Washing Sneakers – Dos and Don’ts

Sometimes it is absolutely necessary to wash your sneakers. They are old, but they are your favorite pair and you wear them every day. However, the smell is getting so bad that no one wants to sit next to you in class anymore. Or, you got a new pair of shiny white sneakers a month ago and now there are a few stains and scuffs that you want removed. Either way, washing sneakers will help to smell fresh and look new again.

There are two basic methods for washing sneakers, by hand or in the washing machine. Whatever way you choose, if you don’t take precautions for preserving the shape of your shoes, washing them can cause considerable long-term damage. The first thing to do, regardless of washing method, is to remove your shoe laces. You can take this as an opportunity to replace them or you can wash them separately and let them line dry.

If you are washing sneakers in the machine, the first thing to do it put them into a pillow case or mesh laundry bag. This prevents them from causing harm to your washing machine. If at all possible, wash your sneakers separately in a small sized load. Use cold water and half a cup of mild laundry detergent. Once the cycle is done, immediately remove your sneakers and put them somewhere flat and water-proof to air dry. Do stuff the insides with newspaper, if you don’t, your shoes will lose their shape. Also, wait until your sneakers are completely dry before wearing them again.

If you are washing sneakers by hand, you will need a shoe brush and mild laundry detergent. If there are really tough stains, you want to start out by pre-treating them with an all-purpose stain remover and a toothbrush. Do stuff your shoes as you scrub them; either keep your hand inside them or use newspaper. Once the major stains have been scrubbed, immerse your shoes is a small pan of soapy water and scrub at them with the shoe brush. Do rinse your shoes thoroughly and stuff them with newspapers so they hold their shape when they dry.