Keeping your sneakers clean is half of keeping them looking new — and the right method depends entirely on the material. Here's how we clean the three most common uppers (white leather, canvas, and suede), plus how to handle a yellowing gum sole, without wrecking the shoe.
White leather sneakers
Brush off loose dirt, then use a soft cloth or brush with a little mild soap and warm water. Wipe in small circles, then wipe clean with a damp cloth and air dry away from direct heat. For scuffs on the rubber midsole, a melamine sponge ("magic eraser") works well. Skip bleach — it can yellow white leather over time.
Canvas sneakers
Use a soft brush and mild soapy water; an old toothbrush gets into the weave. Don't soak them, and avoid bleach, which yellows canvas. Air dry only — the dryer warps the shape and can shrink the canvas. Stuff with paper towel to hold the shape while drying.
Suede sneakers (Samba, Spezial, Gazelle, etc.)
Suede is the one to be careful with — and it's the upper on most adidas terrace classics. Keep it dry: use a dedicated suede brush to lift dirt and restore the nap, and a suede eraser for scuffs. For stains, a little white vinegar on a cloth (dabbed, not soaked) can help, then re-brush once dry. A suede protector spray applied before first wear saves a lot of trouble later. Never machine wash suede.
Yellowed gum or white soles
For a yellowing sole, a paste of baking soda and a little water scrubbed with a brush lifts a lot of discoloration; a melamine sponge helps on the sidewall. Rinse and dry. Storing shoes out of prolonged direct sunlight slows yellowing in the first place.
General tips
Clean spills quickly, rotate your pairs so they dry out between wears, and air dry everything — never use a dryer or direct heat, which breaks down glue and warps soles. A few minutes of care after wear beats a deep clean later.
We sell authentic sneakers at West Coast Deals for under retail — authenticated in-house and shipped from our Portland, Oregon warehouse, at prices you won't find elsewhere. Browse the Samba and Handball Spezial collections.
— Anthony from West Coast Deals