Learn how to clean your new pair of New Balance shoes and keep them looking brand new. Say goodbye to scuffs and dirt with our simple steps!

You’ve just bought a fresh pair of New Balance shoes and can’t wait to show them off. But before you do, you want to make sure they stay in pristine condition for as long as possible.

In this article, you’ll discover the simple and effective steps to keep your New Balance shoes looking brand new.

From removing dirt and stains to ensuring the longevity of your favorite footwear, we’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to scuffs and dirt, and hello to gleaming, well-maintained shoes that will turn heads wherever you go.

Overview

New Balance shoes are known for their comfort, support, and durability, making them a popular choice for athletes and casual wearers alike. However, like any shoe, they can accumulate dirt, grime, and stains over time. Cleaning your New Balance shoes is not only important for maintaining their appearance, but it also helps to extend their lifespan and ensure optimal performance. In this article, we will discuss the importance of cleaning your shoes, as well as the benefits of keeping your New Balance shoes in pristine condition.

Importance of Cleaning Shoes

Regularly cleaning your shoes is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to remove dirt and debris that may be trapped in the treads, which can affect traction and stability. Secondly, cleaning your shoes prevents the buildup of bacteria and fungi, which can cause foul odors and even lead to foot infections. Lastly, by maintaining the cleanliness of your shoes, you can enhance their overall longevity and keep them looking brand new for longer.

Benefits of Cleaning New Balance Shoes

Cleaning your New Balance shoes regularly offers a range of benefits. Firstly, it helps to preserve the integrity and lifespan of the shoe materials. By removing dirt, grime, and stains, you can prevent the degradation of leather, mesh, or fabric, ensuring that your shoes remain in excellent condition.

Additionally, cleaning your New Balance shoes can help to maintain their breathability, as dirt and debris can clog the pores of certain materials and hinder proper airflow. Furthermore, keeping your shoes clean can contribute to a more pleasant and hygienic wearing experience, as it helps to eliminate odors and prevent the growth of bacteria.

General Cleaning Tips

Before diving into specific cleaning methods, it’s important to gather the necessary materials and prepare your shoes properly.

Materials needed for cleaning:

• Soft-bristle brush or toothbrush
• Mild detergent or shoe cleaner
• Water
• Microfiber cloth or sponge
• Baking soda (for deodorizing)
• Waterproofing spray (for water resistance maintenance)

Preparation:

1. Remove the shoelaces and set them aside for cleaning separately.
2. Tap the shoes together to remove loose dirt and debris.
3. If the insoles are removable, take them out for cleaning.

Cleaning process:

1. Wet the soft-bristle brush or toothbrush with water and apply a small amount of mild detergent or shoe cleaner.
2. Gently scrub the shoes in a circular motion, paying attention to any areas that are visibly dirty or stained.
3. Rinse the shoes with water, either by using another damp cloth or under running water. Be careful not to soak the shoes completely.
4. For stubborn stains, repeat the cleaning process or use stain-specific cleaning methods, which will be discussed later.
5. After cleaning, use a microfiber cloth or sponge to remove excess water from the shoes.
6. Allow the shoes to air dry completely before wearing or storing them.

Cleaning Different Shoe Materials

Depending on the material of your New Balance shoes, different cleaning techniques may be required. Here are some guidelines for cleaning different shoe materials:

Suede or Nubuck:

• Use a suede brush or an eraser to gently remove surface dirt and stains.
• For tougher stains, apply a small amount of suede cleaner onto a clean cloth and gently scrub the affected areas.
• After cleaning, use a dry towel to remove excess moisture and restore the nap of the suede or nubuck.

Leather:

• Wipe the shoes with a damp cloth to remove surface dirt and stains.
• If necessary, apply a small amount of mild soap or leather cleaner onto a clean cloth and gently scrub the leather.
• Rinse the cloth and wipe away any soap residue.
• Use a dry cloth to remove excess moisture and allow the leather to air dry.

Mesh or Fabric:

• Create a mixture of mild detergent and warm water.
• Dip a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush into the soapy mixture and gently scrub the mesh or fabric.
• Rinse the brush and wipe away any soapy residue.
• Use a clean, damp cloth or sponge to remove excess moisture.

Removing Stains

Even with regular cleaning, stains may still occur on your New Balance shoes. Here’s how you can identify and effectively remove different types of stains:

Identify the stain type:

• Dirt and Mud: Allow the dirt or mud to dry, then brush it away gently with a soft brush or toothbrush.
• Grass Stains: Apply a small amount of laundry detergent or stain remover directly to the stain and gently scrub with a soft brush.
• Oil or Grease: Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch onto the stain and let it sit for a few hours to absorb the oil. Then, brush away the powder and proceed with regular cleaning.
• Ink Stains: Dab a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover onto the stain. Be cautious and test the product on a small, hidden area first to avoid damaging the shoe material.
• Scuff Marks: Try using a pencil eraser or a specialized scuff mark remover to gently rub away the mark.

Pre-treatment:

Before attempting to remove any stain, it’s always a good idea to pre-treat the affected area. This can be done by applying a small amount of mild detergent or stain remover to a clean cloth and gently dabbing the stain. Allow the pre-treatment to sit for a few minutes before proceeding with the stain-specific cleaning methods.

Stain-specific cleaning methods:

• For tough stains on leather or suede, consult a professional cleaner to avoid damaging the material.
• For fabric or mesh, a mixture of mild detergent and warm water can be used to gently scrub the stain away.
• To remove persistent or set-in stains, consider using specialized shoe cleaners or seeking professional assistance.

Deodorizing the Shoes

It’s not uncommon for shoes, including New Balance shoes, to develop strong odors over time. Here’s how you can tackle shoe odors effectively:

Causes of shoe odor:

• Bacteria and Fungi: These microorganisms thrive in warm and moist environments such as sweaty shoes.
• Sweat and Foot Odor: Perspiration can create an unpleasant smell when combined with bacteria on the skin.
• Inadequate Airflow: Lack of ventilation can lead to poor moisture evaporation and the buildup of odor-causing substances.

Removing odor with baking soda:

• Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda into the shoes, ensuring that it covers the entire insole area.
• Allow the baking soda to sit overnight or for at least a few hours to absorb the odors.
• Shake out the excess baking soda and use a soft brush to remove any remaining residue.
• For stubborn odors, repeat the process or consider using odor-neutralizing sprays or inserts.

Alternative methods:

• Place dryer sheets or activated charcoal inserts inside the shoes to absorb odors.
• Use tea bags filled with dry tea leaves to eliminate unpleasant smells.
• If applicable, wash fabric insoles or replace them if they are removable and persistently odorous.

Drying and Storing the Shoes

Proper drying and storage techniques are essential to maintain the condition of your New Balance shoes. Here are some guidelines to ensure your shoes dry effectively and remain in good shape:

Air drying the shoes:

• After cleaning, gently stuff the shoes with crumpled newspaper or clean towels to help maintain their shape.
• Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as they can cause the shoes to warp or crack.
• Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area with good airflow and low humidity.
• Allow the shoes to air dry completely before wearing or storing them.

Avoiding direct heat:

• Do not use a hairdryer, radiator, or other direct heat sources to speed up the drying process, as high heat can damage the shoe materials.
• Patience is key when drying your New Balance shoes to avoid compromising their structure and quality.

Proper shoe storage:

• Keep your clean and dry shoes in a cool and dry location where they are protected from excessive moisture, sunlight, and temperature fluctuations.
• Avoid storing them in plastic bags or airtight containers, as this can trap moisture and lead to mold or mildew.
• If possible, use a shoe tree or stuff the shoes with paper to help maintain their shape during storage.

Cleaning Shoe Insoles

Over time, the insoles of your New Balance shoes can accumulate dirt, sweat, and odor. Follow these steps to clean and maintain the hygiene of your shoe insoles:

Removing and cleaning insoles:

• If the insoles are removable, carefully take them out of the shoes.
• Shake off any loose dirt or debris from the insoles.
• Gently wash the insoles with lukewarm water and mild detergent or antibacterial soap.
• Rinse the insoles thoroughly and press them between towels to remove excess water.
• Allow the insoles to air dry completely before placing them back into the shoes.

Cleaning fabric insoles:

• For fabric insoles, you can follow the same steps mentioned above for cleaning mesh or fabric shoe materials.
• If necessary, use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn stains or dirt.

Cleaning foam insoles:

• For foam insoles, avoid submerging them in water, as it can damage the foam material.
• Instead, use a damp cloth or sponge with a mild detergent to gently wipe the surface of the foam insoles.
• Rinse the cloth or sponge and wipe away any soap residue.
• Press the insoles between towels to remove excess moisture and allow them to air dry completely.

Cleaning Different Shoe Parts

In addition to the main shoe materials, specific parts such as laces, outsoles, and midsoles also require cleaning attention. Here’s how to keep these shoe parts looking their best:

Cleaning laces:

• Remove the laces from the shoes and soak them in a mixture of warm water and mild detergent or laundry soap.
• Gently scrub the laces with your fingers or a soft brush to remove dirt and stains.
• Rinse the laces thoroughly and allow them to air dry before re-lacing your shoes.

Cleaning outsoles:

• Use a soft brush or toothbrush to remove dirt, mud, or debris from the outsoles.
• If necessary, apply a small amount of mild detergent or shoe cleaner to a clean cloth and scrub the outsoles.
• Rinse the cloth and wipe away any soapy residue.
• Use a damp cloth or sponge to remove excess moisture from the outsoles.

Cleaning midsoles:

• Create a paste using a small amount of mild detergent or shoe cleaner and water.
• Apply the paste to a soft brush or toothbrush and scrub the midsoles, focusing on any visible dirt or stains.
• Rinse the brush and wipe away any cleaning residue.
• Use a damp cloth or sponge to remove excess moisture from the midsoles.

Maintaining Water Resistance

New Balance shoes, particularly those designed for outdoor activities, often feature water-resistant properties. Follow these steps to maintain and reinforce the water resistance of your shoes:

Applying waterproofing spray:

• Ensure that your shoes are clean and dry before applying any waterproofing products.
• Work in a well-ventilated area and apply the waterproofing spray evenly to the entire surface of the shoes, following the product instructions.
• Pay extra attention to seams, stitches, and areas that are prone to water penetration.
• Allow the shoes to dry completely before wearing or applying additional layers of waterproofing spray.

Regular maintenance for water resistance:

• Reapply the waterproofing spray periodically, especially after thorough cleaning.
• Follow the instructions and recommendations provided by the specific waterproofing product you use.
• Avoid exposing your water-resistant shoes to excessive moisture for long periods, as this can compromise their effectiveness.
• Regularly check for signs of wear or damage to the waterproofing layer, and reapply accordingly.

Tips for Prevention and Maintenance

To ensure that your New Balance shoes remain in top condition, consider implementing these preventative measures and maintenance tips:

Regular cleaning schedule:

• Set a routine to clean your shoes regularly, depending on how often you wear them and the conditions in which they are used.
• Regular cleaning prevents the accumulation of dirt and stains, making the cleaning process more manageable.

Protective measures:

• Consider using shoe protectors or spray-on repellents before wearing your New Balance shoes, especially in rainy or muddy conditions.
• These protective products can help to repel dirt, water, and stains, reducing the amount of cleaning required.

Avoiding certain cleaning techniques:

• Do not machine wash your New Balance shoes unless the manufacturer explicitly states it is safe to do so.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the shoe materials.
• Be cautious when using products like rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover, as they may discolor or alter the appearance of certain shoe materials.

By following these comprehensive cleaning and maintenance tips, you can ensure that your New Balance shoes look great, smell fresh, and provide exceptional comfort and performance for years to come. Remember, a little care and upkeep go a long way in keeping your favorite sneakers in tip-top shape. So, don’t let dirt or stains hold you back from enjoying your New Balance shoes to their fullest potential – give them the cleaning attention they deserve!