Are we all sneakerheads now? It certainly seems that way. But even if we're not avid collectors, there's an unspoken understanding that a white sneaker decreases in value (and style) the dirtier it gets — and it's certainly easy to get sneakers dirty. A graying sneaker can instantly muddy up an otherwise perfectly cute athleisure outfit. That's why we turned to the Mr. Clean of sneakers, Jason Markk, to get the dirt (pun intended) on how to properly take care of and clean your sneakers like a pro.
"I've been into shoes since I was a kid, and I'm also into keeping them super clean," Markk says. "And these aren't your $40 sneakers from back in the day, these are ones that cost $250 and up. People want to take care of them, maintain them, and have them looking fresh for as long as possible."
As a sneakerhead himself, Markk noticed a lack of sneaker-cleaning products on the market that were both safe and effective. So he concocted his own with an at-home solution before he decided to do it full-time, with the launch of his professional cleaning kit in 2007. You might recognize it from seeing it perched on the shelves of small sneaker boutiques like Kith to major mass retailers, like Nordstrom and J.Crew.
"I never trusted the cleaning products that came in aerosol cans — you don't know what's in it and how it could ruin your shoes, and a lot of people felt the same way," he says. "The Jason Markk solution was designed specifically to clean and condition sneakers, to safely treat leather, suede, canvas, cotton mesh — all the materials you see on a sneaker."
Of course, buying his solution isn't the only way to make sure your kicks stay pristine — Markk had DIY-ed it for years. To create an at-home remedy, Markk says you'll need a bowl of warm water, dishwashing detergent, Oxiclean, a toothbrush, and a microfiber towel. Keep scrolling to read through every step.
How to Wash White Clothes, According to a Cleaning Expert
Unlace Your Shoes
"If you take out the laces, then you have better access to hard-to-reach crevices, like under the eyelets and under the tongue," Markk says. "Paying attention to every detail is what will make your shoes pop. If you have an all-white sneaker, the smallest scuff will be magnified."
Dry-Brush Off Debris
"Before you even wet the shoe, take a soft brush and gently dry-brush the whole shoe, because there's a lot of dust and debris that collect in the crevices," he says. It may seem unnecessary, but according to the expert, if you skip it, "When you scrub your shoe with soap and water, all that dirt is going to sink in even deeper and make your job a lot harder."
Make Your Solution
"Take a bowl of warm water, squirt a couple drops of Palmolive (or any detergent you have) and Oxiclean, and stir it up," Markk says. "Take your toothbrush, dip it into the solution, and start scrubbing your shoe. This is the easiest, simplest solution you can do at home."
Dry Off with a Microfiber Towel
"A huge tip is to use a microfiber towel — you can use it to dry off your shoes, but it's a great tool for getting stubborn scuffs off," he says. "A brush is great, but it won't pick up the whole scuff — but applying pressure with your thumb underneath a microfiber towel can take off anything left over."
Got a Canvas Pair? Soften Your Bristles
Canvas may seem easier to clean, but don't be too sure. "Definitely hand-clean your canvas sneakers; resist the urge to throw them in the washing machine," Markk says. "Follow the same steps, but make sure you're using a soft brush with hog or horse bristles, otherwise the the canvas will start to pill."
Finally, Let Them Air Dry
"The biggest mistake you can make is throwing your shoes into the dryer; when you take them out, they'll look like elf shoes — they're bent, curled up, and there's no fixing that," Markk says. "The second biggest mistake is throwing them in the washing machine, because that will jeopardize the integrity of the shoe, and if you're using warm or hot water, it will cause the midsole and the upper to come apart."
