Clothing & Footwear

How to Clean Nike Shoes

Your nike 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 Power Wash Laundry Detergent
  • Cold water
  • Soft bristle brush
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Paper towels or newspaper

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Remove laces and insoles

    Take out laces and insoles. Soak laces in warm water with a small amount of Power Wash detergent.

  2. 2

    Dry brush the shoes

    Use a dry soft brush to remove loose dirt and dust from the uppers, midsoles, and outsoles.

  3. 3

    Clean the uppers

    Mix a small amount of detergent with cold water. Dip the brush and gently scrub the uppers in circular motions, working on one section at a time.

  4. 4

    Clean midsoles and outsoles

    Use the brush with soapy water on the rubber portions. For white midsoles, a magic eraser works wonders on yellowing and scuffs.

  5. 5

    Wipe, stuff, and air dry

    Wipe off soap residue with a damp cloth. Stuff with paper towels and air dry at room temperature for 8-12 hours.

Pro Tips

  • TIPFor Nike Flyknit uppers, use a gentler touch and less water -- the knit material is delicate but dries faster than leather.
  • TIPKeep a dedicated shoe-cleaning kit near the door and wipe shoes down after every outdoor wear.
  • TIPWhite Nike Air Force 1s respond best to the baking soda + hydrogen peroxide paste with sun drying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • XMachine washing Nike Flyknit or React foam shoes, which breaks down the engineered materials and cushioning.
  • XUsing bleach on any Nike shoes, which yellows white materials and weakens the fabric structure.
  • XScrubbing aggressively on Flyknit or Primeknit materials, which pills and stretches the engineered knit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some canvas models tolerate a gentle cold cycle inside a pillowcase. Premium materials (Flyknit, leather, suede) should always be hand-washed.