How to Get Stains Off of Basketball Shoes

Keep your shoes in top shape by removing stains whenever necessary.

No matter how careful you are with them, stains will inevitably mar your shiny new basketball shoes. Whether you get a bad case of sweaty feet during a game, or you accidentally step in a patch of mud, you’ll need a way to get rid of those stains and restore your shoes to like-new condition. Practice this stain-removing technique to get your shoes back to top condition before your next big game.

Things You'll Need

• Stiff brush
• Cloth
• Mild detergent
• Baking soda

Instructions

1. Use a stiff brush to get rid of excess dirt on your shoes. Try to get off as much as you can. Rub a damp cloth over the stains on the shoes to further remove excess material.

2. Hand-wash your shoes to get rid of persistent stains. Use cold or warm water and a mild detergent, but do not submerge your shoes completely in the water unless they are made of synthetic material. Instead, use a soapy sponge or washcloth to scrub the stains.

3. Allow your shoes to air dry. If possible, place wet shoes in the sun to speed up the drying process. Sprinkle some baking soda inside to prevent and mask odor.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice prevention methods to keep your basketball shoes cleaner for longer periods of time. You can prevent most stains from forming if you only wear your shoes on the court. Prevention works better for indoor players than for outdoor players, but switching to a regular pair of tennis shoes after your game is over can help safeguard against mud and water stains that would otherwise be acquired.

• Never run basketball shoes through the washer or dryer. Doing so can cause the shoes to lose their shape, which would warrant quick replacement. Instead, get rid of stains by washing your shoes by hand.

References

• SneakerHead: The Care and Maintenance of Sneakers