Let's face it—keeping your shoes looking fresh can feel like an uphill battle. Whether you're dealing with scuffed white soles or dirt-streaked leather, we've all been there. As shoe lovers ourselves, we created this guide to help you restore that "new pair" feeling without the hassle. Ready to save your soles in seconds? Let's get started!
Before tackling those dirty kicks, gather these essential materials for a hassle-free cleaning experience that won't damage your favorite footwear.
Gentle Cleaners: A mild dish soap works wonders for breaking down dirt without harsh chemicals that can damage your shoes.
Baking Soda: A natural deodorizer that lifts stains and keeps your shoes smelling fresh.
SneakERASERS Shoe Cleaners: Perfect for on-the-go touch-ups on white soles and non-porous uppers.
SneakERASERS Dry 10packs: Ideal for tougher jobs and deep cleaning of white soles.
SneakERASERS SOAK: The solution for entire shoes and porous materials like mesh or fabric uppers.
Microfiber Cloth: A soft, lint-free option that's gentle on all shoe materials.
Soft-Bristle Brush or Old Toothbrush: For light dirt removal in hard-to-reach places.
Suede Brush (Optional): A specialized tool for reviving suede without causing damage.
SneakERASERS doubles as a brush, making it easy to wash and clean your shoes without all the extra hassle.
Clean shoes not only boost your confidence but also save you money by extending their life. Follow these simple steps for quick, visible results without complicated kits or harsh chemicals.
Start with a gentle swipe of a soft brush to lift away surface dirt before it settles deep into the material. This quick first step makes the rest of your cleaning process more effective and helps your shoes last longer. Remember: swipe, don't scrub to prevent unnecessary wear.
For traditional cleaning, mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap. This simple solution breaks down dirt without damaging delicate materials or leaving behind residue. Of course, with SneakERASERS, you can skip this step entirely—our products come ready to use with no mixing required!
Don't overlook your laces! For a fast and easy solution, place your laces in our SneakERASERS SOAK overnight. Simply add a scoop of our detergent in some lukewarm water and forget about it for 2+ hours.
Once you’re ready to take them out, rinse them off and let the sneakers air dry. They’ll be as good as brand new.
For a more conventional method, remove them and give them a quick hand wash in your gentle solution. This small step makes a surprising difference in how fresh your entire shoe looks. Let them air dry completely before re-lacing to avoid trapping moisture inside your shoes.
The soles often show the most visible dirt and scuffs—but they're also where you'll see the most dramatic transformation! For white soles, simply swipe (don't scrub!) with a SneakERASERS Pre-Moistened Sponge and watch impossible scuff marks disappear in seconds. For traditional cleaning, use a firm brush with your soap solution, then wipe clean.
Different materials need different care approaches. For non-porous materials like leather, a gentle swipe with SneakERASERS works wonders. For mesh and fabric uppers, SneakERASERS SOAK provides thorough cleaning without harsh scrubbing. Using light, circular motions helps lift dirt without damaging the surface.
Patience pays off! Let your shoes air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight. This preserves their shape and prevents material damage. Stuff them with paper towels to absorb moisture and maintain their form while drying.
Of course, cleaning shoes is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Certain types of shoes will be harder to clean than others. If you have one of the shoe types below, follow these instructions.
We have a whole guide on cleaning crocs, but if you want the TLDR, here’s how you can clean your Crocs at home using traditional methods or with the help of SneakERASERS for quick touch-ups.
Rinse with cool water to remove loose dirt and debris.
Mix a tablespoon of mild dish soap with a quart of cold water.
Use a soft cloth or brush to scrub in small circular motions.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
Air dry in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight or heat.
Brush off any loose dirt or dust.
Rub the white side of the SneakERASERS sponge over the surface.
Use the orange side for stubborn stains, applying light pressure.
Wipe with a dry cloth to remove any leftover moisture.
Air dry before wearing.
White leather shoes are stylish but quick to show dirt, scuffs, and stains. Regular maintenance is the key to keeping them looking fresh. Whether you want a fast cleanup or a deeper clean, there are simple ways to care for your white leather kicks. Here’s how to do it using traditional methods or SneakERASERS.
Tennis shoes endure a lot, and keeping them clean is a great way to extend their lifespan. Whether you prefer traditional cleaning methods or the convenience of SneakERASERS, here's how to effectively clean your tennis shoes.
Just like your wardrobe needs different care for different fabrics, your shoe collection requires material-specific approaches to stay looking fresh.
Knit shoes are comfortable favorites but can be challenging to clean due to their texture. For a quick refresh, SneakERASERS SOAK is perfect for these porous materials. For traditional cleaning, use a soft brush with minimal soap solution, being careful not to soak the fabric. Blot away excess moisture and air dry completely. The right care keeps your knit shoes looking great without losing their shape or softness.
Leather shoes are an investment worth protecting. Before cleaning, remove surface dust with a soft cloth. For scuffs and stains on non-porous leather, a gentle swipe with SneakERASERS makes them look new again without damaging the material. For traditional cleaning, use minimal water and mild soap, wiping in gentle circular motions. Once dry, applying a leather conditioner helps prevent cracking and keeps that polished look lasting longer.
Suede may seem intimidating, but with the right approach, it's surprisingly easy to maintain. A suede brush works wonders for lifting dirt and restoring texture. For deeper cleaning, a small amount of white vinegar on a cloth helps tackle tougher stains. Finish by brushing in one direction to restore that velvety texture that makes suede so special.
Keeping your shoes clean doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With quick, easy, and effective solutions like SneakERASERS, you can maintain that fresh-out-of-the-box look without the hassle of traditional cleaning methods. Not only will your shoes look better, but they'll last longer too, saving you money and extending the life of your favorite pairs.
As a small business that started from our own frustration with complicated shoe-cleaning processes, we understand the satisfaction of a simple solution that actually works. That's why our products are now trusted by parents, athletes, sneakerheads, and fashion lovers alike, and can be found everywhere from Costco and Walmart to Amazon, where we're proud to be the #1 selling shoe cleaner.
Remember: clean shoes boost confidence and let you step into unexpected adventures without worry. So swipe, don't scrub—and enjoy the small joy of footwear that feels clean as new!
