How To Clean Yeezys Like a Pro

To clean Yeezys, spot-treat rather than soak: mix warm water with a little liquid laundry detergent (or a 1:2 water-to-white-vinegar solution for white pairs), apply it with a soft-bristled toothbrush in gentle circular motions, then wipe clean with a damp microfiber cloth and dry with a dry one. Knit-upper Boost models (350, 380, 450) can also be carefully machine washed on cold/gentle in a protective bag, but slides, foam runners, and suede 500s should never go in the machine. Always air dry for at least 24 hours — never use the dryer. Here’s the full guide by style.

How to clean Yeezys

Yeezys aren’t cheap, so a little regular care goes a long way. The right method depends on the style, so we’ll cover each:

• Yeezy Slides
• Yeezy 350 (and 380, 450)
• Yeezy 700
• White Yeezys
• Yeezy 500
• Yeezy Foam Runners

How to clean Yeezy Slides, 500s, 700s, and Foam Runners

These styles are in the delicate category and should be hand spot-cleaned only — don’t put them in the washing machine. Slides and foam runners absorb water and can warp or break down, and the 500s have suede uppers that water damages. Treat them gently with this method.

Yeezy 500 tip: The upper is suede, so don’t apply water or a vinegar solution directly to it. Clean suede with a dry suede brush or eraser, spot-treat sparingly, and finish with a water-repellent suede protector to prevent future damage.

Materials needed

• Bowl
• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Microfiber cloth or towel
• Liquid laundry detergent
• Multi-purpose stain remover or shoe cleaner

Steps to clean

Spot treatment is the way to go. If you’re cleaning 700s with laces, remove the laces first. (Some slides clean much like Crocs and have no laces to remove.)

1. In a bowl, mix warm (not hot) water with a little liquid laundry detergent until sudsy.
2. Dab shoe cleaner or stain remover on your soft-bristled toothbrush and gently scrub the stained areas in circular motions to loosen the dirt. Let it sit about 10 minutes. (On the suede 500s, skip the liquids and use a suede brush instead.)
3. Dip a microfiber cloth in the sudsy water and wipe away the loosened dirt. Repeat the scrubbing step if grime is still stuck in the crevices.
4. Dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth so the shoes don’t absorb water.

How to clean Yeezy 350s (and 380s, 450s)

The knit-upper Boost models — 350, 380, and 450 — can all be cleaned the same way, and they tolerate a bit more than the delicate styles.

Materials needed

• Bowl
• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Stain remover or cleaning solution

Steps to clean

Remove the laces and insoles first.

1. Start with hand washing before trying anything more aggressive. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a little detergent.
2. Use a soft-bristled brush (anything too hard can damage the knit or any suede accents).
3. Spot-treat the stained and dirty areas. If hand washing isn’t making enough difference, the careful machine-wash method below is an option for these knit models.

How to machine wash knit Yeezys (350/380/450 only)

Machine washing is only for the sturdier knit-upper Boost models — not slides, foam runners, or suede 500s. Even then, hand-loosen dirt first, then:

1. Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to cushion them (a pillowcase offers a bit more protection).
2. Use the coldest water setting so nothing shrinks or bleeds, and the gentlest cycle.
3. Add a few white towels or sheets to cushion the shoes against the drum — white, never colored, to avoid dye transfer. Don’t overload the machine.

How to dry Yeezys after washing

Always air dry. Never put Yeezys in the dryer — the heat can shrink and permanently damage them, especially slides and foam runners, and the tumbling can damage your machine too. Stuff them with paper towel to hold their shape and absorb moisture, and keep them out of direct heat and sunlight.

How to clean Yeezys with household items

For a homemade option, mix one part warm water with two parts white distilled vinegar. It’s strong enough to lift dirt and stuck-on stains but gentle enough not to harm most uppers, and it works especially well on white Yeezys. Use it as a spot treatment — don’t soak the shoe — and avoid it on the suede 500s.

Frequently asked questions

Pro tip: when in doubt, check the manufacturer’s care guidance.

How long do Yeezys take to dry?

Allow at least 24 hours. They aren’t made to get wet, so giving them ample time to dry fully ensures the moisture is gone before you put weight on them by wearing them.

Can you use dish soap on Yeezys?

Yes — dish soap is a fine substitute for liquid detergent if that’s what you have. Ideally choose a gentle, low-additive one, use just a little, and rinse/wipe thoroughly so no soapy residue is left behind — residue can create watermarks and defeat the purpose.

What to avoid when cleaning Yeezys

1. Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners, which can alter the texture or break down the materials. Gentler is better.
2. Avoid hard-bristled brushes and scrapers, which chip and abrade the materials. A soft shoe brush or toothbrush is enough.
3. Never water-log your Yeezys — they aren’t meant to soak. The only exception is the careful machine wash for knit 350/380/450 models, protected in a bag.

Prevention is the best cleaner

You paid good money for your Yeezys, so wear them — but the best way to keep them clean is to treat them kindly. Avoiding rainy and muddy days means far less mess to deal with later, which is why many people skip white shoes in winter slush and snow.