Dirty Trainers? To clean them before the next wearing, here is a guide to keep them looking great. As with all clothing items, check the care label on your shoes. If the label reads “hand wash,” the general rule is don’t put them in the washing machine. However, you might still be able to machine wash your shoes on the “hand wash” setting if the care label reads “hand wash only.” Just take it slow and gentle. Most sneakers and shoes are generally made with canvas, cotton, nylon, and/or polyester materials. These materials are generally machine washable. Some PU or PVC shoes might also hold up to machine washing. However, to avoid damage, shoes made of delicate materials like satin or silk should never be washed in a washing machine. The same goes for animal-based fabrics like leather and suede. These should be sent to a professional shoe cleaner or cleaned with products created especially for these materials.
Here is a list of items you will need:
Laundry Detergent
Shoe Bags or a Pillowcase (to protect shoes in the dryer)
Mesh Bag (for laces and insoles)
Toothbrush and/or Shoe Brush
Baking Soda
White Vinegar
Old Towels
Steps to wash shoes:
1. Remove shoelaces. For the best results (dirt tends to collect around your shoe's eyelets if laces are left in) and to avoid problems in the washing machine, remove shoelaces and place them in a mesh bag designed for "Delicates". Place the bag in the wash with shoes and insoles. This ensures the laces do not encircle the machine’s operating parts.
2. Shoelace cleaning. As an alternative to the washing machine, laces can be cleaned by hand using a toothbrush. Here is how:
For colored laces, mix one tablespoon of detergent, a half tablespoon of baking soda and a cup of water in a bowl.
Saturate your laces with the solution and let soak for 30 minutes.
Carefully scrub the shoelaces with a clean toothbrush to restore their clean appearance. Note: if your shoelaces are made of leather, do not apply moisture. Simply brush, using a little shoe polish to restore their luster.
For heavily soiled white laces, use a cleaning solution made with ¼ Cup Bleach to 1 cup water. Soak laces for 10-15 minutes. Wearing gloves, scrub with a clean toothbrush and rinse thoroughly. Allow to dry before use.
3. Insole cleaning. Insoles can generally be washed with shoes and laces. However, Insoles are generally made of thick material and will require more air-drying time. As an alternative, you may choose to hand-wash your insoles. Here is how to Hand Wash:
To control odor, soak insoles overnight in a solution of water and 1/2 tablespoon baking soda. In the morning, rinse and allow to air dry. If odor is a consistent issue, remove your insoles from your shoes each night and sprinkle them with warm water and vinegar. The vinegar will help destroy the odor causing bacteria. Allow to air dry before insertion and next use. If insoles are not quite dry, a hairdryer is an additional option.
Using a mild detergent, gently clean the insoles with soapy water and a soft toothbrush, nylon brush or sponge.
4. Pre-Cleaning the Shoes. Remove as much dirt and debris as possible using a dry toothbrush or shoe brush. Sometimes, banging your shoes together outside will remove most dried mud or dirt. To remove dirt from creases and crevices, a toothpick can be helpful. For light staining and stuck on dirt, before placing shoes in the washing machine, use the detergent, water and baking soda solution described above. For heavier staining, lift with a quality stain remover (like SHOUT) before the wash. Spray target area, activate with a laundry brush, let SHOUT work for 5-10 minutes before wash cycle.
5. Place shoes in the washing machine set on "Cold Water" and "Gentle" cycle. Add a normal amount of detergent and wash. Fabric softener is not recommended as it may leave dirt attracting residue on your shoes. If necessary, to help control fungal infections, add a few drops of pine oil at the beginning of the machine cycle. Only 2-3 drops of oil mixed with your detergent will make your shoes/clothing fungus-free and aromatic.
6. Add three or four old towels to the washing machine with the shoes to balance the load. This will also help quieten your wash cycle from shoes noisily banging against the sides of the washing machine. Older towels are preferred since newer towels can transfer color and stain your shoes.
7. Setting the Machine Cycle. Follow the instructions on your shoes’ care label. Most recommend using a Gentle Cycle and a “slow” or “no spin” option. As most modern detergents are specially formulated to work in cold water, avoid using hot water. Use the extra “Rinse Cycle" option. This setting will help get rid of any soapy residue in thicker material.
8. Shoe drying. After the wash, remove excess water with a towel and allow your shoes to air dry. Air drying outside, overnight is best. Stuffing your shoes with newspaper (while drying) will help preserve the shape of your shoes. To speed up the drying process, place your workout shoes in front of a fan, air vent, or dehumidifier for a few hours.
Avoid exposing workout shoes to direct sunlight because doing so could shrink and lose their proper fit.A dryer on "HOT" is NOT recommended. A “Hot” setting may shrink or melt any glue holding your shoes together. However, a dryer may be used if you utilize shoe bags and avoid a hot setting. Drying your shoes with the towels will decrease noise. Inspect periodically during the drying cycle to ensure your shoes are safe from damage.
Once completely dry, add shoelaces and insoles to your shoes and go RUN!
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