Nike’s breathable and comfortable mesh shoes, like the Air Max and Roshe, are great but can trap dirt easily, requiring frequent cleaning. Cleaning mesh shoes is delicate work to avoid damaging or stretching the material. Don’t worry, I’ve gathered effective tips and tricks to help you safely clean your Nike mesh shoes. Let’s dive in!
Contents
I. Kits You Need To Get Stains Out Of Mesh Shoes
- Shoe Cleaner
- Apron
- Premium Brush
- Medium Brush
- Standard Brush
- Small Brush or a Toothbrush
- Microfiber Cloth
- Shoetree
- A Washing Bowl
II. Steps To Clean Your NIKE Shoes
1. Preparation
Start by getting your mesh Nike shoes ready for a thorough wash. Insert a shoetree into each shoe, ensuring it’s evenly positioned and snug to maintain the shoe’s structure, size, and shape during washing. If possible, gently remove the insole, but don’t force it out.
2. Dry Wash
Before entering the water, gently clean the top and midsole of the shoes with a premium brush to remove all the dirt and dust that has accumulated on them.
3. Wash the Outsole
For a thorough cleaning of the outsole, use a standard brush with increased pressure and effort, as this is typically the dirtiest part of the sneaker.
4. Midsole Cleaning
Next, focus on the midsole. Use a medium brush to carefully scrub away stubborn stains and dirt. This part requires patience and thoroughness to ensure all dirt is effectively removed for a clean finish.
5. Clean the Inner and Outer of the Upper Part
For the shoe’s upper part, gently scrub with a premium brush to avoid scratches, then use a microfiber cloth to soak up excess water. To clean the interior, use a toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas and finish with a microfiber cloth. Be careful not to damage the mesh when cleaning inside with a premium brush.
6. Detailing
For the midsole and outsole, use a dampened microfiber cloth. Clean the shoelaces by soaking them in a mix of shoe cleaner and water, then hand wash and squeeze out excess water. Dry the laces with a microfiber cloth.
7. Drying Process
If you want to dry your shoes, a fan or a cool, dry room can be useful. However, it’s important to avoid drying them in the sun as it may damage the glue and change the color of the shoes.
III. 8 Alternative Methods To Clean NIKE Shoes With Mesh
I have tested plenty of options for cleaning your mesh shoes and getting them looking and smelling fresh again. So, let’s dive in and find out the best thing to clean mesh shoes with!
1. Without Washing
For a fast refresh of your Nike mesh shoes without full wet-cleaning, follow these steps:
- Gather Supplies: You’ll need a soft bristle brush or an old toothbrush, paper towels, a clean cloth, and warm water.
- Brush Off Dirt: Use the toothbrush to gently remove visible dirt from the shoes.
- Damp Cloth Cleaning: Dip a clean cloth in warm water, wring it out, and then wipe down the shoes, focusing on stubborn spots.
- Dry the Shoes: Pat the shoes dry with paper towels and let them air dry. For a fresh scent, sprinkle a bit of baking soda inside the shoes.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
To clean the mesh on your Nike shoes using hydrogen peroxide, follow these steps:
- Prepare Supplies: Gather an old toothbrush, a soft cloth, a container, warm water, and hydrogen peroxide.
- Create Solution: Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water in a container.
- Brush Stains: Dip the toothbrush in the solution and gently brush the stained areas.
- Wipe Down: Dampen the soft cloth with water and wipe the shoes to remove any hydrogen peroxide residue.
- Dry Shoes: Let the shoes air dry in a well-ventilated area, using a fan to speed up the process. Avoid using a hairdryer.
3. Magic Eraser
To clean your Nike mesh shoes using a magic eraser, follow these steps:
- Prepare Workspace: Set up a clean area, using old newspapers to protect the surface from mess.
- Dampen Magic Eraser: Lightly moisten the magic eraser with water, avoiding excess wetness.
- Clean Uppers: Gently scrub the uppers of the shoes with the eraser, applying light pressure to remove scuffs and dirt.
- Wipe Off Residue: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off any residue from the eraser.
- Dry Shoes: Let the shoes air dry in a well-ventilated area. Once dry, give them a shake to fluff up the fabric.
4. Cornstarch
To clean your Nike shoes using cornstarch, follow these simple steps:
- Gather Supplies: You’ll need cornstarch, a soft bristle brush, a clean cloth, and remove the laces for a thorough clean.
- Brush Off Dirt: Use the soft bristle brush to scrub away any loose dirt and debris.
- Apply Cornstarch: Sprinkle cornstarch over the shoe’s surface, gently rubbing it in to lift dirt. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Wipe Off Excess: Use a clean, dry cloth to remove the excess cornstarch.
- Final Touch: Re-lace the shoes, and they’re ready to go!
5. Vinegar
Discover the effectiveness of vinegar for cleaning Nike mesh shoes:
- Prepare Cleaning Area: Set up your space and gather white vinegar, warm water, a soft bristle brush, and a clean cloth.
- Make Cleaner: Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a bowl.
- Scrub Shoes: Dip the soft-bristle brush in the solution, ensuring it’s not too wet, and gently scrub away scuffs and stains.
- Wipe and Dry: Use a clean cloth to remove any residue, then let the shoes dry naturally.
6. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is an effective kitchen ingredient for cleaning scuffs off Nike mesh shoes. Here’s how to do it:
- Gather Supplies: You’ll need a clean cloth or sponge, a small bowl, warm water, a lemon, and an old toothbrush.
- Prepare Lemon Solution: Squeeze lemon juice into the bowl and add an equal amount of water to dilute the acidity.
- Gentle Scrubbing: Dip the old toothbrush in the mixture and gently scrub the stained areas.
- Rinse and Dry: Use a damp cloth to wipe off any residue, then let the shoes dry in a well-ventilated space.
7. Dish Soap
Dish soap is an effective cleaner for Nike mesh shoes. Here’s a quick guide:
- Prepare Supplies: You’ll need warm water, a soft brush or old toothbrush, mild dish soap, and a clean cloth.
- Create Cleaning Solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water and stir gently.
- Gentle Scrubbing: Dip the brush in the soapy solution and gently scrub the shoes with light pressure.
- Rinse and Dry: After cleaning, rinse the shoes with clean water, pat dry with a clean cloth, and let them air dry.
8. Lemon Juice and Salt
For tough stains on Nike mesh shoes, a lemon juice and salt mixture can be effective. Here’s a concise guide:
- Gather Materials: You’ll need lemon juice, table salt, an old toothbrush, and a soft cloth.
- Create Paste: Mix equal parts lemon juice and table salt to form a paste.
- Scrub Shoes: Dip the toothbrush in the paste and scrub the shoes.
- Let Sit: Allow the paste to work on the stains for 15 minutes.
- Wipe and Dry: Clean off the paste with a cloth, ensuring no residue is left, and then let the shoes air dry.
IV. Cleaning Solutions to Five Specific Stains
1. Sweat Stains
Here’s an effective method to clean sweat stains from Nike mesh shoes:
- Assess Stains: First, evaluate the severity of the stains to determine the cleaning approach.
- Gather Supplies: You’ll need warm water, an old toothbrush, mild detergent, and a microfiber cloth.
- Remove and Clean Laces: Take out the laces for separate cleaning, allowing better access to tight areas.
- Prepare Cleaning Solution: Mix equal parts of warm water and mild detergent.
- Scrub Stains: Dip the toothbrush in the solution and scrub the stained areas in a circular motion.
- Rinse and Dry: After removing stains, rinse the shoes, dab them with a microfiber cloth, and stuff them with old newspapers to retain shape.
- Air Dry and Re-lace: Let the shoes dry in a ventilated area and re-lace them once dry.
2. Oil Stains
Here’s a quick and effective method to tackle oil stains on Nike mesh shoes:
- Gather Supplies: You’ll need baking soda, an old toothbrush, a soft cloth, white vinegar, and paper towels.
- Blot the Oil: Gently press the oil stain with paper towels to absorb excess oil and prevent spreading.
- Apply Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the oil.
- Scrub Gently: Use the old toothbrush to carefully scrub the stain in a circular motion.
- Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Dip a clean cloth in this solution and gently rub the mesh to remove any remaining oil.
3. Ink Stains
Got ink stains on your Nike mesh shoes? Here’s a straightforward guide to clean them:
- Gather Supplies: You’ll need rubbing alcohol, cotton balls, a soft brush, and a clean cloth.
- Apply Rubbing Alcohol: Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and gently dab the ink stain. Be careful not to oversaturate and spread the ink.
- Brush Gently: Use an old toothbrush or soft brush to rub the stain in a circular motion. The alcohol helps break down the ink effectively.
- Blot the Area: After brushing, use a clean cloth to absorb any remaining ink and alcohol.
- Air Dry: Let the shoes dry naturally. Avoid using a hairdryer as it can damage the mesh material.
This method should help restore your shoes without causing further damage.
4. Beverage Stains
Got beverage stains on your shoes after a night out? Here’s a quick solution:
- Assess the Stain: Blot fresh stains with a paper towel. Older stains may require more steps.
- Gentle Scrubbing: Use an old toothbrush to carefully scrub the stained area, being gentle to avoid damaging the mesh.
- Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and lukewarm water. Dip a clean cloth in this solution and dab it on the stain.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the shoes with cold water to remove any vinegar residue. Pat them dry with a clean cloth and let them air dry in a well-ventilated area.
5. Blood Stains
Encountered blood stains on your shoes? Here’s a concise guide to clean them:
- Assess the Stain: Check if the blood stains are fresh or dried. Fresh stains are easier to handle.
- Gather Supplies: You’ll need paper towels, salt, a bowl, cold water, and an old toothbrush.
- Blot Fresh Stains: For fresh stains, blot them with a paper towel. Avoid rubbing to prevent spreading.
- Prepare Solution: Mix a pinch of salt with a small amount of cold water in a bowl.
- Gentle Application: Dip the toothbrush in the solution and dab gently on the stain. Leave it for a few minutes to lift the dirt.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the area with cold water and let the shoes air dry, using a fan to speed up the process instead of a hairdryer.
V. Do’s And Don’ts
Do’s
- When cleaning your sneakers, be gentle while scrubbing them.
- Use premium brushes only on the upper part of the sneakers, not the rough or textured areas.
- Before using water to clean your sneakers, dry scrub them first.
- After washing, use a fan to dry the sneakers.
Don’ts
- Do not use rough cleaning techniques, as they can damage the material of the shoe.
- Avoid using paper towels on the upper part of your sneakers.
- Avoid drying your sneakers in a damp environment.
VI. How To Care For Your Sneaker?
- It is important to keep your sneakers in a dry and warm place to prevent damage.
- I recommend using a high-quality brush to gently clean the top of your shoes.
- Pay extra attention to the material of your sneakers.
- Remember to consider the material of your sneakers and use damp paper towels to finish the cleaning process.
VII. FAQ
1. HOW TO CLEAN MESH SHOES WHITE
To restore the bright appearance of white mesh shoes, follow these steps:
- Create Cleaning Paste: Mix two parts baking soda with one part water to form a paste.
- Apply Paste: Use a soft brush to apply the paste onto the mesh upper, following the direction of the mesh or knit pattern. This paste can also be used on the rubber sole to tackle dirt and stains.
- Let It Sit: Allow the paste to sit on the shoes for 30 minutes.
- Wipe Off: After 30 minutes, gently wipe off the paste with a damp washcloth.
This method should help in cleaning and brightening your white mesh shoes.
2. HOW TO CLEAN NIKE AIR MAX 90 MESH
Keep your Nike Air Max 90 Mesh shoes looking new with these steps:
- Remove Laces: Take out the laces and set them aside.
- Brush Off Dirt: Use a Premium Brush to remove any dry dirt.
- Spot Clean: Employ a Sneaker Wipe to target scuffs and stains, especially on mesh areas.
- Apply Sneaker Cleaner: Spray the shoes and scrub the upper, focusing on leather and rubber parts. Use a microfiber towel for wiping and gently scrub the mesh in circular motions.
- Clean Midsoles and Soles: Address dirt on the midsoles and under the soles, wiping off excess cleaner.
- Dry Shoes: Let the sneakers air dry.
- Clean Laces: Spray laces with Sneaker Cleaner, rub them together, soak in water, and dry them with the sneakers.
- Re-lace and Deodorize: Lace up the sneakers and apply odor spray inside the shoes and on the insoles for protection against odors, bacteria, and UV rays.
3. HOW TO CLEAN COLORED MESH SHOES
Here’s a guide to cleaning your colorful mesh sneakers or athletic shoes:
- Create Cleaning Solution: Mix a small amount of mild laundry detergent with water.
- Gentle Scrubbing: Use a clean cloth or sponge to gently scrub the shoes with the soapy solution. Opt for a color-safe detergent and scrub softly to avoid color bleeding.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After scrubbing, rinse the shoes well with clean water to eliminate any soap residue.
- Dry the Shoes: Pat the shoes dry with a towel and let them air dry completely before wearing them again.
These steps will help maintain the vibrant look of your colored mesh shoes while ensuring they are clean and fresh.
4. HOW DO I PROTECT MY MESH SNEAKERS
Protecting your mesh sneakers involves three key steps: using protective sprays, proper storage, and odor management. Here’s a concise guide:
- Protective Sprays: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application, typically spraying from six to eight inches away. Reapply the coating every six to twelve months.
- Storing Sneakers: Store them in their original box, a clear container, or on a shoe rack or bench. Use shoe trees to prevent creasing and maintain shape.
- Odor Removal: Wash the insoles regularly to combat odors. Rotate your sneakers, allowing a day between wearings, and consider using sneaker balls for odor control when not in use.
VIII. Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many ways to clean mesh Nike shoes, including using a soft brush and soap, using a shoe-cleaning solution, or using baking soda. It is important to be gentle when cleaning mesh shoes and to avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard.
By following these cleaning methods, you can keep your mesh Nike shoes looking fresh and clean for longer periods of time. Remember to also regularly remove debris from the mesh to prevent dirt and grime from building up and causing stains or odors.
Overall, taking the time to properly clean and care for your mesh Nike shoes will ensure that they remain in good condition and continue to provide the comfort and performance you expect from them.