Sneaker Care Guide —
Clean, Protect & Store
Proper care keeps your sneakers looking fresh longer and preserves their resale value. Here's everything you need to know about cleaning every material, protecting against damage, and storing shoes correctly.
🤍 Leather (Air Force 1, Jordan 1)
Wipe with a damp cloth after each wear. Deep clean with a soft brush and mild soap solution. Condition with leather conditioner monthly to prevent cracking. Avoid soaking — water can warp the shape. Use a magic eraser on midsoles.
🟤 Suede (Adidas Samba, NB 550)
Use a suede brush to restore nap after wearing. For stains, use a suede eraser when dry — never water. Apply suede protector spray before first wear and re-apply monthly. Store with cedar shoe trees to hold shape.
⚫ Mesh & Knit (Ultraboost, Pegasus)
Hand wash with mild detergent and soft brush. Remove insoles and laces first. Air dry naturally — never in a dryer or direct sunlight. Stuff with paper towels while drying to hold shape.
✨ Patent Leather (Jordan 11)
Wipe with a slightly damp cloth. Use patent leather conditioner to maintain shine. Avoid contact with other surfaces while storing — patent leather can transfer color. Store in dust bag or box.
Remove laces and insoles
Soak laces separately in warm soapy water. Clean insoles with a damp cloth and baking soda to remove odor.
Dry brush the upper
Use a soft shoe brush to remove loose dirt before applying any liquid — wet dirt spreads and stains.
Clean the upper
Mix mild dish soap with warm water. Apply with a soft brush using circular motions. Don't saturate the material.
Clean the midsole
Use a magic eraser or firm brush with the same soapy solution on the midsole. Yellow midsoles can be whitened with hydrogen peroxide and UV light.
Wipe clean and air dry
Remove all soap residue with a clean damp cloth. Stuff with paper and air dry at room temperature. Never use heat.
Protect and condition
Once dry, apply material-appropriate protector (sneaker spray for most, leather conditioner for leather, suede spray for suede).
If you're holding shoes for resale, storage matters enormously:
Keep the box — resale value drops significantly without the original box and tissue paper.
Avoid humidity — store in a cool, dry place. Humidity causes midsoles to crumble (called "sole rot") and adhesives to fail.
Use silica gel packets — place one or two inside each shoe and box to absorb moisture.
Don't stack heavy boxes on top — crushes the box and can deform the shoe.
Clear shoe boxes — stackable clear boxes let you see shoes without opening, reducing handling damage.
⚠️ Never put sneakers in the washing machine — the agitation breaks down glues and foam. Never put them in the dryer — heat causes sole separation and midsole compression. Never use bleach on colored uppers — it causes permanent yellowing and material breakdown.
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