DIY Sneaker Cleaning Kits. What You Need (and What You Don’t Need).
Shoecology 101 Newsletter and Updates!
Get ready for more science-based content! We'll be launching new YouTube and TikTok content later this month. We're excited to engage with you all through these new platforms, so please keep an eye out for updates.
Want a headstart on the YouTube content? Subscribe to our channel at Shoecology 101, LLC.
Add our socials and stay connected with us
Graduation Promotion Ends Next Sunday, July 13th, 2025
Shoecologists, our graduation promotion is ending soon! This offer provides a 50% discount on our basic, deep, and luxury clean services for all graduates, educators, alumni, and their supporters.
If you'd like to take advantage of this promotion, please email us at info@shoecology101.com. We're excited to feature graduates, current students of any grade, educators, and their freshly cleaned footwear. Below is an example of one of our participants, and we can't wait to share more with you!
Unfortunately as this promotion comes to an end, we would like to provide you with what is there on the horizon for deals moving forward.
50% All New Customers
New customers receive 50% off their first cleaning service! To redeem this offer, subscribe to our newsletter on our website, Shoecology 101. The promotion code will be applied automatically at checkout for all cleaning services. This offer excludes products sold on our website, such as footwear.
Back-To-School-Promotion
Hey students, no matter your age – college, high school, middle school, or elementary – get ready! We're launching our Back-To-School Promotion very soon. This special offer runs from July 20th to September 7th, 2025. Keep an eye out for more info!
Blog Post #3: “DIY Sneaker Cleaning Kits. What You Need (and What You Don’t Need).”
Let’s face it—fresh sneakers don’t stay fresh forever. Whether it’s city dust, mud from a rainy day, or just the wear-and-tear of daily life, your kicks deserve better than being left dirty in the corner. But here's the good news: you don't have to rely on pricey services or risk ruining your shoes in the washer.
A DIY sneaker cleaning kit is your secret weapon for keeping your footwear crisp, clean, and ready to turn heads. In this post, we’ll break down what to include in the perfect kit, how to use each item like a pro, and some pro tips to extend the life of your favorite pairs. Whether you're a die-hard sneakerhead or just want your everyday shoes looking sharp, this guide will have you cleaning like a sneaker tech in no time.
✅ What You DO Need
1. Soft-Bristle Brush (i.e. Toothbrush)
-
Ideal for mesh, knit, or delicate uppers. A soft-bristle brush can be used in cleaning these materials to ensure it doesn’t fray or get damaged.
-
A toothbrush works as well if you are unable to acquire a soft-brush. Just make sure the bristles aren’t too stiff.
-
Visit the health and hygiene section at your favorite grocery/retail store and purchase a soft-bristle toothbrush that comes in the 2-4pks.
2. Medium-to-Firm Brush
-
This brush is a bit more adhesive as it is needed to get the tougher stains out of materials like leather, rubber midsoles, and outsoles.
-
You can even grab a nail brush or a dish brush, or even a medium to firm toothbrush. Just make sure you keep these materials for shoes ONLY!. The last thing you want is to accidentally brush your teeth with a brush you used to clean your dirty shoes. It may be worth labeling your materials to ensure you do not cross reference.
✅ Shoecology 101 Science PRO TIP: Take a look at the bristles on your brush. By simply trimming them to a length of one inch or half an inch, you can significantly increase the friction generated during cleaning. This simple modification offers several benefits:
-
Enhanced Flexibility: Shorter bristles provide greater flexibility, allowing the brush to adapt better to the contours of your shoe.
-
Increased Surface Area Contact: With more bristles making contact with the shoe's surface, you achieve a more comprehensive clean.
-
Targeted Cleaning: The improved flexibility and contact lead to more precise and effective removal of dirt and stains.
When you clean your shoes, you're employing a "sliding friction" motion. The friction created by the brush rubbing against the shoe's surface is what enables the pressure needed to create dirt abrasion – the process of lifting away unwanted stains. By shortening the bristles, you amplify this friction, making the cleaning process even more efficient. This can be demonstrated in the table below.
Important Note: This technique is best suited for durable materials. Avoid using a modified brush on delicate materials like suede, mesh, or knit, as it could lead to damage or fraying.
3. Mild Cleaning Solution
-
Mix a few drops of gentle dish soap or castile soap with warm water while adding a drop of white vinegar for deodorizing. The alkaline properties in the soaps are less harmful to footwear while the acidic properties in vinegar kills bacteria, freshens, and maintains material integrity despite its smell.
4. Microfiber Cloth or Rag.
-
Getting your hands on a microfiber cloth or rag is a MUST and non-negotiable. They outperform all other fabrics in terms of absorbency and are respected in the world of cleaning.
-
This versatile cloth or rag serves a dual purpose: wiping away dirt and drying your shoes. While we can delve into the fascinating science behind these materials later, for now, understand their paramount importance.
✅ Shoecology 101 Science PRO TIP: Unlike standard paper or terry cloth towels, microfiber cloths are crafted from synthetic materials comprising millions of minuscule fibers. This unique composition makes them exceptionally gentle and lint-free, making them the ideal choice for treating your footwear with care.
5. Magic Eraser
-
Perfect for restoring white midsoles and scuff marks. Magic Erasers are best described as ultra-fine sand paper. When wet, the melamine foam acts as a microabrasive that can eliminate dirt and grime with precision. Activate this powerful tool by dampening the sponge and gently scrub—don’t go too hard or you’ll wear down the finish.
6. Shoe Trees or Stuffing
-
Keeps your shoes in shape while cleaning and drying.
-
Don’t have shoe trees? Crumple newspaper or stuff with microfiber towels (this is why we mentioned earlier that these towels are KING). They are truly versatile.
❌ What You DON’T Need
1. “Sneaker-Specific” Cleaning Solutions
-
Most are just diluted soap with fragrance.
-
Unless you're dealing with suede or special materials, skip the fancy bottle.
2. Specialized Brushes for Every Material
-
You don’t need a brush for suede, one for mesh, one for soles, etc.
-
Two brushes (soft + firm) are enough for 90% of cleanings.
3. Whitening Kits
-
These are often more hype than help—and can even yellow your sneakers if used wrong.
-
Instead, clean regularly and store your shoes away from direct sunlight.
4. Sneaker-Specific Towels or Cloths
-
Microfiber towels from the auto or cleaning aisle work just as well.
5. Expensive Odor Sprays
-
A quick spritz of diluted vinegar or a sprinkle of baking soda inside your shoes overnight does the job.
🔧 Optional (But Nice-to-Have) Extras
-
Shoe wipes (for on-the-go touchups)
-
Compressed air (to blow out dust from hard-to-reach places).Pricey, but effective.
-
Sneaker cleaner mat or tray (keeps your workspace tidy). These rubber mats are incredibly effective! Many restaurants and bars utilize similar mats to maintain tidy work areas and prevent water accumulation. At Shoecology 101, we've found them to be exceptionally useful on various projects.
🧼 Pro Tips
-
Always spot test any cleaner on a hidden area first.
-
Air-dry your sneakers away from direct sunlight or heat to avoid warping.
-
Clean laces separately by soaking in warm, soapy water for 15–30 minutes.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need a branded kit to keep your sneakers clean—you just need a few smart tools, in which many can be commonly found in your home, a little patience, and regular maintenance. Whether you're rocking your favorite pair, your athletic trainers, or beat-up beaters, a solid DIY sneaker cleaning kit will save your shoes—and your wallet.
Enjoyed this content? Discover more from Shoecology 101! Become a Shoecologist by visiting our website and subscribing to our newsletter so you never miss an update. Don’t forget to share this blog or newsletter to someone who could benefit from the Shoecology 101 community and follow us on social media.