How to wash tennis shoes

Tennis shoes are great for playing sports, running, or just walking around. But they can also get dirty and smelly over time. If you want to keep your tennis shoes looking and smelling fresh, you need to wash them regularly. But how do you wash tennis shoes without damaging them? In this blog post, we will show you how to wash tennis shoes in two ways: by hand or by machine. We will also give you some tips on how to dry and care for your tennis shoes after washing them.

How to Wash Tennis Shoes by Hand

If you want to wash your tennis shoes by hand, you will need some basic supplies: a bucket or sink, warm water, liquid detergent, a soft brush or cloth, and paper towels. Here are the steps to follow:

• Remove the laces and insoles from your tennis shoes. You can wash them separately in warm water with some detergent. Rinse them well and let them air dry.
• Remove any excess dirt from your tennis shoes with a dry brush or cloth. You can also use a toothpick or a knife to scrape off any mud or grass stuck in the grooves of the soles.
• Fill a bucket or sink with warm water and add some liquid detergent. Mix well until it forms a sudsy solution.
• Soak your tennis shoes in the solution for about 15 minutes. This will help loosen any dirt or stains on the fabric.
• Scrub your tennis shoes gently with a soft brush or cloth. Pay attention to any areas that are particularly dirty or stained. You can also use a toothbrush to clean the edges and corners of the shoes.
• Rinse your tennis shoes thoroughly with clean water until no soap remains. You can use a hose or a shower head to spray water on your shoes.
• Dry your tennis shoes with paper towels. Blot as much water as possible from the shoes, inside and out. You can also stuff some paper towels inside the shoes to absorb the moisture.

How to Wash Tennis Shoes in the Washing Machine

If you want to wash your tennis shoes in the washing machine, you will need some extra supplies: a mesh laundry bag, laundry detergent, baking soda, and vinegar. Here are the steps to follow:

• Remove the laces and insoles from your tennis shoes. You can wash them separately in warm water with some detergent. Rinse them well and let them air dry.
• Remove any excess dirt from your tennis shoes with a dry brush or cloth. You can also use a toothpick or a knife to scrape off any mud or grass stuck in the grooves of the soles.
• Put your tennis shoes in a mesh laundry bag. This will protect them from getting damaged by the agitator or other clothes in the washer. You can also add some towels or old clothes to balance the load and reduce the noise.
• Add laundry detergent, baking soda, and vinegar to the washer. Use about half of the amount of detergent that you would normally use for a regular load. Add about 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of vinegar to the detergent dispenser. This will help deodorize and disinfect your tennis shoes.
• Set the wash cycle to gentle or delicate, and use cold water. Avoid using hot water, bleach, or fabric softener, as they can damage your tennis shoes.
• Start the washer and let it run until it finishes.

How to Dry Your Tennis Shoes After Washing Them

Whether you wash your tennis shoes by hand or by machine, you need to dry them properly before wearing them again. Here are some tips on how to dry your tennis shoes:

• Do not use a dryer. The high heat and tumbling action of a dryer can shrink, warp, or melt your tennis shoes. Instead, let them air dry naturally.
• Place them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. You can use a fan or a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
• Stuff them with paper towels or newspaper to help them retain their shape and absorb the moisture. Change the paper every few hours until it is completely dry.
• Sprinkle some baking soda inside your tennis shoes to prevent odors and bacteria growth.

How to Care for Your Tennis Shoes After Washing Them

Once your tennis shoes are dry, you can put them back on and enjoy their fresh look and smell. But you also need to take care of them regularly to extend their lifespan and performance. Here are some tips on how to care for your tennis shoes after washing them:

• Store them properly when not in use. Keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from moisture and sunlight. You can also use shoe trees or shoe shapers to maintain their shape and prevent creases.
• Spot clean them as soon as you notice any dirt or stains on them. Use a damp cloth or a mild cleaner to wipe off the dirt. Do not rub too hard or use harsh chemicals, as they can damage the fabric or the color of your tennis shoes.
• Avoid wearing them in wet or muddy conditions. Water and mud can seep into your tennis shoes and cause them to smell or deteriorate faster. If you do get them wet or muddy, wash them as soon as possible and dry them thoroughly.
• Rotate your tennis shoes with other pairs. Do not wear the same pair of tennis shoes every day, as this can cause them to wear out faster. Give them some time to rest and breathe between uses.

How to Wash Different Types of Tennis Shoes

Not all tennis shoes are made of the same material or have the same design. Some tennis shoes may require special care or attention when washing them. Here are some tips on how to wash different types of tennis shoes:

• Leather tennis shoes. Leather is a durable and stylish material, but it can also be sensitive to water and detergent. To wash leather tennis shoes, use a damp cloth or a leather cleaner to wipe off the dirt. Do not soak them in water or use soap, as this can dry out or crack the leather. Apply some leather conditioner after washing them to restore their shine and softness.
• Suede tennis shoes. Suede is a soft and fuzzy material, but it can also be easily stained or damaged by water. To wash suede tennis shoes, use a dry brush or a suede eraser to remove the dirt. Do not wet them or use detergent, as this can ruin the texture or the color of the suede. Spray some suede protector after washing them to prevent stains and water damage.
• Canvas tennis shoes. Canvas is a lightweight and breathable material, but it can also be prone to fading or shrinking. To wash canvas tennis shoes, use cold water and mild detergent, and wash them by hand or in the washer. Do not use hot water or bleach, as this can cause the canvas to shrink or lose its color. Air dry them and avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.

How Often Should You Wash Your Tennis Shoes

There is no definitive answer to how often you should wash your tennis shoes, as it depends on several factors, such as how often you wear them, how dirty they get, and what type of material they are made of. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should wash your tennis shoes at least once every two weeks, or more frequently if they are visibly dirty or smelly.

Washing your tennis shoes regularly will help keep them clean, hygienic, and comfortable. It will also prevent odors, bacteria, fungus, and other problems that can affect your feet and your health.

How to Know When to Replace Your Tennis Shoes

No matter how well you wash and care for your tennis shoes, they will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Wearing old or damaged tennis shoes can affect your performance, comfort, and safety. Here are some signs that indicate when to replace your tennis shoes:

• The soles are worn out. The soles of your tennis shoes provide traction, cushioning, and stability for your feet. If they are worn out, cracked, or uneven, they can cause you to slip, trip, or injure yourself.
• The uppers are torn. The uppers of your tennis shoes protect your feet from dirt, debris, and impact. If they are torn, ripped, or holed, they can expose your feet to infections, blisters, or cuts.
• The insoles are flattened. The insoles of your tennis shoes support your arches, heels, and toes. If they are flattened, compressed, or loose, they can cause you to lose balance, alignment, or comfort.
• The laces are frayed. The laces of your tennis shoes secure your feet in place and prevent them from sliding around. If they are frayed, broken, or stretched out, they can cause you to lose grip, stability, or control.

If you notice any of these signs on your tennis shoes, it is time to get a new pair. You can also check the date of purchase of your tennis shoes and compare it with the recommended lifespan of the model. Most tennis shoes last for about 300 to 500 miles of use, which translates to about six months to a year of regular wear.

Conclusion

Tennis shoes are an essential part of your sports gear and lifestyle. They deserve proper care and maintenance to keep them in good shape and function. By following our guide on how to wash tennis shoes by hand or by machine, you can ensure that your tennis shoes are always clean and fresh.

FAQ

How do I wash white tennis shoes?

White tennis shoes can get dirty and yellow over time. To wash white tennis shoes, you can follow the same steps as for any other color, but with some extra precautions. First, use a bleach-free detergent and avoid mixing your white tennis shoes with other colors in the washer. Second, add some lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide to the wash cycle to brighten and whiten your shoes. Third, dry your shoes in the sun or under a bright light to enhance their color.

How do I wash leather tennis shoes?

Leather tennis shoes are more delicate and sensitive than other materials. To wash leather tennis shoes, you should avoid soaking them in water or using soap. Instead, use a damp cloth or a leather cleaner to wipe off the dirt and stains. After washing them, apply some leather conditioner to restore their shine and softness.

How do I wash suede tennis shoes?

Suede tennis shoes are also more prone to damage and staining than other materials. To wash suede tennis shoes, you should avoid wetting them or using detergent. Instead, use a dry brush or a suede eraser to remove the dirt and marks. After washing them, spray some suede protector to prevent water and stain damage.

How do I wash canvas tennis shoes?

Canvas tennis shoes are more durable and easy to wash than other materials. To wash canvas tennis shoes, you can use cold water and mild detergent, and wash them by hand or in the washer. However, you should avoid using hot water or bleach, as they can cause the canvas to shrink or fade. After washing them, air dry them and avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.

How do I wash mesh tennis shoes?

Mesh tennis shoes are more breathable and flexible than other materials. To wash mesh tennis shoes, you can use warm water and mild detergent, and wash them by hand or in the washer. However, you should put them in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from getting snagged or torn by other clothes in the washer. After washing them, air dry them and avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.

How do I wash knit tennis shoes?

Knit tennis shoes are more comfortable and stylish than other materials. To wash knit tennis shoes, you can use cold water and mild detergent, and wash them by hand or in the washer. However, you should put them in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from getting stretched or distorted by other clothes in the washer. After washing them, air dry them and avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.

How do I remove odors from my tennis shoes?

Odors can be caused by bacteria, fungus, sweat, or dirt in your tennis shoes. To remove odors from your tennis shoes, you can try some of these methods:

• Sprinkle some baking soda inside your tennis shoes and let it sit overnight. Then vacuum or shake out the baking soda in the morning.
• Put some dryer sheets or tea bags inside your tennis shoes and leave them for a few hours or overnight.
• Freeze your tennis shoes in a plastic bag for a few hours or overnight.
• Spray some vinegar or rubbing alcohol inside your tennis shoes and let them air dry.

How do I remove stains from my tennis shoes?

Stains can be caused by food, drinks, dirt, grass, or oil on your tennis shoes. To remove stains from your tennis shoes, you can try some of these methods:

• Use a stain remover or a mild cleaner to pre-treat the stain before washing your tennis shoes.
• Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then scrub it off with a brush or cloth.
• Make a solution of vinegar and water and dab it on the stain with a cloth or sponge. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then rinse it off with water.
• Make a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water and spray it on the stain. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then rinse it off with water.

How do I make my tennis shoes look new again?

If your tennis shoes are faded, dull, or scuffed, you can make them look new again with some of these methods:

• Use a shoe polish or a paint marker to restore the color of your leather or suede tennis shoes.
• Use a fabric dye or a fabric marker to restore the color of your canvas or knit tennis shoes.
• Use a nail polish remover or an acetone to remove the scuffs from your rubber soles.
• Use a toothbrush or a cotton swab to clean the edges and corners of your tennis shoes.

How do I choose the right size for my tennis shoes?

Choosing the right size for your tennis shoes is important for your comfort, performance, and safety. To choose the right size for your tennis shoes, you should follow these tips:

• Measure your feet at the end of the day when they are at their largest.
• Wear the socks that you normally wear with your tennis shoes when measuring your feet.
• Use a ruler or a tape measure to measure the length and width of your feet in inches or centimeters.
• Compare your measurements with the size chart of the brand or model of your tennis shoes that you want to buy.
• Choose the size that matches or is slightly larger than your measurements. You should have some wiggle room for your toes and some space for your feet to swell.