Sneaker Care Kit: Keep Your Pairs Fresh
Clean sneakers do not need a shelf of fancy products. Nike's own cleaning guide comes down to a few soft brushes, a cloth, warm water with a little mild soap and plenty of drying time.
Below is the kit we would build, followed by the routine. We have not tested specific brands for this page, so the items are categories, not product picks.
Kicks on display: Cameron Kirby ckirby, CC0
The basic kit
Soft shoe brush
A brush with soft bristles for uppers, or an old toothbrush for tight spots.
Why: Knocks off dry dirt before any water touches the shoe, so you do not grind grit into the material.
$5-$20
Suede brush
A brush made for suede and nubuck.
Why: Suede needs gentler treatment than leather or mesh, and a dedicated brush lifts the nap without soaking it.
$5-$15
Microfiber towels
A few clean, soft cloths.
Why: Blotting with microfiber pulls out moisture and dirt. Rubbing hard can wear down fabric and spread the mess.
$8-$15 for a pack
Mild soap or detergent
A small amount of gentle dish soap or laundry detergent mixed into warm water.
Why: A light, diluted mix cleans without stripping color or natural oils. Too much soap can discolor a shoe.
Under $5
Small bowl
Any bowl for mixing the cleaning solution and soaking laces.
Why: Laces get washed by hand in the same solution while the shoes are cleaned separately.
Already in your kitchen
The six-step clean
This routine follows the steps in Nike's cleaning guide. Drying time is not included in the 20 minutes.
- Dry brush Pull out the laces and brush away loose dirt from the upper and sole while the shoe is dry.
- Mix the solution Stir a small amount of mild soap or detergent into a bowl of warm water.
- Wash the laces Work the laces in the solution by hand, rinse and set them aside to dry.
- Scrub the soles Dip the brush and scrub the midsole and outsole, where most of the grime sits.
- Clean the uppers Use light pressure on the upper, then blot with a dry microfiber towel instead of rubbing.
- Air dry Leave the pair at room temperature until fully dry, which can take at least eight hours.
Tip: Skip the washing machine and the dryer. Nike does not recommend machine washing, and dryer heat can warp a shoe.
Always check the care tag or the brand's instructions for special materials. Partner links on this page are placeholders; we do not earn from them yet.
Facts on this page were checked against these sources (updated Oct 1, 2026). Spot an error? Email hello@fireempireshop.com.
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