How to Properly Wash Sneakers at Home (6 Steps) + When Should You Take Them to a Professional?

Know How to wash sneakers at home Proper cleaning methods will help keep your shoes clean and beautiful without worrying about glue coming undone, yellowing, or damage to the material. The hot and humid climate in Ho Chi Minh City causes shoes to get dirty and smelly quickly — this article guides you through 6 safe steps to clean them at home, and indicates when you should take them to a professional cleaning service. Mastering how to wash sneakers at home will save you money and keep your shoes looking good for longer.

Prepare the tools.

• Soft-bristle brushes (1 for the upper, 1 for the sole)
• Clean microfiber towel + 1 dry towel
• Use a specialized shoe cleaning solution (or a mild, pH-neutral soap).
• Warm water (do not use hot water)
• Paper/tissue paper for stuffing to maintain shape while drying.

Note the material: suedesuede) & nubuck leather shouldn't be washed with much water — just dry brush and use specialized polish. For genuine leather, lightly dampen and condition; don't soak it.

6 Steps to Washing Sneakers at Home

1. Remove laces and insoles. — Wash the laces and insoles separately for thorough cleaning and faster drying of the shoes.
2. Brush off the dry dust first. — Use a dry brush to remove dust and dirt. Skipping this step will cause the stain to spread.
3. Clean the upper (the shoe body). — Dip a soft brush into the diluted solution and gently scrub in a circular motion when washing sneakers. Fabric shoes require more vigorous scrubbing; genuine leather and suede require very light scrubbing, depending on the material.
4. Clean the soles — Scrub the outsole and midsole with a stiffer brush to remove stains and dirt.
5. Wipe clean and DO NOT soak in water. — Use a damp cloth to wipe away the foam, then use a dry cloth to absorb the water. Absolutely do not soak the pair or put them in the washing machine as this will cause the glue to come undone and the shape to be distorted.
6. Dry properly — Stuff the shoes with paper to maintain their shape, air dry in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight and hot dryers (which can cause yellowing and cracking of the leather). Shoes usually dry after 8–12 hours.

Common Mistakes When Washing Shoes Yourself

When washing sneakers at home, avoid these common mistakes:

• Put it in the washing machine. → Glue coming undone, shape distorted, sole damaged.
• Soak in water for a long time → Yellowing, fraying, peeling adhesive.
• Exposure to intense sunlight or heat drying. → Yellowing, cracking of the leather, warping of the sole.
• Use strong chemicals (bleach). → Color fading, surface damage.
• Use water on suede. → clumping, staining, loss of fur shape.

When Should You Take It to the Bakery?

Washing your sneakers at home is suitable for light everyday stains. But you should take them to a professional cleaning service when:

• Shoe white has yellow stains or stubborn, long-standing stains
• Material Suede, nubuck, genuine leather, designer shoes (Easily damaged if done incorrectly)
• Shoes mold, The place has a strong odor and requires thorough disinfection.
• Need Waterproof, sole protection or color restoration

HD's Deep Cleaning Process (8 Steps)

Unlike washing sneakers at home, HD's manual cleaning process ensures deep cleaning while remaining safe for all materials:

• Sort and inspect each pair to select the appropriate handling method.
• Toilet handmade All parts (upper, midsole, insole, lining, laces) are assembled using specialized machinery.
• Drying specialized machine + UV light Disinfect and deodorize.
• The room temperature is suitable, and the small details are checked again.
• Suede: gum Crep Protect + nourishing Angelus Renew; Dress shoes: leather conditioning + polishing with Angelus/Saphir polish.
• Perfume spray, scented paper, nose pads, dust bag, final check.

Reference price list: Bronze package from 135,000 VND (basic), Silver package 185,000 VND (intensive), Gold package 320,000 VND (intensive 24-hour + 2 layers of waterproofing); Combo of 5 Gold packages 800,000 VND (plus 1 free pair). See full details. shoe cleaning price list or learn more about the service Professional shoe cleaning and washing services in Ho Chi Minh City..

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to wash sneakers in a washing machine?

No, you shouldn't. Washing machines can easily cause the glue to come undone, distort the shape, and damage the sole. Wash gently by hand or take it to a professional cleaner.

How often should I clean my shoes?

Shoes that are worn frequently should be lightly cleaned every 1–2 weeks and thoroughly cleaned every 1–2 months. See more tips. shoe deodorizer.

Can I fix yellow stains on white shoes myself?

Minor stains can be treated at home, but long-standing yellowing requires professional treatment. See How to remove yellow stains from white shoes.

What if shoes get moldy?

Mold needs to be properly disinfected to prevent it from spreading and damaging the shoes — see How to deal with moldy shoes.

Do your shoes need a deep cleaning?

Manual cleaning, UV sterilization, with warranty in Thao Dien, District 2. Book an appointment online Or send a message via Zalo to 0908.534.106. Address: 28 Thao Dien, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

See more: Shoe repair & customization If your shoes need sole repair, gluing, or repainting.