How To Clean Trainers

A great pair of trainers or sneakers quickly becomes part of your everyday wardrobe, which means they inevitably pick up dirt, marks and signs of wear along the way. Whether you’re wearing crisp white sneakers around the city, leather trainers for everyday styling or suede pairs during the colder months, knowing how to clean trainers properly helps extend their life while keeping them looking fresh season after season.

The good news is that cleaning trainers doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right approach for each material, you can remove dirt, refresh fabrics and keep your favourite sneakers looking their best without damaging them in the process.

Here’s our complete guide on how to clean trainers and sneakers at home.

Start by Removing Excess Dirt

Before cleaning any type of trainer, the first step is always removing loose dirt and mud. This simple stage makes the cleaning process easier and prevents debris from being rubbed deeper into the fabric.

Start by tapping the soles of your trainers together outside to loosen any dried mud or dust. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to remove dirt trapped around the sole, seams and eyelets. Giving the trainers a quick shake also helps remove any remaining loose particles.

If your trainers are heavily covered in mud, allow the dirt to dry fully before brushing it away. Wet mud is far more likely to smear across the material and create additional stains.

Once the surface dirt has been removed, you can begin cleaning based on the specific material of your trainers.

How to Clean Leather Trainers

Leather trainers are often one of the easiest styles to maintain, but they do require gentle care to preserve the natural finish and softness of the leather.

To clean leather sneakers, begin by filling a bowl with lukewarm water and adding a small amount of mild soap or gentle detergent. Dip a soft toothbrush or cloth into the mixture and carefully clean the surface of the trainer using light circular motions.

Avoid soaking the leather, as excessive water can damage the material over time. Focus on lifting marks and dirt gradually rather than scrubbing aggressively.

Once clean, use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe away any soap residue. A blotting motion works best to avoid damaging the leather surface.

If the laces need refreshing, remove them from the trainers and place them inside a mesh laundry bag before washing on a gentle cycle.

After cleaning, allow the trainers to air dry naturally away from direct heat or sunlight. Once fully dry, applying a leather conditioner helps restore moisture and keeps the leather soft, smooth and protected.

How to Clean Canvas Trainers

Canvas trainers are popular because they’re lightweight, breathable and versatile, but they also tend to absorb dirt more easily than leather styles. Fortunately, canvas sneakers are usually simple to clean.

There are two main ways to clean canvas trainers: machine washing or hand washing.

Machine Washing Canvas Trainers

If your trainers are made entirely from canvas without suede or leather trims, machine washing can be an effective option.

Begin by removing the laces and brushing away any excess mud or dirt. Place the laces in a mesh laundry bag to stop them tangling during the wash.

Before placing the trainers into the washing machine, rinse off any large clumps of mud to avoid damaging the appliance. Choose a gentle cycle using cold or lukewarm water alongside a mild detergent.

Adding a towel to the drum helps balance the load and reduces noise during the cycle. Lifting the tongues of the trainers also allows water and detergent to clean the interior more effectively.

Once washed, never place trainers in the tumble dryer. High heat can damage adhesives, warp rubber soles and distort the shape of the shoes. Instead, leave them to air dry naturally.

Stuffing the trainers with paper towels while drying helps them maintain their shape and absorb excess moisture more quickly.

Hand Washing Canvas Trainers

For a gentler approach, hand washing canvas sneakers is often the safest option.

Fill a bowl with warm water and a small amount of detergent. Using a soft brush or sponge, gently work the solution into stained areas before cleaning the entire surface of the shoe.

Allow the cleaning solution to sit for around 10–15 minutes on stubborn marks before wiping the trainers clean with a damp cloth.

Once all dirt has been removed, rinse carefully using fresh water and allow the trainers to air dry naturally.

How to Clean Suede Trainers

Suede trainers require the most delicate care of all. Because suede is highly absorbent and lacks the protective outer layer of leather, water can easily stain or damage the material if used incorrectly.

When cleaning suede trainers, always begin with a completely dry shoe. Use a clean suede brush or soft toothbrush to gently buff away surface dirt and marks. Brushing in one direction helps maintain the texture of the suede while lifting dirt from the fibres.

For tougher stains, a suede eraser or soft nail file can help remove marks without damaging the fabric. Apply gentle pressure and work slowly to avoid creating uneven patches.

If necessary, a tiny amount of rubbing alcohol on a white cloth can sometimes help lift stubborn stains. However, avoid soaking the material and always test on a discreet area first.

Once cleaned, protect suede trainers using a specialist suede protector spray. This helps shield the material from rain, stains and dirt while keeping the trainers looking cleaner for longer.

Knowing how to clean trainers properly can dramatically extend the life of your favourite sneakers while keeping them looking polished and wearable every day. Whether you’re caring for leather, canvas or suede styles, gentle cleaning, proper drying and regular maintenance are the key to keeping your trainers looking box fresh season after season.