How to Clean and Care for Tennis and Athletic Shoes

Written by
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary has been writing professionally for more than 20 years and is a leading expert on fabric care and housekeeping.
Learn about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Updated 06/05/20
dirty athletic shoes

The Spruce / Fiona Campbell

Tennis shoes are not just for tennis players and athletes—they're for everyone. Whether you need specialty shoes for specific sports or you just like the look and feel of basic canvas sneakers, they all require cleaning every few months. Fortunately, washing most athletic shoes is easy and takes only a few simple steps.

Both leather and fabric tennis shoes can be washed in a washer. If you're not sure, check the manufacturer's website—almost all of them offer cleaning instructions. If you have a standard top loader, always clean the shoes with a load of towels to help balance the bulk of the shoes. In a high-efficiency top loader or front loader with no center agitator, there is less need to balance the load.

How to Wash Tennis Shoes
Detergent Heavy-duty
Water Temperature Warm
Cycle Type Regular
Dryer Cycle Type Air-dry 
Special Treatments Wash with towels

Project Metrics

Before you wash your shoes, vacuum them (inside and out) with a brush attachment to remove any loose dirt or stones from hard-to-reach crevices.

Working Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 24 hours

Skill Level: Beginner

What You'll Need

Supplies

  • Heavy-duty detergent
  • Baking soda
  • Mesh laundry bag
  • White tissue paper
  • Towels

Tools

  • Washing machine
  • Drying rack (optional)
materials for cleaning athletic shoes
The Spruce / Fiona Campbell

Instructions

  1. Remove Laces

    Begin your tennis shoe cleaning project by removing the laces and putting them in a mesh laundry bag. Toss them in with a load of laundry or set them aside to wash with your shoes. If your laces are fraying and weak, replace them.

    removing laces from sneakers
    The Spruce / Fiona Campbell 

  2. Clean Insoles

    Remove insoles from your shoes and wipe them down with a cloth dipped in a solution of one cup of warm water and one tablespoon of baking soda. Set the insoles aside to air-dry while you wash the rest of the shoe.

    If the insoles are particularly smelly, sprinkle them directly with baking soda to absorb odor and moisture or replace them. This can be done frequently, even if you are not cleaning the rest of the shoe.

    cleaning sneaker insoles
    The Spruce / Fiona Campbell

  3. Wash Your Shoes

    Begin by rinsing the outside of the shoes with cool water to remove any loose dirt or soil. Next, place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag and use warm water and a heavy-duty detergent (Persil and Tide are top performers) and wash them with a load of similarly colored towels. If you have a washer with adjustable final spin speeds, select a lower speed to prevent the washer from becoming unbalanced.

    rinsing the bottom of the shoes
    The Spruce / Fiona Campbell

    Tip

    If the shoes are expensive and new, hand washing is a bit more gentle. Use a soft-bristled brush and a solution of mild liquid detergent in warm water. Scrub the inside and outside of each shoe and then rinse with plain water.

  4. Dry Your Shoes

    Remove the shoes from the washer and let any residual water drip away. Next, place them on a drying rack in a well-ventilated space to air dry. Stuff your shoes loosely with white cotton towels or white tissue paper to prevent color transfer and to help them retain their shape. Don't use newspaper because the ink may transfer and rub off on your socks.

    If you must use a dryer, select the air-only cycle. Never use a hot setting—high heat can warp the shoes, melt glue, and cause them to fall apart.

    letting shoes dry
    The Spruce / Fiona Campbell

    Tip

    Avoid direct sunlight when drying leather tennis shoes because the heat can cause the leather to dry too quickly and crack. You can, however, use a circulating fan to help speed the drying process.

  5. Polish and Protect

    When your shoes are completely dry, you can use white, black, or an appropriately colored shoe polish to touch up any scuffs on leather shoes. Then use a leather conditioner to help keep your shoe leather supple and prevent cracking. For canvas shoes, a fabric protective spray will help repel dirt and stains between cleanings.

    polishing sneakers
    The Spruce / Fiona Campbell
How to wash sneakers
Lara Antal / The Spruce

Treating Stains and Scuff Marks on Tennis Shoes

For scuff marks on leather or faux leather shoes, mix a paste of baking soda and bit of water. Dip a cloth in the paste and use a gentle touch and then wipe away any residue with a damp cloth. For dark shoes, a permanent marker in a matching color can work wonders to hide scuffs and other blemishes.

If your canvas shoes come in contact with an oil or food stain, follow the guidelines for removing the specific stain. For dark shoes, a permanent marker in a matching color can work wonders to hide scuffs and other blemishes.

Repairs

If the soles become detached, you can repair your tennis shoes with shoe glue and let them dry for at least 24 hours. Unfortunately, most rips or tears in shoes are difficult to fix, and usually, you'll need to replace them with a new pair.

Can You Wash Sneakers in the Dishwasher?

Using your dishwasher to wash tennis shoes can be done, but it's not recommended. While the machine will remove soil, dishwasher detergents are incredibly harsh and can ruin leather and cause fading. Plus, the high heat of the drying cycle can create shrinkage and even melt parts of the shoe.

Disinfecting Tennis Shoes

If you're concerned about bacteria and athlete's foot fungus, you can disinfect your shoes while washing them. Pine oil disinfectants, which work in hot and warm water, are safe to use with athletic shoes and they won't damage the fabric or leather. Brands like Pine-Sol, Spic-n-Span Pine, and Lysol Pine Action can be added at the beginning of the wash cycle.

Phenolic disinfectants, like Lysol, are also effective when used in warm or hot water and may be added to the wash or rinse cycle. If you add it to the rinse, be sure to set the water temperature to warm as many machines automatically use cold water for rinsing.

Storing Tennis Shoes

If you don't think you'll be wearing your sneakers for a while, they can be packed away in a shoebox, plastic tub, or a drawstring shoe bag. Always clean your sneakers before storing as residual dirt and oils can cause yellowing.