Cleaning your tennis shoes in the washing machine can be a great way to keep them looking brand new without having to spend hours hand scrubbing. It’s important, however, that you do it properly so that you don’t end up ruining your shoes. With a few easy steps and the right detergent, you’ll be able to get your sneakers clean and fresh in no time. So let’s dive into how to clean those dirty tennis shoes in the washing machine!
Prepare the Shoes
Get ready to give your kicks a new lease of life! Before you can clean your tennis shoes in the washing machine, it is important to prepare them. First, remove any dirt and debris from the exterior. This can be done by using a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to gently sweep away any accumulated grime on the fabric or leather uppers. Next, use a damp cloth to wipe down the soles of your sneakers. Finally, remove the laces and insoles if possible so they will not be damaged during cleaning.
Once your shoes have been prepped, they are ready for washing. Place them in the washing machine along with some detergent and a few towels or other items for balance. Do not add too many items as this could cause damage to your shoes or other load items that you’re washing with them. Make sure to set your machine for a gentle cycle with cold water and no more than two cups of detergent for best results.
After the cycle finishes running, carefully remove each shoe from the drum and air dry them completely before wearing again. Don’t forget to reattach laces and insoles when finished drying! With proper preparation and care, you can keep your tennis shoes looking their best while also protecting their longevity over time!
Choose the Right Detergent
When it comes to your kicks, don’t skimp on the detergent – pick one that’ll really get ’em sparkling! Before selecting a detergent to clean your tennis shoes, you should identify any stains present. You can do this by examining the outside of the shoe and checking the soles for dirt or grime. If there are heavy stains, use an enzyme-based stain remover before running them through the washing machine. This will help break down proteins found in food or drink stains, like ketchup or coffee spills, making them easier to remove during washing.
When choosing a detergent for machine-washing your shoes, opt for one that is designed specifically for delicate items like sneakers. Choose something mild with no bleaching agents so as not to damage the material. A gentle formula containing natural ingredients such as baking soda and lemon juice can also work well if it is formulated for laundry use. If you have white shoes with yellowing marks, look for something more powerful that can tackle tough stains without damaging your footwear. For example, oxygen bleach is much gentler than chlorine bleach and won’t fade colors or cause discoloration.
Add the right amount of detergent according to manufacturer’s instructions – too little may not be enough while too much could result in sudsy residue left behind after rinsing out all the soap from clothes and shoes! Be sure to check inside pockets of shoes to make sure they are free from debris before tossing them into the washer; otherwise you may end up with lint all over them when done washing. With these tips in mind and proper cleaning supplies at hand, you’ll be ready to take on whatever dirt comes your way!
Set the Washing Machine
Once you have the right detergent in hand, it’s time to get your washing machine set up so that your shoes come out looking their best! To begin, separate your tennis shoes from all other items. You do not want to wash them with anything else as this can cause discoloration or damage. If you are unsure about how many sneakers can fit into one load, check the manufacturer’s instructions for maximum weight and size guidelines.
Next, choose the appropriate machine settings for cleaning your tennis shoes. Consider using a gentle cycle on cold water to keep the fabric of your shoes intact, as well as avoiding any unnecessary wear and tear on them during the washing process. When selecting a specific setting, make sure it is suitable for delicate items like canvas sneakers or leather trainers; otherwise they may shrink or be damaged while in the washer. Additionally, opt for an extra rinse cycle if possible to ensure that all soap residue is removed and there will be no leftover odors when drying them afterwards.
Finally, double-check that everything is ready before starting the washer: verify that you have chosen correct settings for type of material being washed; confirm that no additional items are included in the load; evaluate how much detergent you’ll need based on size of load; and make sure laces are tied securely so they don’t get tangled up during spin cycle. With these steps taken care of beforehand, your tennis shoes should come out of the wash looking fresh and clean!
Put the Shoes in the Washer
With all the necessary settings in place, it’s time to load the sneakers into the washer for a thorough clean. Start by taking off laces and insoles, if possible. Place each sneaker into its own mesh laundry bag or pillowcase and tie shut. This will help protect them from hitting against other clothes or objects during the spin cycle and keep laces from getting tangled around different articles of clothing. Soaking any stains with a pre-treatment product before putting them in the washer is also beneficial; this will ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned once you take them out of the machine.
Add detergent to your washer according to manufacturer’s instructions, then load your shoes into it along with other items such as towels for balance and agitation. Then select a gentle wash cycle with cold water; this should be enough to remove dirt and grime without damaging your sneakers’ structure or colors. If you’re concerned about airing out odor, try adding a cup of white vinegar to the machine–this will help remove any odors while washing away dirt at the same time.
Once finished, take sneakers out immediately after completing cycle and set aside until completely dry before wearing again – air drying is best as heat may cause damage to materials over time so avoid using dryers if possible!
Dry the Shoes
After a thorough wash, it’s time to let those sneakers dry out and be ready for the next adventure. It is important to discard the laces before drying your shoes to prevent them from getting tangled in the machine. If you have taken your sneakers apart for washing, make sure that all pieces are dried separately and then reassembled with care. Avoiding water damage is key, so make sure that when you put the shoes in your dryer, they are on a low tumble setting and not exposed to excessive heat. Additionally, if possible, turn off the heated element of your dryer – this will help keep any special materials within your shoe safe from harm.
When drying tennis shoes or any kind of fabric-based footwear with foam soles, it’s important to stuff them with paper towels or socks to help maintain their shape while they dry. This also helps absorb moisture more quickly than air alone can do so. If you’re worried about smells lingering after a few wears without being washed, try adding some scented laundry fabric softener sheets into your machine during drying; this should help freshen up those once-stinky shoes!
Once complete, leave them out on a flat surface overnight until completely dry before wearing again – no one wants soggy feet!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my tennis shoes?
It’s important to clean your tennis shoes regularly to keep them looking their best. How often can depend on the fabric type and how much you wear them, but a good rule of thumb is that if your shoes begin to look dirty or start smelling bad, it’s time for a deep clean. To do this properly, use cold water in your washing machine and choose a delicate cycle. You may also want to turn down the temperature of the water from its usual setting if you’re worried about damage to delicate fabrics. After they’ve been washed, air dry your shoes rather than putting them in the dryer – this will prevent shrinkage and damage due to heat.
Is it safe to use bleach on the shoes?
It’s generally not advisable to use bleach on tennis shoes, as it can cause discoloration, deterioration, and fading. To be safe when cleaning your shoes, it’s best to dilute the bleach with water or opt for an alternative cleaner. When using diluted bleach solution or a bleach alternative such as baking soda or hydrogen peroxide, make sure that you mix in detergent first and test the solution on a small area of the shoe before applying it over the entire surface.
Is it okay to put the shoes in the dryer?
It is generally not recommended to put tennis shoes in the dryer. The high temperatures of the machine can cause shrinkage and damage to delicate fabrics, as well as any foam or plastic components used in the construction of the shoe. Additionally, certain types of fabric may not be suitable for drying in a machine and could become damaged or discolored. It’s best to air dry your tennis shoes slowly and away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Can I use a handwashing detergent instead of a regular detergent?
You can use a handwashing detergent to clean your tennis shoes in the washing machine, as long as it is mild and gentle enough. Handwashing detergents are formulated for more precise cleaning and deep cleaning, so they can be better suited to remove any stubborn dirt or stains on your shoes. However, if you don’t have a handwashing detergent available to you, regular laundry detergents will also work just fine. Just make sure that the detergent you choose is not too harsh or abrasive, as this could damage the fabric of your shoes.
Should I wash my shoes with other clothing items?
When washing shoes in the washing machine, it is generally best to keep them separate from other clothing items. Spot cleaning and air drying can help extend the life of your tennis shoes, but if you must wash them in a machine, it is better to do so on their own. This helps ensure that any dirt or grime from the shoes does not transfer over to the other clothing items and potentially damage them. Additionally, because most shoes are made with different materials than clothing, they may require a different type of detergent for an effective clean.
Conclusion
You now know how to clean your dirty tennis shoes in the washing machine. All you have to do is prepare the shoes, choose the right detergent, set the washing machine, and put them in. Once you’ve done all that, don’t forget to dry them off afterwards! With just a few simple steps and some patience, you can make sure your sneakers look brand new every time. So go ahead and give it a try – your shoes will thank you for it!
