8 Sneaker Cleaning Hacks Every Dog Owner Needs
Sneakers and dogs are not friends. Muddy paw prints, grass stains, drool streaks—you name it, your dog can put it on your shoes.
And if you happen to own white sneakers? Oof. Might as well wave goodbye the second you unbox them.
But here’s the good news: sneakers are resilient. With the right tricks, you can bring them back to life. Below are eight tried-and-true sneaker cleaning hacks that actually work, tested by messy people (and even messier pets).
1. Soap and Water: The No-Brainer Hack
Let’s start with the basics. Sometimes your sneakers just need a quick refresh, not a full spa day. That’s where soap and water come in.
Mix a few drops of dish soap or laundry detergent with warm water. Dip in a toothbrush or soft cleaning brush, and scrub the fabric or leather in small, circular motions. Wipe everything down with a damp cloth, then let them air dry.
Is this groundbreaking? Nope. Does it work when your dog plants a paw on your sneakers right before you head out the door? Absolutely. Sometimes, boring equals effective.
2. Baking Soda + Vinegar: The Science Experiment
If you’ve ever been on the internet, you’ve seen this one. Baking soda and vinegar team up like a superhero duo, fizzing away dirt and stains. The best part? It’s cheap, safe, and oddly satisfying to watch.
Here’s the play: mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of white vinegar and a cup of warm water. Use a toothbrush to scrub the mixture into your sneakers. Then—and this is the key—let it dry completely. It’ll look crusty and weird, like your sneakers are wearing a bad face mask, but once you brush it off, you’ll see the magic.
Canvas sneakers, like Converse or Vans, love this method. It’s like Botox for fabric shoes. And if your dog just dragged you through the muddiest trail in town? This hack will make your sneakers look like it never happened.
3. Magic Erasers: The Cheat Code
If sneakers had a kryptonite, it would be scuffs on the rubber soles. They’re the first thing you notice, and they make even clean shoes look tired. Enter: the Magic Eraser.
These little sponges are lifesavers. Just dampen one and rub it along the sole or toe cap. Scuffs, paw prints, even sidewalk grime—gone. It’s ridiculously easy.
One word of warning: don’t go scrubbing fabric or mesh with it, unless you’re into the shredded look. Stick to rubber and leather areas, and you’ll be golden.
4. Toothpaste: Not Just for Teeth
Whoever first smeared toothpaste on a pair of dirty sneakers deserves a medal. White, non-gel toothpaste (the plain boring kind) is an excellent spot cleaner.
Apply a small dab directly to stains, then scrub with—you guessed it—yet another toothbrush. Wipe it away with a damp cloth, and voilà. Minty fresh sneakers.
This hack is perfect when you’re rushing out the door and realize your pup stepped on you with grass-stained paws. Quick, easy, and bonus points: your shoes smell like a dental appointment. 🙂
5. Washing Machine: The Lazy Dog-Parent Method
Sometimes your sneakers are so far gone that scrubbing feels like a joke. That’s when you bring in the washing machine.
First, prep your sneakers. Remove the laces and insoles. (Pro tip: wash the laces separately in a mesh bag or pillowcase—they’ll come out looking brand new.) Toss the sneakers into a pillowcase or laundry bag, and run a gentle, cold cycle with a couple of towels to balance the drum.
When the cycle ends, resist every urge to toss them in the dryer. Don’t do it. Unless, of course, you want sad, crispy sneakers that look like they went through a shrinking spell. Air dry only, stuffed with paper towels to help keep their shape.
It’s the lazy hack, but it works wonders after those dog park mud marathons.
6. Cornstarch for Oil Stains
So, you’ve got greasy paw prints on your sneakers—maybe from your dog running through spilled food, or maybe just their natural “why are you sticky?” vibe. Oil stains are tricky, but cornstarch has your back.
Sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch on the oily spot, then let it sit overnight. The powder works like a sponge, pulling the grease out of the fabric. In the morning, just brush it off.
It’s like dry shampoo for your sneakers. Only, instead of refreshing your hair, it saves your dignity after stepping in a greasy mess.
7. Baby Wipes: The On-the-Go Savior
If you’re a dog parent, you probably already have baby wipes (or dog wipes) lying around. Guess what? They work just as well on sneakers as they do on muddy paws.
Keep a pack by the door or in your car. That way, when your dog jumps up on you seconds before a meeting, you can wipe down the evidence before anyone notices. They’re not a deep-clean solution, but for quick touch-ups? Lifesaver.
Plus, it feels ridiculously satisfying to swipe away a paw print in one go. Like magic.
8. Prevention Spray: Because Future You Will Thank You
Look, cleaning sneakers isn’t the most fun hobby. So why not make life easier for Future You?
Pick up a fabric or leather protector spray, and give your sneakers a good coating every couple of weeks. These sprays create a barrier that repels water, mud, and stains. Your dog can splash you, jump on you, even sneeze on your sneakers, and you’ll still be able to wipe them clean in seconds.
Think of it like dog-proofing your shoes. (Because we all know you can’t dog-proof your dog.)
Wrapping It Up
Sneakers and dogs will never peacefully coexist. Your pup will always find a way to step on your shoes, drag you through mud, or “bless” your fresh kicks with something unspeakable from the backyard. But that doesn’t mean your sneakers have to suffer.
With these eight hacks—soap and water for quick fixes, baking soda for deep cleans, Magic Erasers for scuffs, toothpaste for stains, and yes, even the lazy washing machine option—you’ve got every scenario covered. Cornstarch tackles grease, baby wipes save you on the go, and prevention spray makes sure you’re not scrubbing as often.
IMO: the baking soda + vinegar combo is still the MVP. But having baby wipes and a Magic Eraser handy? That’s the real secret to surviving life with dogs and sneakers.
So next time your pup decides your fresh sneakers are their personal canvas, don’t panic. Just grab one of these hacks, and your shoes will live to see another walk.
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
