How to Clean Sneakers and Tennis Shoes After Significant Wear (2020)

It's always a shame when too much dirt or grass stains get caked onto your good sneakers, right? Even if they're still usable, it feels like they're not. But dirty, worn shoes don't necessarily need replacing - did you know there's a way to clean sneakers and tennis shoes after significant wear? It'll save you money and save your favorite pair of sneakers.

So we've put together a step-by-step guide to cleaning sneakers and tennis shoes. With just a couple of choice products and a few cleaning techniques, you'll be well on your way. Keep scrolling and peruse our guide, where you'll find everything you need to get cleaning. Say hello to that old pair of sneakers, because they'll be just like new!

We hope you find these products as awesome as we do. Just an FYI: We are a participant in the Amazon affiliate program, and may receive a share of sales from links on this page. Prices on Amazon fluctuate so anything mentioned below might change as soon we publish it!
We hope you find these handy products as awesome as we do. Just an FYI: we participate in affiliate programs, and may receive a share of sales from links on this page.

You can wash canvas in the washing machine.

via: Getty

If you’ve got canvas sneakers that need cleaning, you can easily wash them in the washing machine! Remove the laces and use a brush to get rid of any loose dirt before you put them in the machine.

They need a little prep before you can start.

via: Getty

You should also put your shoes inside a pillow case to protect the washing machine! Run it with cold water for colored shoes, or warm water for white shoes.

And get some good detergent.

via: Amazon

Like these simple-to-use Tide 3-in-1 laundry pods; they’re convenient and they’ll clean your canvas shoes until they look new again!

You can also hand-wash.

via: Amazon

Add some laundry detergent to a bowl of water and use a small brush (like the one here) to scrub the solution into your shoes—but don’t do this with suede!

Once again, remove the laces.

via: Getty

If the laces are dirty too, you can clean them with a cotton swab. You should also use a dry brush to get excess dirt out of the shoes before you clean them.

You can also use these quick wipes.

via: Amazon

Don’t want to mix a solution of water and detergent? No problem. Just wipe down your shoes with these quick wipes and you’ll get rid of dirt buildup and more!

Got oil on your shoes?

via: Amazon

Also, an easy fix; these MagicFiber Microfiber cleaning cloths are perfect for getting oil, smudges, dirt, and more off of your shoes without leaving any marks or streaks.

Here’s how to clean soles.

via: Getty

You can get rid of scuffs with a regular old white eraser, or use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser too—they’re great for cleaning rubber surfaces. 

You can brighten your soles, too.

via: Getty

Just dip a toothbrush in a mixture of rubbing alcohol and baking soda, and start scrubbing! Your soles will be back to a bright white in no time at all.

Let the sneakers dry properly.

via: Amazon

Don’t dry them in the dryer or on the radiator; it’ll warp the rubber soles! Use a drying mat like the one seen here.