Cleaning and maintaining shoes is a key to keeping them for a long time. Can you wash sneakers without ruining them? The answer is yes and no. While washing is a common way to clean sneakers, it is not meant for all types of shoes. Additionally, the way you wash sneakers also impacts how long they last.
Inevitably, sneakers do get dirty, especially if you wear them regularly. Learning to take care of your shoes is a habit that helps you in the long run. The frequency of washing shoes can differ from shoe to shoe. However, one of the most common determinants is how often you wear them and if they have any obvious stains. Here is a simple guide to familiarise yourself with tips and tricks to wash sneakers.
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Tips and tricks to wash sneakers without ruining them
While it can be difficult to protect your shoes from constant wear and tear. Cleaning does not always require fancy and expensive products. You can use simple ingredients to clean the shoes, including light washing liquid, vinegar, and other ingredients that can be found at home.
See our guide on using vinegar to clean our shoes. Here are other tips that can help you wash sneakers without ruining them:
1) Read the label
Perhaps the easiest thing to do after you purchase a shoe to prolong its life is to read the label. The label provides enough information on how to wash sneakers without ruining them. Most sneakers can either be washed by hand or put in the machine. However, some sneakers made of suede and leather may require special attention. Water can harm the texture of some of these shoes.
2) Washing parts separately
It is a common practice to put the entire shoe in the washing machine. However, we forget that parts of shoes are built differently and need to be cleaned separately. It is recommended to remove both laces and insoles before tossing the sneakers into the washing machine.
You can handwash the insoles or replace them with fresh ones if they are too old. Preferably, put the laces in a mesh bag rather than putting them in directly.
Quick tip: Sprinkle a little baking soda or vinegar on your insoles to remove any smell.
3) Hand wash or machine wash?
Before you decide whether you want to wash sneakers by hand or in the washing machine, it is important to give them some pre-treatment. This can be gently rubbing off debris or dirt collected on the shoes or removing any stains with a light brush and washing liquid. This can help you determine if your shoes require further washing.
If using a washing machine, always keep the settings to cold water, since hot water can loosen the gum between the soles. The same goes for washing clothes with hands.
Quick tip: Don't wash suede by hand or in the washing machine. Water can spoil suede sneakers completely and leave dark stains.
Ensuring that you keep your shoes clean reduces the need to buy newer shoes. As a consequence, this helps save you money and helps you wear your favorite shoes for a long time. Whether you are using a machine or washing them by hand, your shoes require gentle care. If you think that the shoes require more than a wash, it is recommended to hand them over to a professional.
Which method do you prefer for washing shoes? Tell us in the comments below.
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