Tennis shoes are a wardrobe staple for many, but if not cared for properly, they can become stained, smelly, and worn down.
Knowing how to properly wash your tennis shoes is essential to preserving their look and longevity.
In this article, well go over the best tips on how to wash your tennis shoes without ruining them, including how to remove detachable parts, soak in warm water and mild detergent, scrub gently, rinse thoroughly, air-dry naturally, and avoid direct sunlight and heat.
Keep reading to learn the best ways to keep your tennis shoes looking their best!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
It is best to hand wash tennis shoes instead of machine washing them.
Start by removing the laces and brushing off any dirt or debris from the surface of the shoes.
Then, mix a small amount of mild detergent or baking soda into a bowl of warm water.
Dip a clean cloth into the solution and gently scrub the surface of the shoes.
Finally, rinse the shoes with cold water and let them air dry.
Reasons Why Proper Care is Necessary
When it comes to taking care of your tennis shoes, proper care is essential in order to preserve the quality of the shoes and extend their lifespan.
Improper care can lead to damage and deterioration, which can be expensive and difficult to repair.
Poor maintenance can also affect the performance of the shoes, diminishing their shock absorption and grip.
It is therefore important to take the time to properly clean and maintain your shoes in order to get the most out of them.
When washing your tennis shoes, it is important to remember that different materials require different care.
For instance, leather shoes should be wiped down with a damp cloth and a mild leather cleaner, while canvas shoes can be treated with a cleaning solution and scrubbed with a soft brush.
It is also important to check the label of your shoes to make sure that they are safe to be machine washed, as some materials may not be able to withstand the high temperatures of a washing machine.
In addition to the materials of the shoes, it is also important to consider the type of dirt and debris that you are trying to remove.
If your shoes are particularly dirty, it may be necessary to use a stronger detergent or even a brush to remove the grime.
It is also important to be aware of any potential stains, as these may require special treatment.
Finally, proper care of your tennis shoes involves proper drying techniques.
It is important to avoid direct heat or sunlight when drying your shoes, as this could cause them to crack and fade.
Instead, allow the shoes to air-dry naturally in a cool and dry place.
Removing Detachable Parts
When it comes to washing your tennis shoes, the first step should always be to remove any detachable parts.
These can include laces, insole pads, and any other removable components.
This is important because it allows you to give these components an individual cleaning, which is more effective than washing them with the shoes.
Additionally, it gives you a chance to inspect them for any signs of damage or wear and tear, ensuring that everything is in good condition before you return them to the shoes.
For laces, you can either hand-wash them in the sink with detergent or place them in a mesh bag and machine-wash them on a gentle cycle.
Insole pads should be cleaned in the same way as the laces, while any other detachable parts should be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Soaking in Warm Water and Mild Detergent
When it comes to washing tennis shoes, the first step is to remove the laces and any other detachable parts.
This will help to ensure that the laces are not damaged during the cleaning process.
Once the laces and other detachable pieces have been removed, the shoes should then be soaked in a sink or bucket filled with warm water and mild detergent.
It is important to note that regular laundry detergent should not be used as it is too harsh for tennis shoes and can lead to damage.
Instead, opt for a mild detergent specifically designed for washing delicate items.
The shoes should be soaked for at least 15 minutes before proceeding to the next step.
This will help to ensure that the detergent has enough time to work and break down any dirt and grime that has built up on the shoes.
Scrubbing Gently
When it comes to scrubbing your tennis shoes, its important to use the right materials.
A soft brush or cloth is best, as any other type of brush or scrubber can be too harsh and damage the material.
A soft bristled brush is ideal for removing dirt and stains, as it wont damage the shoes fabric.
You can also use an old toothbrush to get into hard-to-reach areas, such as the seams.
When scrubbing, use a light touch and make sure to move in circular motions to avoid damaging the fabric.
Its also important to be gentle when scrubbing the laces, as they are often delicate and can be easily ruined.
Once youve scrubbed the shoes, rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
Rinsing Thoroughly
Rinsing your tennis shoes thoroughly is an important step in the washing process.
After scrubbing your shoes with a soft brush or cloth, you should rinse them in clear, warm water.
This will help to remove any excess detergent or dirt that may have been left behind.
For best results, use a shower head or hand-held sprayer to ensure that every part of the shoe is well-rinsed.
Additionally, you may want to use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the sole and any other areas that may be difficult to reach.
After rinsing, be sure to dry your shoes with a clean, dry cloth before allowing them to air-dry naturally away from direct sunlight and heat.
Doing this will help to ensure that your shoes are thoroughly clean and won’t suffer any damage from water or detergent residue.
Air-Drying Naturally
Air-drying your tennis shoes is the final step in the cleaning process, and its important to do it correctly to ensure your shoes remain in good condition.
To air-dry, be sure to keep your shoes away from direct sunlight and heat.
Instead, place them in a well-ventilated area, such as a porch or balcony, and allow them to dry naturally.
Its best to avoid using a clothes dryer, as the heat can damage the material of the shoes.
Additionally, you can use a fan to help speed up the drying process.
Once the shoes are dry, check for any signs of damage, such as cracking, peeling, or discoloration.
If you notice any of these, it may be a sign that youve used too much detergent or scrubbed too hard.
In this case, you should use a gentler cleaning method in the future.
Finally, its important to remember that different materials require different cleaning methods.
For example, leather shoes should not be soaked in water, and canvas shoes should not be scrubbed too vigorously.
To ensure your shoes remain in good condition, familiarize yourself with the cleaning instructions for the materials of your tennis shoes.
Following these steps will help keep your tennis shoes looking great.
Avoiding Direct Sunlight and Heat
When it comes to washing your tennis shoes, avoiding direct sunlight and heat is a must.
Direct sunlight can cause the fabric of your shoes to fade or discolor, as well as damage the rubber and leather components.
Heat can also cause the rubber to break down and the glue that holds the shoe together to weaken.
To ensure your shoes are not damaged, make sure to air-dry them away from any direct sunlight or heat source.
This means placing them in a well-ventilated room, away from windows and other heat sources.
If possible, place them in a shaded area where they can remain dry and cool until they are completely dry.
This will help keep your shoes looking great for a longer period of time.
Final Thoughts
Taking the time to properly care for your tennis shoes is essential for keeping them looking new.
By following the steps outlined above, you can give your shoes a thorough cleanse without ruining them.
Be sure to remove any detachable parts, soak them in warm water and mild detergent, scrub gently, rinse thoroughly, and air-dry naturally away from direct sunlight and heat.
With these tips, you can give your tennis shoes the cleaning they need, so get to it!