How to Clean Mesh Shoes

If you’re like me, you love your mesh shoes. They’re so comfortable and airy, perfect for summertime. But one thing about mesh shoes is that they can get pretty dirty pretty quickly.

Do you know why mesh shoes are dirt magnets?

Mesh (which is knitted nylon) is a very porous material. The mesh has tiny holes all over its surface. These holes allow dirt, stains, and other small particles to enter the fabric, making it difficult to keep it clean.

Here are some practical ways of cleaning mesh shoes.

How to Clean Mesh Shoes Using Baking Soda

Yes, baking soda can be used to clean mesh shoes. Baking soda can be a harsh substance and should only be used in small quantities and adequately diluted. Always test a small area first to ensure the cleaning solution is safe.

How to Hand-Wash Mesh Shoes?

To hand-wash mesh shoes, first, remove the insoles and laces.

Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the shoes in the water and gently agitate them to loosen any dirt or debris.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn stains. Move the brush in circular motions.

Rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water and allow them to air dry completely before wearing them again.

How to Wash Mesh Shoes in Washing Machine

Mesh shoes can be machine washed on a gentle cycle in cold water. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach. Allow the sneakers to air dry; do not put them in the dryer. Here is the step-by-step process.

1. Remove the shoe laces and insole from your shoes.
2. Place your shoes in the washing machine.
3. Add a small amount of laundry detergent to the machine.
4. Set the washer to the delicate cycle and run it with cold water.
5. Let your shoes air dry after the process is done. Do not tumble dry.

How to Clean White Mesh Shoes with Oxiclean

You can clean white mesh shoes with Oxiclean by following these steps.

1. Fill a bucket with lukewarm water and add one scoop of Oxiclean.
2. Stir the mixture until the powder is fully dissolved.
3. Place your shoes in the mixture and allow them to soak for 15-30 minutes.
4. Remove your shoes from the mixture. Take a soft-bristled brush and brush away any dirt or debris. Remember to move the brush in circular motions.
5. Rinse your shoes thoroughly with clean water. Let your shoe air dry completely before wearing them again.

How to Clean Colored Mesh Shoes

You can mix a small amount of mild laundry detergent with water to create a cleaning solution for colored mesh shoes. Then follow the steps below.

1. Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the soapy water and gently scrub the mesh shoes.
2. Rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
3. Pat the shoes dry with a towel and allow them to air dry completely before wearing them again.

You should use a color-safe detergent and avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent the colors from bleeding.

How to Clean Black Mesh Sneakers

You will need soapy water, a bucket, and a clean cloth to clean black mesh shoes.

Wet the cloth in the soapy water and wring out the excess. Wipe the shoe with a wet cloth or wet wipes to clean, then let it dry.

You will need a scouring pad or a brush to clean the mesh. Dip the brush in soapy water.

Brush the mesh gently in a circular motion, then rinse with water.

To clean the fabric underneath the mesh, you will need a bucket of water and a cloth. Wet the cloth and wring out the excess. Wipe the shoe with the wet cloth to clean, then let it dry.

Removing Stains from Mesh Sneakers

Stains on mesh shoes can be tricky to remove, but it’s possible with the proper method and some elbow grease.

Here are a few tips on how to get those stains out of your mesh shoes.

Coffee & Tea Stains

There are a few ways that you can remove coffee and tea stains from mesh sneakers.

You can try using a soft cloth or sponge to dab the stain with warm water and mild soap.

You can also try using a stain remover or laundry detergent designed to remove coffee and tea stains.

If the stain is particularly stubborn, you may need to soak the shoes in a mixture of warm water and laundry detergent for several hours before washing them in the washing machine.

Food Stains

Removing food stains can be tricky.

You can try using a mild soap and water, or you can try using a vinegar and water solution. If the stain is still present, you may need to use a stronger cleaner such as bleach.

Wine Stains

Wine stains can be difficult to remove, but there are a few things you can try.

First, blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove as much wine as possible. Then, soak the area in white vinegar for 30 minutes. Finally, wash the sneakers in cold water with detergent.

You can safely use white vinegar to clean colored mesh shoes. However, test it on a small area first to ensure the color won’t bleed.

Blood Stains

There are a few ways that you can remove blood stains from mesh sneakers.

You can try using a mild detergent and water to spot clean the area.

You can try using vinegar or baking soda if the stain is more stubborn.

Paint

There are several ways to remove paint from shoes, but one way that has worked for me is using acetone (nail polish remover).

Acetone will not damage most materials and can be used on leather, cloth, and vinyl. It also works on mesh shoes.

Apply the acetone to a cotton swab or soft cloth and rub it into the stain until it disappears. If you’re worried about ruining your shoes, test this method in an inconspicuous area first.

Grass Stains

There are a few ways to remove grass stains from mesh sneakers.

One way is to use a toothbrush and dish soap. Another effective way is to use vinegar and water.

To remove grass stains using a toothbrush and dish soap, first wet the stained area with warm water. Then, apply dish soap to the stain and scrub it with a toothbrush. Rinse the area with warm water and repeat as necessary.

To remove grass and foliage stains using vinegar and water, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl. Apply the mixture to the stain and scrub it with a brush or cloth. Rinse the area with warm water and repeat as necessary.

Rust Stains

There are a couple of ways to remove rust stains from mesh sneakers.

One way is to soak the shoes in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water for about 30 minutes. Then, scrub the areas with a toothbrush or other soft-bristled brush.

Another way is to make a paste from baking soda and water and apply it to the rust stains. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before scrubbing with a brush.

Mud Marks & Stains

One way is to use a toothbrush and some mild laundry detergent to scrub the stain.

Another way is to soak the sneaker in lukewarm water and then use a toothbrush to scrub the stain. Try using a laundry pre-treater on the stain before washing the sneaker.

Precautions

When cleaning mesh shoes, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid damaging the mesh material.

First, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they can break down the mesh fabric.

Second, be careful when scrubbing or rubbing the shoes, as too much force can damage the delicate material. Also, use a soft-bristled brush for cleaning.

Finally, ensure the shoes are completely dry before storing or wearing them again to prevent mold or mildew from growing.

You can stuff paper towels inside the shoes when drying. This will help the shoes maintain their shape.

FAQ

Can you put white mesh shoes in the washer?

You can put white mesh shoes in the washer, but you should use mild detergent, a gentle cycle, and cold water.

Can I use Oxiclean to wash black or colored mesh shoes?

No, it would help if you did not use Oxiclean on black or colored mesh shoes. Oxiclean is bleach and can damage or discolor black or colored mesh shoes. It would be best if you did not use bleaching agents on colored mesh shoes.

However, you may use bleach for cleaning white mesh shoes.

How to make a cleaning solution for washing white mesh shoes?

1. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to a bucket.
2. Add 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide to the vinegar.
3. Add a gallon of water to the mixture and stir well.
4. Soak the sneakers in the solution for 10 minutes, then rinse them with clean water.

What kind of brush should I use for cleaning mesh upper shoes?

Always use a soft-bristled shoe brush for cleaning the mesh material. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush instead of a shoe brush.

How to remove stubborn stains?

Use a commercial shoe cleaning product to get rid of stubborn stains. Be sure to test the product on a small area first to ensure it won’t damage the mesh.

You may also try white vinegar. To soak the shoes in white vinegar, pour about 1 cup of white vinegar into a large bowl and add about a gallon of water. Soak the shoes in the mixture for about 30 minutes, then rinse them well with water.