How to wash sports shoes properly and effectively at home

Sports shoes are not only a support item in physical activities, but also an important fashion accessory. However, after a period of use, sports shoes are easily covered with dirt and lose their original beauty. Therefore, washing sports shoes properly is essential to maintain the durability and aesthetics of the shoes. In this article, Shondo Blog will guide you in detail on how to wash sports shoes , and at the same time provide good tips for cleaning white sports shoes effectively.

1. Preparation Before Washing Sports Shoes

Before you start washing your sneakers , you need to take a few steps to ensure the washing process goes smoothly and doesn't damage your shoes.

1.1 Check Shoe Material To Choose The Right Washing Method

Athletic shoes are made from a variety of materials, such as canvas, leather, mesh, or rubber. Each material requires a different cleaning method. For example:

• Canvas shoes : can be washed with water without worrying about losing shape.
• Leather shoes : should not be exposed to water too much, because water can make the leather stiff or cracked.
• Mesh shoes : tend to collect dust easily and need to be cleaned gently to avoid tearing or damage.

Checking the shoe material before washing will help you choose the appropriate washing method, thereby avoiding damaging the shoe during the cleaning process.

[caption id="attachment_5153" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Fabric shoes can be washed with water[/caption]

1.2 Remove Insoles and Shoelaces

Before you start washing your sneakers , you should remove the insoles and laces. Insoles and laces tend to collect a lot of dirt and need to be cleaned separately. Removing them also makes it easier for you to clean both the inside and outside of the shoe without getting tangled.

1.3 Removing Dirt from the Outside of Shoes

An important step before washing is to remove dirt from the outside of the shoes. You can use a soft brush or dry cloth to gently brush away any dirt, sand, or mud from the shoes. This will make the subsequent washing more effective and reduce the risk of scratching the surface of the shoes during the washing process.

2. How to Wash Sports Shoes by Hand

Hand washing sneakers is the traditional and safest method for many types of shoes, especially leather or mesh shoes. Here are detailed instructions for properly hand washing sneakers.

Tools needed to wash sports shoes by hand:

• Soft brush.
• Mild soap or specialized shoe cleaning solution.
• Warm water.
• Soft cloth or paper towel absorbent.

[caption id="attachment_5154" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Prepare a soft brush before cleaning sneakers by hand[/caption]

After preparing all the tools, here are the detailed steps:

2.1 Step 1: Soak and Clean the Outer Part of the Shoe

Start by mixing a solution of warm water and mild soap or shoe cleaner. Soak the shoes in the water for about 5-10 minutes to soften stubborn stains. After soaking, use a soft brush to gently scrub the entire surface of the shoe, including the toe, body, and sole. Be careful to brush gently to avoid damaging the material, especially with mesh or thin fabric shoes.

2.2 Step 2: Wash Shoe Laces and Insoles Separately

Shoelaces and insoles should be washed separately. You can soak the shoelaces in a soapy solution for about 10 minutes, then scrub gently to remove stains. Insoles can be soaked in warm soapy water and scrubbed with a soft brush. For white sneakers, you can use a little vinegar or baking soda to remove yellow stains.

2.3 Step 3: Use a Brush to Clean Stubborn Stains

If the shoes have stubborn stains such as dried mud or grease, you can use a soft brush and a specialized cleaning solution to scrub them clean. To clean white sneakers , you can use a little baking soda mixed with water to scrub the stains on the shoes.

2.4 Step 4: Rinse and Dry

After cleaning, rinse the shoes with clean water to remove any remaining soap. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to absorb excess water on the surface of the shoes, then let the shoes dry naturally. Do not dry the shoes directly under strong sunlight, as this may cause the shoes to fade or lose their shape.

[caption id="attachment_5155" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Rinse and dry after cleaning sneakers by hand[/caption]

3. How to Wash Sports Shoes in a Washing Machine

Many people choose to wash their sneakers in the washing machine because of its convenience. However, not all sneakers are suitable for machine washing. Below are the steps to prepare when washing shoes in the washing machine.

• Step 1: Before machine washing, remove the insoles and laces as when hand washing.
• Step 2: Place shoes in a laundry bag or a soft towel to avoid strong impact during washing.
• Step 3: Select a gentle wash cycle and use warm water to wash your shoes. Avoid using a high-speed spin cycle or water that is too hot as this can damage your shoes.

After washing, do not use a dryer to dry your shoes, as the high temperature can deform the shoes. Instead, let your shoes dry naturally in a cool place. If you need your shoes to dry faster, you can place them near a fan or use a desiccant bag.

[caption id="attachment_5156" align="aligncenter" width="800"] How to wash sports shoes in the washing machine[/caption] >>>See more: Top 8+ ways to dry shoes quickly at home.

4. Notes When Drying Sports Shoes After Washing

• Do not expose directly to sunlight

Strong sunlight can fade the color of shoes and reduce the durability of the material. Therefore, after washing, dry your shoes in a cool, naturally ventilated place instead of leaving them in direct sunlight.

• How to Dry Shoes Properly to Keep Their Shape

To keep the shape of your shoes after washing, you can stuff paper towels or newspaper inside the shoes. Newspaper not only helps the shoes keep their shape but also helps absorb moisture quickly.

• Tips to Help Shoes Dry Faster

In addition to drying your shoes in a well-ventilated area, you can use a fan or dehumidifier to help your shoes dry faster. Avoid using high temperatures or strong heat sources such as heaters because they can damage the material of the shoes.

[caption id="attachment_5157" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Use a dehumidifier to dry shoes faster after cleaning[/caption]

5. How to Preserve Sports Shoes After Washing

• How to Keep Your Shoes Clean and Fresh After Every Wash

After washing and drying the shoes, you can spray a layer of anti-stain solution to protect the shoes from new stains. At the same time, using a desiccant bag in the shoes will help the shoes stay dry and odor-free.

• Reasonable Shoe Washing Frequency To Protect Shoe Durability

Do not wash sports shoes too often because it can reduce the life of the shoes. The frequency of washing shoes should be about 1-2 months/time, depending on the level of use. For white sports shoes, you can clean them lightly with a wet towel after each use to avoid dirt sticking for too long.

In short, the right way to wash sneakers not only helps your shoes stay clean but also prolongs the life of your shoes. Apply the above methods to keep your sneakers looking like new, especially when you own white sneakers that need to be cleaned regularly.