How to wash sneakers?

Sneakers are one of the most popular types of sports shoes today. These models are used not only for training in the gym, but also as an addition to the everyday urban look. In any case, after wearing sneakers for a long time, each person is faced with such a task as washing the product. In order not to harm the material, while cleaning it well, you need to learn about some of the features of cleaning.

To begin with, it’s worth saying that cleaning sneakers the way they do with shoes or boots is quite difficult. The reason is simple: most athletic shoes are made from soft materials. It is known that fabrics quickly absorb dirt. If sneakers are used exclusively for sports, then there is such a problem as the appearance of an unpleasant smell of sweat.

Before we start a more detailed discussion about the process of cleaning sneakers, it is worth saying that not all shoes can be washed. Most often, this applies to cheap and low-quality models that immediately lose their original appearance and properties upon contact with water.Such shoes dry for a long time, moreover, they are able to deform even during the cleaning process.

Also It is not recommended to wash sneakers made of leather. This is due to the fact that the material shrinks, and after washing the sneakers will be completely unsuitable for further use. Do not clean shoes with torn soles, otherwise the sneakers will fall apart during washing. As for the processing in the machine, the falling out material can damage the equipment.

There are two main ways to return sneakers to their former form at home:

• The first method is manual processing. Basically, this method is used when working with delicate materials that can be damaged during machining. Shoes are cleaned using products intended exclusively for hand washing.
• The second type is machine wash. It takes much less time compared to the previous method, but it is worth remembering a few important rules for machine processing.

Proper shoe care is also important. In order to avoid problems with washing in the future, the sole must be thoroughly cleaned with a brush from dirt. A soft cloth can be used to remove stains from the surface. First, it is recommended to clean the shoes from dust with a special brush.

Before you start washing your sneakers, you need to start preparing them. To do this, you must first purchase a brush designed for the material from which the sports models are made. Thus, you can clean your shoes without damaging the soft fabric.Before washing, you need to remove the laces from the sneakers. Remove the insoles, then rinse the soles under running water to remove dirt. You can use an old toothbrush to clean stubborn dirt.

Be sure to check the shoes for defects. As noted above, sneakers cannot be washed (especially in a machine) if there are tears. Decide in advance which mode will be most suitable for your shoes. In this case, one should build on the characteristics of the material.

Particular attention during the washing of sneakers should be given to the temperature regime. Basically, this indicator is selected based on the properties of the material of the shoe. We recommend using water for both hand and machine washing. temperature 30-40 degrees. It is suitable even for delicate fabrics. If the water is too hot, it can cause the shoes to come apart.

One of the important steps in the process of washing shoes is the choice of high-quality detergent. Each material needs an individual approach. Basically, ordinary soap and a special sponge are used to clean delicate fabrics. This allows you to quickly and efficiently eliminate contamination without harming the material. For heavy stains, a soapy solution can be used.

For some fabrics, for example, suede, special products should be selected. Modern manufacturers produce a variety of detergent compositions suitable for this particular type of material.Sneakers made of synthetic materials can be cleaned with laundry soap. An old toothbrush will be a good helper in removing hard-to-reach dirt.

If you decide to wash your sneakers by hand, first pour water (temperature - 40 degrees) and liquid detergent. Also, for cleaning you will need ordinary laundry soap. If the products are made of rag materials, it is first recommended to soak them in a basin for half an hour. The same applies to white sneakers, which are most susceptible to heavy pollution.

After 30 minutes, the dirty water should be drained, after which a washing solution should be prepared from the above components. Then, using a sponge or brush, you need to remove the stains from the shoes. Cleaning must be done inside and out. After removing all dirt, the shoes should be rinsed with clean water to wash off the foam.

Compared to the previous method, machine washing sneakers will take less time, but it is worth considering a few important points. Many manufacturers claim that it is impossible to wash fabric products in this way, as the material can be damaged. Despite this, many people have long enjoyed washing in the machine:

• To begin with, rags must be carefully inspected for damage. Also check the integrity of the shoes inside. Remove the insoles and laces in advance so that the products are washed better.
• Then prepare sports shoes for further automatic washing. The sole must be thoroughly washed under water, removing sand and small stones. The latter can damage the drum of the machine.
• Mesh sneakers are recommended to be placed in a special laundry bag.This is due to the fact that the fabric can tear during the cleaning process when hitting the drum. If there is no such bag at hand, a pillowcase or towel will help keep the mesh intact. These textiles fill the empty space inside the machine, softening the impact.
• After cleaning the shoes from dirt, you can put it in the drum. Pour the required amount of powder into the compartment of the machine, and then set the appropriate washing mode. When choosing it, be guided by the properties of the material of the sneakers.

Special liquid laundry detergents will help to rid fabric models from the inside of the smell of sweat. Vanish can clean white shoes at home. The tool quickly returns the original appearance and rich color of the material. Washing fabric sneakers is recommended be careful not to damage or deform the sole during washing, so it will be enough to carry out one spin cycle at low speeds. To clean the shoes without streaks, it is additionally worth rinsing them with clean water after machine treatment.

One of the important steps is drying the shoes. To prevent the material from deforming, the shoes must first be stuffed with paper that absorbs moisture. It is worth noting that the paper is changed several times throughout the drying process. Shoes need to be put in a warm place, but not to the battery. This is due to the fact that under the influence of high temperature the material is deformed, the fabric becomes less durable and capable of changing its original shape.

Each material requires a specific approach.For example, nubuck sneakers or velor models cannot be washed either by hand or in a machine. Materials quickly lose their properties and appearance, and shoes become unusable after the first treatment in water. To remove stains, use a soap solution or soap and water separately. The same point applies to leather sneakers. Shoes can be soaked in a mild soapy solution.

White sneakers should be washed with special chemicals. To clean them manually, you can use toothpaste. It removes stains well from a light surface, as it has a whitening effect. In addition, after cleaning, the saturated snow-white color of the sneakers returns. Basketball shoes are recommended to be machine washed only. For these shoes, a temperature of 30 degrees is suitable. Shoes are washable in delicate mode, without spinning and drying (These features must be disabled before starting the process).

One of the most difficult tasks is cleaning winter sneakers with fur. Many recommend pouring soapy water inside the shoes, and then rinsing them with clean water.

Stubborn stains are best removed with brushes and chemicals. Soap solution will also help to remove dirt. Basically, this tool is used for delicate fabrics that are afraid of exposure to aggressive components. There are many other ways to eliminate pollution at home. For example, old toothpaste is often used to clean rubberized models.Also, this option is suitable for light sneakers, as mentioned above.

To remove stains from fabric sneakers, you can use not only professional household products. For example, lemon juice will help wash yellow stains. The advantages of this tool are absolute naturalness and safety. Don't forget to clean the inside of the fabric shoes. With prolonged use, a large amount of dirt accumulates there, and the smell of sweat appears. Machine or hand wash will help to eliminate these problems.

For more tips on how to wash sneakers by hand, see the following video.