Cleaning your Jordan 1 soles involves tackling both the rubber outsole and the often visible midsole.
Keeping your Jordan 1 soles clean helps maintain their fresh look and extends their lifespan. Cleaning typically involves removing loose dirt, applying a cleaning solution, scrubbing, and wiping away residue.
Cleaning the soles of your Air Jordan 1s requires a few simple tools and steps. This usually involves addressing the outsole (the very bottom part) and the midsole (the side wrap that's often white or colored).
Essential Tools & Solutions
To effectively clean your Jordan 1 soles, you'll generally need:
- Shoe Cleaning Solution: A dedicated sneaker cleaner or a mild solution of soap and water (like dish soap diluted in water).
- Brushes: A few brushes are helpful. A soft brush for general cleaning, and a stiffer brush for more stubborn dirt and stains.
- Microfiber Cloths: For wiping away dirt and solution.
- Water: A bowl of water for rinsing brushes or dampening cloths.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Follow these steps for a thorough clean:
- Prepare: Remove the laces if they are likely to get in the way.
- Dry Brush: Use a dry, soft brush to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris from the soles (both midsole and outsole).
- Apply Solution: Dip a brush (starting with a softer one) into your cleaning solution and apply it to the sole areas.
- Scrub: Gently scrub the midsole and outsole. Work the solution into the dirt and grime.
- Tackle Tougher Stains: Sometimes there are deeper stains that stick around on the midsole. As noted in cleaning tutorials, you can take care of that with a stiff brush. Focus the stiff brush on areas of the midsole with stubborn marks that the softer brush couldn't remove.
- Clean the Outsole: The bottom outsole often has dirt packed into its tread patterns. Use a stiffer brush or even an old toothbrush to get into the crevices and scrub the dirt out.
- Wipe Clean: Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the cleaning solution and lifted dirt from the soles.
- Dry: Allow the soles to air dry completely before wearing the shoes again.
Quick Guide to Cleaning Soles
Here's a quick overview of tools for different cleaning needs on your Jordan 1 soles:
| Area/Stain Type | Tool/Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Dirt (Midsole) | Soft Brush + Cleaning Solution | Gentle for regular upkeep |
| Deeper Stains (Midsole) | Stiff Brush + Cleaning Solution | Use for stubborn marks on the midsole[^1] |
| General Dirt (Outsole) | Soft/Stiff Brush + Cleaning Solution | Can handle more aggressive scrubbing |
| Dirt in Tread (Outsole) | Stiff Brush or Toothbrush + Solution | Good for getting into grooves |
| Wiping/Rinsing | Damp Microfiber Cloth | To remove residue and dirt |
[^1]: As seen in cleaning guides, a stiff brush helps with deeper stains on the midsole.
Practical Tips
- Clean your soles regularly to prevent dirt and stains from setting in.
- For very stubborn midsole scuffs, specialized midsole cleaning pens or products might be considered after general cleaning.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach directly on the soles unless specifically recommended for the material, as they can cause damage or discoloration.
Keeping your Jordan 1 soles clean protects your investment and keeps your sneakers looking their best on foot.
