Co-authored by:
Charlie
Shoe Care Specialist
2025
How to wash on cloud shoes
The simple instructions here will help remove the dirt, sweat, stains from your shoes.
Then, the performance of your shoes may be compromised. It’s time to clean them. For this, you will need common household products like baking soda and a toothbrush. Hand wash your shoes with a mixture of detergent, baking soda, and water, scrubbing the stains with a toothbrush in a circular motion. However, if you want to wash your On Cloud shoes in the washing machine, place them in a mesh bag with a few clothes to avoid damaging the shoes and the machine. Read this article to clean and maintain the performance of your On Cloud shoes. This article will teach you step by step how to wash On Cloud running shoes.
Article summary
- Mix warm water and 1 tablespoon of laundry detergent in a small bowl. Remove the insoles and laces from the shoes and soak them in the bowl for 1 hour.
- Wash the shoes with water and 1 tablespoon of laundry detergent. Scrub the shoes with a brush mixed with 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of water.
- Rinse with clean water to remove excess water, then air dry completely at room temperature.
Soft Brush Cleaning
After each use, dust your shoes and scrub away dirt with a brush and water. To keep your shoes looking clean for longer, gently rub the soles of your shoes together to remove any loose dirt. Dip a soft toothbrush in water and scrub away any loose mud or dirt. Let the shoes air dry out of direct sunlight.
- If the insoles and laces need cleaning, soak them in warm water and laundry detergent for an hour. Rinse them with clean water and hang them on a rod or hanger.
- Make sure the insoles and laces are completely dry before reattaching them to the shoes.
Hand-Washing
1 Soak the insoles and laces of your shoes in a mixture of water and laundry detergent.
It is important to remove the insoles and laces for a deep clean. Before you start cleaning your shoes, wash the insoles and laces separately. To do this, mix warm water and detergent (1 tablespoon / 0.52 ounces) in a bowl. Soak the laces and insoles in the bowl for about 1 hour.
- If you prefer, put the laces and insoles in a mesh bag and throw them in the washing machine on a delicate cycle with cold water.
- Or simply hand-wash the laces and insoles using a bar of soap.
2 Use a brush to clean dirt from your shoes.
Take the shoes outside or over a trash can and tap them together. This will remove any loose dust. Then, use a soft toothbrush to scrub away any dirt that is still on them.
- If your shoes are wet, wait until they are completely dry.
3 Wash your shoes in a mixture of warm water and laundry detergent.
Close the drain on a sink and fill it with warm water. Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid laundry detergent thoroughly. You can also use 1 scoop of detergent powder if you want. Then, dip the shoes in the mixture and scrub them with a soft cloth or sponge. Once they are clean, rinse them under a slow-running tap to remove any detergent residue.
- Spray an all-purpose cleaner on stubborn stains. Wait 4–5 minutes, then blot the stain with a damp cloth or sponge.
- Alternatively, dip a small soft brush in a mixture of water and detergent and scrub the stain in small, circular motions.
4 If the outsole of the shoe is still dirty, apply a baking soda paste and scrub the stain with a soft brush.
Sometimes, dirt remains on the outsoles of shoes even after a laundry detergent bath, but an additional treatment can solve this. How? Make a paste by mixing ¼ cup (2.11 ounces) of baking soda and 1 tablespoon (0.52 ounces) of water in a bowl. Apply the paste to an old toothbrush and scrub the soles. When the stain is removed, dampen a cloth with clean water and wipe away any remaining dirt from the soles.
- For tougher stains, make a cleaning paste using 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 2 tablespoons of laundry booster, 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide, and 1 tablespoon of water.
- You can also use a Magic Eraser dipped in a little water to scrub the soles.
5 Let the shoes air dry overnight.
The heat of the sun or the heat of a dryer can damage the material of your shoes, so let the shoes air dry at room temperature. To speed up the drying process, place a paper ball inside each shoe.
- Stuff the inside of the shoe with paper towels, pieces of paper, or rolled-up newspaper. These quickly absorb moisture from the shoe.
- Avoid placing the shoes directly on a heat source. The heat can cause the shoe materials to lose their shape.
- When the laces, insoles, and shoes are completely dry, assemble them. Store the shoes in a dry place after use.
Washing Machine
The On Cloud company never recommends washing their shoes in a washing machine. However, many people choose to throw their shoes in the washing machine to avoid the hassle of hand washing. This constant exposure to heat and detergent can damage the stitching, lacing, overall structural integrity, and long-term support of the shoe. Fortunately, this article on how to wash On Cloud running shoes shows the process to follow when washing in a washing machine. Let’s see how.
- Avoid washing your expensive running shoes in the machine to maintain their lifespan.
- If your shoes are of the fabric and mesh model, you are somewhat safe.
1 Use a shoe brush or toothbrush to remove loose dirt from the shoes.
Separate the insoles and laces from the shoes before using a brush on the shoes. Tap the soles of the shoes together several times to remove stubborn dirt. Then, soak the brush in water and scrub the entire shoe.
2 Spray the carpet cleaner onto the stain.
Spray any type of carpet cleaner you have at home, such as Resolve, OxiClean Stain Remover, or a water-based all-purpose cleaner. This type of spray is capable of removing most dirt or stain spots.
- If you don’t have a spray at home, make a paste of 2 tablespoons (1.04 ounces) of baking soda, 2 tablespoons (1.04 ounces) of laundry booster, 1 teaspoon (0.17 ounces) of hydrogen peroxide, and 1 tablespoon (0.52 ounces) of water and rub it into the stain with a brush.
3 Place the shoes in a mesh bag and throw them in the machine with 2–3 towels or your clothes.
The shoes may be pushed around the drum due to the machine’s cyclic motion. So, to avoid damaging your shoes and the machine, put some clothes in the washing machine.
- Stuff your shoes, laces, and insoles in a mesh bag and throw them in the machine.
- You can use an old pillowcase if you want. Secure the opening with a rubber band or loosely knot the cloth to prevent the shoes, laces, and insoles from falling out.
4 Add cold water and laundry detergent to the machine and select the delicate cycle.
The delicate cycle has a slower spin speed and is less likely to damage your shoes. So, select the delicate cycle and choose the coldest temperature. Now, turn on the machine.
- Try using liquid detergent instead of powder detergent for this task because liquid detergent dissolves completely in cold water.
- For completely white shoes, add ¼ cup of bleach to the dispenser before washing.
5 Let the shoes air dry.
To speed up the drying process, stuff the inside of the shoe with a dry cloth or newspaper. Gently pat the shoe, insole, and laces dry with a dry microfiber towel. Once the excess moisture has evaporated, let the shoes dry under a fan or leave them by the window.
- Once completely dry, reassemble the laces and insoles into the shoe.
- Odor-causing bacteria thrive in a small amount of moisture, making shoes smell bad.
- Shoes should never be stored in direct sunlight. Store your shoes in a warm, dry place when you are not wearing them.
Things You’ll Need
video
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References
- On Running – How to Wash Running Shoes
- InStyle – How to Clean Sneakers
- Bob Vila – How to Use a Magic Eraser
- Consumer Reports – Things to Never Put in Your Washing Machine
- Real Simple – How to Clean White Shoes
- NY Times Wirecutter – How to Clean Sneakers in a Washing Machine
- Bob Vila – How to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine
- GQ – How to Clean White Knit Running Shoes
- Outside – Clean Running Shoes the Right Way
About This Article
Co-authored by:
Charlie
Shoe Care Specialist
This article is co-authors: Charlie. Charlie is a shoe care expert in Los Angeles. Charlie has more than 20 years of experience in the e-commerce world, he has extensive experience in luxury product care. He is currently the Vice President of Bluetag’s Strategic Partnership, which helps customers find the product. Prior to Bluetag, he founded a dry cleaning and shoe care service, Butlerbox in Los Angeles, California.
Co-authors: 10
Updated: April 13, 2025