How To Clean Adidas Shoes | Keeping Adidas Kicks Clean

Introduction

As I own a pair of Adidas, I know it’s really hard to clean them sometimes. No matter what color your Adidas sneakers are, they get dirty over time. But worry not. After experimenting with different techniques and products, I’ve found an effective and safe way to restore those kicks.

So, if you’re ready to know how to clean Adidas shoes, then keep reading to give your Adidas sneakers a new lease on life. Let’s bring back the shine and make them look as good as new.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Importance of Regular Shoe Cleaning
• Adidas Shoe Care: Different Adidas Materials 
• Preparing for the Clean
  • Gathering Essential Supplies
• How To Clean Adidas Shoes
  • Removing Surface Dirt And Debris
  • Cleaning the Shoelaces and Insoles
  • Washing Or Wiping Down The Exterior
  • Tackling Stubborn Stains
  • Drying and Air-Drying
  • Removing Excess Moisture
  • Air-Drying Adidas Shoes
• How To Clean Using Baking Soda And Vinegar
• How To Clean Your Shoes with Water and Vinegar 
• How To Clean Adidas Shoes Using Your Washing Machine
• Cleaning Different Types Of Adidas Shoes Materials
  • Leather Shoes
  • Mesh Or Knit Uppers
• How To Clean White Adidas Shoes?
  • For White Uppers
  • Preventing Yellowing/Discoloration
• How To Clean Adidas Cloudfoam Shoes?
• How To Remove Odors And Keep Adidas Shoes Fresh?
  • Timely drying is essential.
  • Using deodorizing techniques
• What You Need To Avoid When Cleaning? 
  • Harsh Chemicals and Abrasive Materials To Avoid:
  • Not Overdoing The Cleaning Process:
• How To Be Safe While Cleaning?
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Importance of Regular Shoe Cleaning

Cleaning your shoes is something many people forget about, but it’s really important for taking care of them. If you make a habit of cleaning your shoes and use the right cleaning tools, it will help your shoes last longer, look great, and stay in good shape.

If you clean your shoes regularly, you’ll get several benefits. First, it makes your shoes last longer because dirt and dust won’t damage them. It also stops yucky stuff like bacteria from growing in your shoes, especially when they get sweaty. Plus, it keeps your house safer by reducing the chances of harmful germs coming inside on your shoes.

Cleaning your shoes also saves you money because they won’t wear out as fast, so you don’t have to buy new ones so often. It’s good for your nose too because it gets rid of stinky smells. And clean shoes just look nicer. They keep their original color and don’t have stains or marks. Lastly, regular cleaning can help you spot problems with your shoes early, so you can fix them and keep wearing your favorite pair. So, make cleaning your shoes a habit.

Adidas Shoe Care: Different Adidas Materials

Adidas shoes are made from various materials, including leather, synthetic materials, and textiles. Each material has specific care instructions to ensure the longevity of your Adidas shoes.

1. Leather: To clean leather shoes, use soft cloths or brushes. If they’re really dirty, you can use a special leather cleaner. After cleaning, let them air dry, but don’t put them near hot stuff. And don’t forget to use a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft.
2. Synthetic Materials: For synthetic shoes, warm water and mild soap are usually enough. You can use a softer brush to scrub away tough dirt. After cleaning, just let them air-dry.
3. Textiles: Cleaning textile shoes is similar to synthetic ones, but be gentle since they’re not as tough. Some can even go in the washing machine, but always check the care label first.
4. Suede and Nubuck: These materials need special care. You’ll need a suede brush to clean them and gently bring back their texture. There are special erasers for stains too. Just remember, don’t get suede and nubuck wet because they might change color.

Preparing for the Clean

Before cleaning, we need to gather the materials and products to clean the shoe. So, if you don’t have the cleaning materials, make sure you gather them. Here’s how I prepared my cleaning station:

Gathering Essential Supplies

1. Soft Brush or Toothbrush: I started by locating a soft brush. A toothbrush can also serve as a perfect tool for this task. It’s useful for removing dirt from the crevices and surfaces of the shoes without causing any damage.
2. Mild Detergent or Shoe Cleaner: Next, I found a mild detergent. Alternatively, a specialized shoe cleaner can also be used if available. The cleaner will help break down dirt and stains, making them easier to remove.
3. Clean water: I then filled a container with clean water. This will be used to dilute the detergent or shoe cleaner and rinse the brush during cleaning.
4. Microfiber Cloth: I also grabbed a microfiber cloth. It’s perfect for wiping shoes dry after cleaning, as it’s highly absorbent and gentle on the shoe material.
5. Shoe Tree or Rolled Towel (Optional): A shoe tree or a rolled towel can be very helpful if available. They can be placed inside the shoes to maintain their shape while drying. I prefer using a shoe tree, but a rolled towel does the job just fine in its absence.
6. Newspaper or Towel for Surface Protection: I spread some old newspapers on my work surface to protect it from water and dirt. A towel can also be used for this purpose. It makes the cleanup process much easier once the shoe cleaning is done.
7. Adidas Shoe Cleaner Spray-Instant Foam Sneaker Cleaner: This foam cleaning solution has a built-in brush. With a volume of 200 ml, it’s designed to scrub away dirt and stains, helping to keep your Adidas sneakers looking new.
8. Adidas Originals Shoe Care Kit: This kit includes several products for cleaning Adidas shoes. The products come in simple packaging; according to 43einhalb, they are ecologically degradable.
9. Adidas Originals Sneaker Cleaner Essentials: This is a safe-to-use cleaner for all shoe materials, including white sneakers, tennis shoes, knit, mesh, canvas, and leather. It’s designed to keep your Adidas sneakers looking new.

With all these supplies at hand, I was fully prepared to start the shoe-cleaning process. Remember, having everything you need within reach before you start can make the task more manageable and less time-consuming.

How To Clean Adidas Shoes

After preparing your shoes for cleaning, it’s time to make your shoes look clean. I have outlined a step-by-step guide below on how to clean Adidas shoes.

Removing Surface Dirt And Debris

First, tap your shoes together to get rid of loose dirt. Use a hard surface to help knock off stubborn bits. Then, use an old soft brush to gently sweep away any leftover dust or dirt on the top part of your shoes. Just remember to brush in one direction so you don’t harm the material.

Cleaning the Shoelaces and Insoles

Start by taking off your shoelaces. This makes cleaning your shoes easier. You can either wash the shoelaces by hand in warm, soapy water with a gentle scrub using an old toothbrush, or you can toss them in the washing machine.

Next, remove the insoles from your shoes. Mix some warm water with mild detergent and gently scrub the insoles with a soft brush. After rinsing them well, let them air dry.

Washing Or Wiping Down The Exterior

You’ll need a basin with warm water and some mild detergent to wash your shoes by hand. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water, make sure to wring it out so it’s not too wet, and then use it to clean the outside of your shoes. Focus on the parts that are extra dirty.

You can just use a damp cloth for lighter dirt and stains. Wet it a bit and wipe your shoes in one direction to avoid causing any harm to the material.

Tackling Stubborn Stains

Different stains need different methods to get rid of them. For example, if it’s an oily stain, you may need a degreaser. Colored stains might need a specific stain remover. Put a little bit of stain remover on a cloth and gently pat the stained spot. Don’t rub too hard because it might make the stain worse or harm the shoe material.

You might need to try a special stain-removal technique if the stain is really tough. This could mean soaking your shoes in warm water with a little mild detergent or using a special product to remove the stain. But before you go all out, test the product on a small hidden area to make sure it doesn’t change the color of the material.

Drying and Air-Drying

After cleaning your Adidas shoes, it’s important to properly dry them to prevent damage and ensure they’re ready for your next wear. Here’s how I went about it:

Removing Excess Moisture

You need to get rid of extra moisture to start drying the shoes. You can use a soft microfiber cloth to press on the shoes gently. Focus on the really wet spots. The idea is not to make the shoes completely dry but to take out as much water as you can so they dry faster when you leave them in the air.

Air-Drying Adidas Shoes

After removing the excess moisture, I put my shoes in a well-ventilated area for air drying. It’s important to avoid direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators or heaters since too much heat can bend the shoes and make them change color. I chose a cool, shaded spot with good airflow to speed up the drying.

I also used shoe trees to maintain the shape of my shoes while they dried. If you don’t have shoe trees, you can stuff the shoes with crumpled newspaper. This not only keeps the shape but also absorbs some of the moisture from inside the shoe, which is optional but helpful.

How To Clean Using Baking Soda And Vinegar

There is a reason why baking soda and vinegar are popular household cleaning solutions. It can do almost anything and you can clean your shoes with these things by following below steps:

Materials Needed:

• Baking Soda
• White Vinegar
• Warm Water
• Soft Brush or Toothbrush
• Microfiber Cloth

Steps:

1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Mix vinegar with baking soda in a bowl. Stir thoroughly while adding hot water until the mixture forms a thick paste.
2. Apply the Paste: Use a soft brush or brushing tool to apply the paste. Make sure to cover all areas, especially those with tough stains.
3. Scrub Gently: Scrub the shoes gently with the brush. It will take baking soda and vinegar to break down the dirt and stains.
4. Wipe Clean: Clean the shoes with a damp microfiber cloth after scrubbing. This should remove the paste along with the loosened dirt and stains.
5. Dry the Shoes: Let the shoe air dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid placing them under direct sunlight, as it can cause discoloration.

How To Clean Your Shoes with Water and Vinegar

I’m gonna show you how to clean Adidas shoes with only water and vinegar now. A combination of water and vinegar is an effective cleaning concoction for shoes made from various materials. Here’s a detail of how you can do it:

1. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and apply this solution to any stains or dirt on your shoes.
2. Let your shoes dry naturally in the air.
3. Once they’re dry, use a soft cloth to rub your shoes gently. This works well for removing scuff marks.
4. If there are still scuff marks, you can try using a regular cleaning sponge to buff them out.

For more stubborn stains, you might want to use a mild detergent. This method is beneficial as you can easily rinse off the detergent, and it’s ideal if you need to wear your shoes within a short period.

How To Clean Adidas Shoes Using Your Washing Machine

This cleaning method is recommended only for canvas, nylon, or cotton shoes. It’s not suitable for genuine leather sneakers as they may not withstand the washing machine process.

• Start by removing all visible dirt and debris from your shoes. This step is essential to protect your washing machine.
• Lace up the shoes and remove the insoles next.
• Place the shoes inside a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag for protection during the wash.
• Add a small amount of laundry detergent to the dispenser of your washing machine.
• Run the washing machine on a cycle that uses cold water.
• After the washing cycle, allow the shoes to air dry naturally. Avoid using a dryer as it can potentially damage the shoes.

Cleaning Different Types Of Adidas Shoes Materials

Adidas shoes are renowned for their quality and durability. Still, they require proper care to maintain their integrity just like any other shoes. Sometimes you will face challenges when cleaning specific materials. Shoes made of leather are particularly sensitive to certain treatment methods.

Leather Shoes

Leather shoes from Adidas offer a timeless style and long-lasting comfort. However, these benefits come with the need for special attention in terms of cleaning and maintenance.

• Remove Loose Dirt: Start by using a soft brush or cloth to get rid of any loose dirt or dust on the shoes.
• Wipe with a Damp Cloth: Use a damp cloth to gently wipe the surface of the shoe to clean it.
• Conditioning the Leather: Conditioning the leather is essential to keep it in good shape. It prevents cracks and makes your shoes last longer. You can use a leather conditioner and apply it carefully to all parts of the shoe.

Mesh Or Knit Uppers

Mesh or knit uppers are commonly found in athletic shoes and casual footwear due to their lightweight and breathable properties. So, how to clean Adidas mesh shoes upper? Here’s how you can clean them:

• If the stains are still there, make a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. Use this soapy solution to clean the dirty areas gently. After that, wipe your shoes with a damp cloth to remove any soap residues.
• Let your shoes air dry. Don’t rush the process by putting them in direct sunlight or near heat sources because that can warp their shape and affect their color. Just be patient and let them dry naturally at room temperature. This way, you’ll keep your shoes looking good without causing any damage.

How To Clean White Adidas Shoes?

White Adidas shoes add a stylish touch to your attire but require extra care. Here’s how I maintain mine:

For White Uppers

• Use gentle cleaning solutions: Harsh detergents may discolor the white uppers, so I opt for mild soaps or specific shoe cleaners.
• Use a soft-bristle brush: This helps remove dirt and stains without damaging the material.
• Spot clean immediately: If I spot a stain, I clean it at once to avoid it setting in.

Preventing Yellowing/Discoloration

If you want to know how to clean Adidas white shoes with yellow stains. Then you are lucky I have also provided the information you need below:

• Avoid direct sunlight: I store my shoes in a cool, dark place to prevent yellowing from sun exposure.
• Clean regularly: Frequent cleaning prevents dirt buildup, which can cause discoloration.
• Use a shoe protector spray: This creates a barrier that helps prevent stains and discoloration.
• Avoid bleach: It can cause white shoes to turn yellow. I stick to mild soaps and gentle cleaners.

First, test any cleaning method or product on a small, hidden area to ensure it won’t damage or discolor your shoes.

How To Clean Adidas Cloudfoam Shoes?

I have provided short steps on cleaning Cloudfoam shoes. Follow these steps below and keep your Adidas shoes fresh:

• Remove laces and insoles.
• Shake out loose dirt.
• Mix a mild detergent with warm water.
• Gently scrub shoes with soapy water using a soft brush or cloth.
• Wet cloths can be used to remove soap.
• Air dry shoes at room temperature, away from sunlight.
• Replace insoles and laces once dry.

How To Remove Odors And Keep Adidas Shoes Fresh?

Keeping your Adidas shoes fresh and free from odors is an important aspect of shoe maintenance. Here are some methods I’ve used, you can use too:

Timely drying is essential.

• After wearing your shoes all day, they can become damp due to sweat, causing unpleasant smells. I allow my shoes to dry completely before wearing them again by placing them in a well-ventilated area at room temperature. Direct heat should be avoided as it can harm the material and form of the shoe.

Using deodorizing techniques

When my shoes start to smell, I use a couple of tricks to freshen them up. One option is to sprinkle a bit of baking soda inside the shoes, let it sit overnight, and then shake it out the next day. It helps absorb the odor. I also use charcoal inserts, which I leave inside my shoes when I’m not wearing them. These inserts soak up moisture and bad smells, keeping my shoes dry and fresh.

Another useful trick is using odor-eliminating sprays made just for shoes. These sprays get rid of the bacteria causing the stink. I give my shoes a good spray inside and let them dry. Just remember to choose a spray that’s safe for your shoe material.

In my experience, it’s also smart to prevent odors. I rotate my shoes regularly so each pair has time to dry out, and I wear moisture-wicking socks to keep sweat under control. These steps help keep my shoes smelling nice.

What You Need To Avoid When Cleaning?

Proper shoe maintenance not only enhances their appearance but also extends their lifespan. However, there are common cleaning mistakes that can inadvertently damage your shoes. Here’s what to avoid:

Harsh Chemicals and Abrasive Materials To Avoid:

• Harsh Detergents: Avoid using bleach or other harsh detergents as they can cause discoloration, damage the material of the shoe, and degrade the adhesive used in the shoe’s construction.
• Abrasive Brushes: While brushes can be effective for removing dirt, using a brush with hard bristles can scratch or fray the material of the shoe. Stick to soft-bristle brushes or clothes for cleaning.
• Applying Direct Heat: Avoid drying your shoes near heaters or direct sunlight, as extreme heat can warp the shoe’s shape and fade color.

Not Overdoing The Cleaning Process:

• Over-saturation: It’s important not to over-saturate your shoes with water during cleaning. Too much water can weaken glue and cause your shoes to lose shape.
• Over-scrubbing: Scrubbing your shoes too hard can damage the shoe material. Gentle cleaning is usually sufficient to remove dirt and stains.
• Over-conditioning: If you’re dealing with leather shoes, remember that over-conditioning can lead to a buildup of residue that can darken the leather and make it appear greasy.

How To Be Safe While Cleaning?

Safety precautions when dealing with shoes include checking labels and care instructions to avoid damaging materials or misuse. Avoid inhaling harmful fumes when working with chemicals. Gloves and goggles should be worn when necessary.

Keep your shoes in good condition to avoid accidents like slips or trips. Ensure your shoes fit and suit your activities to prevent injuries or discomfort. These measures will help maintain your shoes’ lifespan and ensure your safety while cleaning, repairing, or wearing them.

You May Also Want To Read:

• How To Clean Your Nike Shoes
• How To Clean New Balance Shoes
• How To Clean Hoka Shoes?

Conclusion

Maintaining the cleanliness of your Adidas shoes can be manageable. By following these simple steps such as removing laces and insoles, brushing off the dirt, using a mild detergent solution for cleaning, rinsing with a damp cloth, and air-drying, you can ensure your shoes look their best. Regular care enhances the appearance of your shoes and prolongs their lifespan, making your investment in quality footwear worthwhile.

FAQ