The secret to washing trainers in the washing machine
New trainers don’t stay new for long. All it takes is a misjudged puddle and they’re quickly coated in mud and stains.
When you get round to cleaning them, scrubbing by hand is one solution, but there might be an easier way. While it sounds like a recipe for disaster, some trainers can go in the washing machine – making cleaning them easier than ever before.
But, of course, it’s not as easy as bunging your trainers into the drum and pressing go. You need to wash your trainers carefully to avoid damage. Follow our guide on washing your trainers in the washing machine, and they'll look like new again in no time.
Remove mud first
If your trainers are caked in mud, you’re not going to want that in your washing machine – it could lead to blockages. Let the wet mud dry first, leaving your trainers on a shoe tray to protect your floors. Once dry, remove the excess with a brush. You can also knock the soles together gently outside to remove dirt.
Check the care label
The next step is important. Not all trainers can go in the washing machine; depending on the composition and material, some should be washed by hand. Check and follow the care label for the best results (this can usually be found under the tongue).
If no care instructions are given here, see if the brand recommends any online. If you still can’t find guidance, there’s a couple of general rules you can follow. Running shoes, tennis shoes and anything with a leather finish shouldn’t go in the washing machine. Likewise, embellished trainers and light-up trainers are a no-go. However, canvas shoes should be safe.
Keep in mind that if there’s no care instructions, you are taking a risk here – so stick to hand washing where your trainers are particularly precious. Brands will generally recommend hand washing over machine washing.
If the washing machine is allowed, you’re going to need a mesh bag to keep your trainers together and to prevent damage to your machine and the trainers themselves. Find one that’s suitably sized to hold your trainers without excess room for them to move about. A pillowcase can alternatively be used, but a mesh bag is better because you can seal it shut.
Remove and wash the laces
The next step is to remove your laces and wash them separately. This is to give both your laces and trainers a more thorough and even wash.
You can either pop your laces in their own (smaller) mesh bag and wash alongside your trainers in the machine. Or you can clean them separately by soaking them in a solution of oxygen-based bleach, such as Vanish Gold Oxi Action Stain Remover Powder (use a solution designed for whites if your trainers are white). Rinse once they’ve finished soaking and hang to air dry.
You should also remove any insoles while you’re here. Some can be hand washed separately; ideal if your trainers have started to smell.
Load washing machine with towels
Once you’ve placed your bagged trainers in the drum, load old towels or sheets alongside to fill the excess space - do this until the trainers are relatively secure. This is essential because, without this, the washing machine will lose balance as it tries to spin, causing it to thrash around.
This will damage your trainers from the impact, but it could also damage the machine itself and even your floors in the process.
Do not swap out your towels for your regular laundry load. Your trainers should be washed separately to prevent them from damaging other items and to avoid spreading the dirt and bacteria to your everyday clothes.
Use the right settings
As much as we like to use the same settings on our washing machines, in this case you need to make a change. Generally speaking, a gentle cycle with cold water is best, although you should always follow the care label instructions. Using a higher temperature or an increased spin speed risks damaging the trainers. Stick to non-bio detergent to prevent damage to the material.
Air dry your trainers
Air drying is best for your trainers with the tongues opened in a well-ventilated space – ideally outdoors. Avoid drying in direct sunlight (unless you’re drying white trainers and want to take advantage of the whitening UV rays). While the sun will speed up the drying, it can also contribute to fading.
Do not dry your trainers directly on top of or in front of a radiator. You can place them nearby, but you don’t want to subject them to too much heat or you risk damaging the material. When damp, you can stuff them with newspaper and leave for a few hours, or overnight, to absorb the moisture. Just remember to remove it again to finish drying.
Do not use the tumble dryer to dry your trainers. The intense heat can melt the rubber and adhesives, ruining the trainers and potentially leading to a fire hazard. It will also likely shrink your trainers in the process.
GOGOODA Mesh Laundry Bags
Persil Non Bio Laundry Washing Liquid Detergent
Vanish Fabric Stain Remover Gold Oxi Advance Powder
You Might Also Like
