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

Regular shoe cleaning is an often overlooked but crucial aspect of footwear care. Investing in good shoe-cleaning habits and kits is beneficial in the long run. It keeps your shoes looking their best and improves their durability and overall health.

1. Extends Lifespan of Shoes: Regular cleaning can prevent dirt and dust from causing wear and tear on the fabric or leather of your shoes, making them last longer.
2. Prevents Bacterial and Fungal Infections: Unclean shoes foster bacterial growth, especially due to moisture. Regular cleaning helps in preventing such infections.
3. Reduces Pathogens: Keeping the soles of your shoes clean can lower the risk of pathogens entering your home and potentially affecting your family.
4. Saves Money: By extending the life of your shoes through regular cleaning, you can save money over time as you won’t have to buy new pairs as frequently.
5. Eliminates Odors: Regular cleaning can help remove unwanted odors from your shoes, keeping them fresh.
6. Maintains Appearance: Clean shoes simply look better. Regular cleaning helps preserve your shoes’ original color, texture, and overall appearance. It removes stains, scuffs, and other imperfections that may have formed over time.
7. Identifies Needed Repairs: Regular cleaning can help detect shoe repair needs early on, prolonging their lifespan.

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: Leather shoes should be cleaned with soft cloths or brushes. For deeper cleaning, use a special leather cleaner. Always let them air dry and avoid direct heat sources. Use a leather conditioner to keep the material supple.
2. Synthetic Materials: Warm water and mild soap are usually sufficient to clean synthetic shoes. A softer brush can be used to remove stubborn dirt. After cleaning, these shoes should be air-dried.
3. Textiles: Textile shoes can usually be cleaned in the same way as synthetic ones. However, they may not be as durable, so it’s important to be gentle when cleaning. Some textile shoes can be machine washed, but always check the specific care instructions on the label.
4. Suede and Nubuck: These materials require a bit more care. Use a suede brush to remove dirt and gently restore the suede’s nap. There are also special erasers designed to remove stains from suede and nubuck. Avoid getting these materials wet, as they can cause discoloration.

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 below, 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 clean your pair. So how to clean Adidas shoes now? I have outlined a step-by-step guide below.

Removing Surface Dirt And Debris

1. Knocking Off Excess Dirt: Blocking your shoes together sole-to-sole to remove loose dirt and debris. A hard surface can gently tap the shoes to dislodge stubborn particles.
2. Brushing the Uppers: Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works great) to gently brush off any remaining dust or dirt on the shoe’s upper part. Avoid damaging the material by brushing in one direction.

Cleaning the Shoelaces and Insoles

1. Removing Shoelaces: Unlace your shoes to make the cleaning process easier. This allows you to clean each part of the shoe thoroughly.
2. Hand Washing or Machine Washing Shoelaces: If the shoelaces have a lot of dirt, soak them in warm water and mild detergent. Then, scrub them gently using an old toothbrush. Alternatively, you can put the shoelaces into your washing machine.
3. Cleaning Insoles: Remove the insoles from the shoes. Mix warm water with mild detergent, and scrub the insoles gently with a soft brush. Allow them to air dry after thoroughly rinsing.

Washing Or Wiping Down The Exterior

1. Handwashing the Shoes: Pour warm water into a basin and add a small amount of mild detergent. Dunk a soft cloth or sponge in the soapy water, wring it out, and then use it to clean the shoes’ exterior. Pay close attention to any particularly dirty areas.
2. Using a Damp Cloth: For minor dirt and stains, simply dampen a cloth and wipe down the shoes. Always wipe in the same direction to avoid damaging the material. 

Tackling Stubborn Stains

1. Identifying Stain Types: Different types of stains require different cleaning methods. For example, oil-based stains might need a degreaser, while colored stains could require a remover.
2. Using Spot Cleaners: Apply a small amount of spot cleaner to a cloth and gently dab at the stain. Be careful not to rub, which could spread the stain or damage the material.
3. Applying Stain-Removal Techniques: You might need to apply a stain-removal technique for stubborn stains. This could involve soaking the shoes in warm water and mild detergent or using a specialized stain-removal product. Always test the product on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t discolor 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

The first step in drying is removing excess moisture from the shoes. I used a soft, absorbent microfiber cloth to blot the shoes, paying special attention to any particularly wet areas. The aim is not to completely dry the shoe but to remove as much water as possible to speed up the air-drying process.

Air-Drying Adidas Shoes

1. Avoiding Direct Sunlight or Heat Sources: After blotting away the excess moisture, I placed my shoes in a well-ventilated area to air dry. It’s crucial to avoid direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators or heaters, as excessive heat can warp the shape of the shoes and cause discoloration. I found a cool, shaded spot with good airflow to speed up the drying process.
2. Using Shoe Trees or Stuffing with Newspaper (Optional): To help maintain the shape of the shoes. At the same time they dried, I inserted shoe trees into them. If you don’t have shoe trees, stuffing the shoes with crumpled newspaper can also work. This not only helps keep the shape but also absorbs some of the moisture from inside the shoe.

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

So, how to clean Adidas shoes with only water and vinegar? Well, 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. Then, using equal parts white vinegar and water, apply this solution to any visible stains or dirt on your shoes.
2. Allow your shoes to dry naturally in the air.
3. Once they’re dry, take a soft cloth and gently rub your shoes. This method is also effective for removing scuff marks.
4. If some scuff marks persist, consider 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, like any other product, they require proper care to maintain their integrity. 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.

• Cleaning and Conditioning Leather Uppers: The upper part of leather shoes is often exposed to dirt and grime. As such, regular cleaning is essential. Start by removing loose dirt with a soft brush or cloth. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface of the shoe. Once the shoes are clean, it’s time to condition them. Conditioning the leather is crucial as it helps to keep it moisturized, preventing cracks and extending the life of your shoes. Use a leather conditioner and apply it gently to all areas of the shoe. 
• Beware of Harsh Chemicals: You may want to use strong cleaning agents to remove stubborn stains, but they can damage your leather. Use mild soap or specialized leather cleaners instead. Be careful not to soak your leather shoes in water, as it can warp their shape and become brittle.

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:

• Use a soft brush or cloth: For light dirt, dust, or stains, use a soft-bristle brush on mesh or knit uppers gently.
• Mild soap and warm water: If the stains persist, prepare a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Then, gently scrub the dirty areas. Rine your shoes with a damp cloth to remove soap residues.
• Air dry: After cleaning, let your shoe air dry at room temperature. Direct sunlight or heat sources can warp the shape and color of your shoes.

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

• Baking Soda or Charcoal Inserts: I’ve found that both baking soda and charcoal are excellent for their odor-absorbing abilities. I lightly dust baking soda inside my shoes and leave it overnight. The next day, I simply dump out the baking soda. For charcoal inserts, I place them inside my shoes when not in use. They absorb moisture and eliminate odors, leaving my shoes fresh and dry.
• Odor-Eliminating Sprays: A wide range of odor-eliminating sprays on the market are designed specifically for shoes. These sprays neutralize the bacteria that cause bad smells. I spray them inside my shoes and let them dry, ensuring to select a spray that’s safe for the specific material of my shoes.

In my experience, while these methods help remove odors, preventive measures are always the best approach. I try to rotate my shoes regularly to give each pair enough drying time and wear moisture-wicking socks to keep sweat to a minimum.

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 – 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