The only correct way to clean On Cloud shoes is by hand. Using a washing machine is a non-negotiable mistake; the combination of high heat, submersion, and tumbling action can irreversibly damage the engineered mesh uppers and compromise the structural integrity of the CloudTec® cushioning system.
Effective cleaning begins before the shoe gets wet. A thorough dry-brushing removes surface-level debris, preventing it from turning into abrasive mud and simplifying the subsequent cleaning steps. This initial preparation is fundamental to a professional result.
Your Essential Guide to Cleaning On Cloud Shoes
On Cloud shoes are engineered for performance, but their material composition—breathable mesh uppers and grooved CloudTec® outsoles—makes them susceptible to trapping dirt, dust, and pebbles.
This buildup is not merely aesthetic. Accumulated grime can degrade the shoe's technical materials, impair breathability, and reduce the outsole's flexibility and traction. Overlooking regular maintenance shortens the lifespan of your footwear.
This guide provides a field-tested, material-specific process for cleaning and preserving your On Clouds, helping you avoid common errors that can permanently damage your investment.
Understanding the Cleaning Lifecycle
Proper footwear care is a restorative cycle: use, soil, restore. The objective is to return the shoes to optimal condition, preserving the performance characteristics you invested in.
This process is about maintaining the engineered integrity of the footwear, not just its appearance.
Here is a quick-reference table outlining the core principles.
On Cloud Cleaning At a Glance
| Shoe Part | Recommended Action | Critical Mistake to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh/Knit Uppers | Gently scrub with a soft brush and a pH-balanced cleaning solution. | Using harsh, alkaline chemicals or bleach that can discolor or weaken fabric. |
| Rubber Outsole | Use a medium-bristle brush to dislodge dirt from grooves. | Prying out rocks with sharp metal objects that can puncture the sole. |
| Insoles | Hand-wash separately with a mild cleaner and water, then air dry completely. | Placing them in a machine dryer—high heat will cause warping. |
| Laces | Remove and soak in a cleaning solution, then scrub and rinse. | Attempting to clean them while still laced in the shoe. |
This table serves as a foundational overview. The following sections will provide a detailed, step-by-step methodology for each component, ensuring the structural integrity of your shoes is preserved throughout the cleaning process.
Preparing Your Shoes for a Flawless Clean
Proper preparation is the most critical stage of the cleaning process. It prevents the cross-contamination of dirt and ensures each component of the shoe receives the appropriate treatment. Skipping this phase is the primary cause of subpar results.
Begin by deconstructing the shoe. Carefully unlace your On Clouds and remove the insoles. This is a mandatory step that provides full access to all surfaces. The laces and insoles absorb the highest concentration of sweat and bacteria; cleaning them separately is essential for thorough grime and odor removal.
The Critical First Step: Dry Brushing
Before introducing any liquid, perform a thorough dry brush of the entire shoe. This technique removes loose particulate matter that, when wet, becomes a muddy abrasive. Adding moisture prematurely complicates the cleaning process exponentially.
Using a soft-bristled brush, work over the entire upper, paying close attention to the engineered mesh and knit fabrics. Employ light, consistent strokes to dislodge caked-on dirt without snagging the delicate fibers. A tool like the Gold Standard Hog-Hair Brush is ideal for this task; its natural bristles are firm enough to be effective yet soft enough to be safe on premium textiles.
Next, address the CloudTec® outsole. A medium-stiffness brush may be required to clear pebbles, grit, and other debris from the distinctive grooves. A clean outsole is not just for aesthetics; it ensures the shoe's cushioning and traction systems function as designed.
From our field experience, a comprehensive dry brush can remove up to 80% of loose surface dirt before a cleaning solution is even applied. This single action significantly reduces the amount of scrubbing required later, which is always beneficial for the long-term health of the shoe's materials.
Assembling Your Cleaning Station
With loose debris removed, prepare your cleaning station. Avoid all-purpose household cleaners; their harsh chemical composition can cause irreparable damage to high-performance footwear materials.
Your necessary toolkit includes:
- Two bowls of cool or lukewarm water (one for the cleaning solution, one for rinsing).
- A gentle, pH-balanced cleaning solution, such as the Gold Standard All-Natural Shoe Cleaner.
- A soft-bristled brush for the uppers.
- A medium-bristle brush for the outsoles.
- A clean microfiber towel.
Prepare your solution by adding a small amount of cleaner to one bowl of water. The goal is a slightly sudsy mixture. An excessive concentration of soap is difficult to rinse and can leave a sticky residue that attracts more dirt. A properly organized station ensures the process is both efficient and safe for your footwear.
Mastering Material-Specific Cleaning Techniques
On Cloud shoes are a composite of advanced materials, each requiring a specific cleaning protocol. Applying a uniform method across the entire shoe—for example, scrubbing delicate mesh with the same force used on the rubber outsole—will lead to material degradation and premature failure.
Understanding the properties of each material is the key to effective restoration. This knowledge allows you to remove dirt while preserving the shoe’s structure, performance, and appearance.
Tackling the Mesh and Knit Uppers
The uppers on most On models are constructed from lightweight and breathable engineered mesh. While durable, these textiles are susceptible to snagging if treated aggressively. The objective is to lift dirt from the weave, not drive it deeper.
Dip a soft-bristle brush, such as our Hog-Hair Brush, into your cleaning solution and work on the uppers using small, gentle, circular motions. This technique effectively lifts grime without damaging the fabric. For stubborn stains, apply a small amount of solution directly to the area, allow it to penetrate for a minute, then resume the gentle circular brushing.
The most common error we observe is excessive scrubbing pressure. This crushes the mesh fibers, creating a polished, shiny patch that is often permanent. Let the cleaning solution and the soft bristles perform the work.
Clearing the CloudTec® Outsoles
The iconic CloudTec® outsole, while excellent for performance, is notorious for trapping pebbles, mud, and other road debris. Clogged pods can compromise the sole's flexibility and traction, negatively affecting your gait.
A medium-stiffness brush is the appropriate tool for this job. Use it to scrub all rubber surfaces and clear trapped debris from the grooves. For a deeply wedged object, carefully use a blunt tool like a wooden skewer for removal. Never use a sharp metal object. A slip can puncture the sole, permanently compromising the shoe's cushioning system.
On Cloud shoes have seen significant market adoption since their 2014 launch. Industry data shows 68% of owners notice significant outsole contamination after just 50 miles of use. If left uncleaned, this buildup can reduce traction by up to 25%. You can learn more about these footwear market findings and their performance implications.
Reviving the Insoles
Insoles are a critical but often overlooked component. As the primary point of contact with the foot, they absorb the most sweat and are the main source of odor-causing bacteria. Machine washing will warp the foam and ruin their ergonomic shape. Hand-washing is the only correct method.
Follow this process for fresh, odor-free insoles:
- Submerge the insoles in a bowl of your cleaning solution.
- Use a soft brush to gently scrub both sides, focusing on the heel and toe areas where bacteria concentrate.
- Rinse thoroughly under cool water until no suds remain.
- Press out excess water with a towel. Do not wring or twist the insoles, as this will permanently deform them.
- Allow them to air dry completely before reinserting them. A damp insole creates an ideal environment for mildew growth, negating your cleaning efforts.
Drying and Protecting Your Freshly Cleaned Sneakers
The cleaning process is not complete after rinsing. The drying method is just as critical as the washing technique, and improper drying can cause significant damage. Warped materials, weakened adhesives, and mildew growth are all common outcomes of rushed drying.
Patience is paramount. The single most destructive mistake is applying heat to accelerate drying. Direct sunlight, radiators, and especially clothes dryers are catastrophic for performance footwear. The intense heat can shrink foam components, crystallize and crack adhesives, and permanently alter the shoe's engineered structure.
The Professional Air-Drying Method
The only safe and effective way to dry your On Clouds is natural air drying in a well-ventilated, indoor space. To expedite the process and maintain the shoe's original shape, it is crucial to manage interior moisture.
A proven technique is to stuff the shoes with absorbent, unprinted paper (paper towels or blank newsprint). This material acts as a desiccant, wicking moisture from the interior lining more efficiently than air alone. For optimal results, replace the damp paper with a fresh, dry batch every few hours.
Using absorbent paper can increase the moisture absorption rate by up to 50%. This method helps preserve the shoe's intended form, whereas sun-drying has been shown to cause adhesive failure in 28% of test cases. Discover more professional shoe care insights and learn how proper techniques preserve your footwear.
For the highest standard of care, use unfinished cedar shoe trees. This is the professional benchmark. Cedar not only maintains perfect shape as the shoe dries but also naturally absorbs moisture and neutralizes odor. It is a worthwhile investment for long-term footwear preservation.
Applying a Final Protective Barrier
Once your On Clouds are completely dry—both inside and out—it is time for the final, preventative step. This application prolongs the clean appearance and simplifies future maintenance.
A quality protective spray establishes an invisible barrier over the material. A well-formulated product like the Gold Standard Water & Stain Repellent creates a hydrophobic layer, causing water, dirt, and oils to bead up and roll off the surface rather than soaking in.
Apply it correctly:
- Ensure the shoes are completely clean and dry.
- Hold the canister approximately six to eight inches from the shoe.
- Apply a light, even coat across the entire upper. Avoid oversaturation.
- Allow the first coat to dry for at least one hour.
- Apply a second light coat to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Let the shoes cure for a full 24 hours before wearing to allow the barrier to set completely.
This final step acts as insurance for your cleaning effort, defending the shoe against moisture and contaminants.
Using the Right Tools for On Cloud Shoe Care
Achieving a professional-level clean is not about aggressive scrubbing; it is about using the correct, purpose-built tools. The temptation to use household dish soap or all-purpose cleaners is a common but damaging mistake for the technical materials in your On Clouds.
Most household detergents contain harsh surfactants designed to break down heavy grease. On engineered mesh and performance adhesives, these chemicals can strip color, make fibers brittle, and degrade the bonds holding the shoe together. A dedicated footwear cleaning kit is an investment in the longevity of your shoes.
Why a pH-Balanced Solution Matters
The chemistry of your cleaner is critical. The synthetic fibers in On's engineered mesh are sensitive to harsh, alkaline cleaners.
The Gold Standard All-Natural Shoe Cleaner is formulated to be pH-balanced. This means it is chemically neutral, allowing it to lift dirt, grime, and oils without altering the texture or color of the fabric. Its all-natural composition effectively breaks down contaminants so they can be rinsed away completely, leaving no sticky residue that would attract future dirt.
The principle is simple: you would not use a heavy-duty laundry degreaser on a high-performance, moisture-wicking garment. Your footwear deserves the same material-specific care. The correct solution ensures the materials retain their strength and performance characteristics.
Using a properly formulated cleaner is the difference between a temporary aesthetic fix and a true, deep clean that preserves your investment.
The Importance of the Right Brush
The brush is as critical as the cleaning solution. A common mistake is using a cheap plastic brush with stiff, synthetic bristles on delicate knit uppers. These bristles can easily snag, pull, and abrade the fibers, causing permanent "fuzzing" that no amount of cleaning can reverse.
The brush material itself makes a significant difference. Our Gold Standard Hog-Hair Brush was designed specifically to prevent this type of damage.
Hog hair possesses a unique combination of properties ideal for premium footwear:
- Naturally Soft: The bristles are gentle, eliminating the risk of snagging or scuffing delicate mesh and knit fabrics.
- Effectively Firm: Despite their softness, they have enough rigidity to generate a rich lather and work the cleaning solution into the material to lift embedded dirt.
- Highly Durable: These natural fibers are resilient, retaining their shape and performance after repeated use.
This balance of softness and strength is difficult to replicate with synthetic bristles. A hog-hair brush provides the power to clean tough midsoles and outsoles while remaining safe enough for the most sensitive uppers. It is the versatile, indispensable tool for a comprehensive and safe cleaning process.
Frequently Asked Questions About On Cloud Care
Even with a detailed guide, specific questions arise. Here are direct answers to the most common inquiries we receive about caring for On Cloud shoes.
Can I Put My On Cloud Shoes in the Washing Machine?
The answer is unequivocally no. Placing On Clouds in a washing machine exposes them to high heat, excessive water, and a damaging tumbling action. This combination can deform the CloudTec® pods, dissolve structural adhesives, and permanently warp the engineered upper. To preserve the shoe's structure and performance, adhere strictly to the hand-washing method detailed in this guide.
How Do I Remove Stubborn Stains Like Grass or Mud?
For challenging stains, a targeted approach is more effective than increased force. For mud, patience is key: allow it to dry completely. Once hardened, most of it can be brushed off without smearing it deeper into the fabric.
For the remaining stain, create a concentrated paste using your cleaning solution and apply it directly to the affected area. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to penetrate the stain. Then, using a soft brush, gently work the stain in small, circular motions. Rinse with cool water and repeat if necessary. Under no circumstances should you use bleach or harsh household cleaners, as they will cause permanent discoloration and material damage.
A critical technique for stain removal is to work from the outside edge of the stain inward. This prevents the stain from spreading and creating a larger discolored area during the cleaning process.
How Often Should I Clean My On Cloud Shoes?
The ideal frequency depends on usage. The goal is consistent maintenance rather than infrequent, intensive cleaning sessions.
- Daily Casual Wear: For general urban use, a light cleaning every few weeks is sufficient to maintain their appearance.
- Running or Outdoor Use: For more demanding activities, clean them after every 5-7 uses. This removes the buildup of sweat and grime that can accelerate material degradation.
Proactive care is most effective. Addressing small scuffs and spills as they occur will make your deep-cleaning sessions far simpler and more successful.
What Is the Best Way to Eliminate Odors?
Shoe odor is caused by bacteria, which thrive in dark, moist environments. Therefore, odor control is fundamentally moisture control. The primary rule is to ensure your shoes are 100% dry after every use and every cleaning.
The single most effective action is to remove and hand-wash the insoles, as this is where most sweat and bacteria accumulate. Between cleanings, place cedar shoe trees or charcoal inserts inside your shoes to absorb residual moisture. Avoid fragrance sprays; they merely mask the odor and can leave a sticky film that attracts more dirt.
To properly protect your investment, you need professional-grade tools. Equip yourself with Gold Standard premium shoe care products, engineered to be tough on dirt but safe for high-performance materials. Explore the complete collection and elevate your shoe care routine today.