How to wash tennis shoes for a longer life

Tennis shoes endure a lot, especially when you’re playing on challenging surfaces like clay, grass, or hard court. The accumulation of dirt and sweat not only affects their appearance and odor but also breaks down the materials that provide support and durability over time.

Keep your tennis shoes in peak form with a regular clean every few months. Your feet work hard on the court so treat your shoes with the same care. Here’s how to keep them fresh, clean, and game-ready.

Before getting started, gather cleaning supplies so you’re not scrambling for anything with soapy hands. Here’s what you’ll need:  

-Vacuum: A hose attachment or handheld unit will help clear out loose dirt and dust inside your shoes. A brush nozzle is a bonus. (remove you after help).

- Soft brush: A shoe brush or toothbrush will help you scrub the dirt out of the fabric. 

- Bucket/sink: You’ll need a large enough container to hold water and fit a shoe.

- Rag: A hand towel or old shirt to wipe off dirt and dry your shoes. 

- Detergent/soap: While specialty shoe cleaners exist, laundry detergent or dish soap does the trick for most tennis shoes. - Baking soda: The ultimate multitasker – it helps absorb odor and moisture.

With simple tools, you’ll have everything you need to keep your shoes fresh and clean.  

A great shoe wash starts with some prep work to make sure you can reach every corner. Here’s how to get them ready:

1. Remove the laces: Just like with washing your running shoes, take out the laces to avoid tangling and give you better access to the tongues or inside of the shoes. 2. Remove the insoles: If your shoes have removable insoles, remove them. They tend to absorb a lot of sweat and odor, so it’s best to clean them separately. 3. Remove loose dirt with vacuum or dry brush: Excess dirt will muddy your cleaning water and spread to other parts of the shoe. Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to scrub off dry dirt. A vacuum will help get rid of debris stuck inside.

Once your shoes are prepped, you’re all set to start washing.

We recommend hand-washing your shoes to extend their life. It's also the quickest way to focus on areas that need extra attention so they stay looking box-fresh.

Hand washing

Washing your tennis shoes by hand is the safest way to keep them looking fresh without risking scuffs, tears or other damage from the washer. Here’s how to give them a good scrub with a little elbow grease:

1. Mix up a soapy solution: Fill a bucket or sink with warm water and add a small amount of your cleaner. Stir it to combine.  

2. Clean the laces: Dip your shoelaces in the soapy water and use your fingers to work out any dirt. For the stubborn debris, let them soak before rinsing and setting them out to dry.

3. Scrub the soles: Use your brush to clean the outsoles, as they tend to collect the most dirt. Scrub them well with the soapy solution to restore their clean look. 

4. Wash the uppers: Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water and gently clean the fabric or leather areas of your shoes. Avoid soaking them too much – just enough to lift the dirt without making them soggy.

5. Freshen up the insoles: If your insoles are removable, scrub them separately with the soapy solution. Once clean, rinse them thoroughly and sprinkle with baking soda to eliminate lingering odors.

If your tennis shoes are especially dirty, you might need to refresh your cleaning solution and repeat the steps for a deeper clean. 

Avoid using a dryer for your shoes, as high heat can weaken the glue, shrink the fabric and distort their shape. Instead, speed up the air-drying process by stuffing your shoes with crumpled paper towels or dry washcloths to absorb moisture and help them retain their shape. 

Placing them near (but not directly on) a fan or in a well-ventilated area will also help them dry faster. If you're drying them outside, make sure to keep them in the shade to prevent sun damage.

Not every scuff or stain means your shoes need a full wash. Often, a quick spot clean does the trick. Here’s how to treat common stains you might encounter: 

- Coffee: Blot the area with a damp cloth and mild soap. For best results, treat it before the coffee dries.

- Mud: Let it dry, then brush it off before wiping it with soapy water.

- Grass: Scrub with white vinegar or a baking soda paste. 

- Road salt: Mix equal parts water and vinegar, dab it on with a cloth, and wipe clean.

Targeted cleaning helps keep your shoes looking fresh longer, without all the extra effort.

Now you’re equipped to give your tennis shoes the royal treatment. But proper care is just one piece of the puzzle. By investing in quality footwear, you’ll not only reduce waste but also save money over time by avoiding frequent replacements.