How To Clean Fabric Sneakers: 5 Different Methods

Fabric sneakers can be notoriously difficult to keep clean. They’re susceptible to both water and oil-based stains. Moreover, not knowing the proper way to clean them can result in ruining the fabric.

In this article, we’ll show you how to clean different stains on your fabric sneakers so they look as good as new.

Do’s And Don’ts

1. Be careful when scrubbing the fabric of your sneakers. If you exert too much force, there is a risk of damaging the fabric. Therefore, gently scrub the fabric in circular motions using a scrub brush/ a toothbrush.
2. Allow your sneakers to air dry away from direct heat/sunlight. It will help prevent damage or discoloration of the fabric. 
3. As your shoes air dry, you can stuff them with clean rags/ paper towels to help keep their shape. Paper towels also help absorb moisture.

Preparation

1. Step-1 Start by unlacing your sneakers. Wash your laces separately with liquid detergent and rinse them with clean water. This way, you can ensure that your laces are just as clean as the rest of your sneakers.
2. Step-2 Remove the insoles.
3. Step-3 Use a horsehair brush, or any soft-bristled brush to remove any excess dirt or grime from the upper part of your sneakers. The reason for doing this is to remove any loose dirt that is stuck on the uppers. Next, dampen a cloth with water, and wipe down the sneakers.

Method 1: Using Baking Soda And Hydrogen Peroxide

Materials Required:

• Baking soda – You can use the one available in your kitchen. Ex. – Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
• Hydrogen peroxide – Easily found at any drugstore.
• Water
• An old toothbrush/ scrub brush
• A clean. soft cloth

Process:

1. Step-1 Mix 1/2 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda in a small bowl. Add 1/2 tablespoon water and mix well to form a scrubbing paste. Be sure to mix the paste thoroughly.
2. Step-2 Dip the toothbrush into the paste. Now, start scrubbing the paste over the surface of the sneakers in small, circular motions. Once you’ve gone over the entire sneaker, let the paste sit for 20-30 minutes.
3. Step-3 Rinse your sneakers with clean water. Ensure all the paste has been removed from the surface of the sneakers. 
4. Step-4 Allow your sneakers to air dry.

Hydrogen peroxide has bleaching properties. When mixed with baking soda it forms a perfect cleaning and brightening formula for your sneakers. This mixture works great on fabrics like nylon mesh, canvas, and knitted fabric. It can easily remove tough stains like coffee, blood, paint, etc.

Apart from being a cleaning agent, baking soda also removes odors. However, there are also some disadvantages to using baking soda on your sneakers. Baking soda, when used on fabrics, leaves behind a residue. This residue destroys the fabric of your sneakers. To prevent this, use small amounts of baking soda. Make sure that you rinse your sneakers properly.

Method 2: Using Baking Soda And White Vinegar

Materials Required:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar – The one you use in your kitchen
• Water
• Soft-bristled toothbrush

Process:

1. Step-1 Mix a tablespoon of baking soda and two tablespoons of white vinegar in a small bowl. Add a cup of warm water to the paste. Now allow this thick paste to settle down for a while.
2. Step-2 Dip a toothbrush into the paste and gently rub away the dirt on your sneakers.
3. Step-3 Once you’re done scrubbing, wipe any remaining paste using a clean wet cloth. Make sure that no residue is left behind on the surface of your sneakers, as it can damage the fabric. 
4. Step-4 Allow your sneakers to air dry. Once they’re completely dry, you can reinsert the laces and enjoy your clean sneakers.

Baking soda, when mixed with white vinegar, creates a perfect mixture for cleaning fabric sneakers. This cleaning method helps remove stains like grass, coffee, juice, gum, vomit, etc. It works well on canvas sneakers and synthetic fabric sneakers.

Method 3: Using Toothpaste

Materials Required:

• Non-gel toothpaste (white)
• An old toothbrush
• A clean towel

Process:

1. Step-1 Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a spot on the fabric. Leave it for 20 minutes, then wipe it with a damp towel. This is a great way to test the ingredients in your toothpaste to see if they’re safe for use on fabric. If the toothpaste doesn’t leave a stain on the fabric, you can definitely go ahead with the cleaning process.
2. Step-2 Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a clean toothbrush. Then gently scrub over the surface of your sneakers in circular motions. This method is good for effective spot cleaning.
3. Step-3 Leave the toothpaste on the shoes for almost 10 to 12 minutes. During this time, the toothpaste will soak into the material of the sneakers. By doing so, you can remove dirt more efficiently with a towel.
4. Step-4 Hold the towel under the tap and run some water over it. You don’t need to use hot water. 
5. Step-5 Once the towel is wet, start wiping the shoes down. Use as much pressure as you want to remove all the toothpaste. You might need to rinse the towel a few times if it gets too gunky. When you’re done, wipe off the sneakers using a dry towel. 
6. Step-7 Allow your sneakers to air dry.

Toothpaste is a great way to remove all sorts of heavy stains, including coffee, gum, oil, grease, etc. Plus, it works well on various materials, including canvas, nylon mesh, knit fabrics, and polypropylene. 

Always use white toothpaste to clean your sneakers. Otherwise, you run the risk of leaving behind color streaks. White toothpaste is less likely to leave a residue and can be easily wiped away if there is any build-up. In addition, it is gentle on the materials of your sneakers and won’t damage the finish. 

Method 4: Using Liquid Laundry Detergent

Materials Required:

• Liquid laundry detergent
• Warm water
• Scrubber
• A soft cloth

Process:

1. Step-1 Add liquid laundry detergent to warm water in a bucket. Submerge your sneakers in the detergent solution and start washing them with your hands. If there are any stains on your sneakers, apply the solution directly to those spots and let it sit for 15 minutes.
2. Step-2 Dip a scrubber in the solution and gently rub the entire sneaker. 
3. Step-3 Use a clean damp cloth to wipe away the sneakers and remove any soapy residue. Let them air dry completely before wearing them again.

Liquid laundry detergent helps remove fresh and wet stains like coffee, mud, etc. It’s particularly effective on canvas, mesh, wool, and knit fabrics.

Method 5: Machine wash

Materials Required:

• A mesh laundry bag
• Mild laundry detergent
• Baking soda
• Rags/ paper towels

Process:

1. Step-1 Place your sneakers in the laundry bag and tie it closed. This bag will keep your sneakers safe from forcefully tumbling around in the washing machine.
2. Step-2 Place the bag in the washing machine along with a few old towels to help balance the load. The towels should be old as newer ones could leach excess dye and stain your shoes.
3. Step-3 Set your washing machine on a delicate cycle with a slow or no-spin option. Use cold water to wash your sneakers. Now pour some mild detergent into it.
4. Step-4 Once the wash cycle is complete, let your sneakers dry. 

Machine washing is good for removing fresh stains like coffee, mud, etc. Fabrics like nylon, cotton, canvas, etc., respond well to machine washing. 

However, it’s important to remember that not all fabrics can withstand the rigors of machine washing, like, rubber, wool, etc. Although machine washing can effectively remove fresh stains, it can also cause lasting damage to the fabric and stitching. 

The machine’s agitator can damage the sneaker’s structure, leading to premature wear and tear. That’s why it’s always best to use a mesh laundry bag and wash your sneakers on the delicate cycle. 

Clean the Insoles

Materials Required:

• Liquid dish detergent – OxiClean detergent
• Scrub brush
• Hot water
• A clean cloth

Method:

1. Step-1 Brush away any loose dust or debris from the insoles.
2. Step-2 Fill a bucket with hot water and add a few drops of mild liquid dish detergent. Mix it well. Dip a scrub brush into the solution.
3. Step-3 Start scrubbing the insoles, being careful not to over-wet them. Once you’re done scrubbing, use a clean wet cloth to wipe away any soapy residue. Allow the insoles to air dry completely.

Conclusion

That’s it! Now you know how to clean your fabric sneakers and keep them looking fresh.

Remember to be gentle with the fabric, and don’t use harsh chemicals or cleaners that could damage the material.

Always test a small hidden area before applying any cleaner or solution to the entire sneaker.

With a bit of care and attention, your sneakers will look great for years to come.