How to Clean On Cloud Shoes Without a Washing Machine

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Read the material label and let mud dry

Confirm the exact model and materials before cleaning. Standard engineered-mesh On shoes can usually receive a gentle hand wash, but waterproof membranes, coated LightSpray uppers, natural leather, or suede require a lighter material-specific approach. If the shoes are muddy, let the mud dry first. Wet scrubbing can push soil farther into mesh and spread it across pale fabric.

Step 2: Knock off dirt and clear the CloudTec openings

Tap the dry outsoles together outdoors, then brush from the upper downward. Use a dry toothbrush to loosen dirt in the hollow CloudTec elements and tread grooves. Work gently around bonded edges so the bristles do not catch an overlay. Remove small stones by hand or with the blunt end of the brush; do not use a knife, metal pick, or sharp screwdriver near the foam.

Step 3: Remove and clean laces and insoles separately

Unlace the shoes and lift out removable sockliners. Soak ordinary laces briefly in warm water with a little mild detergent, agitate them by hand, rinse, and lay them flat. Wipe or lightly hand-wash the insoles only if their care label permits it. Avoid prolonged soaking, hard twisting, and dryer heat because foam insoles can curl or separate. Keeping these parts separate opens the shoe and speeds drying.

Step 4: Mix a weak detergent solution

Add only a small amount of mild liquid detergent to warm—not hot—water. Heavy soap is harder to rinse from mesh and can leave a stiff, dirt-attracting film. Avoid bleach, strong stain remover, solvent, and abrasive powder. Before treating a colored or mixed-material upper, test the damp solution on an inconspicuous area and blot with a white cloth to check for color transfer.

Step 5: Clean the upper without saturating it

Dip a soft cloth or sponge in the solution and squeeze it until damp. Work one small panel at a time with light circular motions, following the grain of any woven surface. Use a soft toothbrush only on seams or textured mesh that the cloth cannot reach. Do not flood the collar, tongue, or bonded overlay. For a waterproof On model, keep cleaning brief and surface-focused so water is not forced through the opening into the lining.

Step 6: Scrub the outsole and CloudTec pods separately

Use the second brush for the rubber and foam beneath the shoe so grit is not transferred back to the upper. Warm soapy water is normally sufficient. On also describes a baking-soda-and-water paste for stubborn outsole soil; keep that paste on the outsole rather than colored fabric, scrub gently, and rinse it away completely. Do not grind an abrasive pad into exposed cushioning.

Step 7: Remove soap with a clean damp cloth

Wipe every cleaned area with a second cloth dampened in clean water, rinsing the cloth repeatedly. This controlled rinse removes detergent without soaking the entire shoe. Continue until the cloth no longer picks up foam. Press a dry towel against the upper and lining to lift water; do not wring or twist the shoe.

Step 8: Shape and air-dry at room temperature

Loosely fill each shoe with plain absorbent paper or a clean white towel to hold its shape and draw moisture from the toe. Replace wet paper rather than packing it tightly. Set the shoes in moving indoor air away from direct sun, radiators, hair dryers, fireplaces, and tumble dryers. Heat can deform cushioning and weaken adhesive. Leave the laces and insoles out until the upper, lining, footbed, and seams all feel dry.

Step 9: Reassemble and inspect before wearing

Brush the dry upper lightly to restore its texture, then reinstall completely dry insoles and laces. Check the outsole cavities for remaining stones and inspect bonded seams for lifting. If an odor remains after everything is dry, clean the removable insole again or replace a worn one; masking dampness with fragrance traps rather than solves the cause.