How to Clean On Cloud Running and Tennis Shoes: The Expert Guide to Keeping Them Fresh

Step by step guide to clean On Cloud running and tennis shoes safely. Remove sweat, dirt, and odor while protecting cushioning and performance.

By Urban Style Footwear Editorial Team

Let’s be honest: there is nothing quite like unboxing a fresh pair of On Cloud running shoes. That crisp, Swiss-engineered mesh, the futuristic CloudTec sole, the feeling of walking on air—it’s a vibe. But give it two weeks of city commuting, a few trail runs, or just the daily grind, and that pristine look starts to fade. The mesh traps dust, the white soles turn a sad shade of grey, and don’t get me started on the little stones that love to get stuck in the sole “pods.”

Over the last 20 years handling footwear—from high-performance runners to casual daily drivers—I’ve seen customers ruin perfectly good shoes simply because they didn’t know how to clean them properly. I’ve had people walk into the shop holding a shrunken, warped pair of On Clouds because they thought a hot cycle in the dryer was a good idea. (Spoiler: It’s not).

If you are looking for the definitive guide on how to clean On Cloud running shoes and how to clean On Cloud tennis shoes without damaging that expensive engineering, you are in the right place. This isn’t just a generic cleaning guide; this is the method we recommend to ensure your shoes last longer and look better.

Why On Cloud Shoes Need Special Care

Before we grab the scrub brush, we need to understand the anatomy of what we are cleaning. On Clouds aren’t like your standard leather sneakers. They are built with technical materials that require a gentle touch.

The Mesh Upper: Most On Cloud models use an antimicrobial mesh that is incredibly breathable. However, this mesh is layered. Dirt doesn’t just sit on top; it gets embedded between the layers. If you scrub too hard with a stiff brush, you’ll fray the material.
The CloudTec® Sole: These are the hollow “pods” on the bottom. They are great for cushioning, but they are magnets for mud, gum, and pebbles.
The Speedboard: This is the stiff plate inside the midsole. Extreme heat (like a dishwasher or dryer) can warp this plate, effectively ruining the shoe’s performance.

I remember reading a thread on Reddit recently where a user jokingly asked if they could “power wash” their Clouds because the mud was so stubborn. The comments were a mix of horror stories and hilarious memes about shoes flying across the driveway. Let’s avoid becoming a meme today and do this the right way.

The Essential Cleaning Kit

You don’t need expensive “sneaker lab” kits to get professional results. In fact, most of the best tools are probably already in your house.

Soft-Bristle Brush: An old toothbrush is actually perfect for the mesh. A slightly stiffer brush (like a fingernail brush) works for the soles.
Mild Detergent: Dish soap works wonders. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach.
Microfiber Cloths: For wiping down and drying.
Shoe Trees (or Paper Towels): Essential for maintaining shape while drying.
A Dull Knife or Key: To pop stones out of the sole treads.
Baking Soda & Vinegar: The holy grail for white shoes.

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

Step-by-Step: How to Clean On Cloud Running Shoes

This process applies to almost all standard models (Cloudflow, Cloud X, Cloudsurfer). If you have waterproof versions, skip down to the specific section on that later.

Step 1: The “De-Rocking” & Prep

First, take the laces out. Washing laces separately is the only way to get them truly clean. Soak them in a bowl of warm water and detergent. Take out the insoles (footbeds) as well; these can get funky and need to breathe.

Now, flip the shoe over. If you own On Clouds, you know the struggle. I once saw an Instagram Reel of a runner picking about 15 pebbles out of their soles after a gravel run—it’s satisfying but annoying. Use a dull knife or a key to gently pop out any stones, dried gum, or compacted mud from the CloudTec pods.

Step 2: Dry Brushing

Do not wet the shoes yet. If you add water to dry dust, you just create mud, which stains the mesh deeper. Use your soft brush to knock off all the loose surface dirt. Bang the soles together a few times. Trust me, this step saves you so much scrubbing later.

Step 3: The Magic Solution

Mix a small amount of mild liquid detergent with warm (not hot) water. You want it bubbly.

Pro-Tip: If you are tackling white shoes, add a teaspoon of baking soda to the mix. It acts as a gentle abrasive and brightener.

Step 4: Scrubbing the Upper

Dip your soft brush (or toothbrush) into the solution and shake off the excess. You want the foam, not to soak the shoe.

Start scrubbing in small circular motions.
Be extra gentle on the mesh over the toe box.
Work your way around the heel cup and tongue.

A note on the “sock” fit: Many On Clouds have a bootie construction (no separate tongue). Be careful not to snag the elasticated edges.

Step 5: The Sole Surgery

Now switch to your stiffer brush. You can be a bit more aggressive with the rubber outsole and the foam midsole. The sides of the white foam soles often get scuff marks. A “Magic Eraser” sponge is a secret weapon here—just dampen it and wipe the scuffs away. It works like a charm on the CloudTec foam.

The Big Debate: Can You Put On Clouds in the Washing Machine?

This is the most common question we get at Urban Style Footwear. In the shop, I usually give a cautious “yes, but…”

Technically, you can, but you risk shortening the lifespan of the glue and foams. If you are dead set on using the machine because you are pressed for time (we’ve all been there), you have to follow strict rules: cold water only, gentle cycle, and use a wash bag.

For a deep dive into the risks and the exact settings to use, please read our detailed article: Can You Wash On Cloud Shoes in a Washing Machine?.

If you ignore the instructions and use hot water, you might find that your size 10s have shrunk to a size 9. If that happens, you might need our Shoe Size Conversion Chart & Calculator to see if they’ll fit your kid instead!

How to Clean On Cloud Tennis Shoes (The Roger & Court Models)

If you are rocking The Roger collection or other tennis-inspired silhouettes, the material is often vegan leather or a denser mesh. The cleaning process for how to clean On Cloud tennis shoes is slightly different because you don’t want to saturate the faux leather.

Wipe, Don’t Soak: Use a damp microfiber cloth with your soap solution rather than a brush.
Scuff Marks: Vegan leather shows scuffs easily. A dab of white toothpaste (non-gel) on a cloth can buff these out surprisingly well.
Laces are Key: On white tennis shoes, dirty laces ruin the whole look. Make sure those laces are bright white by soaking them in a mixture of water and a splash of vinegar.

For specific model breakdowns, you can also refer to our archive on how to clean On Cloud shoes which covers various specific silhouettes.

Special Care: Waterproof Models

If you own the Cloud 5 Waterproof or Cloudrock, stop! Do not scrub them with stiff brushes. The waterproof membrane is delicate. If you damage the outer coating (DWR), the shoes will stop repelling water and start soaking it up like a sponge.

We have a dedicated guide for these technical models. Before touching them, read: How to Clean On Cloud Waterproof Shoes. The main takeaway? Keep it gentle, and never use standard detergent that can strip the waterproofing oils.

Drying: The Most Important Step

This is where 50% of people mess up. NEVER put your shoes in the dryer. NEVER put them directly on a radiator or heater.

Heat melts the glue holding the shoe together and warps the Speedboard. I’ve seen soles peel off completely because someone left them next to a fireplace to dry.

The Correct Way to Dry:

Stuff the shoes with white paper towels or shoe trees. This absorbs moisture from the inside and helps them keep their shape as they dry. (Avoid newspaper—the ink can transfer onto your nice white mesh).
Place them in a breezy, shaded area. Direct sunlight can yellow the white foam rapidly.
Let them air dry for at least 12–24 hours.

Dealing with Odor (The “Gym Bag” Smell)

Sometimes the shoes look clean but smell… questionable. This is common with On Clouds because people often wear them sockless or with very thin socks.

Baking Soda Insert: Put some baking soda in a sock and leave it inside the shoe overnight.
Vinegar Spritz: A light mist of 50/50 water and white vinegar kills bacteria.
Rotate Your Shoes: The best way to prevent smell is to let the shoes dry out completely between wears. We discuss rotation strategies in our Ultimate Footwear Buying Guide.

When is it Time to Replace Them?

Even with the best cleaning routine, shoes have a lifespan. On Cloud recommends replacing running shoes every 300–500 miles (roughly 500–800 km).

You’ll know it’s time when:

The Cloud pods on the sole have collapsed and don’t bounce back.
The tread is worn smooth (slipping on wet pavement is a bad sign).
You start feeling aches in your knees or shins that weren’t there before.

Cleaning extends the aesthetic life, but it can’t fix a worn-out midsole.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to clean On Cloud running shoes and how to clean On Cloud tennis shoes isn’t rocket science, but it does require patience. These are premium shoes, and treating them with a bit of respect goes a long way.

I saw a tweet recently that said, “My white On Clouds are now ‘Off-White’ and not in the designer way.” Don’t let that be you. A 10-minute scrub once a month keeps them looking fresh out of the box.

Got a stubborn stain or a horror story about a washing machine mishap? We’d love to hear it—drop a comment below or tag us on social. Keep running, keep walking, and keep those Clouds clean!