So you got some dirt on your New Balances? Happens to all of us. I remember wrecking my fresh 990v5s stepping into a muddy puddle last spring - brutal. Cleaning athletic shoes isn't rocket science but mess it up and you'll end up with faded colors or stiff materials. This guide covers exactly how to clean new balance shoes based on material types, because that mesh pair needs different care than suede. I'll share what actually works from trial and error (yes, including failures).
Stop! Identify Your Shoe Material First
New Balance uses everything from breathable mesh to premium leather. Use the wrong method and say goodbye to that buttery suede. Check the tag inside your shoe or the product description online. No tag? Rub the material - suede feels fuzzy, mesh has tiny holes, leather feels smooth.
| Material Type | How to Spot It | Biggest Cleaning Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh/Primknit (common in 574, Fresh Foam) | Tiny visible holes, lightweight feel | Color bleeding if scrubbed too hard |
| Suede/Nubuck (common in 990, 993) | Velvety surface, easily stained by water | Water stains that never come out |
| Leather/Synthetic (common in 928, 608) | Smooth or textured surface, wipes clean | Drying cracks if heat dried |
| Mixed Materials (most modern styles) | Combo like mesh + synthetic overlays | Cleaner residue buildup in seams |
When I first tried cleaning new balance shoes, I didn't check this and turned my gray suede accents into a splotchy mess. Learn from my pain.
Your Arsenal: Cleaning Supplies That Actually Work
Forget fancy kits. After testing 12+ products, here's what delivers:
Essential Toolkit:
- Soft-bristle brush (old toothbrush works)
- Microfiber cloths - 3 minimum
- Dish soap (blue Dawn is magic for grease)
- White vinegar (for odor removal)
- Baking soda (stain lifting power)
Skip the "specialty" cleaners marketed for shoes - most are repackaged mild soaps at 300% markup. I keep a $1 toothbrush and small dish soap bottle in my shoe care kit.
Supplies to Avoid:
- Bleach (eats through glue)
- Stiff brushes (scratches surfaces)
- Heat sources like hairdryers (warps soles)
- Generic household cleaners (may discolor)
Step-by-Step: How to Clean New Balance Shoes by Material
For Mesh or Primknit Uppers (Like 574 or Fresh Foam)
Got daily runners? Here's how I refresh mine weekly:
- Remove laces and insoles (wash separately with soapy water)
- Dry brush off loose dirt (crucial step most skip)
- Mix 1 tsp dish soap with 2 cups cool water
- Dip brush in solution, gently scrub in circles
- Use damp microfiber cloth to wipe away soap
- Absorb excess water with dry towel (don’t rub!)
- Air dry stuffed with paper towels (replace when soaked)
Key tip: Never submerge mesh shoes! The glue bonding the sole weakens when soaked. I learned this after my soles started separating.
For Suede or Nubuck Models (Like 990 Series)
Spilled coffee on your premium pairs? Panic less:
- Immediately blot with dry cloth (pressure sets stains)
- Use suede eraser for fresh scuffs (gently rub)
- For stains, make paste with 1 tbsp baking soda + few drops water
- Apply paste with toothbrush using feather-light strokes
- Let dry completely (6+ hours)
- Brush with suede brush to restore nap
Water is suede’s enemy - don’t even think about using liquid cleaners. I ruined a pair of grey 993s by "spot cleaning" with water. Still haunts me.
For Leather or Synthetic Uppers (Like 608 or 928)
Office-friendly leather New Balances clean easiest:
- Wipe with barely damp microfiber cloth
- For scuffs, use pencil eraser (shockingly effective)
- Deep clean with 1:4 vinegar/water solution
- Apply leather conditioner afterward (prevents cracks)
- Always air dry away from sunlight
Drying Done Right: Where Everyone Messes Up
Rushing this step ruins more shoes than cleaning. Here’s my routine:
- Never use direct heat (radiators, dryers)
- Stuff shoes with paper towels (change hourly)
- Place near fan not facing directly
- Rotate every 2 hours for even drying
Full drying takes 12-48 hours depending on material. Walking in damp shoes destroys cushioning - my Fresh Foam X turned brick-like after impatient wear.
Advanced Tactics for Stains & Smells
| Issue | Solution | What I've Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Grass stains | Rubbing alcohol on cotton ball | Works on white mesh but test colors first |
| Blood stains | Cold water + salt paste immediately | Saved my white 550s after hiking mishap |
| Gum residue | Freeze with ice cube then peel off | Better than solvents that damage rubber |
| Persistent odor | 1:1 vinegar/water spray inside | Kills bacteria better than powders |
Maintenance: Keep Your New Balances Cleaner Longer
Cleaning less starts with prevention:
Protection Is Key
- Apply waterproof spray (Kiwi brand works well)
- For suede, use silicone-free protector
- Reapply every 2 months or after deep cleans
Daily Habits Matter
- Rotate shoes (lets moisture fully evaporate)
- Wipe soles after rainy walks (prevents dirt transfer)
- Use shoe trees (maintains shape between wears)
I started using cedar shoe trees - no more "sweaty shoe" smell even after gym sessions. Worth the $15 investment.
FAQ: Your New Balance Cleaning Questions Answered
Can I machine wash my New Balance shoes?
Only if they're all-mesh with no leather/suede. Use cold water, gentle cycle in a pillowcase. But I avoid it - the agitator beats up shoes. Hand cleaning extends their life.
How often should I clean them?
Casual wear: every 3-4 weeks. Gym shoes: after every 5-6 wears. Performance runners? Wipe down after every session. Waiting too long lets dirt grind into fabrics.
Why do my shoes turn yellow after cleaning?
Sun drying oxidizes white materials. Always dry indoors. For existing yellowing, mix 1 tbsp baking soda + 2 tbsp hydrogen peroxide, apply paste, rinse after 1 hour.
Can I use Magic Eraser on New Balances?
On rubber soles? Yes. On uppers? Absolutely not - it's abrasive and strips coatings. I learned this the hard way on some gray 574s.
How to clean new balance shoe laces?
Soak in warm soapy water 30 minutes, scrub with toothbrush, rinse. For stubborn stains, add a splash of hydrogen peroxide. Replace laces every 6 months - they're cheap.
Final Pro Tips
After cleaning hundreds of pairs (mine and friends'), here's what most guides miss:
- Always clean laces separately - they collect hidden grime
- Remove insoles before cleaning - they harbor bacteria
- Spot test cleaners inside tongue first
- Date your cleaning - note it on a tag so you remember frequency
Look, keeping New Balances fresh isn't about fancy products. It's about respecting the materials. When you learn how to clean new balance trainers correctly, they'll last years instead of seasons. My oldest pair? 990v3s from 2016 still going strong because I stopped soaking them and started brushing gently. Give these methods a shot next time your kicks get grimy.
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