How to wash and dry tennis shoes

Prepping Your Shoes: Getting Rid of Excess Dirt

Before you learn how to wash and dry tennis shoes, it’s important to prep them properly. This process involves getting rid of all excess dirt. Use a dry brush to sweep the surface dirt off your shoes. For tougher grime stuck in the soles, use a toothbrush or a similar tool. If there are stubborn stains, a mixture of baking soda and water can be used for spot treatment. Also, shoe types matter; canvas and fabric shoe types handle washing better than leather or suede.

Pre-treatment often involves soaking the shoes before placing them in the wash. In a bowl, mix warm water, laundry detergent, and distilled white vinegar. Allow the shoes to sit overnight. The vinegar will help break down stubborn dirt in addition to deodorizing the shoes.

Using a Mesh Garment Bag: The Key to Washing Tennis Shoes

After soaking, it’s time to wash your shoes. Transitional shoes, most especially, should be placed in a mesh garment bag before putting them in the washing machine. This is to ensure they’re safe from the rough agitation of the wash cycle.

Check the tags on your shoes to ensure they’re machine washable. Next, remove the laces and insets and put the shoes in a mesh garment bag. The bag not only protects the shoes but also the interior of your washing machine. Use a mild liquid detergent for washing.

Selecting the Right Wash Cycle: Essential in Cleaning Your Shoes

Choosing the right wash cycle is also part of learning how to wash and dry tennis shoes effectively. Use a gentle cycle, as it is perfect for washing tennis shoes without damaging them.

Washing the shoes together with bulking items like towels can also help cushion them during the wash. Start the wash cycle using cold water and a heavy-duty laundry detergent that would help in effectively cleaning without causing any damage.

Drying Your Shoes: How to Speed up the Drying Process

Drying your shoes correctly is just as important as washing them. Never use a machine dryer as it can distort the shape and damage the material of your shoes.

Instead, stuff your shoes with newspaper or paper towel to help keep their shape and speed up the drying process. Remember to change the paper every few hours until your shoes are completely dry.

Air Dry: Essential Step in Drying Your Shoes

To dry your shoes, air dry them on a flat surface in direct sunlight to kill bacteria and odors. If sun drying isn’t possible, place the shoes in a well-ventilated place.

Never place them near a heat source as the heat can distort the shape of your shoes. Let them air dry for at least 24 hours to ensure they are completely dry before wearing.

Using Paper Towel: Effective Absorbent in Drying Shoes

Paper towel is effective in drying your shoes as it quickly absorbs moisture. You can stuff your shoes with a neatly rolled paper towel to help speed up the drying process.

Change the paper towel as soon as it gets wet. Remember not to use colored paper as this might transfer color to your shoes.

Distilled White Vinegar: An Effective Cleaning Ingredient

When you wash your shoes, using distilled white vinegar is an effective way to eliminate stubborn dirt and unpleasant smells.

Mix a solution of warm water, distilled white vinegar, and laundry detergent and allow your shoes to sit overnight. The vinegar helps in breaking down the dirt and deodorizing the shoes.

Keeping Your Shoes Fresh: The Role of Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great deodorizer for your shoes. After washing your shoes, you can sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside each shoe before stuffing them with paper towels. It will help absorb any remaining moisture and keep your shoes smelling fresh.

You should let the baking soda sit overnight. The next morning, you can tap the shoes gently to remove the baking soda residue.

Q1: Can all shoe types be washed in a washing machine?

No, not all shoe types can be cleaned in a washing machine. Leather and suede shoes should be hand washed, while canvas and fabric shoes can be machine washed.

Q2: Is it necessary to remove the shoes in the washing machine immediately after the wash cycle?

While it’s not a necessity, it is recommended to remove the shoes in the washing machine immediately after the wash cycle to prevent color transfer and shrinkage.

Q3: What type of bag should I use when washing my tennis shoes in the machine?

To protect your shoes and the machine, use a mesh garment bag for washing.

Q4: How can I speed up the drying process of my shoes?

You can stuff your shoes with paper towels to absorb moisture and speed up the drying process.

Q5: What kind of detergent should I use when washing tennis shoes?

Use a mild laundry detergent that won’t damage the material of your shoes.

Q6: Can I put my shoes in a dryer to dry them faster?

No. Heat drying can distort the shape and damage the material of the shoes. The recommended method is to air dry the shoes.

Q7: Can I use any liquid detergent to wash my tennis shoes?

Use a liquid detergent that is gentle on fabrics. Read the label on your liquid detergent to ensure it’s suitable.

Q8: How do I remove stubborn dirt before washing my tennis shoes?

To remove excess dirt, brush off the dirt using a brush. For tougher stains, use a mixture of baking soda and water for spot cleaning.

Q9: Why should I stuff my shoes with a paper towel?

Stuffing your shoes with a paper towel helps to maintain the shape of your shoes and absorb some water making the shoes dry faster.

Q10: Why is distilled white vinegar required in washing tennis shoes?

Distilled white vinegar is effective in breaking down stubborn stains and eliminating odors from your shoes.