New Balance Product Care

How to Clean New Balance Sneakers

Cleaning New Balance sneakers is easy with common household items like mild detergent, water, or a damp cloth. Follow these 8 steps to remove dirt, clean stains, and wash the soles without damaging the shoes. Additionally, we provide extra tips to keep your sneakers looking good for longer and explain which New Balance models can and cannot be washed in the machine.

8 Steps for Cleaning New Balance Sneakers

You can easily clean New Balance shoes by following these steps for preparation, cleaning, and drying.

Preparation

1. Remove Loose Dirt: Start by removing loose dirt. Knock the soles of the sneakers together over a trash can or outside to remove loose dirt. Use a dry, soft brush (like a toothbrush) to brush off mud, sand, and other dirt from the surface of the shoes.

2. Remove Laces and Insoles: Take the shoelaces out of your New Balance sneakers. If the insoles are removable, take them out too. This allows you to clean the laces, insoles, and the inside of the shoes separately.

Cleaning

3. Clean Laces and Insoles: Wash the laces and insoles by hand with mild detergent and warm water. Rinse them thoroughly and let them air dry.

4. Make a Cleaning Solution: Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water in a bowl or bucket.

5. Clean the Uppers: Use a soft brush dipped in the cleaning solution to gently clean the uppers of the sneakers. Work in small sections and focus on stains or dirty areas. For delicate materials like mesh or suede, use an even softer brush and be extra careful.

6. Clean the Soles: Use a brush with stiffer bristles for the soles. Dip the brush in the cleaning solution and scrub the soles to remove dirt and stains.

7. Rinse the Shoes: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away soap residue from the sneakers. Avoid immersing your sneakers in water.

Drying

8. Air Dry the Shoes: Place the sneakers, laces, and insoles separately in a dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as these can damage or deform the shoes.


Extra Tips

  • Spray Sneakers: Use water-repellent sprays or protective sneaker sprays on new sneakers to give them a dirt-repellent layer.
  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Strong cleaning agents can affect the colors and damage the material of the sneakers.
  • Regular Maintenance: By cleaning your sneakers regularly, they will stay beautiful and fresh for longer.


What to Use for Cleaning New Balance Sneakers?

For cleaning sneakers, you can use the following items:

  • Warm Water: Serves as the base for making a cleaning solution that helps to loosen dirt and stains.
  • Old Toothbrush: Ideal for gently scrubbing the surface of the shoes, especially useful for cleaning hard-to-reach places.
  • Regular Detergent: Mixed with warm water, it creates an effective cleaning solution for removing most stains and dirt.
  • Damp Cloth: Use this to wipe the shoes after cleaning to remove excess soap and dirt.
  • Sneaker Cleaner: Special sneaker cleaners are made to clean sneakers well. They are also gentle on different materials without affecting the colors or texture.
  • Dish Soap: Can be used as an alternative to regular detergent, especially effective on greasy stains. Mix a little with warm water before use.
  • Brush: A brush with soft bristles is suitable for cleaning the uppers, while a brush with stiffer bristles works better for the soles.

Can New Balance Sneakers Go in the Washing Machine?

New Balance advises against washing sneakers in the washing machine. This can damage the glue bonds, materials, and colors, significantly reducing the lifespan of the shoes. The washing machine is especially harmful to sneakers made from delicate materials like suede, leather, or mesh.

Some models, such as the New Balance 574 and the New Balance 990, are made of materials that are more water-resistant. Also, New Balance Fresh Foam running shoes with synthetic uppers are more water-resistant than other models. Nevertheless, hand washing is the safer and recommended method to maintain the integrity and fit of the shoes.

 

Consult specific instructions if you decide to wash sneakers in the washing machine anyway.