How To Clean Nike Air Max 97

How To Clean Air Max 97’s

(Proven Cleaning Method)

Released in 1997 and designed by Christian Tresser, the Nike Air Max 97’s was very well received at its release. Sporting a distinct profile unlike any other Nike shoe, the design has become a classic over time, loved by sneaker heads everywhere. So, how can you keep your Air Max 97’s clean?

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Table of Contents

How To Clean Air Max 97

Learning how to clean Air Max 97’s is simple. All you need is an old toothbrush, a few basic cleaning products, and a detailed guide to make your Air Max 97’s look fresh again.

How To Clean Nike Air Max 97’s At Home

Whenever you clean Air max 97’s, use a toothbrush or small brush to gently clean the exterior. This will produce a better result than harsh chemicals that can damage your shoes
Air Max 97’s are made of leather and synthetic materials so when you clean them make sure to test the cleaning products on the different materials to ensure they do not damage the exterior of the shoe.
You should have a routine set in place to deep clean your Air Maxes frequently. Without a system in place, your 97’s can become extremely dirty.

The following steps will aid you in the deep cleaning process of your Air Max 97’s and restore them to pristine condition.

What You Need:

Small Tub
Old Toothbrush/A Soft Bristle Brush
Dawn Dish Soap
Microfiber Cloth

Steps to Cleaning Dirty Nike Air Max 97’s At Home

Take your shoes outside and gently knock them together to remove any loose dirt.
Remove or loosen laces and pull the tongue forward to prepare them for a deep cleaning.
Pour a small amount of water onto a toothbrush and gently agitate the exterior of your shoes, top to bottom.
Pour one cup of water into your plastic tub along with a few drops of Dawn dish soap. Using the toothbrush, cover the shoes in the soapy water liquid. Scrub the shoes in small circular motions, removing as much dirt as possible.
Working from top to bottom, clean your Air Max 97’s thoroughly to ensure you are cleaning the entire shoe.
Rinse the brush often for best results.
Once the shoes are clean, use a damp microfiber towel to wipe away excess dirt and soap.
Dry the shoes with a towel and leave them out to dry. Avoid direct sunlight as that can cause yellow spots to appear on the leather.

How to Clean Nike Air Max 97′ Laces

Restoring Air Max 97′ laces to their original glory is an easy process.

Here is what you’ll need:

Dirty Laces
A Plastic Tub
Out White Bright

Cleaning Air Max 97 laces is a simple process. Fill up a plastic tub with warm water and add a few drops of Dawn dish soap. Soak your laces in the soapy water for 15 minutes.
After soaking, run the laces through your fingers to remove as much dirt as possible. Rinse them in clean water and if clean, leave them to dry overnight
For VERY STAINED LACES, fill up a plastic tub with 10 cups of water. Add one cup of Out White Bright, place the dirty laces in the mixture, and let them soak for 5 hours.
1. Once they have soaked, rinse with clean water and your laces will be brand new again. If your laces are damaged beyond repair, you can purchase new laces here.

How to Clean Yellow Air Max Soles

Maybe your Air Max 97’s are clean, but the soles have turned yellow. This is actually oxidation, which is a reaction that occurs between the rubber and oxygen in the air. Thankfully, there are a few steps you can take. Check out our in-depth guide here on how to clean yellow soles here.

How To Clean Air Max 97’s With Baking Soda

If you are looking for one of the most effective ways to clean yellow soles or stains on Nike Air Max 97’s, this method is one of the best we’ve found.

What You Will Need:

Baking Soda
White Vinegar
Soft Bristle Brush

Older Air Maxes will need this treatment more than newer pairs, but it’s never too early to start. The more often you do it, the less chance oxidation will have to build up.

Mix equal parts of baking soda and white vinegar until a watery paste is formed in a small container.
Using a toothbrush, work the paste into the sole of the shoe in small circular motions.
After the entire shoe is covered in paste, allow it to sit for 10 minutes for the de-oxidation to occur.
Wipe the shoe clean with a damp microfiber cloth.

How To Deodorize Air Max 97’s

If we are being honest, sometimes our shoes start to stink! It is just the nature of feet, sweat, and small confined spaces. Here is how to deodorize your Air Max 97’s.

Option #1: Place a dryer sheet in each shoe and let them sit for 24 hours. Dryer sheets will absorb any liquid or odor that may be in the shoe. They also help mask the overall odor. For the best result, do this multiple times within a few day period to eliminate as much stench as possible.

Pro tip: leave dryer sheets in your shoes when you are not wearing them, it significantly cuts down on smelly shoes.

Option #2: Mix ¼ cup of baking powder, ¼ cup of baking powder, and ½ cup of cornstarch. Once the mixture is created, pour it into two cotton socks and place them in the shoes overnight. This will greatly improve the smell of your Air Max 97’s.

How to Clean Black Air Max 97’s

Black Air Max 97’s can be cleaned in the same way as white Air Max 97’s. To see these steps in detail, follow the same guide above for removing oxidation as well as how to do a deep cleaning at home.