Does it feel like your On Cloud shoes get dirty too fast? Whether it’s mud, stains, or everyday wear, dirty shoes can be frustrating and tough to clean.
And don’t forget - If you don’t clean them properly, they can wear out faster or lose their look.
The good news?
Cleaning On Cloud shoes is easier than you think! You can use mild soap and soft brush for this. For deep cleaning, you can even use a washing machine.
If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide on cleaning On Cloud shoes, then stick to the end. As a bonus, we are also sharing proven tips to keep your shoes new and fresh.
Let’s get started!
Key Points
- You can use a soft brush and mild soap for regular cleaning.
- Always remove laces and insoles before cleaning for best results.
- Let your shoes air dry naturally—no direct heat!
- Use machine washing only for fabric or mesh models.
- Apply a shoe protector spray to repel dirt and stains.
- Clean insoles and laces separately to keep everything fresh.
How to Clean On Cloud Shoes? 5 Easy Methods
We all love our On Cloud shoes because they’re super comfy and stylish. But, like all shoes, they get dirty over time. Cleaning them the right way is key to keeping them looking new and performing well.
Let’s go over the best ways to clean them:
Method 1: Hand Washing with Mild Soap
For everyday dirt or light stains, we don’t need anything too fancy. Just some mild soap, a little water, and a toothbrush can get the job done.
Step One – Prepare for the Cleaning
Before we start scrubbing, let’s make sure we’re ready:
- Take out the laces and insoles: This makes it easier to clean everything, and you can wash the laces and insoles separately.
- Shake off any loose dirt: Give your shoes a quick shake to get rid of any dirt or rocks stuck to the soles.
- Grab a soft brush: An old toothbrush works great for this. It’s gentle but can still get into those hard-to-reach spots.
Step Two – Mix Soap and Water
Now we need to get the cleaning solution ready. Here's how:
- Use a mild soap: A dish soap or hand soap is perfect. Make sure it’s gentle and doesn’t have strong chemicals that could hurt the material.
- Mix it with warm water: We only need a small amount of soap in warm water. Just enough to make a little soapy mix (without being too foamy).
Step Three – Start Scrubbing
Now, gently scrub the shoes:
Dip the brush in the soapy water and gently scrub where the dirt is. Be careful around the mesh so we don’t damage it.
It’s better to be gentle, especially on delicate parts of the shoe.
Step Four – Rinse with Clean Water
Next, rinse off the soap. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Use a damp cloth: Don’t soak the shoes in water. Just use a clean cloth dipped in water to wipe off the soap.
- Be thorough: Make sure all the soap is gone, especially in small spaces where it can hide.
Step Five – Let Them Air Dry
Drying the shoes properly is just as important as cleaning them. Remember - Avoid direct sunlight. Sun can cause the colors to fade or the material to crack.
The best places to dry are:
- Near an open window (good airflow but no harsh sun)
- A shaded balcony or porch
- In a room with a fan on low
- A cool, dry spot in the house
If you're looking for tips beyond On Cloud shoes, check out how to clean your Converse for a guide on keeping other shoes spotless.
Method 2: The Machine Washing Method (For Fabric and Mesh Models Only)
If our shoes are really dirty, we suggest deep cleaning them. Some On Cloud shoes (the fabric and mesh ones) can go in the washing machine, but we have to be careful to avoid damage.
Here’s the step by step process:
Step One – Prepare for the Cleaning
Before tossing them in the machine, we’ve got to prep the shoes:
- Take out the laces and insoles: Removing these helps us clean the shoes better.
- Put the shoes in a laundry bag: This protects them from getting tossed around during the wash.
- Get a mild detergent: Harsh detergents can wear down the material, so we’ll stick with something gentle.
Step Two – Choose the Right Settings
When washing shoes, you should make sure the machine settings are safe. Remember these two things:
- Use cold water: Hot water can mess up the shape of the shoes.
- Set the machine to a gentle cycle: This will reduce wear and tear on the shoes while still getting them clean.
Step Three – Dry the Shoes
Once the wash is done, dry the shoes. No dryer please. The heat from a dryer can damage the shoes. We should air dry them instead.
Method 3: Sole Cleaning
Sometimes, the soles of our shoes can get really dirty, especially after running or walking in muddy areas. Cleaning the soles isn’t hard, but it helps to use the right tools.
Step One – Prepare for the Cleaning
Here’s what we need:
- Soft brush or an old toothbrush: This helps scrub off dirt without scratching the sole.
- Mild soap and water: Get a gentle soap that won’t damage the material.
Step Two – Scrub the Sole
Now it’s time to clean the sole:
- Start Cleaning: Dip the brush in soapy water. Then, scrub the bottom of the shoes, focusing on any spots where dirt is stuck.
- Get in the grooves: Make sure to scrub the grooves in the sole, as dirt often gets trapped there.
Step Three – Rinse and Dry
After scrubbing, rinse and dry the soles.
Wipe the soles down with a cloth dipped in clean water to remove any soap. Then, let your On Cloud shoes air dry. Simply place the shoes in a cool, shaded spot.
Method 4: Odor Removal With Vinegar and Baking Soda
If our shoes start to smell bad, there’s an easy fix. Vinegar and baking soda are great for getting rid of odors without using any harsh chemicals.
Step One – Prepare for the Cleaning
Here’s what we need:
- White vinegar: Vinegar helps neutralize odors and is safe for most materials.
- Baking soda: Baking soda is great for absorbing smells and works well with vinegar.
Step Two – Apply the Vinegar and Baking Soda
Next, spray a little vinegar inside the shoe. We only need a light spray inside the shoe. Don’t soak it.
After spraying, let the vinegar dry out for about 30 minutes.
Once the vinegar is dry, sprinkle some baking soda inside the shoes and let it sit overnight.
Step Three – Clean Out the Baking Soda
In the morning, just shake out the baking soda, and our shoes should smell fresh again.
That’s it.
Method 5: Suede/Nubuck Shoes: Suede Brush and Eraser
Suede or nubuck On Cloud shoes need special care because these materials are delicate and can easily get damaged. We can’t use water or soap like with regular shoes.
Instead, we need a suede brush and a suede eraser to clean them properly.
Step One – Brush the Shoes
First, use the brush.
- Brush gently: Start by brushing the shoes in one direction to remove dirt and dust. Be gentle to avoid flattening the suede fibers.
- Focus on stains: For tougher spots, we can apply a little more pressure, but still be careful not to rub too hard.
Step Two – Use the Suede Eraser
For any stubborn stains that don’t come off with the brush, we suggest using the eraser:
- Rub the eraser on the stain: Gently rub the eraser back and forth on the stained area.
- Brush again after erasing: After using the eraser, go over the area again with the suede brush to restore the texture.
Step Three – Let Them Air Dry
Even though we’re not using water, we should still let the shoes breathe after cleaning.
Best drying spots for suede shoes:
- A cool, dry room with good airflow
- On a shoe rack in a closet with the door open
- Away from direct sunlight or heat sources, like radiators.
Want to keep all your shoes in top condition? Here's a detailed guide on how to clean Nike sneakers effectively.
Tips on Keeping On Cloud Shoes Clean
Now that we’ve covered how to clean our On Cloud shoes, let’s talk about how to keep them clean for longer.
Here are proven tips to help maintain their fresh look:
Tip 1: Use a Shoe Protector Spray
One of the easiest ways to keep your On Cloud shoes clean is by using a shoe protector spray. This spray creates a protective layer on the shoe’s surface, which helps repel water, dirt, and stains.
It’s especially helpful for shoes made of fabric, mesh, or suede.
Here’s what to do:
- After you’ve cleaned your shoes and let them dry completely.
- Spray the protector evenly over the entire shoe. Hold the spray about 6 inches away and apply a light, even coat.
- Let your shoes dry for a few hours before wearing them again.
To keep them protected, reapply the spray every couple of weeks or after cleaning.
Using a shoe protector spray not only keeps your shoes looking new but also makes them easier to clean in the future. Dirt and water will slide off the protective layer, and your shoes will stay fresh longer without as much scrubbing.
It’s a small step that can make a big difference in keeping your On Cloud shoes in top shape.
Tip 2: Clean Shoes Regularly
Instead of waiting for your shoes to get really dirty, make it a habit to clean them regularly. By doing a little light cleaning now and then, you’ll prevent dirt and grime from building up.
You don’t need to scrub them down every day. Just wipe your shoes with a damp cloth or a soft brush when you see dirt.
Tip 3: Store Shoes Properly
To store your shoes properly, keep them in a dry place. The spot must be away from direct sunlight or extreme heat.
Moreover, using shoe trees or stuffing the shoes with tissue paper helps them maintain their shape and prevents creases, especially in the toe area. This is particularly important for shoes with softer materials that can lose their form over time.
Avoid piling other shoes or heavy items on top of them, as this can flatten your shoes or cause them to lose their shape. If you have the original shoe box, it’s a great place to store them.
Otherwise, placing them on a shoe rack in a well-ventilated area will work just as well.
Tip 4: Avoid Wearing Them in Harsh Conditions
Try to avoid wearing your On Cloud shoes in harsh conditions like heavy rain, mud, or rough terrain if possible. These conditions can cause excessive wear and tear, staining the fabric or damaging the soles.
By saving your On Cloud shoes for more suitable environments, you’ll extend their lifespan.
Tip 5: Rotate Your Shoes
Wearing the same pair of shoes every day can wear them out faster. By rotating between two or more pairs of shoes, you give each pair a chance to rest and recover. This helps them last longer and keeps them smelling fresh.
Tip 6: Clean Insoles and Laces Separately
When you’re cleaning your shoes, don’t forget about the insoles and laces. These parts can get just as dirty as the outside of the shoe.
Cleaning them separately helps keep everything fresh.
To clean the laces:
- Remove them from the shoes and wash them by hand using mild soap and water.
- Let them air dry completely before putting them back on your shoes.
- For the insoles, you can take them out and wipe them down with a damp cloth and a bit of soap. Just make sure they’re fully dry before placing them back inside the shoes.
Final Words
Keeping your On Cloud shoes clean doesn’t have to be difficult. By following the right cleaning steps and tips, you can easily maintain them.
Here are a few key takeaways:
- Use a mild soap and a soft brush for gentle cleaning.
- Air dry your shoes in a cool, shaded spot.
- Rotate your shoes to extend their lifespan.
- Spot clean stains as soon as possible to prevent buildup.
- Protect your shoes with a spray to keep dirt and water away.
With these tips, your On Cloud shoes will stay fresh and comfortable.
If you own basketball shoes as well, you’ll want to know how to keep your basketball shoes clean alongside your On Cloud shoes.