Okay, here’s my blog post about cleaning my Brooks tennis shoes, written from my personal experience, step-by-step:
So, my trusty Brooks were looking pretty rough after a few muddy trail runs. I love these shoes, but I definitely put them through the wringer! I needed to get them cleaned up without ruining them, and here’s exactly what I did.
Gathering My Supplies
First things first, I grabbed everything I needed. No fancy stuff here, just basic household items:
- An old toothbrush (a soft one is best)
- A bucket or sink
- Some mild dish soap (I used Dawn)
- A couple of clean cloths or rags
- Paper towels
The Cleaning Process
Step 1: Knock Off the Big Stuff. I started by banging the shoes together outside to get rid of any loose dirt and mud. I also used the toothbrush to dry-brush any caked-on gunk from the soles and the fabric.
Step 2: The Soapy Water. I filled my bucket with lukewarm water – not too hot, not too cold – and squirted in a little bit of dish soap. I swished it around to make sure it was all mixed up.
Step 3: Scrub-a-Dub-Dub. I dipped the toothbrush into the soapy water and started gently scrubbing the shoes. I focused on the really dirty spots, but I made sure to go over the whole shoe, including the laces (which I took out first).
Step 4: Getting into the Grooves. That toothbrush was a lifesaver for getting into all the little nooks and crannies of the soles. It took a little elbow grease, but I got most of the dirt out.
Step 5: Rinse and Repeat. I dumped out the dirty water and refilled the bucket with clean, cool water. Then, I used a clean, damp cloth to wipe off all the soap from the shoes. I made sure to rinse the cloth frequently.
Step 6: Drying Time. This is important! I stuffed the shoes with paper towels to help them absorb moisture and keep their shape. I did not put them in the dryer or in direct sunlight, because that can warp them or fade the colors. I just left them in a well-ventilated area to air dry.
The Results!
After a day or so, my Brooks were dry and looking way better! They weren’t perfectly brand-new, but the mud and grime were gone, and they smelled a whole lot fresher. I’m ready for my next run!
This method is pretty simple, and it’s worked well for me. Just remember to be gentle, use mild soap, and let them air dry. Happy cleaning!
