How to Clean Mesh Shoes: Hand Wash, Machine Wash and White Mesh

Quick Discussion

Here is how to clean mesh shoes without damaging them: brush off dry dirt, then scrub the mesh gently with a soft brush dipped in cool or lukewarm water and a little mild detergent. Wipe the soap away with a damp cloth, stuff the shoes with paper towels and air dry them at room temperature. Skip chlorine bleach, hot water and the dryer.

On this page: Step by step | White mesh | Yellowing | Washing machine | Drying | Without washing | Stains | What to avoid | Running, knit and brands | Smell | FAQ

How to Clean Mesh Shoes Step by Step

Clean mesh shoes in eight steps: knock off dry dirt, remove the laces and insoles, stuff the shoes, mix mild detergent into cool water, brush the mesh gently along the weave, scrub the soles, wipe away the soap and air dry. It takes about 30 minutes of work, plus drying time.

1. Knock off dry dirt. Tap the soles together outside and brush the upper while it is dry. Brushing wet mud only pushes it deeper into the mesh.

2. Remove the laces and insoles. Wash the laces separately and clean the insoles on their own.

3. Stuff the shoes with white paper towels so the mesh stays firm while you brush. Skechers warns that newspaper ink can bleed onto the inside of wet shoes.

4. Mix a small amount of mild detergent into a bowl of cool or lukewarm water.

5. Dip the brush and work in small circles, or along the weave on knit uppers. Keep the mesh damp, not soaked.

6. Scrub the midsoles and outsoles. You can press harder on rubber than on mesh.

7. Wipe the soap away with a clean, damp cloth. Repeat the brush and wipe until the cloth comes away clean.

8. Blot with a dry cloth, replace the wet paper towels and air dry at room temperature, away from heaters and direct sun.

This closely follows Nike's method for its Flyknit and mesh shoes. Nike says to use cool or lukewarm water and to brush gently so you do not snag the yarn.

For laces, see our guide on how to clean shoe laces. For insoles, see what the insole does and how to care for it.

How Do You Clean White Mesh Shoes?

Clean white mesh shoes the same way as any mesh shoe, then treat the dull or stained areas with a baking soda paste. For machine-washable white shoes, an oxygen bleach soak brightens the whole upper. Rinse every treatment out completely, because leftover residue attracts dirt and can leave the mesh looking gray.

White mesh matters most to readers of this guide. Our own data shows that searches about white mesh make up about 40 percent of the searches that bring people here, and how to undo yellowing is one of the most asked follow-ups.

Baking soda paste

Nike's method for white mesh is a paste of two parts baking soda to one part water. Brush it gently along the knit, leave it for about 30 minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth. Nike says to use it on the rubber soles too.

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste

For tougher stains, Nike's white shoe guide gives a paste of two parts baking soda to one part 3% hydrogen peroxide for canvas shoes. It is not a Nike mesh method, so test a hidden spot on mesh first. Nike lets the paste dry in the sun; on mesh we would keep it out of direct sun and wipe it out fully with a damp cloth.

OxiClean soak for washable white shoes

OxiClean publishes a method for machine-washable white canvas and mesh shoes: dissolve 1 scoop of OxiClean White Revive per gallon of water, soak for 6 hours, then wash. The maker says to test a hidden area first and not to use it on wool, silk or leather.

The brand suggests the warmest water the care label allows. On mesh and knit with colored trims, we would stay with lukewarm water, which is what Nike recommends for knit dyes.

Does toothpaste clean mesh shoes?

Plain white toothpaste can lift a small mark on a rubber sole or toe cap. It is a poor choice for the mesh itself, because it is hard to rinse out of the weave and leaves a chalky film. Use baking soda paste on the mesh instead.

For more on keeping every material white, see our guide to cleaning white shoes without turning them yellow.

Why Do White Mesh Shoes Turn Yellow, and How Do You Fix It?

White mesh turns yellow for three main reasons: the materials oxidize with age and light, shoes are dried in direct sun or near heat, or chlorine bleach is used on them. Leftover soap does not yellow mesh, but it does make it look dull. You can usually brighten mild yellowing with an oxygen bleach soak or a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste. Deep oxidation may not fully reverse.

Jason Markk lists oxidation among the problems white shoes show, warns that bleach can yellow shoe materials, and says to dry shoes away from direct sunlight and heat. Reshoevn8r says its own cleaning solution cannot reverse oxidation and sells a separate de-oxidizing product, so set realistic expectations on older pairs.

Some guides tell you to leave peroxide paste in the sun to speed it up. Light does break hydrogen peroxide down faster, but sun is also one of the causes of yellowing, so we would not recommend it.

Can You Put Mesh Shoes in the Washing Machine?

Many mesh shoes can go in the washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle, but check the maker's instructions first, because brands disagree. Nike and New Balance advise against machine washing. Allbirds says most of its shoes can be machine washed. Atoms says its Model 000 and Model 001 are machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle.

1. Remove the laces and insoles, and brush off dry dirt.

2. Put the shoes in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase.

3. Add two or three old towels to cushion the load and balance the drum.

4. Use a small amount of liquid detergent. Whirlpool advises against powder, which can lodge in the shoe.

5. Choose a delicate or gentle cycle with cold water and a slow or no spin.

6. Take the shoes out right away, stuff them and air dry. Never use the dryer.

New Balance says many of its materials should not be fully submerged or exposed to heat. Allbirds recommends a delicates bag, cold water, a gentle cycle and no fabric softener or bleach. Whirlpool suggests old towels rather than new ones, which can transfer dye.

Our guide on washing shoes in the washing machine covers this in more detail.

How Do You Dry Mesh Shoes Without Damaging Them?

Dry mesh shoes at room temperature with the laces and insoles out, stuffed with white paper towels that you swap once they are damp. Point a fan at them to speed things up. Expect about 8 to 12 hours, or longer if the shoes were soaked or the room is humid. Keep them away from heaters and direct sun.

SneakERASERS gives the same range: 8 to 12 hours normally and 16 to 24 hours if the shoes are soaked or the air is humid.

Pull the tongue forward and open the shoe wide so air can reach the inside.

Can you put mesh shoes in the dryer?

No. Nike, New Balance, Allbirds and Skechers all advise against the dryer. Nike says dryer heat can deform shoes and damage knit, and Skechers says it can damage glues and make materials shrink or lose their shape. A hair dryer or radiator carries the same risk. Our guide on putting shoes in the dryer explains what to do instead.

How Do You Clean Mesh Shoes Without Washing Them?

You can clean mesh shoes without washing them by dry brushing the dust out, then spot cleaning only the dirty patches with a barely damp cloth and a drop of mild soap. Blot the area dry with a towel. This takes about five minutes and is the best habit for keeping mesh clean between deep cleans.

1. Dry brush the whole upper to lift dust out of the weave.

2. Dampen a microfiber cloth, add one drop of mild soap and work it into the cloth.

3. Dab the stain rather than rubbing it, working from the outside in.

4. Wipe with a clean damp cloth, then blot dry with a towel.

A water-based sneaker cleaning wipe does the same job on the go. Do this after any wear in mud or dust, and the mesh will rarely need a full wash.

How Do You Get Stains Out of Mesh Shoes?

Most stains come out of mesh if you treat them quickly. Mud, dirt, grass and food usually lift with mild detergent and a soft brush, plus a baking soda paste for what is left. Oil, ink and tar are much harder and may leave a mark. Always test a cleaner on a hidden spot first.

What Should You Never Use on Mesh Shoes?

Never use chlorine bleach, hot water, a clothes dryer, stiff or wire brushes, or harsh solvents such as acetone or paint thinner on mesh shoes. Bleach can yellow the materials and weaken glue, heat can warp the upper, and stiff bristles fray the weave. Never mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in the same container.

Can you bleach mesh shoes?

Do not use chlorine bleach on mesh or knit sneakers. Nike advises against it for Flyknit and mesh, and Clorox says spandex should never be bleached, which matters because some stretch knits contain it. Oxygen bleach, such as OxiClean, is the safer whitener.

Can you mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide?

No. The Missouri Poison Center warns that mixing them in one container forms peracetic acid, which can irritate the skin, eyes and lungs. Use one or the other, and rinse in between if you use both on the same shoe.

How Do You Clean Mesh Running, Tennis and Knit Shoes?

Running and tennis shoes need the same gentle hand wash, but more often, because sweat and grit work into the mesh faster. Pay extra attention to insoles and linings, where odor builds. Knit uppers such as Flyknit need the softest touch: brush along the knit pattern and never scrub hard.

Running and tennis shoes

Clean the insoles and the inside lining as well as the upper, and let the shoes dry fully before the next session. Rotating two pairs gives each time to dry out. Running shoes wear out from the inside too, and REI says a pair should last 300 to 500 miles. Our guide on how long running shoes last explains the signs.

Knit shoes

Knit is made of continuous loops of yarn, so a snagged loop can pull and run more easily than on engineered mesh. Use the softest brush you have, cool water and very little soap, and brush in the direction of the knit. Press water out with a towel rather than wringing the shoe.

What do brands say?

Skechers asks you to check for its Machine Washable icon before using the washer.

How do you wash Atoms shoes?

The care notes on the Atoms Model 000 and Model 001 product pages say both are machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle, then air dried. Atoms lists antimicrobial threads in the Model 000 lining and insoles, and an upper made entirely from recycled material on the Model 001. The Kids Model 123 is also machine washable.

How Do You Get the Smell Out of Mesh Shoes?

To get the smell out of mesh shoes, take out the insoles and wash them, sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes overnight and shake it out, then let everything dry completely. Odor comes from sweat and bacteria, so letting shoes dry out fully between wears is the habit the NHS recommends. Rotate pairs so each one gets a full day off.

The NHS advises not wearing the same shoes two days in a row and letting them dry fully before wearing them again. Rubbing alcohol can kill bacteria, but it evaporates quickly and is flammable, so test a hidden spot first, let the shoes air out fully and keep them away from flames. See a pharmacist or doctor if the smell persists, since a foot infection can be the cause. See our full guide on how to deodorize shoes.

How Often Should You Clean Mesh Shoes?

Give mesh shoes a quick dry brush and spot clean after any wear in mud, dust or rain, and a full hand wash every few weeks if you wear them often. Running and gym shoes need cleaning more often than casual pairs. White mesh shows dirt fastest, so clean it before marks have time to set.

A fabric protector spray applied to clean, dry shoes helps spills bead up so they wipe away. Reapply it after each deep clean. If you are choosing a new pair, darker or heathered mesh hides dirt far better than plain white. Our shoe materials guide compares how each upper holds up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are mesh shoes washable?

Yes. Mesh itself handles water and mild soap well, and hand washing is safe for almost every mesh shoe. Machine washing depends on the brand, so check the care label first.

Does OxiClean work on mesh shoes?

Yes, on white, machine-washable mesh. OxiClean's own method is 1 scoop of White Revive per gallon of water, soaked for 6 hours, then washed. Test a hidden spot first.

What is the best cleaner for white mesh shoes?

Mild detergent for the everyday clean, a baking soda paste for dull spots, and an oxygen bleach such as OxiClean for washable shoes that need a deeper brighten. Avoid chlorine bleach.

Can I use dish soap on mesh shoes?

Yes. A few drops of mild dish soap in cool water works well, especially on greasy marks. Wipe it out thoroughly afterward so no residue is left in the mesh.

Can I use baking soda and vinegar on mesh shoes?

You can use them one at a time. Mixed together, they fizz and largely cancel each other out, so the mix cleans no better than either one. Rinse well afterward.

How long do mesh shoes take to dry?

About 8 to 12 hours at room temperature, and up to a day if the shoes were soaked or the air is humid. A fan and fresh paper towels speed it up.

How do you make white mesh shoes white again?

Clean them fully first, then use a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste on dull areas or an oxygen bleach soak for washable shoes. Dry them indoors, away from sun and heat.

Sources

Care guidance in this article comes from Nike, New Balance, Allbirds, Skechers, OxiClean, Clorox, Whirlpool, Jason Markk, Reshoevn8r, SneakERASERS, REI, the NHS and the Missouri Poison Center. Atoms care details come from the Atoms product pages. Each source is linked where it is used.

Hassaan Sabih writes for the Atoms editorial team about shoe care, fit and materials. Care instructions for Atoms shoes are taken from the care notes Atoms publishes for each model.

Updated October 4, 2026: added a yellowing section, a stain table, a brand care comparison and Atoms care instructions. Removed advice to dry shoes in the sun, corrected unsupported cleaning claims and tightened every section.

Want sneakers you can simply put in the wash? Shop the Atoms Model 000, machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle.