Co-authored by:
Charlie
Shoe Care Specialist
2025
How to Clean Merrell Shoes
Clean your Merrell shoes with a mild soap to remove stains and dirt.
Since Merrell shoes are specifically designed for outdoor activities, it is normal for them to get a little dirty or develop an unpleasant odor. They are also easy to clean, but you need to be aware of the precautions. This article will show you the correct step-by-step methods for cleaning Merrell shoes. If your Merrell shoes are dirty and smelly, wash them with mild soap as the Merrell company recommends, sprinkle baking soda inside to remove unpleasant odors, and shake the baking soda out before wearing them. Let’s learn more about how to clean shoes.
Article summary
- Clean your Merrell shoes regularly with a soft brush.
- Use mild soap and water to remove stains.
- Allow your Merrell shoes to air dry.
- Sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes.
- Leave the baking soda inside your shoes for 8 hours or overnight.
- Shake the baking soda out of your shoes into a trash can.
- Avoid wearing your Merrell shoes on humid days.
- Use a shoe protection spray to keep your Merrell shoes clean.
Cleaning Your Shoes
1 Clean your Merrell shoes regularly with a soft brush. Since Merrell shoes are specifically designed for outdoor activities, they are more likely to accumulate dirt and other debris. So, always keep a soft brush next to your Merrell shoes so it is easy to clean small amounts of dirt from them regularly.
- If you don’t want to bother washing your shoes, make it a habit to clean dirt with a soft brush. This will keep your Merrell shoes fresh for a longer time, and you will also need less soap when washing them. The less soap you need to wash your shoes with, the better
2 Use mild soap and water to remove stains. If your Merrell shoes have stains, mud, or other dirt, avoid using harsh products like bleach, baking soda, or vinegar. These can damage the material of your Merrell shoes. Instead, gently scrub the stain with a toothbrush with mild soap and water. Then, rinse the shoes thoroughly under running water.
- Soap residue can damage Merrell shoes if left on them for a long time, so make sure to rinse it off completely when cleaning with water.
3 Allow your Merrell shoes to air dry. Merrell shoes should air dry naturally at room temperature. First, remove the laces and insoles from the shoes. Store the shoes, laces, and insoles in a safe place in your home at room temperature. Make sure the shoes are completely dry before wearing them again.
- Drying time varies depending on how much water you used when cleaning your shoes, so it is best to let your Merrell shoes dry overnight.
- You can put newspaper inside your shoes to help them dry faster, and you can place them under a fan.
- Never use anything like a dryer or hair blower to dry your Merrell shoes.
Removing Unwanted Odors
1 Wash your shoes thoroughly. Before treating the odor, rinse your shoes with detergent or water. After cleaning or washing them, check to see if the odor is still there.
- Baking soda works well to remove odor from shoes. Make sure your shoes are completely dry before adding baking soda.
2 Sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes. Baking soda absorbs moisture and removes odor. Sprinkle baking soda directly inside your shoes, or fill your socks with baking soda and place them inside. Experts recommend the sock method because it reduces the risk of baking soda residue remaining in your shoes.
3 Leave the baking soda inside your shoes for 8 hours or overnight. Keep your shoes in a cool, dry place overnight. This will give the baking soda enough time to work.
4 Shake the baking soda out of your shoes into a trash can. Turn your shoes upside down and shake them over a trash can or outside. Baking soda residue can damage the shoes, so shake them well to ensure all the baking soda is removed. The smell should be noticeably fresher after this process. If the odor still lingers, let the baking soda sit in the shoes for a while longer.
Taking Precautions
1 Test a mild soap on a small area of your shoe. Test the soap on a small, inconspicuous area of your Merrell shoes, even if it is mild. During the test, look for any damage, such as fading.
- Try different soaps until you find the right one for your shoes. Don’t be discouraged—you’ll find a solution easily.
2 Avoid wearing your Merrell shoes on humid days. Humidity causes Merrell shoes to become worn out, dirty, and smelly, so avoid wearing them in the rain or snow, or minimize your use.
- When storing Merrell shoes, keep them in a place in your home that stays dry most of the time.
3 Use a shoe protection spray to keep your Merrell shoes clean. You can easily buy suede protectant sprays at your local department store. The protectant spray will reduce the risk of damage, dirt, and debris getting into the shoes. Apply a thin, even layer of spray to your shoes and leave it on for the recommended time as per the instructions. This way, you won’t have to clean your Merrell shoes as often.
- Read the instructions on the bottle carefully before using it on your shoes.
Things You’ll Need
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References
- http://www.merrell.com/US/en/content?caid=faq
- http://www.merrell.com/US/en/content?caid=faq
- Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
- http://www.merrell.com/US/en/content?caid=faq
- Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
- http://www.merrell.com/US/en/content?caid=faq
- http://goneoutdoors.com/remove-gore-tex-hiking-boots-6176063.html
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 1, 2025