Mesh slip-on shoes are easy to wear and, with a little attention, easy to keep looking fresh. The trick is knowing what not to do — a few common mistakes will shorten their life faster than anything. Here's how to clean your slip-on mesh shoes the right way.

What you'll need

• A soft-bristle brush (an old toothbrush works)
• Mild soap or dish soap
• A bowl of warm (not hot) water
• A clean cloth or paper towels
• Time to let them air dry

That's it. No special sneaker cleaner required — though they do work, if you prefer them.

Step 1: knock off loose dirt

Before you get them wet, tap the shoes together outside to dislodge loose dirt and dust. Then run a dry brush over the upper to get the stuck-on bits. This step matters because wet dirt is harder to clean than dry dirt — you want to remove as much as possible before water enters the picture.

Step 2: pull the insoles

If the insoles come out, take them out. Insoles hold odor and collect grime, and they clean much better separately.

Step 3: mild soap, gentle scrub

Dip the brush in warm soapy water and work it over the mesh in small circles. Don't soak the shoe — a damp brush is enough. For stubborn spots, more pressure, not more water.

Step 4: wipe with a clean cloth

After scrubbing, wipe the shoe down with a cloth dipped in clean water. This removes soap residue. Too much leftover soap can leave a dull film on the mesh.

Step 5: air dry — never the dryer

This is where people go wrong. The dryer's heat breaks down the adhesives and warps the shape of mesh shoes. Air-dry them instead, away from direct sunlight and heaters. Stuff them with paper towels to keep the shape while they dry, and change the towels halfway through.

What to avoid

• Bleach (weakens fabric)
• Hot water (warps shape)
• Washing machine (too aggressive)
• Dryer (shrinks and hardens)

Final tip

Clean shoes last noticeably longer. Fifteen minutes every few weeks keeps a pair of SF Walk Pro or SF Ease looking new much longer than you'd expect. It's a small habit that pays off.