How To Clean New Balance Shoes The Right Way?
Your New Balance shoes deserve proper care, and knowing how to clean New Balance shoes correctly keeps them looking fresh for years. Whether you've got the classic 574s or trendy 327 suede models, we'll show you exactly how to remove dirt, tackle stains, and keep your kicks in top shape. At Denim Exchange, we understand that maintaining your athletic shoes isn't just about looks, it's about making your investment last. You've spent good money on quality footwear, so let's protect it.
What You'll Need Before You Start?
Grab these items before you begin your sneaker cleaning session:
-
Soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush.
-
Mild dish soap or sneaker maintenance solution.
-
White vinegar for tough stains.
-
Baking soda for deodorizing shoes.
-
Clean microfiber cloths.
-
Magic eraser for rubber soles.
-
Lukewarm water.
-
Paper towels or newspaper.
Don't use harsh chemicals. If you want everything in one place, the Jason Markk Care Essential Kit covers brushes, cleaner, and microfiber essentials. It's perfect for regular New Balance shoe maintenance.
Harsher chemicals can damage your shoes faster than you can say "new kicks." Stick with gentle stuff that won't mess up the materials.
Quick 10 Ways To Clean New Balance Shoes
Got 10 minutes? Here's how to handle everyday dust and light dirt on your New Balance kicks:
- Remove laces and insoles: Take them out to clean separately and allow better access to all areas.
- Dry brush first: Use a soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush to remove loose dirt and dust.
- Prepare a mild cleaning solution: Instead of dish soap, a sneaker-safe option like Jason Markk Premium Cleaner helps clean mesh, leather, and rubber without damaging materials. Mix lukewarm water with a small amount of gentle detergent or sneaker cleaner.
- Clean the uppers gently: Dip the brush into the solution and scrub in small circular motions. Be extra gentle on suede or mesh.
- Spot clean stubborn stains: Use a slightly damp cloth with mild soap—avoid soaking the material.
- Clean midsoles separately: Scrub midsoles with a brush to remove dirt and scuff marks.
- Rinse with a damp cloth: Wipe off soap residue using a clean, damp microfiber cloth.
- Wash laces separately: Hand-wash laces in soapy water, then rinse thoroughly.
- Air dry properly: Stuff shoes with paper towels and let them air dry at room temperature. Avoid direct heat or sunlight.
- Brush suede after drying (if applicable): Restore texture using a suede brush once the shoes are completely dry.
This method works great for regular cleaning of sneaker soles and keeping your shoes fresh between deep cleans.
How To Clean New Balance 574 Fabric Shoes?
The 574 New Balance models typically feature mesh and suede combo materials. Here's your game plan:
Remove laces and insoles first. The insoles need separate attention. Create your cleaning solution by mixing one tablespoon of mild soap with two cups of lukewarm water. Use a soft brush dipped in the solution to clean the mesh areas. Brush gently in the direction of the fabric weave.
For mesh-heavy models like the 574s, a ready-to-use foam sneaker cleaner works great since it lifts dirt without oversaturating the fabric.
For the suede sections, use a special suede brush or dry towel. Never use water directly on suede, it'll leave water marks you can't fix. Brush the suede in one direction to lift the nap and remove dirt particles.
The white rubber midsoles? That's where the magic eraser comes in handy. Just dampen it slightly and rub away scuff marks and yellowing. Works like a charm for maintaining new shoes and making old ones look younger.
Rinse your cloth frequently and wipe down all soapy areas. Air dry for 24 hours in a well-ventilated spot. Check out our complete collection of New Balance shoes to find your next pair that's easier to maintain.
How To Clean New Balance 327 Suede Properly?
Suede cleaning requires extra care. The 327 models look amazing but need gentle handling. Never submerge suede in water. That's rule number one.
Use a suede brush or pencil eraser to tackle dry dirt first. Brush in one direction only. For stubborn spots, lightly dampen a clean cloth with water and blot (don't rub) the stain. Let it dry completely.
Got oil stains? Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder on the spot. Let it sit overnight to absorb the oil. Brush it off the next day with your suede brush.
For deeper stain removal from sneakers, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Dip a cloth in this solution, wring it out well, and gently dab the stained area. Use another dry cloth to blot up excess moisture immediately.
Suede protector spray is your friend. After cleaning, spray your shoes to create a barrier against future stains and water damage. This step matters if you want your New Balance kicks to last.
How to Deep Clean the Insoles And Laces?
Deodorizing shoes starts with the insoles. They soak up all your sweat and smell over time. Remove them and scrub both sides with your soapy water solution. Use a brush to work the soap into the fabric.
- Remove insoles from the shoes: Always take them out before cleaning to prevent moisture buildup inside the shoes.
- Dry brush first: Gently brush off loose dirt and debris using a soft brush.
- Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix warm water with mild detergent or a small amount of baking soda.
- Scrub gently: Use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub both sides, focusing on odor-prone areas.
- Deodorize if needed: Sprinkle baking soda on the insoles and let sit for 30 minutes before brushing off.
- Wipe, don’t soak: Use a damp cloth to remove soap residue—avoid fully soaking insoles.
- Air dry completely: Let insoles dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat.
Want white laces to stay white? Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to make a paste. Rub it on the laces, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse. They'll look brand new.
Sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes while the insoles dry. This absorbs moisture and kills bacteria that cause bad smells. It's the best trick for proper shoe cleaning techniques that actually work.
Tackling Tough Stains And Marks
Some stains need extra attention. Grass stains respond well to white vinegar. Mix one part vinegar with two parts water. Apply with a cloth and let it sit for 5 minutes before wiping clean.
Mud stains are easier than you think. Let the mud dry completely first. Brush off the dried mud with a stiff brush. Then use your regular soap and water method to clean any remaining residue.
Scuff marks on rubber parts? The magic eraser handles those. For scuffs on leather sections, use a tiny bit of non-gel toothpaste on a cloth. Rub gently in circles, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Got paint or ink? Rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball works well. Dab (don't rub) the stain. Test this on a hidden spot first to make sure it won't discolor your shoes.
Cleaning Different New Balance Materials
New Balance uses various materials across its models. Here's how to handle each:
Mesh and fabric: Use gentle soap and water. These breathe well but can hold onto dirt. A soft brush works best for removing dirt from athletic shoes made from these materials.
Leather: Wipe with a damp cloth and use leather cleaner if needed. Don't saturate leather with water. A tiny amount of moisturizer afterwards keeps leather from cracking.
Synthetic materials are the easiest to clean. Soap and water do the job. They dry faster than natural materials too.
Rubber soles: Use that magic eraser or a paste of baking soda and water. Scrub with a brush for deep grooves. This prevents dirt buildup that makes your washing sports footwear harder next time.
Match your cleaning method to the material of your shoes. Check the tongue tag if you're not sure what you're working with.
Drying Your Shoes The Right Way
Never put your New Balance shoes in the dryer. Heat damages glue, warps materials, and ruins cushioning. Just don't do it.
Stuff shoes with white paper towels or newspaper. This absorbs moisture and helps them keep their shape. Change the paper every few hours if the shoes are really wet.
Place shoes in a spot with good air circulation. Near a fan works great. Away from direct sunlight or heat sources. UV rays can yellow white parts and fade colors.
Expect 24-48 hours for complete drying. Don't rush it by using a hairdryer. Patience pays off with shoes that maintain their structure and comfort.
Turn the shoes every few hours so all sides dry evenly. This prevents that musty smell that happens when shoes dry unevenly.
Preventing Future Dirt And Damage
The best cleaning is the kind you don't have to do. Here's how to keep your kicks cleaner longer:
- Apply water and stain repellent spray when the shoes are new. Reapply every few weeks for best protection. This creates an invisible shield that makes sneaker care tips way easier to follow.
- After cleaning, applying a protectant like Jason Markk Repel Spray helps block water and stains, keeping your New Balance shoes cleaner for longer.
- Rotate your shoes. Don't wear the same pair every single day. This gives them time to air out and reduces wear. Your feet and your shoes both need a break.
- Store shoes properly when you're not wearing them. Keep them in a cool, dry place. Shoe trees or crumpled paper inside helps them keep their shape.
- Clean small messes immediately. That little spot of mud is easier to handle fresh than after it's been ground in for a week. Quick action means less work later.
- Use shoe bags when traveling. This protects them from getting crushed or dirty in your luggage. Plus, you won't get other clothes dirty.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Don't use hot water. It can cause colors to bleed and materials to shrink. Lukewarm is your sweet spot for how to clean New Balance shoes safely.
Skip the washing machine. Yeah, some people do it, but you risk damaging the glue, cushioning, and overall structure. Hand washing takes a bit longer but saves your shoes.
Never use bleach on colored shoes. It'll create weird discoloration and weaken fabric. Even on white shoes, diluted bleach can yellow materials over time.
Don't scrub too hard. You're cleaning, not trying to remove the color completely. Gentle, consistent motion beats aggressive scrubbing every time.
Avoid leaving shoes wet. Moisture breeds bacteria and mold. That's how you get smelly shoes that cleaning can't fix. Always dry thoroughly.
When To Replace New Balance Shoes Instead Of Cleaning?
Sometimes cleaning isn't enough. Here's when it's time for new kicks:
If the sole is separating from the upper, the glue won't hold long-term. The structural integrity is gone. Time to browse our New Balance collection for fresh options.
When cushioning is completely compressed, and you feel every step, your shoes have given all they've got. No amount of cleaning brings back support.
Major rips or tears in the upper? You can clean around damage, but you can't clean away holes. Safety matters more than sentimentality.
Persistent odors that won't go away after multiple deodorizing shoes attempts mean bacteria has deeply penetrated the materials. Sometimes you just need to start fresh.
Keep Your New Balance Looking Fresh
Learning how to clean New Balance shoes correctly saves you money and keeps your feet happy. You don't need fancy products or complicated techniques. Just regular care, the right tools, and a bit of time.
Your New Balance shoes can look great for years with proper maintenance. Clean them regularly, store them correctly, and handle stains quickly. These simple habits make all the difference between shoes that last six months and shoes that last six years.
Ready for a new pair to add to your rotation? Check out Denim Exchange USA's New Balance collection for the latest styles. And now that you know how to keep them clean, you'll get way more life out of every pair you buy.
Clean shoes just feel better. They look better. And honestly? Taking care of your stuff feels good, too. So grab that brush and get to work. Your New Balance kicks are waiting.
