How to Clean On Cloud Waterproof Shoes Properly

Let’s be honest: you didn’t buy a pair of On Cloud Waterproof shoes just to leave them in the box. You bought them to crush rainy commutes, tackle muddy trails, or just survive a wet winter in the city without soggy socks. But after a few weeks of heavy use, they start looking a little… tired. The crisp Swiss engineering gets hidden under layers of road grime and dried mud.

The panic sets in when you realize you can’t just treat them like a standard canvas sneaker.

I’ve been running a shoe store for over two decades, and I’ve seen more “dead” waterproof shoes than I care to count. Usually, a customer walks in with a sad-looking pair of expensive Clouds, explaining how they threw them in the washing machine on “hot” because they read a bad tip online. It’s painful to watch because once that waterproof membrane is damaged, there is no going back.

If you are looking for how to clean On Cloud waterproof shoes without turning them into expensive sponges, you are in the right place. We’re going to cover the safe, shop-approved methods that keep the water out and the style in.

What Makes On Cloud Waterproof Shoes Different

Before we grab the scrub brush, we need to talk about engineering. This isn’t just fluff; understanding how your shoe is built is the only way to understand why you can’t scrub it aggressively.

The Membrane Explanation

Standard On Clouds are made of breathable mesh. You can practically see your socks through them. The Waterproof models (often denoted as “WP” on the box) are different. They use a chemically treated, multi-layered membrane sandwich.

Think of this membrane like a high-tech sandwich wrap. It’s designed to be microscopic enough to let water vapor (your sweat) escape so your feet don’t clam up, but tight enough to stop liquid water (rain) from getting in.

In my years on the shop floor, I’ve had to explain this distinction daily: The membrane is fragile. It relies on surface tension and chemical coatings (DWR – Durable Water Repellent) to work. If you use harsh bristles or strong detergents, you aren’t just cleaning the dirt; you are stripping away the invisible shield that justifies the higher price tag of the shoe.

Why Machine Washing is Risky

I recently saw a thread on Reddit where a user—let’s call him “SoggySteve”—was asking why his Cloud 5 Waterproofs were leaking after he washed them. He admitted to using a 60-degree cycle and heavy-duty detergent.

Here is the hard truth: You should generally avoid the washing machine for waterproof models.

While we have a guide on washing On Cloud shoes in a washing machine for standard mesh models, the waterproof versions are a different beast. The agitation of a machine cycle can delaminate the waterproof membrane from the outer fabric. Once that separation happens, the shoe loses its structure and its waterproofing ability. Plus, standard laundry detergents are often “wetting agents”—they are designed to help water penetrate fabric. That is literally the opposite of what you want for a waterproof shoe.

Safe Cleaning Method for Waterproof Models

So, if the machine is off-limits, how to clean On Cloud waterproof shoes properly? The answer is patience and hand detailing. It takes about 15 minutes, but it protects your investment.

Hand Cleaning Only: The Golden Rule

The safest approach is always manual. When researching for this guide, I laughed at a meme I saw on Instagram showing a sneakerhead cleaning his shoes with a toothbrush while his actual car went unwashed for months. Honestly? That’s the level of care we want here (maybe not the car part, but definitely the toothbrush).

What You Need:

• A soft-bristle brush (an old toothbrush is perfect).
• Two microfiber cloths.
• Warm water (never hot).
• Mild, non-detergent soap or specialized tech-wash (like Nikwax).

The Damp Cloth Method (For Light Dirt)

If your shoes just have dusty trails or city grime:

1. Knock off the chunks: Clap the soles together outside to dislodge dried mud from the CloudTec® elements (the “clouds” on the sole).
2. Wipe down: Take a damp microfiber cloth—wrung out until it’s barely wet—and wipe the upper.
3. Spot clean: Use the cloth to gently rub away surface stains. Do not scrub hard. The waterproof upper is usually smoother than the mesh versions, making it easier to wipe clean.

Gentle Soap Solution (For Mud and Stains)

If you’ve been off-roading or stepped in a puddle that wasn’t just water, you need a deeper clean.

1. Remove Laces and Insoles: Take them out. You can wash the laces in a bowl of soapy water separately. The insoles should be aired out, but try not to soak them unless they really smell.
2. The Mix: Mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water. Pro-Tip: I recall a customer telling me she used dish soap and it stripped the color. Avoid harsh degreasers. Use a tiny drop of baby shampoo or a dedicated shoe cleaner.
3. The Scrub: Dip your soft brush into the water, shake off the excess, and gently scrub the outsole (the bottom) first.
4. The Upper: For the fabric part, use the soft brush in circular motions. Be gentle. Imagine you are brushing a tomato and you don’t want to break the skin.
5. Rinse: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the soap suds. Do not blast them under a running faucet. Repeat until no soap residue remains.

For a broader look on maintaining all types of footwear, check out our guide on how to clean shoes and maintain them.

How to Maintain Waterproof Performance

Cleaning is only half the battle. The other half is ensuring they stay waterproof. Have you ever noticed how water “beads up” and rolls off a new pair of shoes? That’s the DWR coating. Over time, dust and dirt mask this coating, causing the outer fabric to “wet out” (absorb water), even if your feet stay dry inside. This makes the shoe heavy and reduces breathability.

Reproofing Spray

After you have cleaned your shoes and they are still slightly damp, this is the perfect time to re-apply a waterproofing spray.

• Look for a “PFC-free” reproofing spray tailored for footwear.
• Spray evenly from about 6 inches away.
• This restores that satisfying “beading” effect the next time it rains.

The Drying Method

I cannot stress this enough: Heat is the enemy. I saw a horror story in a Facebook running group where a guy put his waterproof runners in front of a fireplace to dry them out for the next morning. The result? The glue melted, the soles warped, and the waterproofing membrane cracked.

The Correct Way to Dry:

1. Stuff them: Use plain paper towels or unprinted newsprint to stuff the shoes.
   • Experience Note: Don’t use standard newspaper with heavy black ink. The ink can transfer to the inside of your shoe and stain your socks later.
2. Room Temp: Place them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and radiators.
3. Patience: Let them dry for 12–24 hours. Change the paper stuffing after a few hours if it’s soaked.

If you are struggling with sizing issues after drying (sometimes shoes feel tighter when the materials contract), you might want to double-check our shoe size conversion chart calculator to ensure you’re in the right fit, though usually, they loosen up after five minutes of walking.

What NOT to Do

To wrap up, here is a quick “Commandments of Cleaning” list based on the most common mistakes I see walking through my shop doors.

1. NO Bleach: It destroys the technical fibers immediately.
2. NO Fabric Softener: This clogs the breathable pores of the membrane. Your feet will sweat uncontrollably if you do this.
3. NO Radiators/Heaters: As mentioned, heat warps the CloudTec® elements.
4. NO Wire Brushes: They will shred the upper mesh.

If you own non-waterproof models, the rules are slightly looser. You can read the specific differences in our guide on how to clean On Cloud shoes (standard models), but for the waterproof versions, caution is key.

FAQs

Q: Can I put On Cloud Waterproof shoes in the dryer? A: Absolutely not. The tumbling action destroys the structure, and the heat ruins the waterproof glue and membrane. Always air dry.

Q: My shoes smell even after cleaning. What can I do? A: The smell usually comes from bacteria inside the shoe, not the outside dirt. Since waterproof shoes breathe less than mesh ones, this is common. Remove the insoles and wash them separately. You can also use an enzymatic odor eliminator spray inside the shoe.

Q: How often should I re-waterproof them? A: It depends on usage. If you wear them daily in wet conditions, I recommend a quick spray once a month. If water stops beading up on the surface and starts soaking in, it’s time to spray them.

Q: Is Magic Eraser safe for On Clouds? A: Only on the rubber soles (the Clouds). Do not use abrasive sponges like Magic Eraser on the waterproof fabric upper, as it can micro-abrade the material and ruin the water resistance.

Taking care of your gear is part of the lifestyle. Whether you are using them for travel or daily commutes, knowing how to clean On Cloud waterproof shoes extends their lifespan significantly. It’s an investment in your feet, so treat them with a little respect, and they’ll keep your socks dry for miles to come.

If you are currently in the market for a new pair or wondering which model suits your lifestyle best, don’t forget to read our ultimate footwear buying guide.