Anybody can own a pair of expensive rare Adidas, given that you have the money. But not everyone knows how to clean their Adidas shoes properly! Keeping your shoes spotless is actually not as easy as it sounds.
There are ways to make them fresh for longer, and certain washing methods will ensure that your shoes will last longer. And so, on this occasion, I shall share some of my expertise and experiences on how to do it the right way.
You can try my tips and tricks below to get your Adidas sparkling new!
Contents
I. Adidas Shoes Cleaning Kits
- Shoe Cleaner or Mild Liquid Detergent
- Apron
- Soft Brush
- Toothbrush
- Microfiber Cloth
- Shoe Trees
- Wash Bowl
- Warm Water
- Shoe Perfume
- Leather Conditioner (optional for leather shoes)
II. How To Clean Any Material Of Adidas Shoes
Different materials need different care, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to ensure your Adidas shoes always shine.
a. How To Clean Mesh Adidas Shoes
#Step 1: Remove the Laces
Start by taking off the shoelaces and cleaning them separately. I always use this approach as it makes it easier to clean all areas of the shoe, including the eyelets.
#Step 2: Shake Off Loose Dirt
Give your shoes a few gentle taps or brush them off to remove loose dirt and debris. This will prevent dirt from spreading while cleaning. I prefer to use a brush as the taps may not be enough to remove the debris, especially if they are hiding in narrow spots.
#Step 3: Create Cleaning Solution
Use a bowl or container to mix a small amount of mild detergent or sneaker cleaner with warm water. Make sure it’s not too concentrated to avoid leaving residue on your shoes. To make the solution a bit more soapy, I highly recommend taking a clean sponge, dip it into the solution, and squeeze it!
#Step 4: Scrub Them Gently
Next, dip a soft brush or toothbrush into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the mesh areas of your Adidas shoes. Though you can choose one, I advise you to use both brushes as they will assist you in cleaning hard-to-reach areas, like insoles.
Pay extra attention to stained or soiled spots. Don’t scrub too hard to avoid scratches and other damages.
#Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Using a clean, damp cloth or a sponge, wipe off the cleaning solution from the shoes. Make sure to remove all soap residues. Alternatively, I sometimes use cold running tap water to remove the soap residues. It works great, too! But I don’t recommend soaking the shoes to prevent damage.
#Step 6: Dry Them
Stuff your shoes with towels or use a shoe tree to help them maintain their shape as they dry. Then, place them in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources, which can cause the mesh to warp or shrink.
Instead, you can follow my method to arrange the shoes in front of a fan and let the cool air speed up the drying process.
#Step 7: Re-lace The Shoes
Once your Adidas shoes are completely dry, re-lace them, and they’re ready to wear again. Your mesh shoes should look and smell much fresher after this cleaning process, trust me! To make them smell nice, I usually spray a shoe perfume to the insoles.
b. How To Clean Primeknit Adidas Shoes
#Step 1: Remove The Insoles and Laces
First, take out the insoles and laces from your Primeknit Adidas shoes. This allows for more thorough cleaning and prevents the insoles from getting soaked. I generally clean the insoles and laces separately, following a similar cleaning process.
#Step 2: Knock Off Loose Dust and Dirt
This step is essential to remove loose dirt and debris. You can do this by brushing your shoes with a shoe brush or toothbrush, depending on what you have.
#Step 3: Mix Cleaning Solution
Prepare a bowl of warm water and add a small amount of sneaker cleaner. But if you don’t have it, I recommend opting for mild detergent, as it works just the same. Be cautious not to make it over-concentrated.
#Step 4: Scrub The Shoes
Start scrubbing! Do this gently by dipping a toothbrush or soft brush into the cleaning solution you’ve made. Pay extra attention to any stained or soiled areas, but be cautious not to scrub too hard. I once did that and it did no good on the material. So, be gentle!
#Step 5: Rinse
I love to do it using a dampened microfiber cloth and wipe the cleaning solution off the shoes. You can also try rinsing the shoes under running cold water. But please don’t soak them!
#Step 6: Dry Properly
You can opt for shoe trees to help maintain their shape as they dry. I also usually stuff my Adidas with towels first before using the trees. It is always preferable to air dry the shoes and keep them away from direct sunlight to maintain their pristine shape and condition.
c. How To Clean Suede And Nubuck Adidas Shoes
#Step 1: Remove Loose Dirt
Use a suede/nubuck brush or a soft-bristle brush to gently remove any loose dirt and debris from the shoes. Instead of brushing randomly, I always brush in the direction of the natural grain of the material.
#Step 2: Erase Stains
For scuff marks or stains, gently rub a suede/nubuck eraser or a pencil eraser over the affected areas. In this step, I’ll always apply light pressure to ensure the stains are lifted yet the material is preserved. I know it takes a long time, but trust the process!
#Step 3: Brush Again
After erasing stains, use the brush to restore the texture of the suede or nubuck. For the brushing method, just follow step #1. Brush in the same direction to maintain the material.
#Step 4: Blot Excess Moisture
Sometimes, the shoes will get wet and I experienced this too. In this case, I would like to blot them with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to absorb as much moisture as possible. Avoid rubbing, as it can damage the material.
#Step 5: Allow To Air Dry
Let your shoes air dry naturally at room temperature. Don’t use heaters or hairdryers, as they can cause the material to warp or shrink. BUT! You can follow my simple method to speed up the drying by setting up a fan and letting the air blow the moisture away.
#Step 6: Apply Protector Spray
To prevent future stains and water damage, I love applying a suede/nubuck protector spray. Follow the instructions on the product label and ensure your shoes are clean and dry before applying.
d. How To Clean Leather Adidas Shoes
#Step 1: Dust Off Dirt and Debris
Before cleaning, I commonly brush off any loose dirt or debris from my Adidas leather shoes using a soft-bristle brush. This step helps prevent me from scratching my shoes during the cleaning process.
#Step 2: Create a Gentle Shoe Cleaner
Mix a small amount of mild leather cleaner with warm water in a bowl. Make sure it’s a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for leather. If you don’t have such a cleaner, I recommend opting for saddle soap!
#Step 3: Test in an Inconspicuous Area
Then, test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of your shoes to ensure it doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage. Trust me, don’t skip it if you want your shoes remain stylish!
#Step 4: Clean Gently
Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the cleaning solution and gently wipe the leather surfaces of your Adidas shoes. During this step, I recommend focusing on areas with stains or spots but be careful not to oversaturate the leather.
#Step 5: Use a Soft-Brush for Detailing
If I have stubborn stains or crevices on my sneakers, I will use a soft-bristle brush for detailing. Apply minimal pressure and use a circular motion to avoid damaging the leather.
#Step 6: Rinse
Wipe off the cleaning solution using a clean, damp cloth. If you don’t have one, simply take your sponge. Ensure all soap residues are removed from the leather.
#Step 7: Pat Dry
Use a microfiber cloth or a clean, dry towel to gently pat your shoes dry. Avoid vigorous rubbing, as it can harm the leather’s surface. Additional tips! I sometimes use old newspapers to stuff the shoes (just in case you don’t have the towels!).
#Step 8: Apply Leather Conditioner
After drying, apply a leather conditioner using a clean cloth. This step works on my shoes, as it helps maintain the leather’s suppleness and prevents it from becoming brittle.
#Step 9: Buff and Restore Shine
To restore the leather’s shine, use a separate clean, dry cloth or a shoe brush to gently buff the shoes in a circular motion.
#Step 10: Opt for Shoe Trees (optional)
Consider using shoe trees when storing your shoes. Though it is optional, I strongly recommend you do it. They help maintain the shape of the leather and prevent creases from forming.
#Step 11: Protect from Water and Stains (optional)
To further protect your Adidas leather shoes, apply a leather protector or waterproof spray as a finishing touch. Ensure it’s compatible with your specific type of leather.
III. Addressing Common Stains on Adidas Shoes
1. How to Clean Sweat Stains on Adidas Shoes
In case you have sweat stains on your Adidas shoes while on the go, I have a few quick steps that work awesome on my Adidas shoes and you can try! Here’s what you can do:
- Bolt the stains: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the affected area gently. Do not rub, as this may spread the stain.
- Use Hand Sanitizer: Apply a small amount to the sweat stain. Be sure not to saturate the area; a few drops or a small squirt should suffice.
- Bolt Again: After applying the hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol, blot the stain again with a clean cloth or paper towel. Repeat it 2-3 times, depending on the stain severity.
- Rinse: Rinse the treated area with a little water to remove any remaining sanitizer or alcohol residue.
- Air Dry: Allow your Adidas shoes to air dry naturally. If you have time, remove the insoles and let them air out separately.
2. How to Clean Soccer Cleats on Adidas Shoes
Cleaning soccer cleats, including Adidas shoes, can be quick and straightforward. Based on my personal experience, this step is a top-notch guide that helps lift stains from my Adidas! Here’s a brief step-by-step guide that’s hard to miss:
- Remove Loose Dirt: Tap or brush your soccer cleats to remove loose dirt, grass, and mud. This will make the cleaning process more effective.
- Mild Detergent Solution for Cleaning: Add a small amount of liquid mild detergent with warm water.
- Scrub the Cleats: Take your soft-bristle brush to the solution and scrub the cleats’ outsoles and upper areas where dirt and stains are present. Do it gently!
- Wipe Clean: Wipe away the soapy residue and any remaining dirt with a damp, clean paper towel or microfiber cloth.
- Air Dry: Let them sit at room temperature to dry naturally. Don’t use heaters or hairdryers to avoid damage!
IV. Do’s and Don’ts for Cleaning Adidas Shoes
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Clean your Adidas shoes gently so you won’t damage them. | After cleaning, don’t let your shoes damp for a long time. Let them sit for air dry. Use a fan to speed up the drying process. |
| Regularly clean your shoes at least once every month. | Don’t dry your shoes under direct sunlight. The color might be faded and the glue can get loose. |
| Use protector spray if needed to prevent dirt and stains from sticking to the shoes. | Don’t wipe the shoes roughly so you won’t end up with scratches and damage. |
V. Thing You Should Know!
Here are some useful tips you can take note of before cleaning your favorite footwear.
| Shoe Care Tips! | Explanation |
| Use liquid detergent! | It’s cheap and readily available. The powdered ones aren’t ideal since the granules can get stuck inside the shoes. |
| Don’t use fabric softeners! | They leave residues that cause your shoes to attract more dirt! |
| Put them in a laundry bag! | This one is crucial when you clean your shoes in a washer. Laundry bags can prevent scratches and damage. Add a towel, too, to protect shoes from banging and balance the load. |
| Read the shoe care instructions! | It is crucial to ensure that it’s safe to wash your Adidas with a washing machine. |
| Don’t put the shoes in direct sunlight! | Though it works best to dry them out fast, you will expect discolored or shrunk shoes due to the heat. |
| Don’t use a dryer for your shoes! | High heat leads to warping soles and shrinking shoes. |
| Place a cotton towel inside the shoe! | A cotton towel is a helpful tool to absorb moisture. Thus, your shoes will dry faster and the shapes are maintained. |
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VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can you wash Adidas shoes in the washing machine?
You can put your Adidas in the washer for easier cleaning. Note that this only works for shoes from canvas, synthetic leather, rubber, plastic, and knit. The following is how to clean your three-stripes shoes in the washer, taken from Adidas’ website.
- Remove the shoelaces and put them in a laundry bag, so they don’t get tangled. If the insole is removable, put them aside as well.
- Brush dirt and dust off the shoes gently.
- Throw your shoes into another laundry bag.
- Pour a little liquid detergent, then wash them with gentle speed and cold water. Wait until the washing cycle is finished.
- Always air-dry your shoes to prevent discoloring or shrinking. Put a cotton towel in each shoe to absorb extra moisture, as well as retain the shoe’s shape.
- When it’s done, put the insole and shoelaces back, and your Adidas look clean and crisp.
2. How do you get stains out of Adidas?
To get the stains out of your beloved Adidas, use a damp microfiber cloth and start wiping the stained area until they’re gone. Alternatively, also use a clean cloth, soaked into the soapy water first, then do the same steps.
3. Can I soak my shoes in baking soda?
It’s NOT recommended to soak your shoes in baking soda as the abrasive chemical on it can damage the shoe’s materials. The higher your shoe price is, the more it costs to take care of them.
4. How do you clean sports shoes without water?
To clean sports shoes without water, you can do dry cleaning. You can dry scrub it and use a wet tissue to wipe some stains. Even so, the results might not be as perfect as cleaning shoes with water.
5. What is the best homemade cleaner for Adidas shoes?
There are some of the best homemade cleaners for your Adidas shoes listed below:
- Baking soda and vinegar
Mix well baking soda, vinegar, and warm water (one part each) until form a thick paste. Put the paste on the shoe’s surface and start scrubbing gently in a circular motion with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Let them dry for about 10 to 15 minutes, then shake the paste off by knocking the shoes with each other. Wipe the remaining dry paste, and your Adidas shoes now look awesome!
- Toothpaste
Squeeze the toothpaste tube, and layer the stained or dirty area. Take a soft-bristle toothbrush and rub it in a circular motion until the dirt and stains are lifted. Wipe the excess with a clean cloth to show off the clean shoes. Repeat the process if needed.
- Dish soap
In a small bowl, mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water. Take a toothbrush, then dip it into the solution and scrub the dirty shoe gently in a circular motion. Take a clean cloth, then wipe the excess suds to reveal your clean three-stripes shoes.
- Liquid detergent
Mix liquid detergent with water until it gets soapy. Dip your toothbrush into the mixture, and start cleaning the shoes by scrubbing the dirty and stained area. Wipe the suds and repeat the process until the dirt and stains are no more.
VII. Conclusion
In summary, you have two options for cleaning your Adidas shoes: following the official Adidas cleaning directions for a quick clean or using the comprehensive guide provided here for a more detailed approach.
The key to thorough cleaning is using the right tools for each part, following the steps carefully, and paying attention to post-cleaning care. It’s important not to cut corners, as even small crevices need attention, and gentleness is crucial to avoid damaging your shoes.
By following these tips, your Adidas shoes will be clean, fresh-smelling, and more durable. You can also explore alternative methods to see what works best for you.