How To
How to Clean New Balance Trainers: A Step-by-Step Guide
Your New Balance trainers have been putting in the work: coffee runs, commutes, long walks, last-minute plans (and probably one too many questionable weather forecasts). Eventually, even your most reliable pair will be calling out for a refresh.
The good news? Cleaning New Balance shoes at home is easy when you know what materials you’re working with. Whether you’re keeping your favourite pair of New Balance 530 trainers looking fresh or giving your New Balance 9060s a post-festival reset, this guide covers how to clean mesh, suede, leather, laces, and soles – all without wrecking the shape or finish. Ready to bring your favourite pair back to life? Let’s get into it.
How to Clean New Balance Shoes: Step-by-Step
Before any cleaning products enter the chat, check the care label and identify your trainers’ main materials. Many go-to New Balance styles combine breathable mesh with suede, leather, or synthetic overlays, so different sections may need slightly different treatment.
What You’ll Need
Once you know what you’re working with, grab:
A soft, dry shoe brush (an old toothbrush also works)
Two clean cloths or sponges
Mild washing-up liquid or gentle detergent
A bowl of lukewarm water
Paper towels or plain paper
A suede brush (if needed)
How to Clean New Balance Trainers
- Remove the laces and insoles
Take out the laces and removable insoles before you start cleaning. This makes it easier to reach the tongue, eyelets, and other dirt-trapping areas, while helping everything dry more evenly.
Wash the laces separately in lukewarm water with a small amount of mild washing-up liquid or detergent, and lay them flat to air dry. For the insoles, don’t soak them – too much water can affect their shape and cushioning – instead, wipe them with a lightly damp cloth. - Brush away loose dirt
Let any mud dry first, then knock the soles together outside to loosen the worst of it. Use a dry brush to sweep dirt from the uppers, seams, tread, and around the signature ‘N’ logo.
Don’t skip this bit. Adding water too early can turn surface dust into a muddy paste and push grime further into mesh or suede – not the glow-up we’re going for. - Clean the uppers gently
Mix a small drop of washing-up liquid with lukewarm water. Dip a clean cloth or soft brush into the mixture, squeeze out the excess, and gently work across the uppers of your shoe using small circular motions.
For mesh sections, use minimal pressure to avoid snagging the fabric. Some of New Balance’s most iconic styles, like the retro-inspired New Balance 740 and 530, often feature detailed panelled uppers, so be sure to clean one small section at a time rather than soaking the whole shoe. Use a second damp cloth to lift away any leftover soap. - Refresh the midsoles and outsoles
Midsoles collect marks fast, especially on lighter colourways. Use your soft brush and cleaning mixture to work around the foam, taking extra care near painted details and glued edges.
For the rubber outsole, you can apply slightly more pressure to remove dirt from the tread. An old toothbrush is ideal for getting into smaller grooves. Wipe everything with a clean, damp cloth once you’re done – instant trainer refresh, minimal drama. - Air dry at room temperature
Stuff your trainers loosely with paper towels or plain paper to absorb moisture and help them hold their shape. PSA: avoid printed newspaper on pale linings – the ink could transfer onto your shoes.
Leave the shoes to air dry naturally in a cool, well-ventilated place. Keep them away from radiators, tumble dryers, hair dryers, and strong direct sunlight, as intense heat can affect adhesives, cushioning, and shape.
Once every part is completely dry, pop the insoles and laces back in – and enjoy that good-as-new feeling.
How to Clean Suede New Balance Trainers
Working with suede? You’ll find suede panelling across plenty of New Balance favourites, including colourways of the New Balance 1906 and 9060, but don’t stress – you’ll just need a softer approach.
Start with completely dry shoes and use a suede brush to lift dirt in one direction. For a small mark, gently work over it with a suede eraser or suede cleaner, following the product instructions. Avoid saturating the material, as excess water can leave suede stiff, patchy, or discoloured.
After cleaning, allow the shoes to dry naturally before brushing the suede again to restore its texture. Take your time here: low effort + gentle pressure = much better results.
New Balance Cleaning FAQs
Hand cleaning is a safer bet. New Balance recommends gentle cleaning rather than putting trainers in a washing machine as heat, soaking, and aggressive cycles may damage the materials or construction of your shoes. Avoid the tumble dryer, too.
Brush away dry dirt first, then use a diluted mixture of mild detergent and lukewarm water. Clean the mesh, overlays, and soles separately with a soft brush or cloth. Avoid bleach – it can discolour materials or damage finishes.
Got a less-than-fresh situation on your hands? Remove the insoles and let your trainers air out properly between wears. Once the insoles are completely dry, sprinkle on a little bicarbonate of soda, leave it overnight, then shake or brush it off before putting them back in. Just like that, back to box-fresh vibes.
Give them a light brush whenever visible dirt appears and go for a more thorough clean every few weeks if they’re in regular rotation. The most important thing? Don’t let dirt build up – clean muddy or heavily marked pairs as soon as the dirt has dried.
Refresh Your Rotation With schuh
Fresh pair energy = restored. Ready to add another retro-inspired icon to your New Balance line-up? Good idea. Find your new favourite pair in our full collection of New Balance trainers at schuh, from everyday favourites like the 530 and 740 to the trending 9060 and 2002R.
In need of some more cleaning tips for the rest of your rotation? We’ve got you covered for that, too. Don’t miss How to Clean Running Shoes: A Step-by-Step Guide for your favourite race-ready pair, get set for summer with our guide on How To Clean BIRKENSTOCKs, or sort out your winter staples with our bumper care guides: DMs Care 101: The Ultimate Guide on How to Clean Dr. Martens and UGG Care 101: The Ultimate Guide on How to Clean UGGs.