How to wash running shoes without ruining them (2024)

FAQs

How to wash running shoes without ruining them? ›

Wash your shoes in a gentle, cold water cycle with a slow or no-spin setting. Remember to place them in a closed mesh bag with the laces and insoles removed. This helps preserve the condition of your favorite sneakers and protect your washer from damage.

Don't put your running shoes in the washing machine. Soaking your shoes in water can damage the fabric and adhesives. 2. Don't use bleach or household cleaning supplies to clean your shoes.

First things first: Nike does not recommend washing shoes in the washing machine. Properly hand-washing your shoes is the best way to ensure they won't be accidentally harmed in the process.

Baking Soda! Baking Soda is a tried and true running shoe deodorizer that helps neutralize acid left behind by stinky bacteria. Sprinkle some of the powder in your shoes and let sit overnight. Your shoes will be fresh, clean, and ready to roll come morning!

Please note, we do not recommend that HOKA products are placed in the washing machine for cleaning as it can affect the construction of the style and the materials used.

Generally speaking, shoes made of canvas, nylon, cotton and polyester can safely be washed in a washing machine; however, those made with leather, suede, rubber or vinyl should not be placed in the washer.

Wash your shoes in a gentle, cold water cycle with a slow or no-spin setting. Remember to place them in a closed mesh bag with the laces and insoles removed. This helps preserve the condition of your favorite sneakers and protect your washer from damage.

First things first — do not, we repeat, do not machine wash or dry your shoes. Doing so seems like an easy way to get your running shoes clean but cutting corners in this way might set you back a pair of shoes.

Use a soft brush to remove loose dirt, including along the rubber edge and tongue. Mix a few drops of dish soap, like Dawn, into a cup of warm water. Dip a cloth or soft brush into the soapy water and gently go over both shoes.

Absorb smells quickly by putting baking soda inside your shoes. Kill germs with white vinegar or a disinfectant spray. Put your shoes in the freezer overnight to kill germs and bacteria. Wash your insoles or your sneakers in the washer to tackle tough smells.

How often to wash running shoes? ›

In general, it's a good idea to wash your running shoes (or any fitness shoes), once every 6 months or once every 200 miles. Of course, this depends on how many miles you log per week and how dirty your shoes tend to get—whether from sweat or from the elements.

Mix warm water with a small amount of mild laundry detergent or dish soap. For white and light-colored shoes, you can also make an effective cleaning paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and water. Note: When it comes to using dish soap, it's important to take caution and dilute the soap with plenty of water.

Sprinkle a layer of baking soda directly into your shoes.

Leave it overnight, or up to 24 hours. As it sits, the baking soda will neutralize bacteria and absorb any lingering moisture.

Instead, you may leave your sneakers in a well-ventilated area. Although, prior to leaving them to air dry you should remove the excess water using either newspapers, paper sheets, or even rice or any absorbent material for a few minutes. Then remove both the insoles and laces leaving them to air dry overnight.

People like to put their smelly shoes in a big plastic bag and place them in the freezer overnight. The extreme cold can get rid of the bacteria-causing stink. And minimize some of that smell. But, before you can wear them, you will need to wait for them to air dry.

That's why it's generally not recommended to dry shoes in a machine dryer. This runs the risk of potentially shrinking the footwear and damaging the glue that holds the shoes together.

High heat can also damage the glue used to construct your athletics shoes, which can deform your shoes or cause them to come apart. Since a good pair of athletics shoes isn't exactly cheap, you should aim to maintain your shoes by using other drying methods.

Choose a delicate cycle to gently wash your shoes. The slower spin cycles (or sometimes no spin cycle at all) also help reduce noise. Select the coldest temperature available for the wash. A cold cycle will still remove odors, as modern laundry detergents contain enzymes that work regardless of water temperature.