Clothing & Footwear

How to Clean Mesh Shoes

Your mesh shoes deserve proper care to stay looking their best. Follow these steps to clean them safely without causing damage.

What You'll Need

  • Soap-Man Lemon Glow Dish Soap
  • Warm water
  • Soft-bristle brush
  • Clean cloth
  • Baking soda

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Remove laces and insoles

    Take out laces and insoles. Tap the shoes together to knock off loose dirt and debris from the mesh.

  2. 2

    Brush dry dirt off the mesh

    Use a soft dry brush to gently remove dirt from the mesh surface. Brush in one direction to avoid pushing dirt deeper into the weave.

  3. 3

    Scrub with soapy water

    Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap. Dip the brush and gently scrub the mesh in circular motions. Do not press hard.

  4. 4

    Rinse carefully

    Dampen a clean cloth and wipe away all soap from the mesh. Avoid running shoes under heavy water pressure which forces dirt into the mesh.

  5. 5

    Deodorize and dry

    Sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes to absorb odor. Stuff with paper towels and air dry at room temperature.

Pro Tips

  • TIPMesh shoes can go in the washing machine on a cold gentle cycle in a mesh bag with towels for cushioning.
  • TIPFor white mesh, add a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide to the cleaning solution for extra brightening.
  • TIPTreat mesh shoes with fabric protector spray after cleaning to repel dirt and make future cleaning easier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • XUsing a stiff brush on mesh, which pulls and damages the delicate woven fibers.
  • XSoaking mesh shoes for extended periods, which weakens adhesives and can cause the sole to separate.
  • XUsing heat to dry mesh shoes, which warps the shape and can melt synthetic mesh fibers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most mesh shoes are safe for a cold gentle cycle in a mesh bag. Air dry only -- never machine dry.