How to Clean Athletic Shoes

Being busy is no excuse for having dirty, smelly sneakers. These instructions work for athletic shoes of various materials.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soft Brushes
• Shoe Shining/cleaning Kits
• Shoe Inserts
• Shoelaces
• Shokeepers
• Athletic Shoe Cleaners

1. Prepare a solution of water and a neutral cleaner (such as liquid dish-washing detergent or another mild product).

2. Remove laces and inserts and rinse the shoes with water inside and out.

3. Use a soft brush and the cleaning solution to scrub every part of both shoes, including liners and insoles.

4. Remove scuff marks with a white nylon-backed scrub pad.

5. Rinse the shoes thoroughly with water.

6. Stuff the shoes with paper (not newspaper'the ink will run and make a mess) to absorb excess water and to help the shoes keep their shape. Allow them to drip-dry.

7. Wash the laces in a load of laundry. Allow the inserts to air out, and apply baking soda to them if they're smelly.

8. Replace the inserts and laces after the shoes dry completely.

9. Apply white cream shoe polish to white leather parts and black polish to black leather parts.

Tips & Warnings

• Many athletic-shoe retailers sell special shoe-cleaning kits for use with specific brands and models.
• If your athletic shoes will hold up through the cycle, run them through your washing machine to get them clean.

[jpark0421]

on 12/26/2008 when you say rinse the shoes with the solution

let's say the solution is inside a bath tub
do you dunk the shoes into the bathtub
or like. soak a towel with the solution and just rinse the shoes?

[darsco]

on 9/11/2008 all great ideas, but how can i get the mesh part of my hand-me-down Nike Shox to look white again?

[rfeather]

on 6/20/2008 I just tried the baby wipe on my k-swiss after a heavy night out drinking. I had all sorts of spirits down them and now there looking brand new. Great idea!!!

[kittyboo]

on 6/7/2008 A "baby wipe" will do nicely in a crunch (before school, etc.) and works wonders on soft fabric velour-type auto upholstery. You MAY be amazed. If you have time, take out the laces (like your mom used to)- I use the sink in the 1/2 bath, warm water and mild soap, let soak a few minutes and then work them around in your hand (washboard-style). They'll be dry in a couple of hours or hang in the sun for even BRIGHTER WHITE!!! Then take that time to call your mom.(she worries).

[zocalo]

on 4/22/2008 I represent Shine to Go, a new portable polish product that will clean, polish and protect certain styles of athletic wear (and other styles of polishable shoes).

Visit www.checktheshoes.com to sign up to receive 9 free samples (in clear--for athletic shoes, black and brown). This offer is limited, so please register today. Thank you.