How to Clean Jordan 6 Sneakers: Guide To Keep Them Looking Fresh

Real talk, nobody actually buys a pair of Jordans just to leave them sitting in a box forever and when you talk about Jordans then you know that Jordan 6s are one of those kicks that can still look crazy years after their release because the silhouette is timeless and if you take care of them properly regardless of how old they are, you just increase their longevity.

Just like every other sneakers whether new or old, they require care because they’re meant to be worn which means you have to deal with dust, dirt, scuffs, mud and whatever else life decides to throw at your kicks. So, today we are going to get into how to clean Jordan 6 sneakers properly without making it sound complicated.

Remember just to pay attention to the materials because depending on the colorway, there’s a possibility your pair may include leather, suede, nubuck, synthetic materials, mesh or rubber.

Just know that suede, nubuck, and mesh would require a different type of cleaning and before getting started, make sure to always check the manufacturer’s care instructions for the specific pair you’re going to clean.

Here's how to get your Jordan 6s looking fresh again and for that you need a good sneaker cleaning kit, the right approach and a little patience.

Start by Checking What You're Cleaning

Before you get into your Sneaker Cleaning Kit and start cleaning, just check the materials of your kicks. Smooth leather can usually handle gentle cleaning with a suitable leather shoe cleaner such as the one offered by ShoeDaddy, while suede and nubuck need a much lighter approach and a specific cleaner designed for them. 

Rubber soles can generally handle firmer scrubbing than the upper for which a hard brush is used whereas a soft brush is used for the upper. This info is vital for you because Jordan 6 isn't always made from one material and you could be cleaning leather on one section, rubber on another and a delicate suede somewhere else.

That's why it’s important using the right shoe cleaning products makes more sense than using one random household cleaner for everything.

You know, you don’t always need to get into deep cleaning if you're just dealing with small marks on your kicks whether when you’re out or you see them when you’re home. Shoe or Quick Wipes are designed just for that and ShoeDaddy keeps you covered in that regard. They are really useful for a quick touch-up.

Step 1: Start With a Dry Sneaker

No matter which pair you’re cleaning, always start cleaning it when it’s dry. In this case your Jordan 6 needs to be dry when you get into cleaning it.

Start off by removing the laces and any removable inserts first. Once you've done that then use a dry, soft shoe cleaning brush to remove the loose dirt from the upper and a hard brush for the midsole and outsole.

This step might seem unnecessary but it's a very crucial step because it makes the rest of the cleaning process easier. The scrubbing removes plenty of dirt before you even get into deep cleaning with a cleaning solution.

For the suede portion of your kicks, if there is one then use a dry suede brush on that part.

Remember that a good shoe cleaner brush should help you reach dirt without forcing you to scrub aggressively and having different shoe cleaning brushes for softer and tougher areas can make the process much easier.

Step 2: Clean the Upper Carefully

Now that you’ve scrubbed the loose dirt off your AJ6, you can now get into the deep cleaning and clean the actual grime.

This is where you use a suitable sneaker shoe cleaner according to its directions and work in small sections instead of soaking the entire shoe with it. Make sure to apply only as much moisture as needed and gently clean the upper using the soft brush.

For smooth leather Jordan 6s, don't go crazy with water but use a gentle cleaner and brush lightly because aggressive scrubbing can damage the finish or leave the surface looking uneven.

Mesh and synthetic sections should also be cleaned gently and using a soft brush, and a mild cleaner is usually the safer choice.

If your pair has suede or nubuck, slow things down and use a suede brush because you cannot treat those materials the same way you'd treat rubber or smooth leather. A suede sneaker cleaning kit or suede sneaker cleaner kit is the better choice when you're dealing with delicate suede areas.

Once you are done cleaning the upper, use a microfiber cloth from your cleaning kit to remove excess moisture and dirt.

Step 3: Give the Midsole and Outsole Some Attention

A clean upper is great, but if the midsole is still covered in dirt, then the whole sneaker can still look rough. This is exactly where your hard brush comes in for cleaning.

Now it's time you use your cleaner and hard brush around the midsole, outsole and grooves because these are the areas that usually collect the most dirt because they're constantly in contact with the ground.

Make sure you take your time around the edges and traction pattern because dirt can build up in places you don't notice until you actually start cleaning. When it’s white or lighter-colored Jordan 6s, cleaning the midsole can make a huge difference and even when the upper isn't heavily dirty, a grimy sole can make the entire pair look older than it really is.

Remember, you don't necessarily need the best sneaker cleaning kit on the market to clean a pair properly because what actually matters more is using the right cleaner, brushes and technique for the material itself and this same thing goes for finding the best sneaker cleaning kit or best shoe cleaner.

The strongest product isn't automatically the right one for your sneakers.

Step 4: Don't Automatically Throw Your Jordan 6s in the Washing Machine

Now this is really important because a lot of people make things harder for themselves and make this mistake of throwing their kicks into a washing machine without knowing that not every sneaker should go into a washing machine, and Jordan 6s are not the kind of pair that we’d recommend you tossing into one.

Even the American Cleaning Institute suggests that most shoe manufacturers discourage machine washing because detergent and machine agitation can damage certain leathers and adhesives.

So, always check your specific sneaker's care instructions before deciding to machine wash it, and if you’re clear to do so, then do it using a shoe washing bag.

You can see it advertised under many names, such as a shoe washing bag, shoe bag for washing machine, shoe wash bag, shoe bag for washer, shoe bag wash, shoes washing bag, or shoe washing machine bag. Then there are also more terms used for it such as "wash bags for shoes, best shoe washing bag, bag for washing shoes, mesh laundry bag for washing shoes, mesh bag for washing shoes, Sneaker Laundry Bag, and Sneaker Wash Bags.

Don’t let all these names confuse you because they’re designed to do the same thing which is protecting and securing your kicks during machine washing.

A shoe washing bag is designed to keep sneakers contained during a machine wash, but it doesn't suddenly make every sneaker machine washable and that is important with AJ6s that contain leather, suede, nubuck or glued components.

This is why for most pairs, hand cleaning is the safer option. If you need to wash removable laces, follow the care instructions for those separately.

Step 5: Let Your Jordan 6s Air Dry

Now this is the last step which requires nothing but patience. Since your AJ6 is now cleaned, you need to let it dry naturally at room temperature. Make sure to avoid direct heat and don't rush the process with a dryer.

Applying direct heat or using a dryer can damage your pair and this is for every sneaker not just Air Jordans 6.

Remember to use shoe trees to help support the shape while the sneakers dry. They’re also ideal for when you want to store your kicks so that their shape remains intact.

You can easily find plenty of options out there with different names such as shoe trees for sneakers, adjustable shoe trees, a shoe tree for sneakers, or simply just a shoe tree.

It actually doesn’t stop there because if you're cleaning a special pair of Jordans, you may also see searches for a Jordan shoe tree, best shoe tree, or best shoe trees for sneakers.

Don’t let that overwhelm or confuse you because they are designed to keep your sneakers' shape intact when you’re drying them or storing them. A shoe tree shouldn't force the material outward or stretch the sneaker unnecessarily. And if you don't have shoe trees, clean white paper towels can help support the shape while the shoes dry.

Keep Your Jordan 6 Cleaning Routine Simple

You know you really don’t need to deep clean your Jordan 6s or any pair after every wear because sometimes it is not even needed. A quick brush-down or scrubbing can remove loose dirt before it settles into the material and you’ve also got Quick Wipes that can be pretty useful for dealing with small marks before they become a bigger cleaning job.

So, whenever your sneakers need more attention, just use a proper shoes cleaning kit or shoe cleaning kit and focus on cleaning each material the right way. For suede, stick with suede-specific care. For everyday leather, mesh and rubber cleaning, use a suitable cleaning kit.

Your goal shouldn’t be about scrubbing your Jordan 6s as hard as possible but to clean the dirt while being smart about the materials on the shoe. That's exactly what sneaker care is all about.

Wear your kicks. Clean them when they need it. Use the right product for the job, and protect your pair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash Jordan 6s in a washing machine?

It's best to check the manufacturer's care instructions first. Many sneakers with leather, suede or glued components should be hand cleaned instead.

What is the best way to clean Jordan 6s?

Start with a dry brush, clean the upper gently, scrub the soles carefully and let them air dry.

Can I use the same cleaner on every Jordan 6 colorway?

Not always. Different colorways can use different materials, so check what your pair is made from first.

How do I clean suede Jordan 6s?

Use suede-specific tools and cleaner, avoid soaking the material and test products on a small hidden area first.

Can I use ShoeDaddy Quick Wipes on my Jordans?

They can be useful for quick touch-ups and small everyday marks between deeper cleaning sessions.

Should I use shoe trees after cleaning Jordan 6s?

Shoe trees can help support the sneaker's shape while drying, as long as they fit properly.

Can I use a hard brush on the entire shoe?

No. Firmer brushes are better suited for tougher areas like rubber soles. Use gentler tools on delicate uppers.

How long do Jordan 6s take to air dry?

Drying time depends on how much moisture was used, but always wait until they're completely dry before wearing them.

How often should I clean my Jordan 6s?

Clean them whenever dirt starts building up. Regular light cleaning is easier than dealing with months of grime.

Can I use household soap to clean my Jordans?

A cleaner made for sneakers and suitable for the material is usually the safer option than using random household products.