Learning how to wash running shoes in washing machine is a great way to keep your gear fresh without harsh scrubbing. Placing running shoes in a washing machine can be effective if you take proper precautions to protect their structure. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from prep to drying, ensuring your shoes come out clean and undamaged.
Many runners worry that machine washing will ruin their shoes. With the right technique, it’s a safe and efficient method. The key is understanding your shoe’s materials and following specific steps.
Let’s get your shoes looking and smelling new again.
How To Wash Running Shoes In Washing Machine
This is your core, step-by-step process. Following these instructions carefully is crucial for protecting your investment and getting a thorough clean.
Step 1: Pre-Treatment And Preparation
Do not just throw your shoes in the washer. Preparation is the most important step for a successful clean.
- Remove the Laces and Insoles: Take out the laces and removable insoles. This allows water and detergent to reach all areas and prevents tangling.
- Pre-Treat Stains: Apply a small amount of mild detergent or a stain remover directly to any visible mud, grass, or stubborn stains. Gently rub it in with an old toothbrush.
- Knock Off Loose Dirt: Tap the shoes together outside or use a dry brush to remove caked-on mud and debris. This prevents your washing machine from getting clogged with dirt.
Step 2: Choosing The Right Detergent And Settings
Your choice of cleaner and machine cycle directly impacts the outcome. Harsh chemicals and high heat are your shoes’ enemies.
- Use a Mild Detergent: Opt for a liquid, mild detergent. Avoid powdered detergents as they may not fully dissolve, and never use bleach or fabric softener, which can break down adhesives and materials.
- Select a Gentle Cycle: Set your machine to a gentle, cold water cycle. The delicate or hand-wash setting is ideal. Hot water can warp the shoe’s shape and damage glue.
- Add Extra Rinse: If your machine has the option, select an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap residue is removed from the cushioning foams.
Step 3: Loading The Machine Properly
How you place the shoes in the drum matters for both cleaning and machine safety.
- Use a Mesh Bag (Recommended): Place each shoe in a separate mesh laundry bag or pillowcase. This provides an extra layer of protection against the drum’s agitation.
- Balance the Load: If washing only one pair, add a few towels to the load. The towels will cushion the shoes and help balance the machine, preventing loud banging and potential damage.
- Position Shoes Correctly: Place the shoes in the drum facing opposite directions. This helps maintain balance during the spin cycle.
What About The Laces And Insoles?
Wash your laces and insoles separately. Place the laces in a small mesh bag or tie them loosely in a knot to prevent tangling. Lay insoles flat on the top rack if you have a dishwasher-safe top rack, or simply wash them by hand with soap and water. Do not put them directly in the drum where they can get folded or crushed.
Step 4: The Crucial Drying Process
How you dry your shoes is arguably more important than how you wash them. Heat is the fastest way to ruin them.
- Never Use a Clothes Dryer: The intense heat from a dryer can melt glues, shrink materials, and warp the midsole, permanently damaging your shoes’s cushioning and shape.
- Air Dry Naturally: Stuff the shoes with crumpled white paper or clean, dry towels. This helps absorb moisture from the inside and maintains the shoe’s shape as it dries.
- Find a Good Spot: Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heaters, or radiators. A cool, airy spot is perfect. Rotate them every few hours for even drying.
Expect drying to take 24 to 48 hours. Be patient; rushing this step can lead to mildew or material damage.
Essential Precautions Before You Start
Not all running shoes are created equal. A quick check can save you from a laundry disaster.
Check Your Shoe’s Care Label
Always look for the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions first. Some high-tech materials or specialized constructions might recommend against machine washing. If the label says “Do Not Machine Wash,” it’s best to follow that advice and clean them by hand instead.
Know Your Shoe’s Material
Understanding what your shoes are made of guides your approach.
- Leather or Suede: Generally, do not machine wash. Use specialized cleaning products for these materials.
- Mesh and Synthetic Uppers: These are typically safe for gentle machine washing and are the most common materials in modern running shoes.
- Gore-Tex or Waterproof Shoes: Check the label carefully. Machine washing can sometimes be part of the re-proofing process for these, but it requires specific detergents like Nikwax.
Assess The Shoe’s Condition
Very old or already damaged shoes might not survive the wash. If the midsole is severely cracked or the upper is separating, machine agitation could worsen the damage. In these cases, a gentle surface clean is a safer option.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Steering clear of these errors will ensure your shoes survive the wash in great condition.
Using Harsh Chemicals
Bleach, stain removers with harsh solvents, and strong degreasers can discolor shoes and degrade the rubber, foam, and adhesives that hold them together. Stick to mild, liquid detergents.
Skipping The Pre-Clean
Putting shoes caked with mud directly into the machine leaves dirt in your washer and results in a less effective clean. Always brush off loose debris first.
Overloading The Machine
Washing multiple pairs together or with heavy items like jeans prevents them from moving freely and getting properly cleaned. It also increases wear and tear from excessive banging.
Applying Direct Heat To Dry
We cannot stress this enough: no clothes dryers, hairdryers, or radiators. The heat compromises the shoe’s structural integrity and can cause permanent shrinkage or warping.
Alternative Cleaning Methods
If your shoes are not machine-washable or you prefer a hands-on approach, here are effective alternatives.
Hand Washing Your Running Shoes
This method offers maximum control and is gentlest on your shoes.
- Remove laces and insoles.
- Mix a small amount of mild detergent with cool water in a basin.
- Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works well) to gently scrub the upper, midsole, and outsole.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water until no soap suds remain.
- Dry using the same air-dry method described for machine-washed shoes.
Spot Cleaning For Minor Dirt
For quick touch-ups between deep cleans, spot cleaning is perfect.
- Dampen a cloth or soft brush with a mix of water and a tiny bit of mild soap.
- Gently rub the soiled area.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth of plain water to rinse.
- Let the area air dry.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Can You Put Running Shoes In The Washing Machine?
Yes, you can put most running shoes with synthetic uppers in the washing machine, provided you use a gentle cycle with cold water and take the proper preparatory steps like removing laces and using a mesh bag.
How Often Should I Wash My Running Shoes?
There’s no strict rule, but a good guideline is to clean them when they are visibly dirty or start to develop odors. Avoid overwashing, as it can contribute to material fatigue. For most runners, a deep clean every few months is sufficient, with spot cleaning as needed.
What Is The Best Way To Dry Shoes After Washing?
The best way is always air drying at room temperature. Stuff them with paper or towels to absorb moisture and maintain shape, and place them in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat sources. Patience is key for proper drying.
Can I Wash My Shoes With Other Laundry?
It is possible, but not ideal. If you do, wash them only with similar, soft items like towels on a gentle cycle. Avoid washing with heavy items like jeans or items with zippers and hooks that could scratch or snag the shoe material.
Will The Washing Machine Damage The Cushioning?
If done correctly, it should not. Using cold water and a gentle cycle protects the foam midsoles. The real damage to cushioning comes from using heat to dry them, which can break down the foam’s cellular structure. Always air dry.
Following this comprehensive guide on how to wash running shoes in washing machine will extend the life and comfort of your favorite pair. Remember, the pillars of success are preparation, gentle cycles, cold water, and never, ever using heat to dry. With this routine, you can keep your running shoes fresh and ready for many more miles. Just be sure to double-check those care labels first to avoid any suprises.