How to Clean and Care for Tennis and Athletic Shoes

1. Remove the Laces

   Begin your shoe cleaning project by removing the laces and putting them in a mesh laundry bag to keep them untangled. 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.

2. Clean the Insoles

   Remove the insoles from your shoes, and wipe them down with a cloth dipped in a solution of 1 cup warm water and 1 tablespoon baking soda. Set the insoles aside to air-dry while you wash the rest of the shoe.

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

3. Wash the 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. Using warm water and a heavy-duty detergent like Persil or Tide, 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.

4. Dry the 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 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.

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. Be careful, though, because the polish will stain. Then, use a leather conditioner to keep the exterior supple and prevent cracking. For canvas shoes, a fabric protective spray will help repel dirt and stains between cleanings.

Storing Tennis and Athletic 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 drawstring shoe bag. Always clean your sneakers before storing them, as residual dirt and oils can cause yellowing.

Repairs

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

Treating Stains and Scuff Marks on Tennis and Athletic Shoes

If your canvas shoes have an oil or food stain, follow guidelines for removing the specific stain. For scuff marks on leather or faux leather shoes that are too dark for shoe polish, clean with a paste of baking soda and a bit of water. Dip a cloth in the paste, and gently wipe away the scuff mark. 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.