How to Clean New Balance 574 Step by Step

Maintaining the iconic New Balance 574 sneakers helps extend their life and keep them looking fresh. The following guide offers a practical, step-by-step approach using common sneaker cleaning tools and products. It’s written for everyday American households and emphasizes safe techniques for fabric and suede variants of the 574 series.

Routine cleaning removes dirt, reduces odor, and preserves the shoe materials. This guide uses a straightforward method that works with a regular sneaker cleaning kit and common household items, ensuring you can restore your 574s without professional help.

Quick Answer

Quick Method: Remove laces, brush off loose debris, apply a sneaker cleaning solution with a soft brush, wipe with a microfiber towel, air-dry away from direct heat, and re-lace. For stubborn stains, use a dedicated stain remover and repeat as needed.

What You’ll Need

The following tools and products cover most New Balance 574 cleaning tasks. Gather these before you begin to streamline the process.

New Balance sneaker cleaning kit
sneaker cleaning brush set
microfiber towel for sneakers cleaning
shoe cleaning solution spray athletic shoes
stain remover for athletic shoes

	Shoe Cleaner Kit for Sneaker – 8.5 Oz Shoe Cleaning Kit with Shoe Brushes & Towel, White Sneaker Cleaner Kit, Shoe Cleaner for Tennis Shoe Suede Mesh Knit Leather Shoe, and Most Materials
	Shoe MGK Starter Shoe Cleaner Kit – Shoe Cleaner & Conditioner for All Shoes, Premium Shoe Brush
	Grandma’s Secret Sneaker Cleaner – Shoe Cleaner for Rubber, Canvas and Leather – Stain Remover Spray Removes Dirt, Grime and Grass – 3oz Sneakers Cleaner for Outdoor Shoes, Slippers and Moccasins

Before You Start

Prepare a clean workspace, ideally at a sink or outside. Remove laces and any insoles if possible. Protect the surrounding area with a towel or newspaper to catch drips. Time your cleaning session to allow ample drying time—usually several hours. Important cautions: test any cleaner on a hidden area first to ensure there’s no color bleed, and avoid soaking mesh or suede excessively, which can damage materials.

For suede or nubuck portions, use minimal moisture and a suede-specific cleaner when necessary. If the 574 includes leather panels, apply a leather conditioner after cleaning to prevent drying.

Step-By-Step: How To Clean New Balance 574

Remove laces and insoles to expose all surfaces. Laces can be cleaned separately in warm water with mild detergent or replaced if worn.
Dry brush to remove surface dirt using the sneaker cleaning brush set. A firm, quick stroke helps lift dirt without grinding it in.
Prepare cleaning solution in a small bowl or spray bottle per the shoe cleaning solution spray athletic shoes instructions. Use a mild concentration to protect materials.
Spot-clean stained areas with the stain remover for athletic shoes. Gently work in circular motions and avoid heavy scrubbing on delicate fabrics.
Gently scrub the upper in sections with the soft brush, applying cleaner sparingly. Rinse the brush frequently to prevent redepositing dirt.
Wipe away residue with a damp microfiber towel for sneakers cleaning. Use clean areas of the towel to avoid transferring grime back onto the shoe.
Clean the midsoles and outsoles with a firmer brush and a little more solution if needed. Scrub to remove caked dirt and scuffs.
Rinse where appropriate by wiping with a damp towel. Avoid saturating the fabric or suede sections to prevent water damage.
Air-dry completely in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight. Stuffing with paper towels can help maintain shape and absorb moisture.
Reassemble and refresh once dry. Reinsert clean insoles and laces, tying them neatly for the next wear.
Optional conditioning For leather portions, apply a light conditioner after cleaning to preserve suppleness and color.
Final check Inspect seams and eyelets. If any moisture remains, allow extra drying time before wearing.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Likely Cause	Fix	Prevention
Color transfer to towels	Excess moisture or dye bleeding	Use less cleaner and a damp towel; test colorfastness first	Spot-test cleaners on a hidden area
Stubborn stains persist	Deep set stains on fabric or suede	Apply stain remover and re-clean; repeat as needed	Treat stains promptly
Faded color after cleaning	Harsh cleaner or sun exposure	Switch to milder cleaner and dry in shade	Avoid prolonged sun exposure
Leather panels feel sticky	Residual cleaner	Wipe with clean damp cloth and air-dry	Use cleaners designed for leather
Outsole scuffs remain	Heavy soil or worn material	Extra brushing with firmer brush; repeat	Regular cleaning after wear

Common Mistakes

Over-wetting fabric or suede, which can warp materials
Using harsh brushes that damage delicate textures
Scrubbing aggressively on seams, which can loosen stitching
Skipping drying time, leading to odor and mold risk
Using the wrong cleaner for leather or suede panels

Tips For Best Results

Brush off loose dirt daily with a soft brush to reduce cleaning frequency
Separate mesh versus suede areas if possible to tailor products
Test products on a hidden area before full application
Use microfiber towels to minimize lint and residue
Rotate air-drying locations to avoid heat damage

Call A Professional

Seek professional help if the shoes have heavy water damage, irreparable leather cracking, or materials that require specialist suede care. Stop cleaning and consult a cobbler or sneaker restoration expert if you notice color fading that impacts the shoe’s appearance or structural integrity, or if the adhesives or stitching show signs of failure.

FAQ

Can I machine-wash New Balance 574?

Machine washing is not recommended as it can damage materials and adhesives. Use hand-cleaning methods described here instead.

Is a sneaker cleaning kit necessary?

A kit provides dedicated brushes and cleaners that are gentler on sneakers than household cleaners, improving results and protecting materials.

How often should I clean my 574?

Clean when visible dirt accumulates or odors appear. A light wipe-down after heavy use helps maintain condition between deep cleanings.

Can I use bleach on white parts?

Avoid bleach on fabrics and rubber parts; it can cause discoloration and degrade materials. Use color-safe cleaners when possible.

Should I remove insole before cleaning?

Yes, removing the insole allows better access to the interior and helps ensure thorough cleaning and drying.

Can these methods work for suede panels?

Yes, but use suede-specific cleaners and be cautious with moisture to protect texture and color.

Buying Guide

Choosing the right cleaning setup for New Balance 574 sneakers involves considering size, noise, energy efficiency, controls, and placement. While a comprehensive kit is helpful, it should align with the materials used on your 574 model—fabric, suede, and leather elements each respond to different cleaners and techniques.

Key buying factors include the size and assortment of brushes, the formulation of the cleaning solution, and whether a stain remover is included. Look for a kit that offers a gentle option for delicate fabrics and a more robust brush for hard-to-clean soles. Consider the noise level if you plan to use a motorized brush in shared spaces; a quiet, low-vibration option can be preferable in apartments. For energy efficiency, choose manual or battery-powered tools with long-lasting batteries rather than frequent replacements.

Other important considerations: ensure compatibility with fabric types found in the New Balance 574, check for labeled suede-safe products, and pick a microfiber towel with high absorbency. Finally, verify that replacements and refills are available to extend the life of your cleaning kit.