No matter the colour of your Adidas sneakers, they will always accumulate dirt as long as you wear them. To get the best out of your Adidas pair, keeping them clean through regular maintenance is essential.

Follow along as we go through the steps on how to clean Adidas shoes.

How to Clean Adidas Shoes

Any pair of Adidas originals will require a deep clean at some point. Of course, it is heartbreaking when your favourite pair of kicks are dirty. Luckily, you don't need much in the way of supplies to clean your shoes.

If you want a fashionable alternative, our sneakers have what it takes! At Vessi, we prioritize a waterproof upper, so your pair won't get dirty as fast. Here are some tips we recommend to clean all types of kicks, including Adidas:

1) Using dish soap and warm water

Image Source: adidas.com

1) Remove the dirt

Of course, even the best waterproof walking footwear gathers dirt and mud when we use them outdoors. So, remove the dirt first.

1. Untie and remove the shoelaces for simple access to all shoe components, like the shoe tongue.

2. Take the shoes outside and stomp on the bottoms to dislodge thick clumps of caked-on mud or dirt.

3. You can also scrub the shoes with a dry toothbrush or a tiny, soft-bristled brush to get rid of any last bits of loose debris.

4. Make sure to brush the outside edges of the tongue and the rubber soles to remove excess dirt.

2) Cleaning the shoes

1. Mix a few drops of dish soap into clean and warm water.

2. Dunk a toothbrush in the soapy water and use it to scrub the shoes all over gently.

Go easy with the toothbrush or soft brush to avoid damaging your shoes. Remember, you can also use some laundry detergent instead of dish soap.

3) Clean the soles

The shoes we use daily also tend to get scuff marks. To remove stains and scuffs;

1. Use an eraser sponge and gently scrub the scuffs away.

2. After doing this, wipe the soles off with a damp cloth.

4) Stuff the shoes

Fill the shoes with paper towels or newspaper to absorb moisture. This step also ensures your sneakers keep their shape as they dry. Remember to let the shoes dry completely before putting them on.

2) Using baking soda and vinegar

Image Source: adidas.com

Baking soda and vinegar are famous household cleaning solutions for a reason. Follow these steps to clean your shoes:

1. Begin by mixing baking soda and vinegar in equal proportions to make a thick paste. We recommend a 1:1 ratio for the best experience.

2. Ensure your shoes are debris-free by brushing away any mud and removing the laces.

3. Dip an old toothbrush or soft brush into the paste and gently coat the entire shoe.

4. Let the paste dry before you gently brush it off. Note the paste has to stay on the shoes for several hours until it dries.

Remember, some stains and scuffs will not come off with this paste, especially with waterproof shoes. Still, you can;

1. Use a bleaching pen and coat the stains.

2. Wait for a few minutes, then wash it off.

Always use shoe trees after washing your shoes to ensure no new and unsightly creases form. After all, you always want a snug fit with shoes, so keeping them from forming creases helps to keep them firm.

3) Using water and vinegar

Image Source: adidas.com

Clean sneakers are a huge flex, which is why a mixture of water and vinegar is an excellent cleaning solution for most shoes, regardless of the material.

1. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, and apply the mixture to any surface stains and grime.

2. Let your shoes air dry.

3. Once dry, use a soft cloth and give them a gentle rub. This should also remove scuff marks.

4. If there are still scuff marks, you can use a normal cleaning sponge to try and buff them out.

Consider using a mild detergent for stubborn stains since you can easily wash away the detergent. Also, this method is perfect if you are supposed to wear your shoes in a few hours.

4) Using shoe cleaner

Image Source: adidas.com

A professional shoe cleaner is one of the best options for cleaning your Adidas shoes. Usually, you only need a soft cloth and a cleaner to get the best results.

1. Remove the laces, and ensure the shoes are free of dirt and debris.

2. Spray or drop the shoe cleaner on the surface and buff away using a soft cloth. This will spread the cleaner all around the shoes.

3. Repeat the buffing as many times as you prefer to get the perfect shine.

4. Let the shoes dry for at least 3 hours before wearing them again.

5) Using your washing machine

Image Source: getsetclean.com

This cleaning solution only applies to canvas, nylon, and cotton fabrics. Real leather sneakers, on the other hand, won't survive a washing machine.

1. Start by removing any dirt and debris on the shoes to ensure your laundry machine remains uncompromised.

2. Next, remove the laces and insoles and place the shoes in a pillowcase or mesh net.

3. Ensure to use a small amount of laundry detergent in the tray.

4. Turn the washing machine on and set it to the cold water cycle.

5. After the cycle, we recommend air drying the shoes, as placing them in a dryer will ruin them.

Don't Forget the Laces and Insoles

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Here is a way to clean your laces and insoles:

For insoles;

1. Soak them in a mixture of vinegar and hot water for at least an hour. Vinegar acts like a disinfectant and removes any bacteria living in the insoles.

2. Spray the liquid onto the lining of your shoes, then leave them to air dry for 30 minutes.

3. If you need to dry the insole quickly, use a hair dryer.

For laces;

1. Soak them in water and one teaspoon of bleach (if they are white). A soak in mild laundry detergent should do the trick if they aren't white.

2. Leave them for about an hour, then wash them with laundry detergent and rinse them off with cold water.

For Bad Odours

Image Source: roadrunnersports.com

a) Vinegar, Baking Soda and Hot Water

Perspiration can cause bad odours. And the best way to keep bad odours off your shoes is to keep your feet, socks, and insoles dry.

Spraying a mixture of equal amounts of clean water and white distilled vinegar in your sneakers is also a great way to keep the smell away. Alternatively, you can sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe and leave it overnight.

b) Dryer Sheets

Did you know you can also use dryer sheets for bad odours? If you need to get rid of the smell from the insoles quickly, this is a fantastic alternative to vinegar spray.

1. Start by cutting a dryer sheet in half.

2. Next, insert one piece into each shoe while keeping the insoles in place.

3. To completely eliminate smells from the insole and the shoe, leave the dryer sheet in the shoes overnight.

c) Freezer

Shoe insoles or sneakers with bad odours should be frozen. Surprisingly, this hack works effectively, particularly for footwear and insoles you shouldn't expose to moisture.

1. Put the footwear and insoles in a sterile freezer bag (you don't want to contaminate your food with shoe bacteria, do you?).

2. Leave them in the freezer for 24 to 48 hours.

3. The cold should eradicate the bacteria and leave your shoes fresh. We tried it, and it works.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Adidas Shoes

i) How can I wash my Adidas shoes without ruining them?

You can always wash your shoes in a gentle, cold water cycle, but try to use a slow or no-spin setting. Before starting, place them in a closed mesh bag with the laces and insoles removed. Hopefully, you can preserve the condition of your favourite sneakers and protect your washer from damage. Of course, avoiding harsh chemicals is also recommended.

ii) How do you clean white Adidas shoes without bleach?

Try cleaning your shoes with baking soda and vinegar.

1. Mix the baking soda and white vinegar in a small bowl until it forms a thick paste.

2. Scoop the mixture with a toothbrush and apply the paste all over the shoes, scrubbing softly to remove dirt and stains.

3. Wipe off the paste.

iii) How do you clean Adidas suede shoes?

When removing dirt, always use a soft-bristled brush before wiping stains with a soft cloth dipped in warm water and laundry detergent. This works for most suede shoes.

iv) How do I make my Adidas sneakers white again?

With a washcloth soaked in warm water mixed with a mild liquid laundry detergent, gently wipe away stains. Rinse the same cloth in another batch of clean, warm water and remove excess soap and suds on the shoes. To finish up, find a soft bristle toothbrush to clean white outsoles and air dry inside the house at room temperature.

v) Why do Adidas shoes turn yellow?

This yellowing process is called oxidation and happens no matter how you use your shoes. Well, the best possible solution is getting your shoes to the nearest steam press laundry service. Their methods include cleaning your shoes and removing dirt from the soles, followed by de-yellowing.

The Bottom Line

Adidas footwear is always a good choice, and up until you step in the dirt, newly cut grass, or your child steps on your toes, it's a terrific look. But, when the time comes to clean your Adidas shoes, you could start to doubt your ability to restore their brilliance. Still, you can get the job done well, and your secret weapons for giving your shoes a new appearance are above.