how to clean cheer shoes

Discover the secrets to keeping your cheer shoes white and bright this season with the raminify Shoe Care Guide.

Co-authored by Emily Carter
Published: 25 Apr 2025

White cheer shoes can be difficult to keep clean, but with a few simple rules, they can be easy to maintain. To keep your cheer shoes clean, only use them during practice, use a mesh bag when transporting them to protect them from dirt, and rotate two pairs of shoes to keep them clean for a long time. If your cheer shoes still get dirty or have stains, cleaning them isn’t that difficult, as you can clean them with household products. Follow these steps to learn how to clean cheer shoes.

Parts

❶ Cleaning Cheer Shoes with Dish Soap
❷ Cleaning White Cheer Shoes with Toothpaste

other sections

❔ Expert Q&A
📰 About This Article
📑 Related Articles

Article summary

Cleaning cheer shoes is easier than it sounds. The article outlines two effective methods for removing dirt and stains using household items without damaging the material. Method 1 involves gently scrubbing away dirt using dish soap, warm water, and a toothbrush, then rinsing thoroughly and air drying. Method 2 uses white non-gel toothpaste to brighten white cheer shoes and remove light stains. Both methods emphasize removing the laces, avoiding bleach, and allowing the shoes to air dry for 24 hours in a well-ventilated area. Keep reading to learn how to clean cheer shoes.

Cleaning Cheer Shoes with Dish Soap

Like all types of shoes, cheer shoes can be cleaned with dish soap. Dish soap is a simple and effective solution. Before you learn how to clean cheer shoes, here’s what you’ll need.

What You’ll Need

1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of mild dish detergent (or alternatively, 1 tablespoon of laundry detergent or white vinegar with 3 tablespoons of baking soda)
Hot water
Soft-bristled toothbrush
Microfiber cloth or paper towel
Disinfectant cleaning wipes (or a Magic Eraser)
Optional: Electric fan for quick drying

1 Prepare the cleaning solution In a bowl, mix 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of mild dish detergent with warm water, no more than halfway full. Stir gently to create a slightly soapy solution without excessive suds. According to shoe care expert Mark Segal, this consistency is ideal for cheer shoes.

Pro tip: Avoid bleach, as it can damage the material or cause discoloration. Always test a hidden area of the shoe first before using any solution on your shoes.

2 Remove the laces and stuff the inside of the shoes. Remove the shoelaces and stuff the shoes with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. This will absorb excess liquid and help the shoes maintain shape while cleaning them. If the laces are dirty, soak them separately in a mixture of dish soap and water for 15-20 minutes, then scrub them clean with a soft brush.

3 Clean surface dirt Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently brush loose dirt from the outside of the shoes. Use short, light strokes to avoid damaging delicate materials like mesh. Marc Segal recommends investing in a special soft-bristled shoe brush for best results.

4 Scrub with cleaning solution Dip a soft cloth into the soapy solution and scrub the shoes in a circular motion. For stubborn stains like grass or embedded dirt, use a toothbrush dipped in the solution for extra scrubbing power. If necessary, rinse the soiled cloth in warm water.

5 Rinse off the soap residue Dip the cloth in clean water, wring it out, and wipe the shoes again to remove any soap residue. Soap residue can damage the shoe’s adhesive or material, so it’s important to wipe it off thoroughly.

6 Clean the midsoles The midsoles (the bottom part) of cheer shoes can get a more powerful cleaning. Clean the midsoles using a disinfectant wipe or a paper towel with 3-4 drops of bleach mixed in. Be careful not to let the wipe or bleach touch the mesh of the shoe’s upper. For tough stains, a magic eraser works wonders, suggests Sigal.

7 Air dry for 24 hours Place the shoes in a cool, well-ventilated area, such as a shaded outdoor area or shed. Avoid damp areas like basements or garages that have poor air circulation. Take off the shoes, reattach the laces when dry, and use a fan to speed up the drying time.

Cleaning White Cheer Shoes with Toothpaste

Toothpaste is a powerful solution against stains. Meg Segal says: We use toothpaste to clean shoes and are amazed at its effectiveness. I can use this common household product to clean any of your shoes. And use a toothbrush to clean your shoes. Let’s see how to clean cheer shoes.

What You’ll Need

White non-gel toothpaste
Soft-bristled toothbrush
Clean cloth or towel
Cold water
Optional: Fan for quick drying

1 Remove the laces and brush off dirt Remove the shoelaces (if dirty) and use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to remove loose dirt and debris. This prepares the surface for cleaning and ensures that you reach all areas

2 Dampen the mesh surface Lightly dampen the mesh with a cloth or rinse the shoe under cold water. This helps the toothpaste to lather and adhere better to the surface.

3 Scrub with toothpaste Apply a small bead of white non-gel toothpaste to a soft-bristled toothbrush. Scrub the mesh in a circular motion until the toothpaste foams and the dirt is lifted. Focus on stained areas for a bright finish.

4 Rinse thoroughly Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the toothpaste or rinse the shoe under cold water. Stuff the inside of the shoe with a towel to absorb excess water.

5 Air dry for 24 hours Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight for 24 hours. A fan can help speed up the drying process. Avoid direct sunlight or artificial heat to prevent fading.

Expert Q&A

Question

Can I machine-wash my cheer shoes to clean them?

According to shoe care specialist Marc Sigal, machine-washing cheer shoes is not recommended. The agitation and heat can damage the delicate mesh and adhesive materials, causing them to lose shape or fall apart. Instead, hand-clean them using mild dish soap or non-gel toothpaste, as these methods are gentle yet effective. For a thorough clean, follow our step-by-step guide on cleaning cheer shoes with a soft-bristled brush and air-drying to maintain their structure.

Question

How often should I clean my cheer shoes to keep them in good condition?

Grass stains can be stubborn, but they’re manageable with the right approach. Shoe care experts suggest using a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in a mixture of warm water and 1 teaspoon of mild dish detergent. Scrub the stained area in circular motions, applying light pressure. For extra stubborn stains, try applying white non-gel toothpaste and scrubbing until the stain lifts. Always rinse thoroughly and air-dry for 24 hours in a well-ventilated area to keep your white cheer shoes bright.

Question

How do I remove grass stains from white cheer shoes?

To extend the life of your cheer shoes, clean them after every 3–5 practices or performances, or whenever you notice visible dirt or scuffs. Regular cleaning prevents dirt buildup, which can degrade materials over time. Use a gentle method, like washing with dish soap or toothpaste, and avoid harsh chemicals. Marc Sigal recommends air-drying in a cool, shaded area to maintain the shoes’ shape and prevent odor buildup.

Question

Is it safe to use bleach on cheer shoes?

Bleach should be used with caution on cheer shoes. Shoe care professionals advise diluting bleach with water and testing it on a hidden area first, as it can cause discoloration or weaken materials like mesh. For the midsoles, you can use disinfectant wipes or a few drops of diluted bleach on a paper towel. For the upper mesh, stick to safer alternatives like mild dish soap or white vinegar mixed with baking soda to avoid damage while keeping your shoes clean.

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About This Article

Co-authored by:Emily Carter
Shoe Care Specialist

Emily Carter is a seasoned lifestyle and footwear care expert with over a decade of experience in helping people maintain their favorite shoes. As a former cheerleader and coach, Emily understands the importance of keeping cheer shoes in top condition for performance and style. Her practical, easy-to-follow cleaning tips have been featured in various online publications, blending her passion for cheerleading with her expertise in shoe care. When she’s not sharing hacks for sparkling sneakers, Emily enjoys exploring outdoor trails and mentoring young athletes. Follow her for more tips on keeping your gear performance-ready!

Co-authors: 10
Updated: April 24, 2025

Co-authored by:
Emily Carter

38 votes – 86%

Co-authors: 13

Updated: April 25,
2025

Views: 340

how to clean cheer shoes

Article summary

Cleaning Cheer Shoes with Dish Soap

What You’ll Need

Cleaning White Cheer Shoes with Toothpaste

What You’ll Need

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About This Article