Tennis shoes, especially your favorite pair, can get pretty dirty. Between the court, the gym, and everyday wear, they accumulate dirt, sweat, and grime. But before you toss them in the trash, consider this: you can likely wash them in your washing machine! This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your kicks come out clean and looking their best.
Preparing Your Tennis Shoes for the Wash
Before you even think about throwing your tennis shoes in the washing machine, there's some prep work to do. This crucial step will prevent damage to your shoes and your machine.
1. Remove Loose Debris:
Use a brush, old toothbrush, or even a damp cloth to remove any visible dirt, mud, or grass stains from the surface of your shoes. Pay close attention to the grooves and crevices. Getting rid of the bulk of the dirt beforehand significantly reduces the strain on your washing machine.
2. Remove Insoles:
Most tennis shoes have removable insoles. Take these out and clean them separately. You can hand-wash them with soap and water or even put them in a mesh laundry bag for the washing machine (check your insole’s care instructions first).
3. Lace Removal is Key:
Untie and remove the laces. Wash the laces separately, either by hand or in a mesh laundry bag with your insoles.
4. Check Shoe Material:
This is extremely important! Not all tennis shoes are washing machine friendly. Check the care instructions on your shoes’ label or tag. If they specify hand-washing only, skip the washing machine and follow the instructions. Leather, suede, and some delicate materials may be damaged. This guide focuses on washing machine-safe shoes.
Washing Your Tennis Shoes in the Washing Machine
Now that your shoes are prepped, let's get them clean!
1. Choose the Right Cycle:
Select a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine. Avoid using hot water, which can damage the glue and materials in your shoes. Cold or lukewarm water is best.
2. Protect Your Machine:
Place your shoes in a mesh laundry bag. This will protect your washing machine from any potential damage and keep the shoes from banging around excessively. It also helps to keep the shoes from getting tangled with other laundry.
3. Detergent Decisions:
Use a small amount of mild laundry detergent. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener, as these can damage the material of your shoes and potentially cause discoloration.
4. The Wash:
Add your shoes (in their mesh bag) to the washing machine with a small load of laundry or wash them separately.
Drying Your Clean Tennis Shoes
Once the wash cycle is complete, you’re almost done!
1. Air Drying is Best:
Remove the shoes from the mesh bag and remove any excess water. Never put your tennis shoes in the dryer. The high heat can damage the materials, cause shrinkage, and melt the glue.
2. Proper Air Drying Techniques:
Stuff the shoes with crumpled newspaper or paper towels to help them retain their shape and absorb excess moisture. Place them in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat. Allow them to air dry completely, which may take several hours or even overnight.
Troubleshooting and Tips for Success
- Stubborn Stains: For particularly stubborn stains, pre-treat them with a stain remover before washing.
- Frequent Washing: Don't wash your tennis shoes too frequently. Over-washing can wear them down.
- Shoe Type Matters: Canvas shoes generally handle washing better than more complex designs.
- Inspect Before and After: Always check your shoes for damage before and after washing.
By following these steps, you can keep your tennis shoes clean and extend their life. Remember, always check the care instructions on your shoes first, and happy cleaning!
