Identify the material
Check whether the upper is smooth leather, suede, mesh, technical fabric, knit or a combination of materials.
yiodesigner Care Guide
Sneaker Care Guide
Keep your sneakers looking better for longer. Leather, patent leather, suede, mesh, technical fabrics and flexible textile uppers all need different care, so the safest cleaning method starts with understanding the material in front of you.
Start gently. Avoid machine washing, tumble drying, soaking and direct heat unless the footwear manufacturer specifically states that the product is suitable for it.
01 — Before Cleaning
Start with the least aggressive method
Before cleaning the whole sneaker, remove loose surface dirt and test any cleaner on a small, discreet area. Mixed-material sneakers should be treated section by section rather than covered with one cleaning product.
Remove dry dirt first
Use a clean soft brush or cloth before introducing water or cleaning solution.
Test before full cleaning
Try any cleaner or protector on a discreet section first, especially on premium finishes and mixed-material sneakers.
02 — Material Care
Smooth leather
Leather sneakers
Smooth leather generally responds best to controlled, low-moisture cleaning. Remove loose dust with a soft dry cloth or brush, then wipe gently with a slightly damp microfibre cloth and a cleaner suitable for footwear leather.
Avoid soaking the upper or using strong household detergents. Once the leather is fully dry, an appropriate conditioner can help maintain the material, but check that the product is suitable for the particular finish before applying it.
Use
Soft cloth, suitable footwear leather cleaner and occasional material-compatible conditioner.
Avoid
Machine washing, soaking, abrasive brushes, strong detergent and direct heat.
03 — Material Care
Gloss finish
Patent leather sneakers
Patent leather needs different treatment from standard leather because of its glossy coated surface. Use a clean, soft damp cloth to remove light surface marks and wipe the material dry immediately afterward.
Avoid hard brushes, abrasive pads and harsh cleaning chemicals, which can scratch or dull the glossy finish. If using a specialist patent-leather product, test it on a discreet area first.
Use
Soft microfibre cloth, minimal moisture and specialist patent-leather care where appropriate.
Avoid
Abrasive brushes, hard sponges, solvent-based products and aggressive rubbing.
04 — Material Care
Suede · Velour · Nubuck
Keep delicate nap dry where possible
Allow dirt or mud to dry first, then lift surface dirt gently with a suede or nubuck brush. Small dry marks can often be treated with a suitable suede eraser.
A water-repellent protector designed specifically for suede or nubuck may be useful where appropriate. Do not treat these materials with standard leather conditioner or heavily saturate the upper.
Use
Dry suede brush, suede eraser and material-compatible protective treatment.
Avoid
Soaking, aggressive scrubbing, normal leather conditioner and direct heat.
05 — Material Care
Running & technical uppers
Mesh & technical-material sneakers
Performance-inspired sneakers often combine breathable mesh with technical overlays and structured panels. Start by removing dry dirt using a soft brush.
For deeper cleaning, use a small amount of mild footwear cleaner diluted with lukewarm water and work gently with a soft cloth or brush. Avoid heavily saturating the shoe, as moisture can migrate into padding, adhesives and adjoining materials.
Blot excess moisture and allow the sneakers to air dry naturally.
Use
Soft brush, mild footwear cleaner, limited moisture and natural air drying.
Avoid
Washing machines, hard scrubbing, bleach and radiators.
06 — Material Care
Knit · Canvas · Textile
Flexible textile uppers need a lighter touch
Flexible or sock-like constructions should be cleaned gently because aggressive brushing can pull, stretch or roughen the textile surface.
Use a soft brush or cloth and work in small sections with minimal moisture. For more stubborn marks, use a diluted mild sneaker cleaner and blot rather than heavily scrubbing.
Canvas and other durable textiles can also be hand cleaned using lukewarm water and mild cleaner. Avoid completely immersing the shoe unless its manufacturer specifically recommends it.
After cleaning, reshape gently and allow the sneakers to air dry. Plain absorbent paper can be placed loosely inside to help retain shape and draw out moisture.
Use
Soft brush, mild diluted cleaner, light blotting and natural drying.
Avoid
Aggressive brushing, soaking, twisting fabric and high-temperature drying.
07 — Mixed Materials
One sneaker can need more than one cleaning method
Contemporary designer and performance sneakers often combine technical fabric, mesh, leather, patent finishes, synthetic overlays and rubber components in the same construction.
Do not clean every panel with the same product.
Treat each material separately, protect adjoining delicate sections from excess moisture and always start with the gentlest suitable method. For expensive or unusual finishes, professional sneaker cleaning can be safer than experimenting with strong household products.
08 — Finishing Care
Soles, laces, drying & storage
Good sneaker care continues after the upper is clean. Soles, insoles, drying conditions and storage can all affect how a pair looks and wears over time.
Midsoles & outsoles
Remove loose dirt first, then use a separate soft-to-medium brush with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild footwear cleaner. Work around the sole carefully so dirty water does not transfer onto lighter upper materials.
Laces
Remove laces where practical and clean them separately by hand using mild soap and water. Allow them to dry completely before relacing the sneakers.
Insoles
For removable insoles, begin with dry brushing and spot cleaning rather than soaking. Excess moisture can affect foam, adhesives and shape.
Drying
Air dry at normal room temperature in a ventilated space. Keep sneakers away from radiators, tumble dryers, heaters and intense direct sunlight.
Shape retention
Plain absorbent paper can help draw out moisture and support the shape while drying. Avoid heavily printed paper that could transfer ink.
Storage
Store sneakers clean and completely dry in a cool place away from sustained sunlight, heat and high humidity. Avoid stacking heavy footwear on softer constructions.
Important
Avoid bleach or highly concentrated household cleaners as a universal sneaker treatment, particularly around coloured materials, painted midsoles, leather finishes and bonded components.
09 — Protection
Protecting sneakers before wear
Prevention can make routine cleaning easier, but there is no single protection spray suitable for every sneaker material.
Suede & nubuck
A protector specifically designed for suede or nubuck may help reduce the effect of light moisture and everyday marks.
Textiles
Some textile protectors are suitable for mesh, canvas or technical fabrics, but check compatibility with overlays and surrounding panels first.
Premium finishes
Be particularly cautious with patent leather, unusual coatings, delicate designer finishes and mixed-material footwear. Test every treatment before broader application.
10 — Care Answers
Sneaker care questions
Can I put sneakers in the washing machine?
Machine washing should not be treated as the default cleaning method. Water, agitation and heat may affect adhesives, leather finishes, technical overlays and the structure of the sneaker. Hand clean unless the manufacturer specifically states otherwise.
How should I clean white sneakers?
Clean according to the material rather than the colour. White leather should be treated as leather, while white mesh or textile sneakers need a fabric-appropriate method. Avoid using bleach as a universal white-sneaker cleaner.
Can I clean suede sneakers with water?
Avoid soaking suede. Allow dirt to dry first and begin with a suitable suede brush or eraser. If a specialist suede cleaner is required, follow its instructions and test it on a discreet area first.
How do I clean mesh sneakers?
Remove dry dirt first, then gently clean the mesh with a soft brush or cloth and a small amount of diluted mild footwear cleaner. Avoid saturating the shoe and allow it to air dry naturally.
How do I clean sneakers made from several materials?
Treat each material separately. A sneaker combining technical fabric, leather and rubber should have each surface cleaned with a method suitable for that material rather than one cleaner being applied across the entire shoe.
Should I use a radiator to dry wet sneakers?
No. Air dry sneakers at normal room temperature away from direct heat. High temperatures can affect adhesives, cushioning, shape and some upper materials.
How often should I clean my sneakers?
Light cleaning when visible dirt appears is usually preferable to allowing grime to build up and then using aggressive cleaning. Frequency depends on the material, colour, weather and how often the sneakers are worn.
Not sure how to care for your pair?
If you are unsure about the material or cleaning method for a sneaker purchased from yiodesigner, contact our customer service team before using a strong cleaner or treatment.