My On Clouds are my favorite shoes to wear for running outdoors. They keep my feet dry and comfortable, no matter what the weather is like. Since they’re constantly exposed to the elements, they get dirty quickly and I have to wash them often.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with different methods and techniques for washing and cleaning my On Clouds, and I’ve finally perfected the process.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about washing and cleaning your On Clouds, from what supplies you’ll need to step-by-step instructions (for both machine washing and hand washing). I’ll also share some tips to make the process easier and answer some frequently asked questions.
After reading this guide, you’ll know how to wash and clean your On Clouds so they look and feel like new again. Let’s get started!
Can You Wash On Cloud Shoes?
Just like all other running shoes made by the On brand, you can also wash their Cloud shoes by hand washing, machine washing, or by rubbing any loose dirt with a dry brush (toothbrush works fine)!
Important Note: You should never put your On Cloud shoes in the dryer! Not only can it cause damage to the material of the shoe, but it can also reduce the effectiveness of the glue keeping the different parts of the shoe together.
How to Wash On Cloud Shoes in the Washing Machine
What You’ll Need:
- A soft brush (toothbrush works fine)
- Washing machine with a delicate cycle
- Mild detergent (I like to use Woolite Darks)
- 2 Mesh laundry bags or pillowcases
- Towels for drying
Step-by-step Instructions:
Once you have gathered all of your materials, follow these instructions to wash your On Cloud shoes in the washing machine:
1. Remove laces and insoles:
Before getting your shoes wet, it’s best to undo and remove the laces as well as the insole. Both can come loose and become tangled in the washing machine. This is also a good time to treat odors by sprinkling some baking soda in each shoe.
2. Brush away loose dirt and debris:
Once the laces and insole are removed, use the soft brush to remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface of the shoes. Be sure to pay extra attention to the areas around the sole and in between the different parts of the shoe.
Any dirt or debris that is left on the shoes will end up being trapped in the washing machine and is not easy to remove.
3. Put each shoe in its own mesh bag or pillowcase:
Now it’s time to put your shoes in the washing machine. I like to put each shoe in its own mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to prevent them from banging around and damaging each other.
If you don’t have any mesh bags, you can just put each shoe in its own pillowcase.
4. Use the delicate cycle with mild detergent:
Once your shoes are in the washing machine, add the smallest possible amount of your favorite mild detergent and wash with cold water.
Important Note: Add an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the detergent is removed from the shoes. Excess detergent can get embedded deep in the material of the shoes and cause skin irritations if not completely removed.
5. Inspect shoes and repeat the process if necessary:
Depending on how dirty your On running shoes were, you may need to repeat the entire process. This is especially true if you’re trying to wash white On Clouds! Scuffs and stains can be stubborn and may require a second round of washing.
6. Let the shoes air dry:
Once your shoes are clean, it’s time to let them air dry. I like to stuff mine with towels to help absorb any excess moisture. I’ve read on some blogs to use old newspapers, which may have been a good idea back in the day, but when was the last time you actually used a newspaper?
Let your shoes dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat. Depending on the humidity level, it can take anywhere from 12 to 48 hours for your shoes to fully dry. So, it’s a good idea to have an extra pair of running shoes to wear while your On Clouds are drying.
Tips for Machine Washing On Cloud Shoes:
Now that you know how to machine wash your On Cloud shoes, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Wash in separate bags: Although you can wash both shoes together in a single laundry bag or pillowcase, I found using separate bags gave each shoe a more thorough cleaning.
Spot-clean scuffs or tough stains: If your shoes are particularly dirty, you may want to consider spot-cleaning any tough stains or scuffs before putting them in the washing machine.
Don’t overdo it on the detergent: A little goes a long way when it comes to detergent. You don’t need to use as much as you would for a regular load of laundry. In fact, using too much detergent can actually cause more harm than good.
Add a dash of vinegar: I also like to add a small amount of white vinegar to the wash cycle. This helps remove any lingering odors and helps keep the shoes looking new.
How to Clean On Cloud Shoes by Hand
If your On Clouds are not too dirty or if you’re just looking to freshen them up, you can try these simple steps to clean them by hand.
What You’ll Need:
- Bucket or large bowl
- Mild soap or detergent
- Warm water
- Soft-bristled brush (toothbrush or shoe brush)
- Towels for drying
Step-by-step Instructions:
1. Remove laces:
First things first, you’ll want to remove the laces from your shoes. This will make cleaning a lot easier and help prevent the laces from getting damaged.
Removing the laces will also give you full access to the tongue, which can be one of the dirtiest parts of the shoe.
2. Scrub with a soft-bristled brush:
Once the laces are removed, take a soft-bristled brush and scrub the surface of the shoes to remove any loose dirt or debris. I find that an old toothbrush works great for this.
For mild scuffs or caked-on dirt, you can use a small amount of mild soap or detergent on the brush. Just be sure to wipe away any soap residue with a damp cloth after scrubbing.
Important Note: You may want to stop here if your shoes don’t seem too dirty. However, if you think your On Clouds need a deeper and more thorough cleaning, continue to the next step.
3. Soak in warm water:
Fill a bucket or large bowl with enough warm water to completely submerge your shoes. You will need to remove the insoles if you haven’t already done so.
Add a small amount of mild soap or detergent to the water and stir gently to create suds. If your shoes are really dirty, you may need to let them soak for 10-15 minutes before proceeding to the next step.
4. Scrub with a soft-bristled brush:
Once your shoes have had a chance to soak, take a soft-bristled brush and scrub the surface of the shoes to remove any dirt or stains. For tougher stains, you may need to use a little more elbow grease.
If you’re having trouble getting the shoes clean, you can try using a small amount of toothpaste or baking soda on the brush. Just be sure to rinse away any residue afterward.
5. Rinse with clean water:
Once you’re satisfied with the results, rinse your shoes off with clean water to remove any soap residue. You may need to do this a few times to make sure all the soap is gone.
6. Let dry in a cool, dry place:
Once your shoes are clean, let them dry in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. You can stuff them with towels to help absorb any excess water and help keep their shape.
And that’s it! These simple steps should have your On Clouds looking good as new in no time.
Tips for Hand Washing On Cloud Shoes
Here are some tips to keep in mind when cleaning your On Clouds by hand:
Pre-treat tough stains: If your shoes are particularly dirty, and you don’t want to wash them in the machine, you will want to pre-treat any tough stains before soaking them. You can do this by applying a small amount of laundry detergent or stain remover to the affected area and scrubbing gently with a soft-bristled brush.
Use mild soap or detergent: It’s important to use mild soap or detergent when hand-washing your On Clouds. This will help prevent any damage to the shoes and keep them looking their best.
Be careful not to damage the shoes: When scrubbing your On Clouds with a brush, be sure to use gentle strokes and avoid scrubbing too hard. This could damage the surface of the shoes and wear them out prematurely.
Let them dry completely: Be sure to let your On Clouds dry completely before wearing them again. This will help prevent any mold or mildew from forming on the shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to put On Clouds in the washing machine?
On Clouds are durable and light enough to handle a spin in the washing machine. However, I would recommend maintaining their like-new condition by hand-washing them whenever possible.
Can I wash my On Cloud running shoes with clothes?
There is no rule that says you can’t wash running shoes or other types of sneakers along with your regular laundry. The important thing to keep in mind is not to overload your washing machine, and to put your shoes in a mesh bag to prevent them from getting tangled up with your clothes.
How can I prevent my On Clouds from getting dirty?
The best way to prevent your On Clouds from getting dirty is to avoid wearing them in muddy or wet conditions. If you do get them wet or muddy, be sure to clean them as soon as possible to avoid any permanent staining. You may also want to consider applying a water-repellent spray to help keep them clean.
Can I use bleach on my On Clouds?
No, you should never use bleach or any other harsh chemicals on shoes, even if they’re white! Bleach is the main culprit to frail stitching and which ultimately causes shoes to fall apart.
Can I put my On Clouds in the dryer?
It is highly recommended that you avoid putting your On Clouds in the dryer, as this can damage the shoes and cause them to fall apart pre-maturely. If you must use a dryer, put them on the lowest setting and make sure to remove them as soon as possible to avoid any damage.
Conclusion
On Clouds have become my go-to running shoes because of their amazing comfort and support. I was hesitant to put them in the washing machine at first, but after several washes, they’ve held up just fine.
Cleaning On Clouds is relatively easy, and can be done either by hand or in the washing machine. Just follow the steps I outlined in this article, and you’ll have your shoes looking good as new in no time.