Here are some helpful tips on ways to wash one of our most treasured fashion accessories- the sneaker.
The following written content by Erin Bunch
Pro tip: Never put them in the dryer.
These days, your sneakers aren’t expected to just get you from point A to B—they’re now supposed to do all of that work and feel like an intentional part of your outfit. It’s a lot.
Unsurprisingly, the wear and tear of extra use accumulates faster, and since they can’t engage in self-care (LOL) to deal with all these added demands, you have to give your kicks a little more TLC than in the past.
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But let’s real talk for a sec: Raise a hand if you’ve ever tossed a pair into the wash only to have to trash them right after because, say, the sole came loose from the upper… You are def not alone, and if you’re wondering how to wash sneakers in a washing machine the right way to avoid this unfortunate sitch in the future, you’ve come to the right place.
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The first thing to know is that not all workout shoes can survive a rinse cycle. “Most shoe manufacturers discourage machine washing sneakers as some detergents and the machine’s agitation may cause damage, particularly to any adhesive [attaching the soles],” says Brian Sansoni, senior vice president at the American Cleaning Institute.
To figure out if yours are tough enough to withstand a few spins, your best bet is to read the care instructions on the manufacturer’s website for guidance, he says. If you get the A-okay…
Here’s how to clean sneakers in a washing machine so they look like new.
- Remove any caked on dirt or debris. Sneaker care expert Jason Markk advises dry brushing a shoe before trying to properly wash it, especially if it’s canvas. Doing so helps to reduce the likelihood that accumulated dirt will stain when you add water into the mix. A toothbrush works for this—so does knocking the shoes together or on a hard surface.
- Deconstruct your sneakers. “If you do machine wash, remove the laces and inserts,” says Sansoni.
- Secure the bag. “Place everything [laces, inserts, sneakers] in a mesh laundry bag and throw it in with your regular laundry,” says Sansoni. This will keep all the parts together and prevent your sneakers from getting too banged around inside the machine’s drum. Use a delicate cycle with cold water and a gentle laundry detergent—either liquid or powder is fine.
But FWIW, the best way to wash sneakers is by hand. Read more from Women’s Health
