Under Armour shoes often feature mesh panels, synthetic uppers, and lightweight midsoles that require careful cleaning to maintain performance and appearance. This guide provides practical steps, tools, and safe practices to restore look and feel without damaging materials.
Quick Answer
For most Under Armour sneakers, start with a dry brush to remove loose dirt, then clean with a gentle cleaner and cool water. Use a soft-bristle brush for the fabric and a microfiber towel for wiping. Allow shoes to air dry away from direct heat. For stubborn stains, a stain remover pen can target localized spots.
What You’ll Need
- sneaker cleaning kit with soft bristle brush and microfiber towel
- electric sneaker cleaning brush for mesh fabric shoes
- fabric sneaker cleaner spray for athletic shoes
- microfiber towel for cleaning sneakers
- stain remover pen for athletic shoes
Before You Start
Test any cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first to avoid color loss or fabric damage. Remove laces and insoles if possible; launder laces separately. Use cool or lukewarm water—hot water can set stains or warp materials. Work in a well-ventilated area and protect surfaces from moisture. Time estimate: 20–40 minutes for routine cleaning; up to 1 hour for heavier dirt.
Step-By-Step: How To Clean Under Armour Shoes
- Remove laces and insoles; set aside to wash separately if needed.
- Brush off loose dirt with a dry soft-bristle brush or the sneaker cleaning kit brush.
- Mix a gentle cleaning solution using fabric sneaker cleaner spray and cool water, or follow product kit instructions.
- Dip a microfiber towel or the soft brush into the solution and gently scrub the upper, focusing on mesh and synthetic panels.
- For stubborn spots, use the stain remover pen for athletic shoes to treat targeted areas, then re-scrub lightly.
- Wipe away residue with a clean, damp microfiber towel; repeat as needed until the soapy film is gone.
- Rinse lightly or wipe with a fresh damp cloth to remove all cleaner traces.
- Pat dry with a towel and air-dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources until completely dry.
- Reassemble insoles and laces; consider applying light spray or protective coating if recommended by the product line.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soap residue after cleaning | Leftover cleaner | Wipe with a clean damp cloth until residue is gone | Rinse with minimal water during cleaning |
| Color fading on mesh | Harsh cleaners or hot water | Switch to gentler cleaner and cool water | Test in a hidden area first |
| Sour odor | Moisture trapped during drying | Dry thoroughly; optional baking soda sprinkle before final wipe | Ensure shoes fully air-dry |
| Stubborn stains reappear | Stain not fully treated | Re-treat with stain remover pen and re-clean | Treat stains promptly |
Common Mistakes
- Using hot water or harsh solvents that can warp materials
- Soaking shoes fully, which can damage glue and insoles
- Scrubbing aggressively, which can fray mesh and wear patterns
- Drying in direct heat or sunlight, risking shrinkage and color fading
- Ignoring laces and insoles that collect dirt and odor
Tips For Best Results
- Clean shoes promptly after exposing them to dirt or sweat for easier removal of stains.
- Use a dedicated fabric sneaker cleaner spray for uniform coverage on synthetic uppers.
- Pair a sneaker cleaning kit with soft bristle brush and microfiber towel for routine maintenance.
- Keep a microfiber towel handy to dab and blot moisture rather than rubbing aggressively.
- Air dry on a well-ventilated surface; stuff with paper towels to help maintain shape as needed.
Call A Professional
Seek professional help if the shoes have significant damaged stitching, peeling, or water damage that affects the structure. If cleaning requires specialized solvents or you notice color bleeding that worsens after cleaning, consult a professional shoe care service.
FAQ
Can I use bleach to clean Under Armour shoes?
Bleach and strong disinfectants can damage fabrics and color; avoid them unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer.
Is it safe to machine wash athletic sneakers?
Machine washing can degrade glue and materials; use hand cleaning and air dry unless the manufacturer approves machine washing.
How should I dry my shoes after cleaning?
Avoid direct heat; air dry in a ventilated area away from sunlight to prevent material damage.
How often should I clean athletic shoes?
Clean after heavy use or noticeable dirt; routine light cleaning extends the life of the uppers and outsole.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right cleaning approach for Under Armour shoes involves several factors. Consider size and fit when reassembling after cleaning, but focus on cleaning performance factors as well:
Key Buying Factors
- <bSize and fit: Ensure laces and insoles are reinstalled properly after cleaning.
- <bNoise level (if using electric brushes): Look for low-noise models designed for delicate fabrics like mesh.
- <bEnergy efficiency: Not critical for cleaning tools, but efficient motors save energy over repeated uses.
- <bControls: Prefer simple on/off and variable speed controls for safer cleaning on sneakers.
- <bPlacement: A stable, ventilated area helps odors and moisture to dissipate during drying.
When evaluating cleaning tools, consider how well they handle mesh and synthetic materials, battery life if cordless, and the portability of a kit. A combined approach using a dedicated soft-bristle brush for detailing and a microfiber towel for buffing often delivers the best results without risking fabric damage. If you frequently clean athletic footwear, investing in a spray cleaner formulated for fabrics and a targeted stain remover pen can streamline maintenance. Would you like help comparing specific product models for these roles?