Proper washing of sneakers: Instructions and tips + Video

Proper washing of sneakers. The effectiveness of training is influenced by many factors, equipment becomes one of the most important, first of all, these are sneakers. They suffer the most during the next load, passing the test in any weather: mud, rain, and heat. At the same time, sneakers absorb unpleasant odors and sweat secretions that appear during training.

Each pair of running shoes carries its own memories of the kilometers traveled on difficult routes and peaks reached, serving as a happy talisman for their owner. How to properly care for shoes in such a situation so that it lasts as long as possible without losing its qualities.

Features of care for sneakers in machine wash

Technological progress has given us washing machines, making it easy to do such work as cleaning things. There is nothing easier - throw dirty linen and shoes into the washing machine, and wait for the end of the program.Washing things, especially sports shoes, as well as training shoes, requires certain knowledge in order to avoid damage to their original qualities.

First, you need to start by preparing your sneakers for machine washing. To do this, remove the insoles, if they are not sewn in, and remove the laces, remove dried dirt from the surface, stones stuck in the sole, washing with plenty of water.

For washing machine wash, be sure to use special mesh bags. They are needed so that the shoes do not knock on the drum of washing machines, so it is possible to keep the fabric intact and not beat off the top coating after many washes. In the mesh with sneakers, it is convenient to wash the removed laces with insoles.

You can not overload the washing machine by laying all the pairs of sneakers at once, which are in the house. With such a wash, both the washing machine and the shoes suffer, not only can they not stretch, there is also a high probability of damage to them on the drum.

Rules for washing by hand and in a washing machine

Having finished the stage of preparing the shoes, we proceed to the main thing - the washing itself.

It is necessary to choose the most gentle laundry in the washing machine. Manual or delicate mode will do. If the washing machine does not have these modes, then we set it to the shortest wash without spinning.

Instead of a regular detergent, it is better to add a special gel or powder in the form of a liquid. They do an excellent job with dirt in cold water, they are easily washed off without leaving streaks.

The gentle mode provides for a low temperature, the washing machine sets it on its own. But if you have to choose the washing parameters manually, then it is better to set the temperature no higher than 40 degrees.Too hot water deforms the shoes, they can become sticky, shrink in size, which will make it impossible to train comfortably in them.

Features of drying sneakers

If the pollution was very strong, and the sneakers are light colors, then one wash is unlikely to clean them completely. Additional cleaning with a toothbrush and soap will be required. This method is convenient for emergency quick cleaning, as well as if you just need to remove dirt from the sole. This method is especially good for embossed soles.

The process of drying sports shoes also requires care. You can not artificially speed it up with batteries, hair dryers and microwaves (some in pursuit of a quick result may think of using it). Such experiments can permanently ruin the sneakers, adversely affect the fabric and adhesives. In a situation where drying is required in a couple of hours, you can use the old method: stuff your shoes with plain paper or newspaper, or better, buy a professional shoe dryer, they are sold in shoe stores.

If with the washing process of simple fabric sneakers it is more or less clear how to properly care for shoes made of suede, leather or waterproof material, consider below.

Membrane sneaker care

The main risks with washing membrane shoes are associated with the danger of damaging the DWR waterproof coating and changing the breathability of the material. The presence of special properties does not cancel the main washing steps, as with ordinary sneakers. Membrane shoes can also be put in the washing machine, it is important to use gentle washing gels specially designed for this fabric.These shoes do not like products that contain fats, waxes or oils that reduce the beneficial properties of the coating. If the water-repellent functions are accidentally damaged, then in sports equipment stores you need to purchase a special impregnation. With its help, it is easy to restore the properties; before use, you must make sure that the sneakers are washed from previously used cleaning products.

Properties of water repellents

Special water-repellent impregnations can also be used for ordinary fabric sneakers. It is important to remember that these agents betray the special properties of the coating, and do not change it, the mesh fabric cannot turn into a membrane. Impregnation makes the top layer of the fabric impermeable, collecting water droplets together, which then easily roll down. High-quality impregnations are not removed from the surface for up to three cleanings, provided that only special liquid products were used during washing, and not ordinary powders.

Simple granular powders destroy the membrane. Over time, the special coating begins to move away from the base material, along with this, the special properties are violated. Sneakers no longer protect against water, and it is possible that they will begin to rub.

What can I do to restore the breathability of running shoes?

During prolonged wear of membrane sneakers, the “pores” become clogged, the breathable properties of the fabric are violated. Special products are able to clean the surface and restore functions, and the use of impregnation will protect against harmful effects and extend the life of the water-repellent properties of the material.

For membrane shoes, it is better not to get involved in washing in a washing machine.If the shoes require light cleaning, it is best to rinse the surface with warm water using a sponge or brush. To dry such shoes, you should choose natural methods, without using heaters.

Caring for leather and suede sneakers

It is strictly forbidden to use a washing machine to clean leather or suede products. If sneakers have even partial inserts of these materials, then only manual cleaning with warm water and soapy water will do. It is forbidden to use powders with solid particles in the composition, they are intended for polishing the surface, in this case, the granules can damage the fabric, leaving scratches.

Sneakers made of leather material should only be washed with warm water, liquid products or soap. It is impossible to moisten the shoes with plenty of water, rub the surface strongly, all this will lead to deformation of the shoe and sticking of the sole.

Sports suede or nubuck sneakers cannot be cleaned with water at all, these shoes require only dry cleaning with a stiff brush so as not to rub the remaining dirt even deeper and maintain a fleecy surface.

To create protection against wet exposure and prevent the surface from drying out, the sneakers should be treated with special sprays. Deep dirt can be cleaned with any solution containing alcohol or gasoline, dishwashing gels will remove greasy stains. If you are afraid to ruin your shoes, you can experiment in an inconspicuous place on the shoes or on a similar fabric. In no case should the solution be left on the shoes for a long time, so that the chemical composition does not corrode the material.

Ways to get rid of the smell without washing

What to do when you need to get rid of the smell of sweat in a short time without washing your sneakers. For this, shoe deodorant is suitable. This tool is convenient to use on trips, at competitions. Another universal remedy for getting rid of odor is hydrogen peroxide, you need to moisten the sneakers with a damp cloth from the inside, the alcohol will quickly evaporate, and the unpleasant smell will disappear with it. Vinegar is also a great help in eliminating stubborn odors.

The longer way - this is the use of green tea bags, for this you need to put the bags in sneakers at night, and in the morning the smell will decrease. This remedy is less useful, as it only masks odors, but does not kill bacteria.

Hand wash sneakers

First you need to prepare the sneakers, remove the insoles and laces. An old toothbrush will perfectly clean the embossed sole and outdated stains from fabric surfaces.

Sneakers made of artificial materials, synthetics, polyester do not require special detergents, simple laundry soap is suitable for cleaning.

To wash sneakers, you need to carefully use ordinary powders containing solid granules, they can damage the surface of the shoe.

The wash itself consists of soaking the sneakers in soapy warm water for about half an hour. If the water is very dirty, you should change the water and wipe the sneakers with a detergent to clean the stains. Next, you need to rinse the shoes well, removing dirt with a sponge or brush. To give freshness to white sneakers, you need to use laundry soap or a liquid product with bleach.

Laces and insoles also need periodic cleaning. The laces are perfectly washable with soap, and the insoles need to be rubbed with a brush with a product, then rinse everything thoroughly.Laces can be tumble dried, but insoles, like sneakers, should be dried naturally.

Removing stains from white sneakers

A slice of lemon will rid the white surface of yellow spots. A mixture of baking soda and ammonia will clean up stubborn stains. If after cleaning there are stripes on the sole, they can be erased with a school eraser, or wiped with bleach so that the solution does not get on the fabric. Using strong detergents, you need to carefully clean the areas where the sole is glued to prevent sticking.

What to look out for

Some manufacturers, knowing the characteristics of their shoes, give detailed information about the rules for wearing and cleaning products. These tips are often posted on the manufacturer's website or on labels.

Proper care of your training shoes extends their shelf life and saves money. Clean shoes protect feet from diseases, keep the skin surface dry for a long time, and prevent the development of bacteria and fungi. Properly maintained running shoe properties, such as the cushioning of the outsole and the waterproofness of the fabric, reduce the chance of injury and running blisters.