Sneaker Cleaning Solution
Made in the UK to Sneaker Pharm’s specification, this concentrated cleaning solution is designed for routine care across footwear materials. The same formula used in our Manchester workshop.
- Format
- 250ml Concentrated cleaning formula
- Suitable materials
- Leather, Suede, Nubuck, Canvas and Synthetics
- Formula profile
- Amphoteric, anionic and non-ionic surfactant blend
Our everyday workshop formula. Use sparingly with the appropriate brush: controlled moisture and technique are more effective than excess product.
Add approximately 10ml to a soft brush. Dip into warm to cold water and work the solution into the material to create a lather. Repeat and rinse and necessary. Remove residue with clean cloth and let air dry.
Causes serious eye damage. Keep out of reach of children. Read the label before use and follow all stated safety precautions.
Ingredients and full notes
Proudly made in the UK, Sneaker Pharm’s Premium Sneaker Cleaning Solution is plant-based, biodegradable, and non-toxic. Crafted to our exacting specifications, it safely lifts dirt, stains, and grime from all sneaker materials, including suede, leather, mesh, cotton canvas, synthetics, and more.
Developed in a controlled laboratory with over 5 years of R&D and daily testing on all materials, it delivers consistent, professional results when used correctly. Formulated with a blend of advanced surfactants, it effectively breaks down grease, dirt, and oils while remaining gentle on your sneakers and the planet.
Every aspect of the formula—from cleaning power and foam levels to the custom UK-made fragrance is meticulously refined to our exacting specifications to ensure maximum performance without compromise.
How to clean my shoes?
Apply a few drops of the Sneaker pharm cleaning formula to a soft bristle brush, dip in luke warm/cold water to activate. A little goes a long way.
Brush lightly on shoes in a circular motion to create lather on upper/ midsole and sole (works on every part of the shoe). The formula will actively lift dirt and stains from surface. Repeat process until desired result and dry naturally - NEVER tumble dry or heat shoes.
Tips:
- Always test on small inconspicuous area before committing to full wash.
- Dark colours adjacent to light colours have greater probability of bleeding.
- For tougher stains, pre-soak materials and leave on for approx two minute before brushing.
- Do not over-brush or use excessive force when cleaning as this affects the material and could cause damage to the finish or materials.
- Never use hot water, as this could cause problems with colour bleed.
| Feature | Sneaker Pharm Solution | Baking Soda / Household |
|---|---|---|
| Material Safety | Safe for Suede, Leather, Mesh, Satin, Synthetics | ❌ Can yellow and dry out Suede |
| Residue | Leaves no build up or residue | ❌ Leaves white powder in fibres |
| PH Level | Balanced for all shoe materials | ❌ Abrasive; can weaken glue |
| Action | Science backed deep cleaning ability. Tested daily in our Lab. | Light surface odour absorption only |
| Usage type | ml per use | Uses per bottle (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Light cleaning | 5 ml | 50 uses |
| Moderate | 10 ml | 25 uses |
| Heavy | 15 ml | 16–17 uses |
*A 250ml bottle can last anywhere from 4 months (heavy/twice weekly use) to a year (light/once weekly use) ** Works on bags and other goods too.
I wanted to understand what I was using.
Professional knowledge, translated into everyday care. A cleaning solution developed from the questions that come with years spent working on footwear.
Why make another cleaning solution?
Over the years I've used countless footwear cleaning products. Different brands, different formulations, all promising varying degrees of performance.
Some were better than others, but I found myself increasingly dissatisfied with what was available.
Sometimes it was the cleaning performance itself. Other times it was the smell, the packaging or simply the experience of using the product. When you're working with something every day, these things begin to matter more than perhaps they would to somebody using it occasionally.
I spend a considerable amount of my time taking footwear apart, examining how it's constructed and trying to understand why particular materials behave the way they do. That curiosity isn't necessarily limited to the footwear itself.
I've always felt that if I'm going to call myself a professional, then I should make an effort to understand every aspect of what I'm doing. Not simply knowing that something works, but understanding why it works.
Cleaning products were no exception.
The science behind the process.
Rather than continuing to try different solutions, I became interested in understanding the chemistry behind them.
I began reading about surfactants, how their molecular structures interact with water and oils, and the role of hydrophilic and hydrophobic components in the cleaning process.
I was particularly interested in micelles and how surfactant molecules could organise themselves around oily substances, helping them disperse into water.
It was fascinating to understand the science behind something I'd been doing almost instinctively for years. More importantly, it changed the way I thought about the products I was using.
I wanted something effective for the demands of a professional workshop, considered in the smaller details, and enjoyable to use every day. Even the smell mattered to me.
From understanding to development.
Eventually, I decided to work with a manufacturer to develop my own formulation. It was important to me that this happened in the UK.
Part of that decision was practical. Working with a British manufacturer simplified communication and logistics, allowed me to be closely involved in development and kept the supply chain relatively local.
But there was also something important to me about supporting another British business involved in manufacturing.
We developed the solution around my own specifications, taking into account the formulation, performance requirements, scent and presentation. I wasn't interested in purchasing an existing white-label product and simply applying our name to it.
The solution is produced in small batches in the UK, with its composition and hazards documented through the manufacturer's technical and safety information.
I think there's a certain satisfaction in understanding the tools you work with. And perhaps an even greater satisfaction in eventually making one of your own.
How to use.
A practical demonstration of cleaning technique, preparation and aftercare. Always follow the product label and test on an inconspicuous area first.