Be sure the consistency of your cleaning solution is slightly soapy without being overly sticky or frothy. Never use bleaching agents—they can damage certain types of materials and cause discoloration.

Use microfiber cloths for the best absorbency. Stuff your shoes with a paper towel if you don’t have an extra cloth. If your laces are dirty, soak them in a separate mixture of 1 teaspoon (4. 9 mL) dish detergent and warm water. Afterward, scrub them clean with a soft-bristled brush.

Always use less pressure than you would with a heavier material, such as leather. Swap your shoe brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush for an alternative.

Rinse your cloth periodically in a bowl of clean, warm water to get rid of dirt.

Be sure to squeeze your rag out once over the cleaning solution to get rid of any excess soap in the cloth.

Never use cleaning wipes on the surface of your shoes. If you don’t have cleaning wipes, use a piece of paper towel wet with 3 to 4 drops of bleach. Use a Magic Eraser product if you have any. You can also purchase some from home improvement and big box stores. [8] X Expert Source Marc SigalShoe Care Specialist Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.

Unstuff your shoes and tie the laces back on when they’re done drying. Place an electric household fan toward your shoes to improve airflow and decrease drying time.

If your shoes have laces that feed through plastic loops that hold them in place, don’t bother removing them.

Fold the twisted end in half before wrapping the rubber band around it to make it snugger. Usually, you can fit 2 to 3 pairs of shoes in a pillowcase. Put as many in as you want, but try not to stuff it too tight. Remember that not all shoe materials can be washed in a washing machine. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

If you have a top washer with a center turbine, wrap its edges with a towel.

Always use the “Delicate” or—for older washers—“Knits Gentle” setting for your mesh shoes. This minimizes agitation of the fabric and prevents it from stretching.

If you have an electric household fan, place it in front of your shoes to decrease drying time and improve airflow. Don’t machine dry your shoes—this will likely ruin the mesh material. Remove the shoes from the pillowcase and the laces from the sock before setting them to dry. Tie the laces back onto your shoes when they’re done drying.