Cleaning mesh shoes can pose a bit of a challenge if you're uncertain about where to begin. No need to panic though, as we've got your back with our comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to clean mesh shoes.
Mesh shoes are a popular choice, particularly during the summer months, but knowing how to clean them is a valuable skill that transcends seasons. Their lightweight and breathable design can keep your feet feeling fresh and comfortable regardless of the weather, making them some of the best sneakers for everyday wear more often than not.
Our guide is here to offer valuable insights to ensure your kicks remain immaculate, no matter how old they are or how much dirt they've collected from your outdoor adventures. Whether you're prepping for your next workout or gearing up for a basketball game, our guide will assist you in preserving the pristine condition of your footwear.
How to clean mesh shoes
The following is what we believe to be one of the most effective ways of cleaning a pair of mesh sneakers such as Nike's Tanjun running shoes. If you're trying to figure out how to clean other materials though, check out our guides on cleaning leather, suede, and canvas shoes.
What You'll Need:
Step 1: Start by unlacing your shoes and immersing the shoelaces in a generously sized bowl filled with warm water and mild soap. Let them soak as you move on to cleaning the remaining sections of your sneakers.
Top Tip: Adding a small amount of baking soda can help remove stubborn stains from white laces.
Step 2: Use a soft-bristled brush, like this Jason Markk Shoe Cleaner, to gently remove any loose dirt from the exterior of your shoes.
Step 4: Prepare a separate bowl of warm water and add shoe cleaner as instructed by the manufacturer. For mesh shoes, we suggest a gentle option such as Angelus Easy Cleaner, which is suitable for pretty much every sneaker material.
Step 5: Take a soft cloth and gently apply the solution to your sneakers using circular motions. For stubborn stains, consider using a soft-bristled brush.
Top Tip: You can use an old toothbrush as well if you're struggling to get into a few harder-to-reach crevasses.
Step 6: After cleaning, gently pat your shoes with a towel to remove excess moisture and prevent them from becoming overly damp.
Step 7: Insert old newspapers into your shoes and let them air dry, along with your shoelaces, in a location that is not exposed to direct sunlight or heat.
Step 8: At this point, we'd recommend adding a protective layer to minimise how often you need to clean them. Check out the likes of Crep Protect featured in our list of the best sneaker protector sprays. Again, use per the instructions.
Step 9: Leave your sneakers dry from the spray before re-lacing them ready to wear again.
Read More: Best shoe cleaning kits
How often should you clean mesh shoes?
In our guide to cleaning running trainers, we highlight that there isn't a strict rule regarding the frequency of shoe cleaning. It mostly depends on individual preferences and the shoe's usage.
For instance, if you frequently engage in trail running with mesh shoes, it is advisable to clean them after each run. This practice prevents the accumulation of excessive dirt, which can otherwise decrease the grip levels of your shoes.
However, when it comes to the sneakers you wear as part of your day-to-day routine, then you probably will only ever need to clean them to remove any light marks from wear and tear.
Therefore, you'd probably get away with only cleaning them every few weeks. For some of your best winter running shoes though, for example, you may need to make this more regular, especially if you wear them in the rain.
Read More: Best shoe deodorizers
Things to avoid when cleaning mesh shoes
The number one rule when it comes to cleaning any sneakers is to avoid using a washing machine or tumble dryer.
According to leading trainer manufacturer ASICS, the excessive amount of water, along with the extreme heat, can damage the fabric and adhesives, thus causing your sneakers to essentially fall apart.
We'd also suggest you take this a step further by avoiding any direct heat or sunlight in the drying process. Warm temperatures can cause your sneakers to deform and lose their shape over time.
Another useful tip is to stay clear of any harsh chemicals like bleach during the cleaning process. Although bleach may seem like an easy solution, especially when cleaning white sneakers, you can actually end up damaging your shoes if you don't dilute the mixture properly.
Finally, avoid using wired brushes or rough sponges because they can sometimes pull apart the mesh fabric and stitching which is difficult to fix thereafter.
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