Sneakers are an indispensable part of a modern person’s wardrobe.
However, their regular use inevitably leads to pollution.
Machine washing seems like a simple solution, but without knowing the right approach, you can easily ruin your favorite pair of shoes.
Preparing sneakers for washing
Before placing your sneakers in the washing machine, you need to do some preparatory work.
First, remove the laces and insoles. The laces can be washed separately in a special bag or by hand.
It is better to clean the insoles separately, using a soft brush and soap solution. Then you need to remove large dirt from the surface of the sneakers with a brush or damp cloth.
Selecting a washing mode
To wash sneakers, it is recommended to use a delicate cycle with a low spin speed or no spin at all.
The water temperature should not exceed 30-40 degrees Celsius to avoid deformation of shoes and damage to adhesive joints. The washing duration is usually 30-40 minutes.
Use of special means
Liquid detergents or special compounds for sports shoes are best suited for washing sneakers. They effectively remove dirt and unpleasant odors without damaging the shoe material.
It is not recommended to use powder products, as they can leave white stains on the surface of the sneakers.
Protecting your sneakers while washing
To minimize the risk of damage to your sneakers during washing, place them in a special shoe washing bag or pillowcase. This will protect the shoes from impacts against the machine drum and reduce the noise level during washing.
It is also recommended to add a few old towels or soft items to the drum for extra cushioning.
Additional precautions
For some types of sneakers, especially those made from expensive materials or with electronic components, machine washing may not be recommended.
In such cases, it is better to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or use professional shoe cleaning services.
It is also not recommended to machine wash leather sneakers or shoes with a lot of decorative elements.
Drying sneakers after washing
Once the wash cycle is complete, carefully remove the sneakers from the machine and blot off excess moisture with a soft towel.
The best way to dry is natural: leave the sneakers in a well-ventilated area at room temperature.
It is not recommended to use direct heat sources such as radiators or hair dryers, as this may cause deformation of the shoes.
Restoring shape and appearance
To help your sneakers retain their shape while drying, you can stuff them with paper or special shoe shapers. This will help absorb excess moisture and prevent the material from shrinking.
After complete drying, it is recommended to treat the sneakers with a water-repellent spray, which will protect them from future contamination.
How often should you wash your sneakers?
Despite the effectiveness of machine washing, you should not overuse this method. Frequent washing can lead to premature wear of shoes.
The optimal frequency is no more than once every 1-2 months, depending on the intensity of use of the sneakers.
Between washes, you can keep your shoes clean using wet wipes or special shoe cleaners.
