How to Clean Brooks Shoes

The pair of Brooks shoes is not just any sneaker, it is my best friend which gives my feet optimal comfort & support while running and walking. I always keep my Brooks shoes clean as a casual walker. It is not just about preserving their looks, it is about extending their lifetime & ensuring performance. Washing is the one & only solution to make the shoes odour-free and look new. But how to clean Brooks shoes? In this guide, I will explain the best ways to clean your Brooks shoes, so they stay fresh & perform at their peak.

While cleaning your pair of Brooks shoes you will need to consider the materials. Most materials are mesh & synthetic, meaning they need effective yet careful cleaning. Start by removing dirt or debris with a soft brush or cloth. Now mix detergent with warm water & with a sponge or brush scrub your Brooks shoes. Rinse the shoes with clean water & let it air dry.

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Clean Brooks Shoes

What is the best way to clean my shoes?

Cleaning is essential for 2 reasons: to keep your Brooks shoes in good condition & to prevent foot odor. The best thing is to hand wash as it has some benefits over machine washing. The combination of heat & detergent can damage shoe bonding, seams, and overall structure, and long-term support of shoes. While cleaning your Brooks shoes below are the steps to follow:

How to Clean Brooks Shoes: – Step-by-Step Guideline

Step 1: Collect your supplies

Before diving into the cleaning process, collect the essential supplies. You’ll need:

  • A soft-bristle brush
  • Mild detergent or shoe cleaner
  • Water
  • Soft clothes or sponges
  • Old toothbrush
  • Towel
  • Shoe deodorizer (optional)
  • Shoe protector spray (optional)

Step 2: Check Manufacturer’s Guideline

Check the tag or box for any recommended cleaning methods or products.If you follow manufacturers’ guidelines, it will ensure that you can clean your Brooks shoes without damage.

Step 3: Clean the bottom

It is the first step of cleaning. If you remove dirt & dust from outsoles perfectly & consistently it will help you to clean your shoes later when you wash.

Step 4: Remove shoelaces

You will have to wash shoelaces separately thus you need to take out shoelaces before washing your Brooks shoes.

Step 5: Wash your Shoes with a Damp Cloth

Mix detergent with warm water, take a cloth and dampen it in mixture. The cloth must absorb & soak up as much water as possible. Then you can start washing your shoes. Scrub your shoes gently with a brush or clothes to remove mud & dirt. You can wash your shoelaces with the same mixture.

Step 6: Rinse Properly

When you are satisfied with washing & you think your shoes are clean, you should rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water. Make sure you rinse thrice or twice to cleanse the’ detergents. During cleaning, I always follow every step carefully.

Step 7: Remove the insoles

The next step is to remove the insoles of Brook’s shoes and wash them separately. You can dry them in a hanging line when you think the insoles are clean enough.

Step 8: Stuffing and air-drying

The concluding stage of cleaning the Brooks shoes is stuffing the shoes with a newspaper. Stuffing with the newspaper helps the shoes maintain their shape to avoid reducing in size while drying.

Tips for Washing White Running Shoes

I know it is tempting, but do not touch that bleach. It will crash several of the outside coating & technical features of the shoe that keep it flexible & breathable.

  • The mesh picks up particles, so do not store them where you are tossing around other shoes. Give them their own special space.
  • Start by simply repeating the process above. Gently brush an area with fast strokes multiple times and see if that does not get rid of the issue.
  • If a stain remains, Mix a little bit of toothpaste, baking soda & water then use that toothbrush to scrub any particularly bad areas.

What Not to Do:

  • Do not wash your running shoes in the washing machine. Soaking shoes in water can damage the fabric & adhesives!
  • Do not use bleach or household cleaning supplies to clean your shoes. Stick to gentle, clothing-safe options.
  • Do not dry your running shoes in the dryer, near a radiator, or in direct sunlight. Heat can cause the Brooks shoes to lose their shape. Air-drying is best.

With some care & attention, you can keep your running shoes in their best shape, and put their toughness to the test on the road!

How to Keep Your Running Shoes Smelling Fresh

There are many ways to remove odor from your running shoes. Some of the best options do not require any harmful chemicals either.

Regularly washing your shoes & wearing socks (and washing them after each use) will help decrease the aroma coming from your runners. But if that is not enough, you could try the below steps:

  • White vinegar is mixed equally with water. This is a great natural deodorizer. Spray the inside of your shoes and your insoles after each run and allow them to dry.
  • Baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda in your shoes after your run and leave it in for 24 hours. Then tap out the remaining powder. Baking soda can be combined with 1-2 drops of essential oil to offer an additional scent boost.
  • Replacing your insoles. Sometimes it is the insoles and not the shoes – particularly if you are wearing an older pair.
Best Way To Clean My Shoes

How to Store Your Running Shoes

You do not want to drop your favorite Brooks running shoes in the garage for more than a day. With big temperature swings, you will see several breakdowns of the shoe.

  • Cold temperature will break down the foam so it is no longer providing you the cushion or structure it should.
  • Super-hot temperatures will break down the adhesive.
  • A dry place at room temperature helps all the materials to remain flexible & ready to perform.

After 20 years of use, I can tell you that cleaning your shoes by hand is not all that hard. It is also, in my experience not all that necessary unless they have just gotten to be a crazy mess or you are enjoying this new white shoe trend!

Finally, you can dry your brooks shoes by placing them in a clean & open environment that has sunlight. The appropriate place could be a balcony or compound.

FAQ

What will you do if your running shoes smell bad even after cleaning? 

You can use Lemon Sole Spray, which will refresh them and get rid of bacteria instantly.

How often do you need to clean your Brooke shoes?

The frequency of cleaning your shoes depends on their usage and exposure to dirt. It is recommended to clean them every few weeks or when they look dirty. Regular cleaning helps to extend their lifespan.

I always avoid hot water, bleaches, scrubbers, and the washing machine, as I love my branded pair. I recommend washing it a regular intervals to keep the shoes looking new and to avoid bad odors from my feet. But if the situation demands it, you must clean the sneakers.

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