It’s frustrating when your go-to Nike shoes get dirty and you don’t know what to do. That’s why you’re probably here, searching for how to clean Nike shoes the smart way.
Well, the general way to clean Nike shoes is to remove the laces and insoles and then gently scrub the upper and sole using a soft brush. You can then rinse lightly, pat dry with a towel, and air-dry away from direct heat.
But wait. The truth is, not every cleaning method works for every pair. Using the wrong brush, too much water, or even the wrong soap can ruin your kicks.
Worry not. Here, we’ll show you exactly how to clean Nike shoes step-by-step. Stick with us—we’re keeping it simple, honest, and 100% helpful.
Key Takeaways
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Always match your cleaning method to your Nike shoe material.
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Hand washing with mild soap is great for leather pairs like Air Force 1.
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Sneaker cleaning kits work well for structured shoes like Jordans.
Toothbrush and baking soda paste help spot clean canvas and Blazers. -
Magic Erasers lift tough dirt from thick rubber soles.
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A laundry bag and cold wash work safely for mesh shoes like the Revolution 6.
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Baby wipes are a quick fix for light dirt on Roshes.
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Dry brushing keeps daily dust off shoes like the Waffle One.
How to Clean Nike? (Let’s Find Out)
To clean Nike shoes:
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Remove loose dirt
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Use a gentle cleaner
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Scrub carefully, and let them air dry.
Always match the cleaning method with the shoe type. We’ve tried it all, from homemade hacks to pro kits. What we share here is based on real experience and results.
Hand Washing with Mild Soap – Nike Air Force 1
Hand washing is the best method to clean Nike Air Force 1s. It’s safe, cheap, and super effective if you do it right. Trust us, your AF1s will thank you.
Here’s how to clean Nike shoes with your hands:
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Remove laces and insoles: Makes cleaning easier
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Mix mild soap with warm water: Don’t use strong detergents
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Dip a soft cloth or sponge: Not too wet
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Scrub gently in circular motions: Especially around the toe box and sole
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Wipe with a clean cloth: Remove all soap
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Air dry away from the sun: Keep shape and color safe
We love this method because it’s gentle but still gets rid of dirt and stains.
We remember cleaning a pair of all-white AF1s that looked hopeless. After hand washing, they looked nearly new. Mild soap doesn’t damage the leather or fade the color. It’s easy to control how much moisture you use, which helps avoid soaking the shoe too much.
Sneaker Cleaning Kit – Nike Air Jordan 1
To clean Jordans, use a sneaker cleaning kit. These kits usually come with everything—a cleaner, brush, and towel. It feels pro, and honestly, we got hooked. It works great for deep cleans and stubborn spots.
Steps to follow:
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Remove laces: Makes brushing easier
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Dip the brush in cleaning solution: Not too much
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Scrub upper and sole areas: Go section by section
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Wipe with a microfiber towel: Removes loosened dirt
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Let them air dry: Indoors is best
We use cleaning kits when we want to give our Jordans that extra care. We once cleaned our old Chicago 1s after a rainy festival, and the results were wild. Kits clean deeper than soap and a cloth. The brush gets into the textured parts of the leather.
The cleaner is made for sneakers, so it doesn’t harm the material. We also love how quick it is. With a few swipes, the grime just lifts off. And the towel gives it that final polish.
Baking Soda Paste – Nike Blazer Mid
Baking Soda Paste is the method we use when we’re cleaning older or canvas-based Nikes, like the Blazer Mid. Keep in mind that baking soda is a powerful natural cleaner. Paired with an old toothbrush, it becomes a dirt-fighting beast.
Here’s how to clean Nike Blazer Mid:
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Mix baking soda and water: Make a thick paste
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Dip the toothbrush into the paste: Cover the bristles well
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Scrub surface gently: Focus on stains and soles
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Wipe off the paste with a damp cloth: Don’t leave residue
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Let them air dry: Don’t use heat
This trick saved our Blazers more times than we can count. Once, we spilled coffee on a light grey pair and thought they were done. But after using baking soda paste, the stains faded like magic. The texture of the toothbrush helps loosen up dirt without tearing the fabric. And baking soda pulls out odor, too, which is a bonus.
We’ve found this method especially helpful when we don’t have fancy cleaners around. It’s budget-friendly and gets results fast. Plus, it works wonders on white soles. We always suggest this when people ask for a solid, low-cost method that really works.
Magic Eraser for Soles – Nike Air Max 90
You can clean your Air Max 90 soles with a Magic Eraser. These soles pick up grime fast, and a regular cloth doesn’t work. The Magic Eraser does a better job because it gets into small spots without damaging anything.
Do these steps to clean Nike Air Max 90:
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Wet the Magic Eraser with a little water.
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Rub it gently over the sole.
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Wipe away any dirt you see with a towel.
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Do another round (only if needed).
Machine Wash (in laundry bag) – Nike Revolution 6
People often ask, “Can we wash Nike shoes in a washing machine?” Well, you can’t wash all Nike shoe models in the machine. For example, the Air Units will get damaged right away.
However, Nike shoes, like Revolution 6, can be washed in a washing machine. These shoes are mostly mesh, so they can handle a wash if you do it right. For safe results, we always use a laundry bag to protect the shape.
Here’s how to wash Nike shoes in a washing machine:
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Remove laces and insoles: Take them out to clean separately and avoid tangling or damage.
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Place shoes in a mesh bag: This protects the shoes from rough spinning and helps maintain their shape.
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Use mild detergent: A gentle detergent prevents material damage and keeps colors from fading.
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Choose cold water: Cold water preserves glue and fabric while effectively cleaning the shoes.
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Select gentle cycle: A low-spin, delicate cycle minimizes impact and helps your shoes last longer.
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Add towels to the load: Washing with a few old towels cushions the shoes and balances the washer.
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Air dry only: Never use a dryer—stuff shoes with paper towels and let them dry at room temperature.
Wipe with Baby Wipes – Nike Roshe Run
We use baby wipes on our Nike Roshe Runs for quick cleanups. The fabric on these shoes gets dusty and smudged easily. Baby wipes are soft and moist enough to clean them without soaking the material or leaving stains.
Here’s what to do:
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Grab an unscented baby wipe and gently wipe the surface of the shoe
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Wipe the soles if needed
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Let the shoes air out after wiping
This is the method we use when we’re heading out and notice our shoes look dirty. We’ve done this at gas stations, at work, even before stepping into a restaurant. The wipes clean off everyday dirt and make the shoes look a lot better fast.
Spot Clean with Vinegar Mix – Nike Dunk Low
To clean Nike Dunk Low, use a vinegar mix. It works best when you don’t need to wash the whole shoe. It lifts stains without messing up the leather or fabric.
Follow these steps to clean Nike Dunks:
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Start by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water.
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Dip a toothbrush in the mix and scrub the stained spot gently.
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Wipe with a damp cloth and let the shoe air dry
We’ve had days when only one spot on our Dunks got dirty. Maybe it was a coffee drop or something greasy. This mix is safe and easy to make. It pulls the stain out without harming the material.
And every time we’ve used it, it made the shoe look better without much effort.
Steam Clean for Deep Dirt – Nike React Infinity Run
Steaming is one of the best ways to clean Nike shoes. We turn to steam when our Nike React Infinity Runs get deep dirt in the knit areas. These shoes are built for running, so they get dirty fast. We use steam to loosen the dirt before we even start cleaning.
Steps to follow:
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Boil water or use a handheld steamer: Create a steady source of steam for cleaning.
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Hold the shoe over the steam carefully: Keep it close enough to let steam rise, but not so close it gets wet.
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Let steam rise through the knit for a few minutes: This helps loosen embedded dirt without damaging the material.
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Wipe away loosened dirt with a soft cloth: Gently clean the surface without rubbing harshly.
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Let the shoe air dry: Place it in a ventilated area to dry completely before wearing.
Use Cleaning Foam Spray – Nike Air Max 270
To clean Air Max 270s, use a cleaning foam spray. Cleaning foam spray is a lightweight cleaner specially made for shoes. It can lift dirt and stains without soaking the material, which is great for sneakers like the Nike Air Max 270 that have mesh, knit, and synthetic parts.
Steps to follow:
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Shake the foam spray well: Give it a good shake so everything inside mixes properly.
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Spray lightly over the upper and sole: A light mist is all you need—don’t drench the shoes.
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Use a soft brush or cloth to work it in: Gently scrub the foam in circles to lift away dirt and marks.
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Wipe with a clean cloth: Grab a dry cloth and wipe off the foam and any loosened grime.
We’ve used foam sprays on many shoes, but they’re especially helpful with Air Max 270s. One time we cleaned a pair we wore during travel, and they looked way better in ten minutes. The spray is quick, doesn’t over-wet the shoe, and spreads evenly.
It’s also good when you don’t have space to do a full wash.
Dry Brush for Dust Removal – Nike Waffle One
We use a dry brush on our Nike Waffle Ones when they’re dusty. These shoes often collect light dirt, especially around the mesh areas. A dry brush works fast and keeps the material safe. We do this brush method after every few wears.
Here’s what to do:
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Grab a clean, soft-bristle shoe brush: Use one that won’t scratch or damage the mesh and suede.
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Brush the shoe gently in short strokes: Move in one direction to lift away surface dust without pushing it deeper.
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Focus on the upper and midsole: These areas collect the most visible dirt and need the most attention.
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Tap out loosened dirt: Lightly tap the shoes together or on your hand to shake off the dust.
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Repeat if needed: If there’s still dust left, give it another pass with the brush.
This is our first move for almost any shoe, but it’s especially helpful with Waffle Ones. The mesh catches dust, and brushing keeps it from building up.
We’ve made this a habit. After a walk or a weekend trip, we’ll dry brush the shoes even if they don’t look that dirty. It keeps them looking fresh and stops dirt from sinking in.
One time, we left a pair untouched for weeks, and it took double the time to clean later. Since then, we brush early and often. It’s simple and works best when done regularly.
Regular use can take a toll, especially on basketball courts. Here’s a helpful routine on how to clean and maintain your basketball shoes properly.
Final Words
Cleaning Nike shoes doesn’t have to be hard. We’ve cleaned dozens of pairs ourselves using these simple tricks—and they really work. No more guesswork.
Here’s a recap:
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Use the right method for the right shoe.
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Avoid hot water, bleach, or rough brushes.
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Let your shoes air dry to keep their shape.
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Baby wipes and dry brushing are perfect for fast touch-ups.
Always remember that regular cleaning keeps your Nikes looking fresh for longer.
If you’re loyal to Nike but curious about how it stacks up, check out this full comparison: Nike versus Adidas – what really sets them apart.
