How Do You Clean New Balance Sneakers? A Step-by-Step Guide

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

New Balance sneakers are a staple in many wardrobes, celebrated for their comfort, style, and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned sneakerhead or just appreciate a good pair of shoes, keeping your New Balance kicks clean is essential for maintaining their appearance and extending their lifespan. But with so many different materials and designs, figuring out the best way to clean them can feel daunting.

Don’t worry! This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to cleaning your New Balance sneakers. We’ll cover everything from basic cleaning techniques to more specialized methods for tackling tough stains and dirt. We’ll also delve into the best products to use and the ones to avoid, ensuring you have all the knowledge to keep your favorite sneakers looking their best. Get ready to revive your New Balance sneakers and keep them fresh for years to come!

Table of Contents show

Understanding New Balance Sneaker Materials

Before diving into cleaning, it’s crucial to understand the materials your New Balance sneakers are made of. This knowledge will guide your cleaning approach, ensuring you use the right products and techniques to avoid damaging your shoes. New Balance uses a variety of materials, each with unique properties and cleaning requirements.

Common Materials

Suede: Suede is a soft, napped leather. It’s delicate and prone to water stains, so special care is needed.
Nubuck: Similar to suede, nubuck is also a napped leather, but it’s typically made from the outer side of the hide, making it more durable.
Leather: Leather is a durable and versatile material. It can be cleaned with gentle cleaners and conditioners.
Mesh: Mesh is a breathable fabric often used on the uppers of sneakers. It’s generally easy to clean but can trap dirt.
Synthetic Materials: This category includes various man-made materials, such as nylon, polyester, and polyurethane. These materials are often used for overlays and accents.
Rubber: Rubber is used for the soles and sometimes for accents. It’s durable and can handle more aggressive cleaning.

Identifying Materials on Your Sneakers

Check the product details or the tag inside your sneakers to identify the materials used. If the tag is missing or unclear, examine the different parts of the shoe to determine the materials. For example, the toe box might be mesh, while the overlays are leather or synthetic. Knowing the materials will help you choose the right cleaning products and methods.

Essential Cleaning Supplies

Gathering the right supplies is the first step in cleaning your New Balance sneakers. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more efficient. Here’s a list of essential items:

Soft-bristled brush: A toothbrush or a specialized sneaker brush is ideal for scrubbing.
Microfiber cloths: These are great for wiping and drying surfaces without scratching them.
Mild soap or sneaker cleaner: Avoid harsh chemicals. Dish soap or a dedicated sneaker cleaner works best.
Warm water: For mixing with the soap and rinsing.
Shoe trees or paper towels: To help the shoes retain their shape while drying.
Optional:

Suede brush and eraser: For cleaning suede and nubuck.
Stain remover: For tackling stubborn stains.
Protective spray: To help repel dirt and water.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Now, let’s get into the cleaning process. This guide provides a detailed approach to cleaning your New Balance sneakers. Follow these steps to achieve the best results.

Step 1: Prep Your Sneakers

Remove the Laces: Untie and remove the laces from your sneakers. Wash them separately in a bowl of soapy water or in a washing machine if they’re heavily soiled.
Remove Loose Dirt: Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any loose dirt, dust, and debris from the surface of your shoes. Pay attention to the soles and the areas where the upper meets the sole.

Step 2: Clean the Uppers

Mix Cleaning Solution: In a bowl, mix a small amount of mild soap or sneaker cleaner with warm water. Avoid using too much soap, as it can be difficult to rinse out.
Clean the Uppers: Dip your soft-bristled brush into the cleaning solution. Gently scrub the uppers of your sneakers, working in small sections. For leather and synthetic materials, use a gentle circular motion. For mesh, scrub with a light touch to avoid damaging the fabric.
Rinse the Brush: Rinse the brush frequently in clean water to remove dirt and soap.
Wipe with a Cloth: Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away the soapy residue. Rinse the cloth as needed.

Step 3: Clean the Soles

Prepare the Soles: Use the soft-bristled brush to remove any large pieces of dirt or debris from the soles.
Clean the Soles: Dip the brush into the cleaning solution and scrub the soles. Pay special attention to the areas with the most dirt. For stubborn stains, you might need to use a slightly more concentrated cleaning solution.
Rinse and Wipe: Rinse the soles with clean water and wipe them with a clean microfiber cloth.

Step 4: Clean Suede and Nubuck (if Applicable)

Suede Brush: Use a suede brush to gently brush the suede or nubuck in one direction to remove dirt and restore the nap.
Suede Eraser: For tougher stains, use a suede eraser to gently rub away the marks.
Suede Cleaner: If necessary, use a specialized suede cleaner, following the product instructions carefully.

Step 5: Drying Your Sneakers

Stuff with Paper Towels or Use Shoe Trees: Stuff the inside of your sneakers with paper towels or use shoe trees to help them retain their shape while drying.
Air Dry: Allow your sneakers to air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat. Direct sunlight can cause the colors to fade, and heat can damage the materials.
Avoid the Dryer: Never put your sneakers in a dryer. The heat can warp the shoes and damage the materials.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Replace the Laces: Once your sneakers are completely dry, replace the clean laces.
Apply Protective Spray (Optional): Consider applying a protective spray to help repel dirt and water. This is especially useful for suede and nubuck.

Cleaning Specific Materials

Different materials require slightly different cleaning approaches. Here’s a breakdown of how to clean various materials commonly found in New Balance sneakers.

Cleaning Suede and Nubuck

Suede and nubuck are delicate materials that require special care. Here’s how to clean them: (See Also: Are Converse Sneakers In Style )

Brushing: Use a suede brush to remove dirt and restore the nap. Brush in one direction.
Eraser: Use a suede eraser for light stains.
Suede Cleaner: For tougher stains, use a specialized suede cleaner. Follow the product instructions.
Water Avoidance: Avoid getting suede and nubuck excessively wet. If they get wet, stuff them with paper towels and let them air dry.

Cleaning Leather

Leather is a durable material, but it still needs gentle care.

Wipe with a Damp Cloth: Wipe down the leather with a damp microfiber cloth to remove dirt.
Leather Cleaner: Use a leather cleaner if needed. Apply it to a cloth and gently wipe the leather.
Conditioning: After cleaning, consider applying a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple.

Cleaning Mesh

Mesh is generally easy to clean.

Gentle Scrubbing: Use a soft-bristled brush and a mild cleaning solution to gently scrub the mesh. Avoid harsh scrubbing that can damage the fabric.
Rinsing: Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove soap residue.

Cleaning Synthetic Materials

Synthetic materials are often used for overlays and accents.

Mild Soap and Water: Use mild soap and water to clean the synthetic materials.
Gentle Scrubbing: Gently scrub the surface with a soft-bristled brush.

Cleaning Rubber Soles

Rubber soles are durable and can handle more aggressive cleaning.

Scrubbing: Use a soft-bristled brush and a cleaning solution to scrub the soles.
Stain Removal: For stubborn stains, you can use a stain remover or a paste of baking soda and water.

Dealing with Tough Stains

Sometimes, your sneakers might encounter stubborn stains. Here’s how to tackle some common stain types.

Oil and Grease Stains

Oil and grease stains can be tricky, but here’s how to remove them:

Blot: Immediately blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much oil as possible.
Cornstarch or Baking Soda: Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the stain. Let it sit for several hours or overnight to absorb the oil.
Brush and Clean: Brush away the powder and clean the area with a mild cleaning solution.

Mud and Dirt Stains

Mud and dirt stains are common, especially on sneakers. (See Also: Are On Cloud Sneakers Machine Washable )

Let it Dry: Let the mud dry completely.
Brush: Use a brush to remove as much dry mud as possible.
Clean: Clean the area with a mild cleaning solution and a soft-bristled brush.

Ink Stains

Ink stains can be difficult, but here’s how to try and remove them:

Rubbing Alcohol: Dab a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab and gently blot the stain. Test in an inconspicuous area first.
Clean: Clean the area with a mild cleaning solution.

Other Stain Removal Tips

Act Quickly: The sooner you address a stain, the easier it will be to remove.
Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Before applying any cleaning product, test it in a hidden area of the shoe to ensure it doesn’t damage the material or discolor it.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as bleach, which can damage the materials.

Best Practices for Sneaker Care

Maintaining your New Balance sneakers involves more than just cleaning. Here are some best practices to keep your sneakers in top condition.

Regular Cleaning

Clean your sneakers regularly to prevent dirt and stains from setting in. A quick clean after each wear can make a big difference.

Storage

Store your sneakers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Consider using shoe trees to help them retain their shape.

Protection

Use protective sprays to help repel dirt and water, especially on suede and nubuck. This will make cleaning easier and help extend the life of your sneakers.

Rotation

Rotate your sneakers to avoid wearing the same pair every day. This gives each pair a chance to dry out and helps prevent excessive wear and tear.

Avoid Extreme Conditions

Avoid wearing your sneakers in extreme conditions, such as heavy rain or mud, whenever possible. These conditions can damage the materials and make cleaning more difficult. (See Also: How To Dry My Sneakers )

Products to Use and Avoid

Choosing the right cleaning products is crucial for keeping your sneakers in good condition. Here’s a guide to the best and worst products to use.

Products to Avoid

Harsh Chemicals: Avoid bleach, harsh detergents, and solvents.
Dishwashers and Washing Machines (Unless Specified): Unless your shoes are specifically designed to be machine-washed, avoid putting them in the dishwasher or washing machine. This can damage the shoes.
High Heat: Avoid using a dryer or placing your sneakers in direct sunlight.

Troubleshooting Common Cleaning Issues

Even with careful cleaning, you might encounter some issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems.

Stubborn Stains

If you’re dealing with stubborn stains, try these tips:

Soaking: For tough stains, soak the affected area with warm water and a small amount of cleaning solution before scrubbing.
Multiple Attempts: You might need to repeat the cleaning process multiple times to remove a stubborn stain.
Specialized Cleaners: Consider using specialized stain removers designed for sneakers.

Discoloration

If your sneakers become discolored, here’s what to do:

Avoid Sunlight: Prevent direct sunlight exposure.
Gentle Cleaning: Use gentle cleaning methods and avoid harsh chemicals.
Professional Cleaning: If the discoloration is severe, consider taking your sneakers to a professional cleaner.

Material Damage

If you accidentally damage the material, here’s what to do:

Assess the Damage: Determine the extent of the damage.
Repair or Replace: For minor damage, you might be able to repair it yourself. For more significant damage, consider taking your sneakers to a professional or replacing them.

Professional Cleaning Services

If you’re not comfortable cleaning your sneakers yourself, or if you have a pair that requires specialized care, consider using a professional sneaker cleaning service. These services have the expertise and equipment to clean and restore your sneakers effectively.

Benefits of Professional Cleaning

Expertise: Professionals have experience with various materials and cleaning techniques.
Specialized Equipment: They have access to specialized cleaning products and equipment.
Convenience: It saves you time and effort.

Finding a Reputable Service

Research and choose a reputable sneaker cleaning service. Look for reviews and testimonials to ensure they have a good reputation. Check their experience with the materials of your sneakers.

Final Verdict

Cleaning your New Balance sneakers doesn’t have to be a chore. By following these steps and using the right products, you can keep your sneakers looking their best for years to come. Remember to identify the materials, gather your supplies, and take your time. With proper care, your New Balance sneakers will continue to provide comfort and style for all your adventures.

🔥 Read More:

Regular cleaning, proper storage, and using protective sprays will help extend the lifespan of your sneakers. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you encounter stubborn stains or need specialized care. By investing a little time and effort, you can enjoy your New Balance sneakers in their best possible condition.

SaleBestseller No. 1

New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross...

Bestseller No. 2

New Balance Women's 574 Core Sneaker, Nimbus...

SaleBestseller No. 3

NORTIV 8 Women's Walking Shoes Cushion Comfortable...