How to wash sneakers in a washing machine?

 11 minutes

Dirty sneakers can give you a lot of trouble. They may lose their original appearance and smell unpleasant. But don't despair! Instead of wasting time hand washing, you can use the washing machine to freshen up and restore your favorite sneakers. In this article, we will tell you how to machine wash your sneakers and achieve great results.

Can you wash sneakers in a washing machine?

Some sneakers are machine washable, but not all. As a general rule, textile and synthetic sneakers can be machine washed with certain precautions. However, before washing sneakers in the washing machine, it is important to check the manufacturer's recommendations on the tag or in the shoe care instructions.

General recommendations for washing sneakers in the washing machine:

1. Pretreatment: If the sneakers are dirty, remove coarse dirt and dirt from them with a soft brush or cloth.
2. Removing laces and insoles: Laces and insoles should be removed from shoes before washing. The laces can be washed separately or simply placed in a laundry bag so they don't get lost. Removable insoles are also recommended to be washed separately.
3. Sneaker protection: To prevent your sneakers from getting damaged during washing, you can either insert laundry nets into them or use old paper-filled socks to keep the shape of the shoes.
4. Washing program: Select a gentle or delicate wash cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or strong detergents as these can damage the materials of the sneakers.
5. Loading into the machine: Put your sneakers in the washing machine along with other soft items, such as towels or linens, to soften the impact during washing. It is recommended not to wash sneakers together with very dirty laundry.
6. Drying: After washing, it is not recommended to dry the sneakers in a tumble dryer, as this may cause deformation or damage. Instead, it's best to leave them to air dry at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight or use of heat sources such as heaters, which can shorten the life of the materials and bonded parts of the shoe.
7. Sole Care: If the sole of your sneakers is made of rubber or other durable material, you can scrub it with a soft brush and detergent to remove any dirt or stains. However, when washed in a machine, the sole may lose its original color, so it is recommended to pay special attention to it after washing.

Infographic: How to wash sneakers in a washing machine?

It is important to note that not all sneakers are machine washable. If you have sneakers made of genuine leather, suede, or with delicate embellishments such as rhinestones or embroidery, hand cleaning or a shoe-cleaning specialist is recommended to avoid damaging the materials.

In any case, before washing sneakers in the washing machine, it is recommended to read and follow the manufacturer's recommendations to avoid potential damage or loss of shape of the shoe.

Quality sneakers are made of durable materials that can withstand machine washing. They are perfectly cleaned, restoring the brightness of the color and removing unpleasant odors. However, if you have sneakers made of suede or leather, you should be careful to minimize the exposure of these materials to water and temperature.

When choosing a wash program for sneakers, pay attention to the settings of your washing machine. Some models have a special mode for washing shoes, while others offer a delicate mode. If you have a specific shoe program, this would be the perfect choice. Otherwise, use the gentle mode to minimize impact on the materials of the shoe.

When choosing a washing temperature, it is recommended to use the minimum values, usually around 30-40 degrees. This will effectively clean the sneakers from dirt and unpleasant odors without damaging the materials. High temperatures can cause wear and shorten the life of your running shoes.

To further protect your sneakers during washing, you can use a special laundry bag. It will prevent the shoes from rubbing against the drum and help keep their shape. If your washing machine drum vibrates too much, add old towels or other soft items to reduce the vibration.

Drying sneakers should take place in a well-ventilated area to avoid the development of an unpleasant smell or mold. Open windows or doors to allow air to circulate. If the weather allows, you can also hang your sneakers on a rope or shoelaces and hang them outdoors. This will help dry your shoes faster and keep them fresh.

It is important to remember that when drying your sneakers, you should not use heating devices such as a hair dryer or hair dryer. High temperatures can damage materials and cause them to warp. It is also not recommended to expose sneakers to direct sunlight, as this may cause color fading.

If you have special shoe dryers, you can use them to dry more efficiently. They will help speed up the process and ensure even distribution of heat inside the shoe.

If the sneakers are very wet and there is water left inside, you can use newspapers or napkins to absorb excess moisture from them. Stuff your shoes with newspaper or napkins and let them sit for a few hours before replacing them with dry ones. This method will help speed up the drying process.

Proper drying of sneakers after washing - some useful tips:

• Remove all interior fittings: Remove any removable inserts, insoles, and laces before you start drying your sneakers. This will allow them to dry better and avoid deformation.
• Don't Use Strong Heat: Avoid drying your sneakers in direct sunlight or close to strong heat sources such as radiators or hair dryers. Doing so may warp the materials and damage the adhesive. It is better to choose a place with normal room temperature and good ventilation.
• Just let them dry: after washing your sneakers, they should dry naturally. Place them on a ventilated surface so that air can circulate freely inside. Avoid a washer-dryer, as it can use too high a temperature and force, which will adversely affect your sneakers.
• Fill them with newspaper or paper towels: If there is moisture left inside the sneakers, place crumpled newspaper or paper towels in them. They will help absorb moisture and keep the shape of the shoes.
• Once completely dry: When your sneakers are completely dry, put the tabs and insoles back in, carefully tie the laces, and they're ready to wear.

By following these simple instructions, you can properly machine wash and dry your sneakers to keep them looking great and prolonging their lifespan. It is important to remember that not all sneakers are machine washable, especially those made from delicate materials such as suede or leather. In such cases, it is better to use other methods of cleaning and caring for sneakers, such as manual cleaning using a soft brush, a damp cloth, or special shoe cleaners.

If you have sneakers made of suede or nubuck, then they require special care. To clean these sneakers, use a special cleaner for suede or nubuck. Apply the product to a soft brush and gently clean the surface of the shoe. Then leave the sneakers in the air to dry naturally. After drying, you can use a special brush for suede or nubuck to restore their appearance.

If you have sneakers made of leather, it is recommended to use special cleaning and leather care products. Clean the surface of the sneakers with a soft brush and apply leather care product following the manufacturer's instructions. Then air dry your sneakers.

If you have sneakers made of textile or synthetic materials, they can be washed in the washing machine. Follow the previous recommendations for washing and drying sneakers.

It is important to remember that each pair of sneakers may have its own characteristics and require an individual approach to care. Therefore, always follow the manufacturer's recommendations on the tag or packaging of your sneakers.

Also keep in mind that regular maintenance of your sneakers will help keep them in good condition and extend their lifespan. In addition to cleaning, regularly check the condition of the outsole and midsole, and replace worn parts if necessary.

Features of washing leather sneakers in an automatic machine

How to effectively wash sneakers made of genuine leather in a washing machine? This question worries many buyers in Ukraine. Below we will tell you about some of the features of washing and share useful tips.

Firstly, we want to note that sneakers made of high-quality genuine leather are quite durable and are not subject to cracks or deformations with proper washing. However, there are exceptions that should be taken into account. We do not recommend machine washing leather sports shoes that have reflective or other parts that may come off during washing. Also, be careful if your shoes have battery-powered LED lights, as this can damage electronic components during washing. In addition, sneakers with rhinestones or pebbles are also not recommended to be washed in an automatic machine to avoid peeling them off and clogging the drain.

If you find that your white rubber outsole isn't clean enough after washing, we know how to fix it. To do this, you will need a shoe brush or an old toothbrush, as well as some cleaning products. Apply a small amount of the product to the brush and carefully clean the sole, especially in places where dirt remains. Remember to be careful not to apply too much pressure so as not to damage the material.

Features of washing suede sports shoes in a washing machine

Owners of suede sports shoes know that this material requires special care. Water and chemicals become its main enemies, capable of depriving shoes of their attractiveness. But there is one way to return sneakers to their former beauty - washing in a washing machine. Yes, you heard right! If you have a washing machine, you can freshen up your suede shoes while maintaining their original look. Let's tell you about all the nuances of this process.

First of all, before sending your sneakers to the washing machine, make sure that they are not damaged and that all the details are well stitched. Suede is a delicate material, so bleaching agents and harsh chemicals are best avoided. To avoid unpleasant surprises, select a washing mode with a temperature not higher than 30 degrees. And most importantly - do not forget to put your sneakers in a special mesh for washing. It will protect the shoes from excessive friction and help keep their shape.

When washing is completed, do not dry suede sneakers near heating appliances. It is best to let them dry naturally at room temperature. If, after drying, the suede surface has become a little fluffy or mint, do not be alarmed. Just hold your shoes over the steam and the pile will straighten out again. Do not forget that machine washing can wash off the waterproof coating from sneakers, so after washing it is recommended to restore it with a special tool.

It is important to note that these recommendations relate mainly to summer and demi-season sports shoes. It is better not to machine wash winter leather and suede sneakers, as this can ruin them. Winter shoes made from natural materials require more careful care.

In general, using a washing machine to wash natural suede athletic trainers is fine as long as you follow these guidelines. In this way, you can extend the life of your favorite pair of shoes and keep it looking its original.

Now that you know how to properly wash and dry your sneakers in the washing machine, you can easily and quickly freshen up your shoes and restore them to their original look. By following simple rules, you will protect materials from damage and extend the life of your sneakers. Remember to select the right wash cycle, temperature and detergent for best results. So don't be afraid to wash your favorite sneakers in the washing machine and enjoy the cleanliness and freshness of your shoes!