9 Best Shoe Cleaners, Tested on Real Stains by Cleaning Experts
From stubborn mud to everyday scuffs, these Lab-tested shoe cleaners lift dirt and grime to make sneakers, leather, and suede look fresh again.
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Your shoes go everywhere you do, but they’re rarely cleaned with the same regularity as your clothes. It’s no surprise, then, that they can quickly start to look worn. The right cleaner can restore even your most beat-up pairs, but not all formulas are created equal. From quick swipe-and-go wipes to deep-cleaning foams and specialized kits for leather and suede, the options are vast—and the results can vary widely.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Grandma's Secret Sneaker Cleaner
- Best value: Miss Mouth's Messy Steppers Shoe Cleaner
- Best for white sneakers: Shoe MGK All-Star Kit
- Best wipes: Wipemate Disposable Sneaker and Sole Cleaning Wipes
To find the ones truly worth your money, the Good Housekeeping Institute Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab put top-rated shoe cleaners to the test on a range of materials, including leather clogs, suede boots, and everyday white sneakers. We simulated real-life wear and tear by scuffing surfaces and adding stubborn stains like mud, clay, and crayon, then evaluated how well each product performed when used as directed. These are the standouts across a range of shoe types and cleaning needs.
Best Deal
Pros
- Works on a variety of shoe types
- Pleasant smell
- Affordable
Cons
- Not effective on laces
- Does not come with a brush for scrubbing
WORKS FOR: A wide range of shoes, including leather, canvas, suede, sneakers, clogs, and boots
TESTING NOTES: This affordable spray stood out in Lab testing for its versatility and strong cleaning performance. The formula tackled stubborn stains without damaging materials and worked across a range of shoe types. On white sneakers, a quick five-minute spray-and-rinse removed caked-on mud and clay, leaving a non-greasy, original-looking finish.
It’s not intended for shoelaces and doesn’t include a brush for tougher spots, but it delivered consistent results on all tested surfaces. Testers also noted it had a pleasant scent and was easy to use, making it a solid option for quick touch-ups or routine cleaning.
Features at a Glance
| Type | Spray |
| Size | 16 oz. |
| Extras | N/A |
Pros
- Formula doesn't splash
- Small bottle is easy to store or carry
- Works on a variety of shoe types
Cons
- Does not come with a towel for wiping
WORKS FOR: Suede, nubuck, sneakers, canvas, leather, and rubber
TESTING NOTES: In Lab tests, this gel cleaner impressed us for how easy it was to use and control. The small bottle also made it easy to store or tuck into a bag. Simply apply the gel, scrub with the brush, then wipe away residue with a towel or cloth (unfortunately, not included). On sneakers and UGGs with dirt stains, the formula effectively lifted grime without splashing, and the included brush helped work the cleaner into the shoe for a deeper clean.
Features at a Glance
| Type | Foam |
| Size | 4 oz. |
| Extras | Brush |
Pros
- Leaves a protective coating against future wear
- Small packaging for easy storage
- Includes a conditioner and a touch-up paint
Cons
- Strong smell
WORKS FOR: Tennis shoes and sneakers
TESTING NOTES: Designed to tackle both rubber soles and smooth uppers, this formula targets stains and yellowing while leaving a protective coating. In Lab tests on white leather sneakers soiled with crayon, it effectively covered the markings without leaving residue behind.
It includes a cleaning solution and a white touch-up paint. The paint's attached foam applicator and compact bottle make it easy to store and use, though the formula has a strong smell. We also appreciated the compact bottle, which makes it a convenient option to stock for quick touch-ups and routine sneaker maintenance.
Features at a Glance
| Type | Foam |
| Size | 4 oz. |
| Extras | Touch-up solution, brush |
Pros
- Pleasant scent
- Very little mess
- Easy to store
Cons
- Not effective on laces
- May cause color bleeding on non-white shoes
WORKS FOR: Sneakers made with non-porous materials and rubber soles
TESTING NOTES: These pre-moistened wipes are designed to keep sneakers looking fresh with minimal effort. In Lab tests, they effectively removed dirt and stains without creating a mess, and the pleasant scent makes quick touch-ups more pleasant.
Compact and travel-friendly, they’re ideal for keeping on hand in a bag or car for on-the-go cleaning. Just note: They weren’t effective on laces, and should be used only on sneakers.
Features at a Glance
| Type | Wipes |
| Size | 20 count per box |
| Extras | N/A |
Pros
- Works on a variety of shoe types
- Quick-drying
- Affordable
Cons
- Does not come with a towel for wiping
WORKS FOR: Most colors and materials, except unsealed and painted leather
TESTING NOTES: This foam cleaner lifted clay and mud stains from leather loafers without spotting or discoloration during our Lab tests. Its foamy consistency makes it easy to control and apply precisely. Simply spray onto a towel and wipe away stains with the included brush. There's no overspray or excess moisture, and the formula dries quickly.
It doesn’t include a towel for wiping, but overall, we found it to be a very effective and affordable option for cleaning leather and other shoe types.
Features at a Glance
| Type | Foam |
| Size | 7 oz. |
| Extras | Brush |
Pros
- Comes with wipes and a brush
- Small bottle for easy storage
Cons
- Product splashes during application
WORKS FOR: A wide range of materials, including leather, canvas, mesh, knit, nubuck, plastic, and rubber
TESTING NOTES: In Lab tests, this kit—which includes liquid cleaner, a brush, and six individually packaged wipes—effectively removed crayon and clay from both sneakers and leather loafers. The liquid cleaner is applied directly to the included brush and worked into the shoe for a deeper clean. The formula broke down stains efficiently across materials.
The convenient wipes for quick touch-ups performed well on the same stains during our evaluations. We also appreciated that the compact bottle is easy to store, though the liquid can splash during application, so a bit of care is needed when using it.
Features at a Glance
| Type | Liquid and wipes |
| Size | 4 oz. |
| Extras | Brush |
Pros
- Cleans and conditions with one product
- Saves space by combining products
- Gentle on hands
Cons
- Doesn't buff away deep scratches
WORKS FOR: Leather shoes, as well as other leather goods and accessories
TESTING NOTES: This cream formula combines cleaning and conditioning in one step, making routine leather care more streamlined. The squeeze bottle allows for easy dispensing, and the product is massaged in with a cloth to lift dirt while helping maintain the material’s feel. In testing, the formula left no sticky residue and was gentle on hands during use.
While it did effectively clean leather, it didn’t buff away deeper scratches like the one we made with a razor. Still, its two-in-one formula makes it a practical option for regular upkeep without the need to stock separate products. We also like that it can be used on leather furniture and accessories like bags and belts.
Features at a Glance
| Type | Cream |
| Size | 18 oz. |
| Extras | N/A |
Pros
- Very little mess
- Easy to dispose of
- Can be used on other leather goods
Cons
- Strong smell
- Doesn't buff away deep scratches
WORKS FOR: Leather shoes, as well as other leather goods and accessories
TESTING NOTES: These GH Seal-holding pre-moistened wipes are a convenient option for quick clean-ups. In Lab tests, they removed dirt from leather shoes easily and with minimal mess. The surface of the shoes also dried quickly after wiping, so leather never felt overly wet.
They’re easy to toss after use and can be used on other leather goods like handbags or belts. They can even be used on couches and car interiors, making them highly versatile. On the downside, they do have a strong scent and won’t address deeper scuffs or scratches.
Features at a Glance
| Type | Wipes |
| Size | 30 per bottle |
| Extras | N/A |
Pros
- Comprehensive kit
- Includes water-repellent spray
- Can be used on other suede items
Cons
- Formula has a sticky texture
WORKS FOR: Suede and nubuck, as well as smooth leather, faux leather, rubber, canvas, and vinyl
TESTING NOTES: This suede and nubuck kit covers every step of the cleaning process, from stain removal to protection. It includes a suede eraser for targeting marks, a small bristle brush to lift dirt and debris, and a foaming cleanser that helps restore the look of dingy material. In Lab tests on heavily worn Ugg boots, the cleanser noticeably improved both color and staining, though it can be used on other types of suede accessories too.
The kit includes a water-repellent spray designed to help prevent future damage. When tested, water beaded up and rolled off the surface after application. On the downside, our pros noticed that the formula can feel slightly sticky.
Features at a Glance
| Type | Foam |
| Size | Not listed |
| Extras | Conditioner, brush, eraser |
How we test shoe cleaners
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, we tested nearly a dozen shoe cleaners on a variety of footwear types including leather clogs, suede Uggs, and everyday sneakers.
To mimic real-world wear, we lightly scratched leather and sneaker surfaces with a razor blade and applied stains using clay, mud, and crayon. We followed each cleaning product’s instructions to see how well it removed dirt, scuffs, and marks. We also evaluated conditioning and protective benefits, ease of use, how messy the formula was, scent, and whether it felt gentle on hands.
What to consider when shopping for a shoe cleaner
✔️ Type: Shoe cleaners come in foam, liquid, wipes, gels, and creams, each with its own pros and cons. Foams and gels often provide precise control and limit splashing, while liquids may require brushing or scrubbing. Wipes and disposable sponges offer convenience and portability for quick touch-ups. Consider how messy the formula is, how long it takes to dry, and how much effort you want to spend on application.
✔️ Material compatibility: Leather, suede, canvas, and rubber all respond differently to cleaning formulas. Using the wrong product can cause discoloration, streaking, or damage. Check the instructions to ensure the cleaner is safe for your shoe materials, and always consider patch testing in an inconspicuous area prior to complete application.
✔️ Tools and extras: Brushes, sponges, or wipes can make cleaning easier and more precise, especially for stubborn stains or hard-to-reach areas. Kits that include these tools may produce more consistent results and can save time compared with single-product cleaners.
✔️ Scent: Some formulas have strong or unpleasant smells, while others feel harsh on the hands. A cleaner that smells mild and feels gentle encourages regular use and can make shoe maintenance less of a chore.
Is Dawn dish soap a good shoe cleaner?
Yes, on some materials. Dawn dish soap can clean shoes in a pinch, especially canvas, rubber, and synthetic sneakers. Use a few drops in warm water with a soft cloth or brush to lift dirt.
Avoid cleaning leather, suede, or nubuck with dish soap, as it can dry or damage these materials. It also won’t condition or protect shoes, so for delicate or high-end footwear, a dedicated shoe cleaner is a better choice.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Kyra Bennington is a freelance analyst in the Home Care & Cleaning Lab. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Urban Sustainability from CUNY: Brooklyn College and previously worked for a sustainably made lighting and upholstery brand. Under the guidance of Home Care & Cleaning Reviews Analyst Noah Pinsonnault, Bennington tested and analyzed all of the shoe cleaners featured in this roundup.
Contributing writer Brigitt Earley wrote this guide using data from Bennington’s testing. Earley has nearly 15 years of experience testing and researching household products, including shoe cleaners.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
Kyra is a freelance analyst in the Home Care & Cleaning Lab. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Urban Sustainability from CUNY: Brooklyn College, she worked for a sustainably-made lighting and upholstery brand. Kyra analyzed and tested many of the cleaning products and appliances for this Cleaning Awards program. She also helped tabulate and organize results and coordinate feedback from our consumer testers.
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