How To Wash Trainers In The Washing Machine
Putting your trainers in the washing machine can be a perfectly safe thing to do as long as you know how and when you can do this. In this guide, we have outlined the steps you need to take in order to wash your trainers safely and get them looking back to their best.
Things you should know before putting trainers in the washing machine
Check the label
Remove laces, insoles and excess mud
Place trainers and laces and other accessories in a wash bag or pillow case
Place some towels or other bedding in with trainers
Run on a cold wash or sensitive setting
Air dry your trainers
Things NOT to do when washing trainers
1. Things you should know before putting trainers in the washing machine
If your shoes are made from animal products such as suede or leather, you should be aware that they could sustain water damage and be ruined forever. It would be advisable to clean these yourself and also use water protector products on them when you buy them.
If they are made from nylon or polyester, they tend to be more hard-wearing and should be ok to put in the washing machine.
2. Check the label
It is important that you check the label and instruction provided on your trainers. These are normally found on the inside of the tongue. Most trainers are safe to wash in the washing machine these days but it is worth checking just to be sure.
3. Remove laces, insoles and excess mud.
Remove the laces and preferably the sole of your trainers . This will ensure that they do not get caught in the drum and will also provide a better clean for them individually. If your trainers are really muddy, it would be prudent to remove any excess mud using some lukewarm water, a toothbrush or cloth and gently remove the excess mud without rubbing it into the fabric or trainer cracks further. You could also use a toothpick, cotton buds or or small pin to really get all the small bits of dirt off. Also check the soles for any excess stones, chewing gum and other small items, these could also damage your washing machine.
4. Place trainers and laces and other accessories in a wash bag or pillow case.
In order to not damage your trainers, it is important that you place them in a nylon wash bag, if you don’t have one, you can use a pillow case. Do the same for your laces and the inner soles of your trainers to ensure that they are all in one place.
5. Place some towels or other bedding in with trainers
Place some towels or other bedding into the washing machine with your trainers. This will hopefully prevent any damage being caused to the washing machine drum where the trainers can often bounce around in there. Doing this will soften any blows to the trainers or washing machine drum.
6. Run on a cold wash or sensitive setting and use a high colour detergent
In order for the colours not to run and stay vibrant, it is recommended that you wash your trainers on a cold wash and use a high colour detergent. Preferably you would put the detergent in some kind of dosing ball or container and place this in with your trainers. You can usually find a setting on your washing machine that is around 45 minutes or whatever the easy care and cold setting.
7. Air dry your trainers
We could recommend that your air dry your trainers. Preferably outside (but not in direct sunlight), but if not, place them in a well ventilated room at normal room temperature for optimal drying. You could also place them on an indoor air dryer or anywhere with good indoor ventilation.
8. Things NOT to do when washing your trainers.
Do not put your trainers in the tumble dryer. Your trainers could shrink, deform and at its worst melt and ruin your tumble dryer.
Do not put them on a hot wash. It WILL ruin your trainers.
Do not use powder detergent, it won’t dissolve properly and will stick to your trainers.
Don’t dry them on a radiator or in a tumble dryer, it will deform the trainers.
Do not put them in the washing machine on their own, it would break your washing machine.
Don’t put them in the washing machine with laces on, the laces could catch in the drum and your trainers also won’t wash as well.
Do not leave your trainers to dry in direct sunlight unless they are all white, the sun will fade the colours.
Most common reasons trainers get dirty and worn
If you do not put protective spray on your trainers they will take on dirt a lot easier.
If you don’t pay attention to the weather before you leave the house, you could end up with the wrong footwear and your favourite trainers could be soiled. It would be advisable to have a worn or old pair of trainers as a spare in your bag or car.
Lack of regular care for your trainers will also leave them looking in poor condition quickly. Wiping them down after you use them each time will ensure dirt and excess mud will never build up and get in between the cracks which could cause your trainer to not be waterproof in the future.
Most common questions when washing trainers in the washing machine
1. Is it safe to wash trainers in the washing machine?
Yes it is. As long as you wash them on a cold wash and follow the instructions on the label. Perhaps consider following the steps outlined in this article.
2. What cycle do you wash trainers in the washing machine?
Always wash trainers on a cold cycle or setting. Never wash them on a hot setting.
3. Can I use a pillow case to put my trainers into the washing machine?
Yes you can, it is nearly as safe as using a nylon wash bag and will stop them from getting caught in the drum or the bit between the drum and the door.
Summary
Washing your trainers in the washing machine is perfectly safe to do as long as you read the label, take steps to protect your washing machine from damage and you stay patient with drying them afterwards. If you want to keep your trainer away from the washing machine, planning your trips and keeping an eye out for the weather could mean that you never have to wash them in the first place.
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