Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: Pre-cleaning
• Part 2 of 2: Washing and drying
• What do you need

If your sneakers are heavily soiled or smell bad, you can freshen them up in the washing machine. You can machine wash textiles and artificial leather shoes with a gentle wash cycle. Leather shoes, stiletto heels and boots must not be machine washed. Instead, wash these shoes by hand.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Pre-cleaning

1. 1 Use a damp cloth to wipe dirt off the surface of your sneaker. If your shoes are covered in dirt or grass stuck to them, clean them well with a damp cloth. Rubbing hard is not necessary. Simply remove stubborn dirt before putting your sneakers in the washing machine.
   • You can knock your sneakers together over the trash can to get dry dirt out of them.
2. 2 Rinse your soles with warm soapy water using a toothbrush. Pour water into a glass and add a spoonful of dish detergent to it. Dip a toothbrush in the solution and brush the soles of your sneakers.
   • The sole must be rubbed with effort. The harder you rub, the more dirt will be washed off the soles.
3. 3 Rinse your sneakers. It is necessary to wash off the remaining soap suds from the sneakers. Rinse the soles of your sneakers under the tap while holding the shoes over the bathtub or sink.
4. 4 Remove the insoles and laces from your sneakers. If your sneakers have laces, they must be machine washed separately. The laces get very dirty at the point of contact with the fittings, so it is better to take them out and wash them separately from the sneakers.

Part 2 of 2: Washing and drying

1. 1 Fold your sneakers into a mesh bag or pillowcase. This will protect the shoe from damage. Zip up the bag properly before placing it in the washing machine.
   • If you are using a pillowcase to wash your sneakers, place the sneakers in the pillowcase and pull the rubber bands around the top of the pillowcase.
2. 2 Place an extra pad in the washing machine to keep your sneakers from bouncing on the drum. Place two large bath towels in the washing machine along with your sneakers. Just remember that you will be washing them with dirty shoes, so it is best not to use white towels or towels made from delicate fabrics.
3. 3 Machine wash your sneakers, insoles and laces with a gentle wash. Place your sneakers, insoles, and laces in the washing machine along with the towels. It is better to wash sneakers in cool water, choosing a weak spin or even turning it off. Run an extra rinse cycle to thoroughly rinse the detergent off your sneaker.
   • Hot washing can cause the adhesive bond in your sneaker to crack or melt.
   • Do not machine wash your sneakers with fabric softener. It leaves marks on the shoes, which can then get sticky.
4. 4 Dry your sneakers. Take your sneakers, insoles and laces out of the washing machine. Air dry your shoes. The sneakers will dry completely within 24 hours and can be worn.
   • To help your sneakers dry faster and stay in shape, stuff them with crumpled newspapers.
   • Do not tumble dry your sneakers as they will deteriorate.

What do you need

• Rag
• Toothbrush
• Soapy water
• Washing powder
• Newspapers