How to Clean Keens

Co-authored by Marc Sigal

Last Updated: December 23, 2022

Keens are versatile shoes that are specially made for outdoor activities like hiking, walking, rock climbing, and more. Because they are used for a variety of outdoor activities, they are susceptible to becoming dirty and stinky. Luckily for you, keeping your Keens clean and odor-free is easy! For heavy-duty cleaning, use the washing machine. For light cleaning, hand wash your Keens with a soapy solution.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Machine-Washing Your Keens

1
Use a stiff bristle brush to remove loose dirt. Scrub the outside of your Keens, including the tread, to remove loose dirt and debris. Scrub them until all of the dirt and debris are removed.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Additionally, place them under cold, running water to further remove loose dirt and dust before you place them in the washing machine.
2
Place a tablespoon (15 ml) of detergent into your washing machine. Place your shoes in the washing machine. Set the machine on a gentle cycle with cold water.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Air dry your shoes. Once the cycle is finished, place them outside under a porch or another type of cover to air dry. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight. Make sure they are completely dry before using them again.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Avoid using heat sources like the dryer to dry your Keens.
- Filling your shoes with crumpled newspaper can help them dry faster.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Marc Sigal
  Shoe Care Specialist
  Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using a Soapy Solution

1
Scrub your Keens to remove dirt and debris. Using a stiff-bristled brush, scrub the entire outside surface of your Keens to remove dirt and debris. Rub them until all of the loose dirt and debris are removed. Then place them under cold, running water to completely remove loose dirt and dust.^{[5]
X
Research source}
2
Pour a tablespoon (15 ml) of dish soap into a bucket. Fill the bucket with lukewarm water until a soapy solution forms.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Marc Sigal
Shoe Care Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.} You will need about six cups (1.4 liters) of soapy solution.^{[7]
X
Research source}
3
Wash your Keens. Dip a clean scrub brush into the solution. Begin scrubbing the inside and outside of your keens. As you clean your shoes, dip the brush into the solution to re-wet it. Continue this process until both of your Keens are completely clean.^{[8]
X
Expert Source

Marc Sigal
Shoe Care Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.}
4
Rinse your Keens. Place them under cold, running water to rinse them. Rinse them until all of the soap is removed. Once they are completely rinsed, squeeze out any excess water.
5
Let them air dry. Place your Keens outside to air dry. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight. Instead, place them under a covered area to air dry. Make sure they are completely dry before reusing them.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Avoid using the dryer to speed up the drying process.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Washing the Footbeds

1
Remove the footbeds. The majority of Keens contain removable footbeds. After two or three months of use, remove the footbeds to clean them. Set them aside.
2
Place a teaspoon (5 ml) of detergent into a bucket. Fill the bucket with cold water until a soapy solution forms, about six to eight cups (1.4 to 2 liters). Place the footbeds in the bucket to soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
3
Use a soft, clean cloth to wash the footbeds. After they have finished soaking, dip a cloth in the soapy solution. Gently scrub the footbeds with the cloth until they are completely clean.
4
Rinse the footbeds. Place the footbeds under cold, running water. Squeeze them to remove any excess soapy solution. Once they are free of soapy solution, squeeze them again to remove any excess water.
5
Let them air dry. Place the footbeds outside to air dry. Place them under a covered area like a porch. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight. Additionally, avoid using the dryer or another heat source to speed up the drying process.
- The footbeds should be completely dry before placing them back in your shoes.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Removing Odors

1
Wash your Keens. Place them in the washing machine, or use a mixture of dish soap and water to clean them. Just make sure your shoes are clean before attempting to remove any odors.^{[10]
X
Research source}
2
Sprinkle five teaspoons (25 ml) of baking soda inside your shoes. Sprinkle the baking soda inside the shoes while they are still damp from cleaning them. Cover all of the areas where your foot comes into contact with the shoe with baking soda.^{[11]
X
Research source}
3
Make a vinegar-water solution. Pour equal parts water and vinegar into a spray bottle. Place the cap on the spray bottle. Shake the bottle to mix the vinegar and water together.^{[12]
X
Research source}
4
Spray your shoes with the solution. Generously spray the solution all over the inside and outside of your shoes, including the parts that have baking soda. Set aside your shoes for one hour to let the baking soda and solution work their magic.^{[13]
X
Research source}
5
Rinse your Keens thoroughly. After the hour is up, place your shoes under cold, running water to rinse them. Wash them until all of the baking soda is removed.^{[14]
X
Research source}
6
Place them outside to air dry. Place your Keens outside under a covered area out of direct sunlight to air dry. Avoid speeding up the drying process by placing them in the dryer.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Make sure they are completely dry before using them.