Short answer
Brush off dry dirt, scrub the leather and midsole with a soft brush and a mild cleaning solution, wipe with a damp microfiber cloth, and air dry. Nike does not recommend the washing machine and warns that dryer heat can damage shoes. For stubborn stains Nike suggests a baking soda paste. Suede needs a dry suede brush and eraser instead of liquid.
Clean leather Dunks
Take out the laces
Wash the laces by hand in warm soapy water and let them dry flat.
Dry brush
Knock off loose dirt with a soft brush while the shoe is dry, including the tread.
Scrub with a mild cleaner
Dip a soft brush in a mild cleaning solution and work in small circles on the leather. Use a firmer brush on the midsole and outsole.
Treat stains
Nike suggests a paste of baking soda and water (or water and white vinegar), worked in with a toothbrush, left 10 to 15 minutes, then wiped with a damp microfiber cloth.
Wipe and air dry
Wipe off the suds, stuff the shoes with paper, and dry at room temperature away from direct sun and heaters.
Steps follow Nike’s cleaning guidance.
Suede and nubuck
- Let mud dry, then brush it off with a suede brush.
- Rub marks gently with a suede eraser and brush the nap back up.
- Apply a suede protector spray once clean and dry; Nike suggests a protectant because suede stains easily.
What to avoid
- The washing machine and the dryer.
- Bleach on colored panels: it can strip blue dye.
- Soaking denim or canvas uppers. See denim Dunks for textile pairs.
What you need
Questions people ask
Can I put Dunks in the washing machine?
Nike does not recommend washing shoes in a washing machine. Hand clean with a brush and a mild solution instead.
How do I get creases out of Dunks?
Creases in leather are permanent folds; you can reduce how many form by wearing crease protectors and storing pairs with shoe trees. Heat methods can damage the finish, so we do not recommend them.
How do I clean suede on SB Dunks?
Keep it dry: brush the nap with a suede brush, rub marks with a suede eraser, then brush again. Nike notes suede stains easily and suggests a suede protectant.
How do I whiten yellowed midsoles?
Scrub with a firm brush and a mild cleaner. Yellowing from age and sunlight in the rubber itself does not wash out; storing pairs out of the sun slows it.
Sources
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Release details, codes and listings change; check the style code on the listing before you buy.