Tennis shoes take a beating. Court sessions, runs, and everyday errands leave them scuffed, muddy, and often a little ripe, and a stylish pair loses its charm fast once grime sets in.
The good news is that learning how to clean tennis shoes takes almost no special gear. Most textile pairs go straight in the washing machine, while leather and suede need a gentler hand wash.
Below you will find both methods, plus how to dry your shoes without warping them, whiten yellowed soles, and clear out odor at the source.
Key Takeaways
- Check the care label first: canvas, nylon, and polyester sneakers usually handle machine washing, while real leather and suede need hand cleaning only.
- Remove the laces and insoles and wash them separately so the shoe cleans evenly inside and out.
- Air dry tennis shoes away from direct heat and sunlight, since dryer heat and UV light warp the shape and yellow white rubber.
- Deodorize with a baking soda mix to absorb moisture and starve the bacteria that cause shoe odor.
Can You Wash Tennis Shoes in the Machine?
You can clean many types of tennis shoes in the washing machine without ruining them. These materials are generally safe:
- Canvas.
- Nylon.
- Polyester.
- Cotton.
- Synthetic leather (pleather).
- Most running sneakers.
However, you should always check the care instructions on the tongue of the shoe or the manufacturer’s website before starting. Real leather and suede should never go in the washer.
How to Clean Tennis Shoes in the Washer
Since most athletic shoes are machine-washable, this is the easiest route. Follow these steps carefully to protect your machine and your shoes.
- Time: 45 minutes to one hour (plus drying).
- Difficulty: Easy.
What You Will Need
Gather these supplies before you start:
- Soft-bristled brush (or old toothbrush).
- Old towels.
- Mesh laundry bag or pillowcase.
- Mild laundry detergent.
- Basin or bowl.
1. Brush Off Loose Dirt
Take the shoes outside or over a trash can. Clap the soles together to knock off dried mud. Use a soft-bristled brush to wipe away any remaining loose surface dirt. This prevents your washing machine from getting clogged with grit.
2. Remove Laces and Insoles
Take the laces and insoles out. These parts can get trapped or warped in the machine, so hand washing them is safer.
Place them in a bowl with warm water and a teaspoon of detergent.
Let them soak for about 20 minutes. If they are stained, scrub them gently with your brush. Rinse them thoroughly and lay them flat on a towel to air dry.
3. Pre-Treat Stains
If your shoes have grass stains or scuffs, the machine might not get them all out.
Mix a little detergent with water in a bowl. Dip your brush into the mixture and scrub specific stains on the shoe fabric.
Wipe away the excess soap with a damp cloth before putting them in the washer.
Top Tip
This pre-treatment is great for brightening white rubber soles before the wash cycle.
4. Wash the Shoes
It is time to put the shoes in the washing machine. Place the shoes inside a mesh laundry bag. If you do not have one, a pillowcase tied at the top works perfectly.
Set your machine to a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. Hot water can melt the glue that holds your shoes together.
Add a small amount of mild detergent. Toss in two old towels along with the shoes. The towels act as a buffer to stop the shoes from banging loudly against the drum.
Start the cycle.
How to Clean Tennis Shoes by Hand
If you have real leather shoes, suede, or just want to be extra careful, hand washing is the way to go.
- Time: 30 to 45 minutes.
- Difficulty: Easy.
What You Will Need
- Large bowl or basin.
- Liquid laundry detergent.
- Soft-bristled brush.
- Microfiber cloths.
- Magic Eraser (optional).
Cleaning the Uppers
- Prep: Remove the laces and insoles and clean them separately (see the machine wash section above). Knock off loose dirt from the shoe exterior.
- Mix solution: Fill a basin with cool water and a tablespoon of mild detergent.
- Scrub: Dip your brush into the soapy water. Gently scrub the fabric or leather in circular motions. Be careful not to saturate the material if it is leather or suede.
- Rinse: Dampen a clean cloth with fresh water. Wipe down the entire shoe to remove all soap suds.
Scrubbing Outsoles and Midsoles
The bottom and sides of your tennis shoes take the biggest beating.
- Scrub: Use a stiffer brush for the rubber soles. Dip it in your soapy water and scrub hard to remove mud and grit from the treads.
- Magic Eraser: For the white rubber sidewalls (midsoles), a Magic Eraser is the easiest fix. Wet the sponge, squeeze it out, and wipe the rubber until the scuffs lift away.
- Wipe: Use a damp cloth to wipe away any residue.
How to Dry Tennis Shoes Properly
Drying is the most critical step to prevent damage. Never put your shoes in the dryer unless you have a specific rack, as the tumbling and heat can warp the shape and melt the glue.
Place your shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Direct sun can fade colors and turn white rubber yellow.
To speed up the process, stuff the insides with white paper towels or a small hand towel. This absorbs moisture from the inside out and helps the shoe keep its shape. Avoid newspaper, as the ink can transfer to your clean socks later.
Allow them to dry for at least 24 hours before wearing them.
How to Deodorize Smelly Shoes
If your shoes look clean but smell like a locker room, the fix starts with what causes the smell. Sweat itself is nearly odorless. The stink comes from bacteria that live in the warm, dark inside of a shoe, feed on your sweat, and release sharp acids like isovaleric acid, the same compound behind aged cheese. Your feet make this easy for them: they pack about 250,000 sweat glands, more than anywhere else on your body, and can produce up to 8 ounces of sweat a day, according to WebMD (1). So the goal is to dry the shoe out and kill off the bacteria living in it.
- Mix powder: Combine one cup of cornstarch, ½ cup of baking soda, and ½ cup of baking powder. Add a few drops of essential oil (like tea tree or lavender) for a fresh scent.
- Apply: Sprinkle the mixture generously inside your dry shoes.
- Wait: Let it sit overnight, or for at least eight hours. The powder absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors.
- Clean: Shake the powder out into the trash. You can use a vacuum hose to get the last bits out.
Cleaning Specific Materials
Different fabrics require different tactics. Here is a quick guide for specific shoe types.
Leather Tennis Shoes
Leather needs hydration to prevent cracking. Clean them with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap. Avoid soaking them in water. Once dry, apply a leather conditioner to keep the material soft and shiny.
Suede Shoes
Water is the enemy of suede. Use a dry suede brush to lift dirt. For scuffs, use a clean pencil eraser or a suede eraser. If you have a stubborn stain, dampen a cloth slightly with white vinegar and dab the spot gently. Let it air dry and brush the nap back up.
Knit and Mesh Shoes
Knit shoes (like Nike Flyknit) are delicate. Use cold water and a very mild detergent. Avoid stiff brushes that can snag the fabric. Instead, use a soft cloth to gently blot and rub stains. Always air dry these to prevent shrinking.
Yellowed White Soles
White rubber soles yellow through oxidation. Oxygen and UV light slowly break down the polymer chains in the rubber and form new compounds with a yellow tint, and heat speeds the whole thing up. That is why direct sun is so hard on white shoes.
To brighten yellowed soles, mix a paste of baking soda and a little hydrogen peroxide. Spread it over the yellowed rubber with an old toothbrush, then let it dry for about 30 minutes, according to Arm & Hammer’s baking soda guide (2). Rinse it off with clean water and repeat if the stain is stubborn. Skip chlorine bleach, since it can worsen yellowing on rubber.
Tips for Shoe Maintenance
You can extend the life of your tennis shoes with a few simple habits:
- Wear socks: Going sockless causes sweat buildup, leading to bacteria and bad odors.
- Rotate pairs: Try not to wear the same pair two days in a row. Giving them 24 hours to air out allows the moisture to evaporate.
- Waterproof them: Apply a spray protectant like KIWI Shoe Protector to repel rain and stains.
- Spot clean often: Don’t wait until the shoes are filthy. Wipe off mud or spills as soon as they happen to prevent permanent staining.
FAQs
Hello Shiny Shoes
Clean tennis shoes come down to one early call: read the care label, then let the washing machine handle canvas, mesh, and other synthetics, or take a leather or suede pair through a careful hand wash. Cold water and mild detergent do the real work in both lanes, and skipping high heat is what keeps the glue and the shape intact.
The finish is where tired shoes actually turn fresh again. A baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste pulls the yellow out of white soles, and an overnight baking soda mix starves the bacteria behind that locker-room smell instead of just masking it. Run those two steps after every deep clean and your favorite kicks stay in rotation far longer.
