How To Wash Onclouds

Taking your favorite running shoes out on the trail brings an incredible sense of freedom, but it also brings mud, dust, and grime. After a few solid hikes or morning runs, those pristine soles begin to look tired and worn. Knowing exactly how to wash onclouds extends the lifespan of your footwear and keeps the fabric looking fresh.

Proper maintenance prevents stubborn stains from setting deep into the delicate mesh material. Many beginners worry about ruining the unique pod structure on the sole or shrinking the fabric during the cleaning process. However, caring for your gear is actually straightforward once you know the correct techniques. We created this comprehensive guide so you can tackle dirt with total confidence. By the time you finish reading, you will understand the safest, most effective methods to restore your shoes to their original glory.

Why Cleaning Your Footwear Matters for Outdoor Beginners

When you start exploring local trails or camping spots, your shoes become your most important piece of gear. Campers and outdoor beginners often overlook shoe maintenance, assuming dirt is just a normal part of the adventure. However, leaving mud packed into the outsoles actually causes the rubber to break down much faster over time.

Dried dirt acts like sandpaper against the breathable mesh upper. Every time you take a step, those tiny grit particles grind against the synthetic fibers, eventually causing holes and tears. Keeping your shoes clean preserves the structural integrity and maintains the responsive bounce you expect from premium running gear. Furthermore, removing trapped moisture and sweat prevents foul odors and harmful bacteria from taking root inside the footbed. Building a solid maintenance habit right now will save you money and keep your feet comfortable on every future hike.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Gathering the right supplies makes the entire cleaning process smooth and efficient. You do not need expensive commercial products to get great results. Simply grab a few basic household items before you begin.

• Soft-bristled brush: An old toothbrush or a dedicated shoe brush works perfectly for scrubbing delicate mesh without causing snags.
• Mild liquid laundry detergent: Choose a gentle, bleach-free formula to protect the vibrant colors of your shoes.
• Warm water: Fill two small bowls with lukewarm water. Do not use hot water, as it can melt the glue holding the shoe together.
• Microfiber cloth: You need a highly absorbent towel to wipe away excess moisture and lift away dirt.
• Baking soda: This neutralizes odors inside the footbed effectively.
• Optional item for convenience: An adjustable shoe tree. Slipping a shoe tree inside helps the sneaker maintain its shape while you scrub and while it dries.

10 Step-by-Step Guide on How to Wash Onclouds

Step 1 – Remove the Laces and Insoles

Before any water touches your shoes, you must completely unlace them. Taking the laces out opens up the shoe, giving you clear access to the tongue and the inner lining. Laces trap an incredible amount of dust and grime, so washing them separately ensures a much deeper clean.

Next, reach inside and gently pull out the insoles. Most modern running shoes feature removable footbeds, which absorb the bulk of your sweat during long walks. Pulling these components apart prevents hidden moisture from getting trapped during the drying phase. Place the laces and insoles aside in a safe spot for now. By dismantling the shoe first, you set yourself up for a much more thorough and effective cleaning session.

Step 2 – Brush Away Loose Dirt

Grab your dry, soft-bristled brush and start working over the entire exterior of the shoe. Your goal here is to knock away any loose mud, dried grass, and surface dust before applying moisture. If you skip this crucial step, adding water simply turns the loose dirt into a thick mud that pushes deeper into the fabric.

Pay special attention to the unique pods on the bottom of the soles. Small pebbles and twigs love to hide in these flexible gaps. Bend the sole slightly to pop out any stubborn debris. Brush the upper mesh with light, sweeping motions so you do not fray the synthetic threads. Taking three minutes to dry-brush the exterior saves you significant scrubbing time later on.

Step 3 – Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Now it is time to mix your gentle cleaning solution. Take one of your small bowls and fill it with lukewarm water. Add just a few drops of mild liquid laundry detergent to the bowl. You only need a tiny amount of soap to break down stains, so resist the urge to pour heavily.

Stir the mixture with your brush until light suds begin to form on the surface. Avoid using dish soap, as it often contains heavy degreasers that can strip protective coatings from performance footwear. If you encounter extremely tough stains later, you can add a pinch of baking soda to this mixture. For now, a simple, mild soapy water solution provides the safest foundation to learn how to wash onclouds properly without risking damage to the materials.

Step 4 – Scrub the Outsoles Carefully

Dip your brush into the soapy water and focus entirely on the bottom outsoles first. The rubber bottom endures the most impact and collects the heaviest grime. Scrub vigorously along the rubber ridges, working the bristles into every crevice and channel.

The hollow pods require a bit of patience. Angle the brush so the bristles reach inside the hollow spaces without forcefully stretching the rubber. If the mud is deeply caked on, let the soapy water sit on the rubber for a minute to soften the debris. Keep your brush strokes confined to the bottom of the shoe so you do not accidentally splash dirty water onto the clean upper mesh. Wipe away the dirty suds with your microfiber cloth as you progress.

Step 5 – Clean the Uppers Gently

Once the outsoles look fresh, rinse your brush in clean water before tackling the fabric uppers. Dip the clean bristles back into your soapy solution, shaking off the excess water. You want the brush damp, not dripping wet.

Apply the brush to the mesh using very gentle, circular motions. The fabric on running shoes is highly breathable but delicate, so aggressive scrubbing will cause the material to pill or fray. Work your way around the toe box, up the tongue, and around the heel counter. If you spot a dark scuff mark, apply a tiny bit more pressure, but always let the soap do the heavy lifting. Mastering how to wash onclouds requires a light touch, especially around the reflective painted logos.

Step 6 – Wash the Insoles Separately

Turn your attention to the insoles you set aside earlier. Since these sit directly beneath your feet, they harbor the most sweat and odor-causing bacteria. Wet your brush with the soapy solution and scrub the top fabric layer of each insole thoroughly.

Use firm pressure here, as the foam material can handle a bit more friction than the exterior mesh. Once you scrub the entire surface, sprinkle a light layer of baking soda directly onto the damp insoles. The baking soda naturally lifts trapped odors and leaves the foam smelling incredibly fresh. Set the insoles aside on a dry towel to let the baking soda work its magic while you finish the rest of the cleaning process.

Step 7 – Rinse the Laces

Your laces endure a lot of tension and constantly drag through puddles. The easiest way to clean them is to submerge them completely in the remaining soapy water. Use your fingers to massage the soap into the woven fibers, pushing out the embedded dirt.

If your laces are bright white and still look dingy after a gentle massage, you can create a paste of baking soda and water to rub into the tough spots. After washing, rinse the laces thoroughly under cool running tap water until the water runs completely clear. Squeeze out the excess moisture by pulling the laces tightly through a dry section of your microfiber towel. Hang them over a chair or a drying rack so they can air out completely.

Step 8 – Wipe Down the Shoes

With the scrubbing finished, you need to remove the remaining soap residue from the main shoe body. Do not put the shoes under a running faucet, as soaking the internal foam takes days to dry and invites mold. Instead, take your microfiber cloth and dampen it with clean, plain water.

Wipe down the entire exterior of the shoe, applying gentle pressure to lift the soapy suds out of the mesh. You may need to rinse the cloth and repeat this process two or three times until the fabric feels clean and free of slick soap. Leaving soap residue behind causes the mesh to feel stiff and actually attracts more dirt the next time you head outdoors. Take your time to ensure the exterior is simply damp.

Step 9 – Air Dry Properly

Drying your shoes correctly is just as important as the washing phase. Never put performance running shoes in a clothes dryer or place them next to a radiator. High heat warps the rubber soles, melts the industrial adhesives, and permanently alters the fit of the shoe.

Instead, stuff the inside of each shoe with crumpled newspaper or dry paper towels. The paper absorbs internal moisture rapidly while helping the shoe hold its natural shape. Place the shoes in a well-ventilated room away from direct sunlight, as strong UV rays can fade the vibrant colors. Check the paper towels after a few hours; if they feel completely soaked, swap them out for fresh, dry paper to speed up the process.

Step 10 – Reassemble and Store

Allow your shoes to dry for at least twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Before putting everything back together, brush any remaining dry baking soda off the insoles. Slide your hand inside the toe box to ensure the inner lining feels completely dry to the touch.

Once you are absolutely certain no moisture remains, slide the clean insoles back into place. Rethread your freshly washed laces through the eyelets, adjusting the tension so the shoe holds its proper form. Store your footwear in a cool, dry place, like a dedicated closet or a ventilated shoe bag. Keeping them out of damp garages or hot car trunks ensures they stay in peak condition, ready to support you on your next big outdoor adventure.

Common Mistakes When Washing Running Shoes

Many beginners unintentionally damage their expensive footwear by using harsh methods to save time. The most frequent mistake is throwing running shoes directly into the washing machine. The violent spinning motion completely breaks down the supportive heel counter and damages the internal foam cushioning. Even on a delicate cycle, full submersion weakens the glue holding the unique sole pods together. You should always hand wash your performance gear to maintain the precise structural engineering.

Another major error involves using harsh chemical cleaners like bleach or heavy degreasers. Bleach aggressively eats away at synthetic fibers and causes bright colors to turn a dull, sickly yellow. Always stick to mild laundry detergents diluted with water. Furthermore, people often try to speed up the drying process by leaving their shoes outside in direct, hot sunlight. The intense heat causes the rubber to dry out, shrink, and eventually crack during your next run. It also causes the breathable mesh to become brittle. Always practice patience and let your gear air dry naturally indoors. Avoiding these critical errors ensures your favorite trail runners remain bouncy, supportive, and structurally sound for hundreds of miles.

Expert Tips

To keep your footwear looking fresh between deep cleans, try utilizing a preventative maintenance routine. Spraying a high-quality water and stain repellent over the mesh upper creates an invisible barrier against mud and trail dust. Make sure you apply this spray only when the fabric is completely clean and dry.

Additionally, try to spot-clean small scuffs immediately after a hike rather than waiting for laundry day. Keep a pack of gentle baby wipes in your car or hiking bag. A quick wipe-down right at the trailhead stops fresh mud from setting deeply into the woven fibers. Finally, alternate your footwear if you run frequently. Giving your shoes a full day to decompress and dry out between uses drastically prevents deep-seated odor buildup and prolongs the bounce of the cushioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my shoes in the dryer if I use low heat?

You should never put performance footwear in a tumble dryer, even on the lowest heat setting. The tumbling action destroys the structural integrity of the heel and warps the foam cushioning. Heat also degrades the adhesives holding the sole components together. Always air dry your footwear naturally by stuffing them with paper towels in a well-ventilated room away from direct heat sources.

How often should I clean my running shoes?

The frequency depends entirely on your environment and usage. If you run on paved roads, a deep clean every few months is usually sufficient. However, if you frequently hike through muddy trails or dusty paths, you should wash them every three to four weeks. Regular light maintenance prevents permanent staining and extends the life of the breathable mesh upper.

Is dish soap safe to use on the delicate mesh fabric?

Dish soap is generally not recommended for premium running gear. Most dish soaps are formulated to strip heavy grease and baked-on food, making them too harsh for synthetic fabrics and rubber adhesives. Instead, use a mild, bleach-free liquid laundry detergent mixed with warm water. This provides a gentle but effective clean without drying out the structural materials of the shoe.

What should I do if the insoles still smell after washing?

If foul odors persist after a standard wash, the bacteria might be deeply embedded in the foam. Create a thick paste using baking soda and a small amount of water. Rub this paste directly into the top layer of the insole and leave it overnight. The next morning, brush the dried paste away and wipe it with a damp cloth. This neutralizes the toughest smells naturally.

Will cold water clean stains effectively?

Cold water is perfectly fine for light dust, but lukewarm water performs much better on stubborn stains and caked mud. Lukewarm water activates the laundry detergent more effectively, helping it break down dirt particles trapped in the mesh. You must avoid hot water entirely, as high temperatures melt the industrial glue holding the shoe together. Always test the water with your wrist first.

Conclusion

Taking the time to maintain your footwear drastically improves your comfort and performance on the trail. By following these simple steps, you remove abrasive dirt that degrades synthetic materials and eliminates odors that make long hikes uncomfortable. Remember that patience is your best tool. Hand washing with mild soap and allowing ample time for air drying preserves the bounce, fit, and unique sole structure of your favorite gear.

Now that you understand exactly how to wash onclouds, you can confidently tackle muddy paths without worrying about ruining your investment. Caring for your equipment is a fundamental part of the outdoor experience. Gather your soft brush, mix up some gentle soapy water, and give your trusted runners the refresh they deserve. Your feet will thank you during your next big adventure.