Got a pair of New Balance 574s that need some love? These timeless sneakers are a classic for a reason, but keeping them fresh can be a challenge. Don’t let dirt and stains dull their shine—restore your 574s to their original glory with this easy-to-follow cleaning guide!
We’ll show you the best way to tackle those delicate materials and bring your favorite kicks back to life.
Materials You’ll Need
| Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Adjustable shoe tree | Maintains the shoe’s shape during cleaning |
| Soft, medium, and stiff bristle brushes | Soft for uppers, medium for midsoles, stiff for outsoles |
| Suede eraser | Removes stubborn stains from suede without using water |
| Cleaning solution | Specialized suede and mesh cleaner (e.g., Angelus Easy Cleaner or Jason Markk) for delicate materials |
| Bowl of water | Used to mix the cleaning solution |
| Microfiber towel | Used to wipe away excess moisture and dirt |
Step 1: Prep Your Kicks
- Remove the laces: Start by taking the laces out of your New Balance 574s. This makes it easier to reach every part of the shoe and ensures a thorough clean.
- Insert the shoe tree: Adjust the shoe tree to fit inside the sneaker. This helps maintain the shoe’s shape during the cleaning process, especially important for the suede upper.
Step 2: Clean the Uppers
- Mix the solution: Pour a few squirts of the cleaning solution into a bowl of water. This mixture will be used for all parts of the cleaning process.
- Soft bristle brush for suede and mesh: Use the soft bristle brush to clean the suede and mesh uppers of the sneaker. Dip the brush into the solution and gently work it into the upper in circular motions. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as suede is a delicate material. The soft brush helps remove dirt without damaging the fibers.
- Use a suede eraser: For stubborn stains on the suede, use a suede eraser. Gently rub the eraser over the stained area, making sure to brush away eraser shavings regularly. This helps lift dirt from the suede without getting it wet.
- Midsole cleaning with medium bristle brush: Once the uppers are clean, switch to the medium bristle brush to tackle the midsole. This brush is more rigid, allowing you to remove grime and scuffs from the midsole without excessive force.
- Outsole cleaning with stiff bristle brush: To clean the outsole, use the stiff bristle brush. This part of the shoe is typically the dirtiest, and the stiff bristles help remove tough dirt and debris.
Step 3: Clean the Laces
- Soak and scrub: Dunk the laces in the cleaning solution and water mixture. Rub them between your hands to work in the soap, then rinse. This helps restore the laces to their original color.
Step 4: Dry & Restore the Suede
- Air dry: Let the shoes air dry overnight. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent discoloration or damage to the suede.
- Restore the nap of the suede: Once the shoes are dry, use a medium bristle brush to reset the nap of the suede. Brush in multiple directions to restore the soft texture and achieve that signature color transition effect that makes suede so attractive. For more delicate areas, use gentle, consistent strokes to bring back the original texture.
Step 5: Deodorize & Finish
To finish, spray a few bursts of shoe deodorizer into the shoes to keep them smelling fresh. This is especially helpful if the shoes have been heavily used.
Essential Tips for Cleaning Suede & Mesh
- Avoid excess water: Suede is sensitive to water, and soaking it can lead to damage. Only use a minimal amount of cleaning solution and focus on dry cleaning techniques like brushing and using a suede eraser.
- Test before applying: Always test any cleaning solution or suede eraser on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t discolor the material.
- Brush in one direction: When brushing suede, always brush in one direction to maintain a consistent appearance and avoid damaging the fibers. Resetting the nap properly will give the suede its soft, even texture.
- Dry brush for surface dirt: For minor dirt or dust, using a dry soft bristle brush can often be enough to freshen up the suede without any cleaning solution.
Revive Your 574s!
Cleaning your New Balance 574s doesn’t have to be a chore—it can be a rewarding way to keep your favorite sneakers looking fresh and feeling great! With the right tools and a bit of patience, you’ll have your 574s looking like they just came out of the box. Treat the suede with care, bring back that soft texture, and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. A good cleaning kit is all it takes to get those professional-level results, and there’s nothing quite like stepping out in a perfectly cleaned pair of classic kicks.
So go ahead, take on the challenge, and get your New Balance 574s ready for your next adventure in style!
Your New Balance 574s will look good as new and be ready for your next adventure!
