When we buy sneakers, the same doubt is always created, especially with those that have an air chamber, some type of special fabric or gel sole. As a general rule, running shoes are not prepared to be washed in the washing machine, much less to use the dryer, so we are going to explain how to wash the shoes without using the famous vinegar and bicarbonate method.
We use running shoes or generic sports shoes for hours several days a week, in addition, we do not use them precisely for clean terrain, but we step on puddles, mud, even animal pee, they go to the beach, our feet sweat, etc. This is why they get so dirty, and if they are white, the dirt is more noticeable.
We are going to explain how to wash the shoes and leave them almost as clean as the first day we took them out of the box. We are going to try to escape the bicarbonate and vinegar that can damage the fabric , silicones, decorations and others of our sneakers.
In addition, we already anticipate that the sooner we clean them, the better result we will obtain. That is, it is not the same to clean a running shoe once a month or just when we see that it has been stained, than once a year, since there are stains that will never come off.
Do not wash in washing machine
Many of us have asked ourselves, why is it not good to wash sports shoes in the washing machine? And the answer is very simple. The sneakers that we all use and that we almost certainly wear now are not one piece like a sock, but rather they are different parts joined together by seams, silicones, folds and so on.
Washing in the washing machine is a turbulent process, and in the same way that we would not put a cashmere vest or leather boots there, we should not put gym trainers in the washing machine. As a power, we can do it, but we risk the exterior being damaged, deformed , detached, no longer fitting well on the foot, fade, etc.
Sneakers are not only footwear, they are also an experience, since thanks to them we can practice our favorite sport, even if it is walking in the morning. If we wash the sneakers in a washing machine, the wearing experience may not be the same and, certainly, the fault lies not with the brand or the shoe itself, but with us for not having washed it properly.
Almost all clothing and accessories products have a label with basic instructions, and if they do not, it is because it is not a tested or quality product. This label will show the way in which we should wash it, dry it, how it should be used, the warranty, etc.
Soap and soft brush
To wash our running shoes we have to use mild soap , gel stain remover or mild action liquid or washing machine detergent. We will use a brand new clean scourer or sponge, a microfiber cloth that does not release lint and we will avoid the dryer and direct sunlight.
To clean the sneakers, we look for a basin and put warm water or use the bidet or sink, as long as the surface is spotless. We use warm water, neither hot nor cold, since both ends damage the shoe and can cause deformations on the outside and inside.
Using a soft bristle brush (they can be silicone or plastic), or even a toothbrush, we make gentle circular movements throughout the shoe and rub with some intensity in those areas where there is more society. Regarding the sole, there are two options, either we clean the sole first and change the water or we leave it for the end. We sincerely recommend the first option.
We have to create enough foam and only moisten the brush so that the foam does not stop and a good job is done. It is recommended to clean each part separately, that is, the laces, on the one hand, the inner insole on the other and then what are the shoes themselves.
The microfiber cloth that we said before is to finish off the cleaning of the shoes and to be able to extract the excess water from their interior, in order for them to dry better and faster. This way we will achieve an effective cleaning without the smell of humidity or traces of dirt.
The shoelaces, if they are very dirty (whatever the color), we could put them in a high-rimmed glass or container and add baking soda to restore their shine and original color. We do not recommend using baking soda in other areas of the shoe since the manufacturer will never recommend it.
For the template, it is better not to wet it too much, but to clean it with the brush and with the detergent and remove all the dirt. Then hang them out or let them dry without direct sunlight, just like shoelaces and shoes.
Tips for washing shoes
Having clear the process of how to leave our sneakers clean, now we are going to give some basic tips so as not to spoil the process wanting to improvise, because all that will make cleaning a disaster and we will spoil our running shoes:
- Do not use bleach or chlorine or any aggressive product.
- Do not use very hot water.
- Do not leave the sports shoes submerged in water for a long time.
- The microfiber cloth that we introduce inside to extract the excess water should not stay long, only a few minutes, otherwise, there will be a bad smell.
- It is recommended not to twist or squeeze the shoe to drain them.
- Insoles should be dried outside of the shoe and not put back in until the shoe is 100% dry.
- Try not to let the stains dry, the more time that passes between washing and washing, the more difficult it will be to leave them clean. Try not to use natural remedies such as herbal leaves and trees to remove stains, neither vinegar nor old, since we could damage the outer area of the shoe.
