How to Wash Sneakers in a Washing Machine

Your favorite sports shoes are dirty or smell unpleasant? We explain how you can wash your sneakers – whether by hand or in the washing machine!

Washing sneakers: Requirements

• Normal sneakers or even running shoes can be washed in the washing machine if they are made of synthetic material. Nevertheless, it is possible that the shoes may be damaged in the washing machine: Especially the temperature and the detergent can have a negative effect. If you are unsure, it is best to hand wash!
• If your sneakers are covered with leather, unfortunately they are not allowed in the washing machine. In that case you have to wash them by hand!
  Shoes with metallic buckles, rivets or rhinestones must also not be put in the washing machine, as they could damage the drum. But: Most buckles can be removed for the washing cycle, so
• check beforehand whether this is possible!
• If the main problem is the smell, it is usually sufficient to clean the insole at 30 degrees in the washing machine together with other laundry.
• Check the label inside the shoes: here you will find the washing recommendations!

Washing sneakers: In the washing machine

1. Clean shoes: Remove dirt from the shoes with a brush or a damp cloth.
2. Remove the insoles.
3. Remove metallic buckles.
4. Put the shoes in a textile bag or pillowcase.
5. Set “easy-care” or “delicates” and 30 degrees on your washing machine (some washing machines have an extra wash cycle for shoes).
6. Use a low spin cycle!
7. After washing, the shoes must dry well in the fresh air: stuff them with newspaper to keep their shape. Tip: The newsprint should be replaced while the paper is drying.
8. Heating or a hairdryer are not recommended for drying, as the adhesive will be attacked.

Attention: Put the shoes in the washing machine together with other laundry: otherwise they could damage the drum during rotation. The best way to wash them is with towels or sheets.

Washing sneakers: Detergents

• Normal heavy-duty detergent or mild detergent is best suited to wash the shoes.
• Never use fabric softener, as the material can be damaged by the chemicals. Also the hygienic rinsing agent can attack the adhesive due to the disinfectants.
• If you want to wash your sneakers by hand, curd soap is recommended!

Washing sneakers: By hand

1. Pour lukewarm water into a bucket and add some curd soap or detergent.
2. Use a shoe brush to clean the sneakers from coarse dirt.
3. Bathe the shoes in water and scrub them thoroughly afterwards.
4. Stuff the shoes with newspaper and let them dry in the fresh air (heating or hair dryer will damage the shoes).