Whether your Adidas sneakers are black, white or green, they will end up getting dirty whenever you use them. If you want to get the best out of your Adidas pair, proper care must be given to them and this involves cleaning them.

Here you have a step by step guideline on how to clean Adidas shoes.

How to Clean Adidas Shoes

It is inevitable for any pair of Adidas originals to reach a point where it will be very necessary to clean them deeply. Of course, nobody wants to wear dirty shoes especially if the shoes are your favorite just like your old pair of kicks. Fortunately for those who may not have many supplies at hand, cleaning your shoes doesn’t take many supplies at all.

If, however, you have a predilection for fashionable images our sneakers have all of what it takes! At Vessi, we offer a waterproof upper to ensure that your pair does not get dirty as quickly also. Here are some tips we recommend to clean all types of kicks, including Adidas:

1) Using dish soap and warm water

Image Source: adidas.com

1) Remove the dirt

Of course, even the best waterproof walking footwear gathers dirt and mud when we use them outdoors. So, remove the dirt first.

1. Untie and remove the shoelaces for simple access to all shoe components, like the shoe tongue.

2. Take the shoes outside and stomp on the bottoms to dislodge thick clumps of caked-on mud or dirt.

3. You can also scrub the shoes with a dry toothbrush or a tiny, soft-bristled brush to get rid of any last bits of loose debris.

4. Make sure to brush the outside edges of the tongue and the rubber soles to remove excess dirt.

2) Cleaning the shoes

1. Mix a few drops of dish soap into clean and warm water.

2. Dunk a toothbrush in the soapy water and use it to scrub the shoes all over gently.

Go easy with the toothbrush or soft brush to avoid damaging your shoes. Remember, you can also use some laundry detergent instead of dish soap.

3) Clean the soles

The shoes we use daily also tend to get scuff marks. To remove stains and scuffs;

1. Use an eraser sponge and gently scrub the scuffs away.

2. After doing this, wipe the soles off with a damp cloth.

4) Stuff the shoes

For moisture control, one can put paper towel or some easy readable newspaper into the shoes. It also helps your sneakers to maintain their shape as they dry. Don’t forget to allow the shoes to dry before wearing them.

2) Using baking soda and vinegar

Image Source: adidas.com

Baking soda and vinegar are famous household cleaning solutions for a reason. Follow these steps to clean your shoes:

1. Begin by mixing baking soda and vinegar in equal proportions to make a thick paste. We recommend a 1:1 ratio for the best experience.

2. Ensure your shoes are debris-free by brushing away any mud and removing the laces.

3. Dip an old toothbrush or soft brush into the paste and gently coat the entire shoe.

4. Let the paste dry before you gently brush it off. Note the paste has to stay on the shoes for several hours until it dries.

Remember, some stains and scuffs will not come off with this paste, especially with waterproof shoes. Still, you can;

1. Use a bleaching pen and coat the stains.

2. Wait for a few minutes, then wash it off.

Always use shoe trees after washing your shoes to ensure no new and unsightly creases form. After all, you always want a snug fit with shoes, so keeping them from forming creases helps to keep them firm.

3) Using water and vinegar

Image Source: adidas.com

Clean sneakers are a huge flex, which is why a mixture of water and vinegar is an excellent cleaning solution for most shoes, regardless of the material.

1. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, and apply the mixture to any surface stains and grime.

2. Let your shoes air dry.

3. Once dry, use a soft cloth and give them a gentle rub. This should also remove scuff marks.

4. If there are still scuff marks, you can use a normal cleaning sponge to try and buff them out.

In the case of tough stains, it is recommended to use a mild detergent to deal with the problem as it is much easier to remove the detergent. Additionally, this method works well if, for instance, you are supposed to wear your shoes in a few hours.
4) Using shoe cleaner

Image Source: adidas.com

A professional shoe cleaner is one of the best options for cleaning your Adidas shoes. Usually, you only need a soft cloth and a cleaner to get the best results.

1. Remove the laces, and ensure the shoes are free of dirt and debris.

2. Spray or drop the shoe cleaner on the surface and buff away using a soft cloth. This will spread the cleaner all around the shoes.

3. Repeat the buffing as many times as you prefer to get the perfect shine.

4. Let the shoes dry for at least 3 hours before wearing them again.

5) Using your washing machine

Image Source: getsetclean.com

This cleaning solution only applies to canvas, nylon, and cotton fabrics. Real leather sneakers, on the other hand, won't survive a washing machine.

1. Start by removing any dirt and debris on the shoes to ensure your laundry machine remains uncompromised.

2. Next, remove the laces and insoles and place the shoes in a pillowcase or mesh net.

3. Ensure to use a small amount of laundry detergent in the tray.

4. Turn the washing machine on and set it to the cold water cycle.

5. After the cycle, we recommend air drying the shoes, as placing them in a dryer will ruin them.

Don't Forget the Laces and Insoles

Image Source: thespruce.com

Here is a way to clean your laces and insoles:

For insoles;

1. Soak them in a mixture of vinegar and hot water for at least an hour. Vinegar acts like a disinfectant and removes any bacteria living in the insoles.

2. Spray the liquid onto the lining of your shoes, then leave them to air dry for 30 minutes.

3. If you need to dry the insole quickly, use a hair dryer.

For laces;

1. Soak them in water and one teaspoon of bleach (if they are white). A soak in mild laundry detergent should do the trick if they aren't white.

2. Leave them for about an hour, then wash them with laundry detergent and rinse them off with cold water.

For Bad Odors

a) Vinegar, Baking Soda and Hot Water

Sweat can lead to the development of foul smells. But the best way of getting rid of bad smells on the shoes is to make sure that your feet, socks, and insoles are dry.

Rinsing your sneakers with a water and white distilled vinegar 1:1 solution is another great way of preventing smell. If you prefer, you can place squirts of baking soda within the shoe and leave it over night.

b) Dryer Sheets

I bet you did not know you could use dryer sheets for bad odors as well How do you remove bad odors on your clothes, in your car or room using the dryer sheets? To get rid of smell fast this is one of the best options compared to vinegar spray if you require it.

1. Start by cutting a dryer sheet in half.

2. Next, insert one piece into each shoe while keeping the insoles in place.

3. To completely eliminate smells from the insole and the shoe, leave the dryer sheet in the shoes overnight.

c) Freezer

Offensive smelling shoe insoles or sneakers should be frozen. Surprisingly, this hack works effectively, especially for shoes and insoles that can’t be washed or exposed to moisture.

1. Put the footwear and insoles in a sterile freezer bag (you don't want to contaminate your food with shoe bacteria, do you?).

2. Leave them in the freezer for 24 to 48 hours.

3. The cold should eradicate the bacteria and leave your shoes fresh. We tried it, and it works.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Adidas Shoes

i) How can I wash my Adidas shoes without ruining them?

That way you can wash your shoes in a cycle that uses only cold water, however, try to avoid using fast spinning or no spin functions. Before washing these, put them in a closed mesh bag with laces and insoles out of the shoe. Thus, it should be possible to maintain the look of your favorite pair of sneakers and prevent your washer from deterioration. Of course, the use of heavy chemicals should be avoided as much as possible as well.

ii) How do you clean white Adidas shoes without bleach?

Try cleaning your shoes with baking soda and vinegar.

1. Mix the baking soda and white vinegar in a small bowl until it forms a thick paste.

2. Scoop the mixture with a toothbrush and apply the paste all over the shoes, scrubbing softly to remove dirt and stains.

3. Wipe off the paste.

iii) How do you clean Adidas suede shoes?

When washing, it is recommended to use only a soft-bristled brush when washing the surface and when wiping stains, use a soft cloth soaked in warm water and a small amount of laundry soap. This applies to most of the suede shoes.

iv) How do I make my Adidas sneakers white again?

To remove stains a wash cloth dunked in warm water with a dilute liquid laundry detergent should suffice. Wash the same cloth in the second portion of clean warm water and wipe off the soap and suds from the shoes. Lastly, use a soft bristle toothbrush to scrub white outsoles and drying inside the house preferably at room temperature.

v) Why do Adidas shoes turn yellow?

This is known as oxidation and will occur regardless of how your utilize your shoes. Well, the best possible solution is getting your shoes to the nearest steam press laundry service. They are cleaning your shoes and washing out dirt from the soles and then they proceed with the process of de-yellowing.

The Bottom Line

Adidas shoes are always impressive and until the moment you tread on mud, fresh mown grass or your kid decides to jump on you, they are rather stylish. However, once the need comes to clean your Adidas shoes, you may begin to question your effectiveness in making them stunning again. However, you can get the job done well and above are your secret weapons to make your shoes as good as new.