Dirty sneakers can ruin your whole look, and if you own a pair of New Balance 574, you know how quickly they collect dust, stains, and scuff marks. But cleaning them the wrong way can wreck the suede, damage the mesh, and shorten their lifespan.
Worry not! We’ve got you.
The best way to clean New Balance 574 is by hand. Remove loose dirt with a brush, spot clean suede carefully, wipe the mesh with mild detergent, and let them air dry properly.
Want step-by-step info? Then, keep reading.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
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An easy yet effective method to clean your New Balance 574s safely
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Avoid common mistakes
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Tips to keep them clean.
Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
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To clean New Balance 574, always remove laces and insoles first.
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You should brush off loose dirt before using any liquid.
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You can use a suede eraser or vinegar for suede stains.
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It’s better to clean the mesh with mild soap and a microfiber cloth.
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Never soak or machine wash your sneakers.
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Air dry them properly—no heat or direct sunlight.
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Use a protective spray to prevent future stains.
How to Clean New Balance 574? Easy 5 Steps
Keeping New Balance 574 sneakers clean is essential. These shoes combine suede, mesh, and rubber, which means they need special care.
Follow this step-by-step guide to clean them properly without damage:
What You’ll Need
Cleaning shoes isn’t just about scrubbing with soap and water. The wrong materials can damage suede or leave stains behind. Here’s what to use:
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A soft-bristle brush (or an old toothbrush)
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Mild detergent or sneaker cleaner
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A microfiber cloth
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A suede eraser or pencil eraser
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Warm water
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Baking soda (optional for odor removal)
Now, let’s get into the actual cleaning process.
Step 1: Remove the Laces and Insoles
The first step is to take off the laces and insoles. Cleaning them separately prevents dirt from spreading onto the shoes.
Laces absorb sweat, dust, and grime. To clean them, soak them in warm water mixed with mild detergent. Let them sit for 15–20 minutes, then scrub with your hands or a small brush. Rinse thoroughly and let them air dry.
Insoles also trap odor and bacteria. If they’re washable, scrub them gently with a damp cloth and mild detergent. If not, sprinkle baking soda on them and let them sit overnight to absorb moisture and odor. Shake off the baking soda the next morning.
Step 2: Dry Brushing to Remove Loose Dirt
Never start with water. Suede absorbs moisture quickly, making stains worse. Instead, use a soft brush to remove loose dirt before applying any liquid.
Hold the shoe firmly and brush off dust, focusing on the suede and mesh areas. Use gentle strokes—pressing too hard can damage the texture. A clean toothbrush works well for hard-to-reach spots.
If there’s stubborn dried mud, tap the shoes together outside to loosen it. For extra cleaning, use a suede eraser on scuff marks or small stains. Rubbing lightly in circular motions helps lift dirt without damaging the material.
Step 3: Cleaning the Suede Parts Properly
Suede needs special care. Too much water can ruin its soft, fuzzy texture. That’s why it’s important to clean it with minimal moisture.
For light stains, a suede eraser or pencil eraser works best. Rub the stain gently until it fades. If it’s still visible, try a suede brush, moving in one direction to restore the nap (the soft, raised fibers).
For deeper stains, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Dip a clean microfiber cloth into the solution and gently dab the stained area. Don’t rub—this spreads the stain. Let the shoe dry naturally, then brush the suede again to restore its texture.
Step 4: Cleaning the Mesh and Rubber Sole
Mesh is delicate, so avoid soaking it in water. Instead, use a damp microfiber cloth with a small amount of mild detergent. Wipe the mesh areas gently, repeating until stains lift. For deeper stains, a toothbrush dipped in soapy water works well.
The rubber sole tends to get the dirtiest. Scrub it with a brush and a mixture of warm water and detergent. If there are stubborn marks, apply a paste of baking soda and water, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub again. Wipe off any excess paste with a clean cloth.
Step 5: Drying the Shoes the Right Way
Never use direct heat to dry your shoes. Heat can shrink suede and warp rubber soles. Air drying is the safest method.
Stuff the inside of each shoe with paper towels or dry cloths to absorb moisture. Replace them every few hours if needed. Keep the shoes in a well-ventilated area but away from direct sunlight. Drying time may take 24 hours, so be patient.
Once fully dry, brush the suede again to restore its softness. This final step ensures the shoes look brand new.
Can You Wash New Balance 574 in a Washing Machine?
No, you should never wash New Balance 574 sneakers in a washing machine. The suede and mesh materials are delicate and can easily get ruined when exposed to too much water, heat, and aggressive spinning.
If the shoes are extremely dirty, the best way to clean them is by spot-cleaning with mild detergent and a soft brush. It may take a little more effort than tossing them in a machine, but it’s the only way to keep them looking good for the long haul.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning New Balance 574
Cleaning New Balance 574s the wrong way can cause permanent damage. To keep them in great condition, avoid these five common mistakes when cleaning.
1. Using Too Much Water
Many people assume that soaking sneakers in water is the best way to clean them. This is a huge mistake, especially for suede. Water doesn’t just clean suede—it stains it. Too much moisture can leave behind dark spots that are impossible to remove.
For mesh areas, water can be used sparingly, but never let it fully soak through. Use a microfiber cloth with a mild detergent solution to gently clean, then wipe away excess moisture.
2. Scrubbing Too Hard
Scrubbing aggressively might seem like a good way to remove stains, but it can actually damage the shoe’s delicate materials. Suede, in particular, is very sensitive to pressure. For mesh, scrubbing too hard can cause the fabric to fray or stretch.
Instead of scrubbing, use gentle strokes with a soft-bristle brush or a suede eraser. It takes patience, but it keeps the shoes looking new.
If a stain doesn’t come out immediately, don’t panic. Sometimes, it takes a few rounds of gentle cleaning to lift it.
3. Drying Them in Direct Sunlight or Heat
After cleaning, drying the shoes properly is just as important as washing them the right way. Many people make the mistake of leaving their shoes in direct sunlight or using a heater or dryer to speed up the process. This can shrink suede, fade colors, and cause the rubber soles to warp.
Suede dries best at room temperature, away from direct heat.
4. Skipping a Protective Spray
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not protecting their sneakers after cleaning. Without a protective spray, suede and mesh absorb dirt much faster. This means they’ll get dirty again almost immediately, and the cleaning process will have to be repeated more often.
A good water-repellent spray creates an invisible barrier that keeps stains from setting in.
Sneakers used for sports tend to get dirty fast, so if you play ball, here’s how to keep your basketball shoes clean and ready for your next game. A regular cleaning routine helps them last longer and perform better.
How Can You Maintain Your New Balance 574 Sneakers?
Keeping New Balance 574 sneakers in great condition requires regular care. Simple habits like proper cleaning, storage, and protection can make them last much longer. Here are the best ways to maintain New Balance 574 properly:
1. Clean Them Regularly
Regular cleaning prevents grime from settling in and becoming harder to remove. Use a soft-bristle brush or dry cloth to remove surface dust. Never use too much water, especially on suede. If there’s a stain, address it immediately rather than waiting for it to set.
Note: Deep cleaning should be done once every few weeks, depending on how often they’re worn.
2. Store Them Properly
Where and how you store your sneakers affects their lifespan. Tossing them in a pile with other shoes leads to scuffs, creases, and misshaping.
Humidity can cause suede to lose its texture and encourage mold growth. Avoid keeping them near heat sources, as this can dry out the materials and cause cracking.
In our opinion, using a shoe rack or individual storage boxes prevents unnecessary damage.
3. Avoid Wearing Them in Bad Weather
New Balance 574 sneakers are not designed for rain, snow, or muddy conditions. Suede absorbs moisture easily, leading to stains and long-term damage.
So, if there’s rain in the forecast, opt for a different pair of shoes. If sneakers do get wet, dry them properly by stuffing them with paper towels and leaving them in a well-ventilated area.
If wearing them outdoors is unavoidable, apply a waterproofing spray beforehand.
4. Rotate Your Shoes
Wearing the same sneakers everyday leads to faster wear and tear. The materials don’t have time to breathe, and the soles lose their cushioning quicker.
Having at least one backup pair allows each set of shoes to recover between wears. This prevents excessive stretching and reduces odor buildup. Shoes last much longer when they aren’t used daily.
If rotation isn’t an option, at least allow the sneakers to air out for a full day between wears.
If you rotate between New Balance and Nike, you’ll want to know how to clean Nike sneakers the right way. Cleaning methods may vary depending on the materials used.
5. Keep the Insoles Fresh
Insoles absorb sweat and odor, which can make sneakers smell unpleasant over time. Cleaning or replacing them regularly keeps them fresh and comfortable.
If insoles become too worn or smelly, replace them with new ones. This not only refreshes the shoe’s feel but also improves overall comfort and support.
6. Be Careful with Suede
Suede is the most delicate part of New Balance 574 sneakers. It stains easily and loses its texture if not cared for properly. Special attention is needed to keep it looking clean.
Always use a suede brush or eraser for cleaning, never harsh scrubbing. For stains, a small amount of white vinegar on a cloth works better than water.
Moreover, avoid touching suede with dirty or oily hands, as it absorbs oils quickly. If suede becomes too worn, a professional suede cleaner can help restore it.
7. Don’t Over-Tighten When Wearing
Pulling laces too tight can stretch and deform the shoe over time. It also puts unnecessary strain on the eyelets and the overall structure of the sneaker.
Laces should be snug but not too tight. This allows the shoe to maintain its shape and provides better comfort while walking. If shoes feel too loose, adjusting the fit with new insoles or thicker socks is a better solution than pulling the laces extra tight.
8. Address Stains Immediately
The longer a stain sits, the harder it becomes to remove. Quick action prevents permanent marks and makes cleaning much easier.
As soon as a stain appears, gently blot (don’t rub) it with a dry cloth. For tougher stains, a specialized cleaner for suede or mesh works best. Avoid common household cleaners, as they may discolor the fabric.
Important Note: If unsure about the best way to remove a stain, testing a small, hidden area first is always a good idea. Preventing stains is the best strategy, but quick removal is the next best thing.
Final Words
Cleaning New Balance 574s isn’t hard, but it requires the right approach. Avoid harsh scrubbing, excessive water, and heat damage. Follow these steps for the best results:
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Brush off dirt before applying any cleaner.
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Spot clean suede with an eraser or vinegar.
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Wipe mesh gently with mild detergent.
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Air dry properly and avoid direct heat.
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Use a protective spray to keep them cleaner longer.
With the right care, your New Balance 574s will stay fresh, stylish, and comfortable for years to come!
Getting leather shoes? Cleaning leather shoes is all about gentle care, and this full leather shoe restoration guide can help you bring them back to life. It’s perfect if your leather shoes are looking a little worn.
