaging the mesh.

• Safe for regular use – You can repeat this every other week to keep your white mesh shoes fresh and clean.

SneakERASERS vs. Traditional Methods for White Mesh

SneakERASERS are ideal for quick touch-ups and regular maintenance. They let you clean your shoes in just minutes, no mixing solutions or waiting for anything to dry. Traditional methods using soap, baking soda, and brushes take more time and effort, but they’re better suited for deep restoration, especially when cleaning detailed designs like those found on New Balance shoes or when dealing with heavy stains. Think of SneakERASERS as your daily face wash and traditional methods as the occasional deep facial treatment; both have their place, depending on what your shoes need.

If your shoes just need a quick refresh after a workout, grab the SneakERASERS and you'll be done in five minutes. But if your shoes haven't been cleaned in months or have serious stains, you'll probably get better results with the traditional soaking and cleaning approach, even though it takes longer. The instant sneaker cleaner saves your soles in seconds when you need that quick win.

How to Dry and Finish Your White Mesh Shoes

After cleaning your white mesh shoes, always let them air dry naturally. Avoid putting them in the dryer, setting them in direct sunlight, or using any heat source like a hair dryer or radiator. 

Heat can warp the shoe's shape, make the glue come apart, or turn your white shoes yellow, which is the opposite of what you want. 

Stuff your shoes with newspaper or clean cloth towels to help them keep their shape and soak up moisture from the inside while they dry.

Plan for 8-12 hours of drying time in normal conditions, though it might take 16-24 hours if it's humid or if your shoes got thoroughly soaked during cleaning. 

You'll know they're completely dry when the mesh feels normal to the touch and there's no dampness when you press on different areas. 

Don't rush this step by wearing them too early. Damp shoes can develop mold or bad smells, and they won't be comfortable on your feet.

Maintaining Shape During Drying

If you have shoe trees (those wooden or plastic inserts shaped like feet), use them instead of newspaper because they do a better job of keeping your shoes' original shape and absorbing moisture. 

Place your shoes in a spot with good air flow, like near a fan or in a room with open windows, but away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Good air circulation helps them dry faster and more evenly.

Avoid common mistakes like setting shoes upside down or cramming them into a small space where air can't move around them. 

These mistakes can cause permanent creases, make the shoes dry unevenly, or create weak spots in the material that will wear out faster over time.

Final Inspection and Touch-ups

Once your shoes are completely dry, examine them under bright lighting to check for any stains you might have missed or water spots that formed during drying. 

Sometimes cleaning can leave behind residue marks or the drying process can create new spots, especially if your tap water has minerals in it. 

If you notice any issues, you can do spot cleaning with a barely damp cloth or use your SneakERASERS for quick touch-ups.

Know when to call it good versus when to repeat the whole cleaning process. If your shoes look 90% better than when you started, that's usually sufficient. 

Trying to get them absolutely perfect might end up damaging the mesh. But if they still appear heavily soiled or have large stains, it's worth going through the cleaning steps one more time.

Keep Your White Mesh Shoes Looking Fresh

With the right cleaning methods and tools like SneakERASERS, you can bring your white mesh shoes back to life—and keep them looking bright and fresh much longer than you’d expect.

The secret isn’t complicated or costly. A mix of proper cleaning, air drying, and consistent maintenance goes a long way in protecting those delicate mesh fibers. 

Don’t wait until your shoes look too far gone. 

Act fast on stains, keep SneakERASERS nearby for quick cleanups, and make shoe care part of your regular routine. 

Let them dry naturally, clean them based on how often you wear them, and your white mesh sneakers will stay breathable, comfortable, and ready for anything.