If you’re anything like me, by the time you’ve really started to get to know a pair of running shoes, they’re probably getting pretty funky. Hours and hours of sweat have poured into them, sinking into pretty much every inch of fabric. So you need to know how to wash running shoes. How To Wash Running Shoes
And if you’re really like me, you’re concerned about the wonky footstink you’re putting off mile after mile, but you’re even more concerned about ruining your precious, expensive playthings by throwing them in the washing machine. As much as I hate funky, wonky footstink, I hate the idea of ruining my running shoes even more.
The good news is, though, that running shoes are made to be durable and put up with some punishment. Even the kind that comes from the washing machine (just not the dryer!). Having a good pair of running shoes means that you bear the responsibility of maintaining them.
Running shoes are quite an investment, so one needs to be wary of the cleaning products used in the process of washing them. In here, we’ll talk about how to wash running shoes, the dos and don’ts in taking care of them, and other general advice that will make your next washing sessions so much easier.
When it comes to washing running shoes, there are a couple of different approaches that you can do. You could go ahead and do it by hand or use a washing machine. There are pros and cons to each of the approaches, though, and running shoes are a bit different than other types of footwear. Let’s dig in a little deeper to determine which approach is better.
How To Wash Running Shoes
How To Wash Running Shoes – Wash By Hand
Running shoes need to be cleaned with more care since damaging them even in the slightest might cause them to tear much sooner. It’s important to keep this in mind when cleaning the shoes.
Here are the things that you will need: How To Wash Running Shoes
- A cloth or baby wipe
- Some mild soap
- Cold, clean water
- A toothbrush
Once you have gathered all of these things, then you are good to go. Simply follow these instructions to ensure that you do it correctly.
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STEP 1 – Clean The Soles
Take a wipe or a cloth that is soaked in water and soap and rub off the grime from the soles. Make sure to get up close and personal with any lingering impurities and give the soles a nice rub.
White soles are very hard to maintain, and this is where the toothbrush comes in very handy. If the toothbrush and some detergent aren’t packing a strong enough punch to get rid of the dirty bits, then it’s important that you make a cleaning solution.
Take one tablespoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of laundry detergent and mix them together. Dip the toothbrush in the cleaning solution and scrub the dirty areas thoroughly.
STEP 2 – Scrub Dirt Off Of The Fabrik
The upper area of the shoe is usually dirty if the runner makes sure to make good use of them. Here’s how to clean it: if the shoes are wet from a vigorous workout session, then let them get nice and dry first.
After scrubbing all of the dry dirt, use a mixture of water and laundry detergent and scrub it softly on the fabric using the toothbrush. After the dirt has dislodged, take a wet cloth or wipe and remove the foam and the lingering dirt.
STEP 3 – Clean The Insoles
The same solution used for cleaning the shoe’s fabric can be used for cleaning the insoles. Just take them out and rub the solution in the top area with a toothbrush until it’s nice and moist. You can dry the insoles on a radiator or just let them get naturally dried on the balcony or yard; it doesn’t really matter.
How To Wash Running Shoes – Rubber Soles Still Not White?
Sometimes, just using baking soda and detergent might not be enough to get all of the horrible dirt that’s turning white into brown. Luckily, you can turn things around using ingredients that are already in your home. Here is how it is done:
- Take some simple toothpaste. Simple as in the kind with no beads or gel-like ingredients.
- Just plain white toothpaste.
- Use your finger to rub it gently on the affected areas.
- Afterward, use a toothbrush to scrub every nook and cranny.
As tempting as it may be, avoid machine-washing running shoes. Running shoes need to keep their original shape and flexibility. Unfortunately, this is something that can be affected by the circular motion of the washing machine and the high temperatures that it reaches in the cleaning cycles.
Washing the shoes using a washing machine will definitely decrease their resistance and, therefore, their lifespan. As you’ll see, they will end up coming out very flaccid and deformed, especially if they’re made out of canvas-like material.
In addition, it is also important to avoid drying the shoes using excessive heat. This will definitely decrease their resistance to wear and tear, as the fabric will tense up. Sure, it might be appealing to clean the shoes the night before a workout and just place them under the radiator, but this is how one would damage the integrity of the shoe.
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How To Wash Running Shoes – How To Take Care Of Your Running Shoes
Regularly washing your running shoes by hand is not the only trick that can prolong its lifespan. There are also other ways in which you can make sure that your running shoe stays in its best shape. Here are some of them:
Untie the Lace After Running
Don’t just use your feet to remove your shoes. Untie them and pull them off the foot using your hands. Using one’s foot to remove the shoes will make the heel area weaker, making them much more uncomfortable to wear.
If the heel can move freely up and down, the friction will cause some nasty blisters that will make running an ordeal.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Indications
What’s so great about running shoes is that every reputable manufacturer will provide instructions on how to clean certain models. These cover anything from the do’s and don’ts to the soaps, detergents, and cleaning products that are safe to use.
As a rule of thumb, always check your manufacturer’s website for helpful tips on how to prolong your shoe’s lifespan. After all, they know exactly how to take care of their products.
Get Rid of Odor
There are times when just cleaning them won’t do the trick. Sometimes, a bit of help will be needed to get rid of the foul stench of success and fitness. There are a lot of ways through which one can tackle this problem.
Foot sprays and powders are already available in any shoe shop or online for purchase, so this isn’t really any news. Grab a box or a can, read the instructions and get at it. Remember to give the insoles a good washing now and again, just to be extra effective.
If sprays and powders aren’t your thing, then consider using old tea bags, especially those that are very nice-smelling. Take the dry packets and place them in the shoes overnight. They will absorb the moisture and help eliminate any bad odor.
How To Wash Running Shoes – Final Thoughts
Whether it’s detergent, a personal mixture, or toothpaste, make sure to avoid using the washing machine when washing your running shoes. It’s important that the running shoe keeps it’s original resistance and shape. Having a deformed shoe can lead to workout-related pain, which, in turn, will slow down your progress and lower your determination.
If budget isn’t an issue, there are products that are specifically manufactured for cleaning running shoes, so it would be a smart move to invest in such items. Make sure to give the shoes plenty of care and maintenance, as it will definitely increase their lifespan, saving you money and time in the process.
