How To Clean Brooks Shoes: Keep Your Shoes Fresh [Top Guide]
Brooks shoes keep your feet happy and healthy on the pavement, trail, or track. To maximise your Brooks running sneakers investment, you must know how to clean them properly, whether you’re a dedicated runner, fitness enthusiast, or fan of their laid-back style. Maintaining your shoes improves their lifespan and provides comfort and support.
Even clean shoes get slimy and smelly over time, reducing utility and enjoyment. Poor maintenance can cause premature wear and tear, reducing their effectiveness. Knowing how to clean Brooks shoes is crucial. This guide shows you how to easily maintain Brooks footwear quality and look.
We’ll cover everything from removing stubborn stains to preventing odours. To keep your Brooks shoes looking and functioning well, you’ll discover the best care for different shoe materials and types. Whether you’re an athlete or appreciate soft shoes, learn to clean Brooks sneakers to keep your feet feeling great.
Table of Contents
Why Cleaning Brooks Shoes Matters
Cleaning Brooks sneakers is essential for their functionality and longevity. Poor shoe upkeep can damage the appearance and performance of these treasured shoes.
First and foremost, neglecting shoe washing lets filth and grime build-up. Their colours fade, and abrasive particles wear down the shoe’s fabric. These particles can damage fabric or leather, decreasing the lifespan of your Brooks shoes.
Neglect also causes ugly stains that might weaken shoes. Mud, oil, and food stains permanently discolour and degrade the shoe’s fabric. Bacteria can grow in these spots, leaving unpleasant odours that are hard to remove.
Lack of washing allows bacteria and sweat to collect in shoes, causing odours. These odours can ruin shoes and embarrass you. Neglecting shoe upkeep reduces cushioning and support, harming foot health and comfort.
Therefore, washing Brooks shoes is important to maintain their appearance and performance. Regular cleaning and care lengthen the life of your Brooks shoes and improve your footwear experience, letting you walk in comfort and style.
Materials Needed For Cleaning Brooks Shoes
Cleaning your Brooks shoes effectively requires a set of essential materials and tools to ensure you maintain their pristine condition. Here’s a list of the necessary items:
- Soft Brush: A soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush is essential for cleaning shoes without damaging them. This preps the shoes for a deeper clean.
- Mild Detergent: Buy a mild liquid detergent or a shoe cleaner for Brooks shoes. Avoid strong chemicals that can stain leather or textiles.
- Water: Clean, lukewarm water is needed to combine detergent and rinse dirt and cleaners. To protect the shoe’s material, use room-temperature water.
- Clean Cloth: Wiping and drying shoes after washing requires a soft, clean towel, preferably microfiber or cotton. It removes moisture and prepares shoes for wear or storage.
Optional shoe trees and stretchers keep shoes in shape throughout cleaning and drying. These are not usually necessary.
With these essentials, you can clean your Brooks sneakers effectively and maintain their beauty and performance. Cleaning and caring for your shoes helps keep them fresh and pleasant for your next run or walk.
How To Clean Brooks Shoes
Cleaning shoes made from different materials requires specific techniques to maintain their appearance and durability. Here’s a guide for cleaning leather, mesh, and synthetic shoes:
Cleaning Leather Shoes
Preparation
- Remove shoelaces and insoles.
- Brush off loose dirt and debris using a soft-bristle brush.
- Check for any stains or scuffs that may need special attention.
Cleaning
- Mix a mild detergent with water to create a soapy solution.
- Dip a soft cloth or a leather brush into the solution and gently scrub the leather.
- Use a leather cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water for stubborn stains.
- Wipe off excess moisture with a clean, damp cloth.
Conditioning
- Apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking.
- Buff the shoes with a clean cloth to restore shine.
Protection
- Use a waterproof spray or wax to protect against future stains and moisture.
Cleaning Mesh Shoes
Preparation
- Remove laces and insoles.
- Knock off loose dirt and debris.
Cleaning
- Fill a basin with warm, soapy water.
- Dip a soft brush or cloth into the soapy water and scrub the mesh gently.
- For tough stains, use a mixture of mild detergent and water.
Rinsing
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove soap residue.
- Pat dry with a clean towel or let them air dry.
Cleaning Synthetic Shoes
Preparation
- Remove laces and insoles.
- Brush off dirt and dust.
Cleaning
- Mix a mild detergent with warm water.
- Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub the synthetic material gently.
- Focus on stained areas, and avoid abrasive cleaners.
Rinsing
- Rinse off the detergent with clean water.
- Pat dry with a clean towel or air dry.
- Regardless of the material, avoid excessive heat or direct sunlight during drying to prevent damage. Regular cleaning and proper care will extend the life of your shoes and keep them looking their best.
How to clean a pair of athletic running shoes – Brooks Levitate
Removing Stubborn Stains (Stains, Grass, Mud, or Oil)
Stubborn stains on shoes, such as grass, mud, or oil, can be challenging to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your footwear’s appearance:
Grass Stains
Pre-treat with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water.
Gently scrub with a soft brush or toothbrush.
Launder if the shoe material allows, or rinse thoroughly and air dry.
Mud Stains
Allow the mud to dry completely.
Brush off as much dried mud as possible with a stiff brush.
Use mild detergent and warm water to scrub the remaining stain.
Rinse and air dry.
Oil Stains
Blot the stain with paper towels or a clean cloth to absorb excess oil.
Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch onto the stain to absorb more oil.
Let it sit for a few hours, then brush it off.
Apply a specialised oil stain remover if the stain persists, following the product’s instructions.
General Tips
Act quickly to address stains, as fresh stains are easier to remove.
Avoid using excessive force or abrasive materials, which can damage the shoe.
Test any stain remover on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t harm the material.
Follow the care instructions specific to your shoe material (e.g., leather, mesh, synthetic) for best results.
Specialised stain removers, like those designed for specific materials or stains, can be effective if used correctly. However, always exercise caution and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, as some harsh chemicals may harm certain shoe materials.
Preventing and Eliminating Odours
The warm, moist climate inside shoes breeds bacteria and fungi, causing unpleasant shoe odours. These microbes feed on sweat and dead skin in shoes. Leather and synthetic shoes can also collect moisture, worsening the issue. Shoe odour prevention and elimination:
Prevention:
- Wash and dry your feet and use moisture-wicking socks to prevent sweat that feeds odor-causing germs.
- Stop wearing the same shoes every day. Allow them to air out between wears.
- Replace insoles with moisture-wicking or odor-absorbing ones to keep shoes dry.
- Choose natural materials: Leather and canvas shoes breathe better.
- Clean your shoes regularly to remove dirt and particles that cause odours.
Elimination:
- Sprinkle generously with baking soda and leave your shoes overnight. It absorbs water and deodorises.
- Put activated charcoal packets in your shoes. Charcoal absorbs moisture and smells successfully.
- Due to their natural absorbency, dry tea bags can be placed in shoes to absorb odours.
- Freezing: To destroy odour-causing bacteria, freeze shoes overnight in a plastic bag. Wear them after thawing and drying.
- Air out your shoes in direct sunlight to eliminate bacteria and fungi and remove odours.
Follow these precautions and use natural or specialised shoe deodorisers to keep your shoes smelling fresh and avoid embarrassment.
Drying and Storage Your Brooks Shoes
Maintaining the comfort and durability of your Brooks running shoes requires proper drying and storage. After cleaning:
Drying:
- Insoles and laces should be removed for airflow.
- Fill shoes with newspaper or shoe trees to absorb moisture and keep form.
- Place them in a well-ventilated room at room temperature. Radiators can damage materials, so avoid direct heat.
- Leave them to air-dry for 24–48 hours. This time depends on their moisture.
Storage:
- Keep Brooks sneakers cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
- Avoid the floor and keep shoes in shape with a rack or shelf.
- Use shoe bags to keep them dust-free if you won’t wear them long.
- Rotate shoes to avoid compression.
Following these methods, you’ll have comfy and fashionable Brooks shoes for miles to keep them fresh, shapely, and durable.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
To prolong Brooks shoe life, use these maintenance tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Wipe dirt and mud from shoes with a moist cloth or gentle brush after each use. Air-dry them naturally.
- Remove insoles and laces and hand wash shoes with mild soap and water for a monthly deep clean. Thoroughly rinse and air-dry.
- Keep your shoes out of extreme heat, cold, and direct sunshine to avoid material damage and fading.
- Rotate Shoes: Wear multiple pairs to reduce wear and tear.
- Insert shoe trees to retain shape and absorb moisture to prevent odour and deformation.
- Weatherproofing: Protect against moisture and stains with a spray.
You can maintain your Brooks sneakers working and looking new by following these habits and precautions.
Conclusion – How to Clean Brooks Shoes
It’s important to clean and maintain your Brooks shoes often to keep them looking good and functioning well for as long as possible. A material-specific cleaning routine keeps shoes smelling and looking great. Maintaining them for as long as possible requires quick stain-removal methods and preventative measures.
Your investment in a pair of Brooks will pay dividends for miles if you take the time to dry and store them properly. You can extend the life of your Brooks shoes and ensure their signature comfort and support by following these simple steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Brooks shoes be washed?
The majority of Brooks footwear may be machine washed. To avoid damaging your shoes while cleaning them, it’s best to refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for that particular model.
How do you get stains out of white Brooks?
Warm water with a drop or two of mild detergent is all you need to clean the dirt and grime off your white Brooks shoes. Soften the discoloured areas by scrubbing them with a brush or cloth. Let it air dry after a good rinsing.
What is the best way to wash running shoes?
Take out the insoles and untie the shoes before washing them. Scrub the outside with a gentle detergent and a soft, bristled brush or cloth. Pack with newspaper and let air dry after a good rinsing.
How long will Brooks shoes last?
Use, surface, and maintenance all affect how long your Brooks lasts. They might be able to carry you for about 480 to 800 kilometres (300 to 500 miles) on average.