In today's world, the most common and favorite shoes are sneakers. It is difficult to find a more comfortable option. You can wear them for a walk, in the rain, on vacation, for a hike or to play sports in them.
Of course, sneakers are not protected from dirt and dust that leave stains on them. Sometimes even a daily wipe, brush or rag does not help to remove serious dirt and need more care. You don't always want to pant all night long to get them looking spotless.
This raises the question: Can I wash my sneakers in the washing machine? How effective is it and are there any pitfalls?
What you need to know before washing
Some shoe manufacturers firmly believe that the start of such a wash is at least reckless. This is not entirely true.
In fact, there are some factors to consider when deciding to wash your sneakers before loading them into the machine.
What shoes should not be washed
Not everyone knows which sneakers can and cannot be washed. The decision whether or not to wash shoes in the washer is influenced by their quality. Of course now we are not talking about boots, and so it is clear that they should not be put into the washing machine, but if we consider sandals, moccasins, sandals, sneakers, sneakers, washing is an acceptable option for effective cleaning.
It is safe to say that you should not machine wash your sneakers:
- With rubber, foam soles or genuine leather and substitute.
Washing will only lead to disappointment and deterioration of the product - the sole will fly off, and the material will tear. Although, some owners of leather shoes claim that the washing was successful and did not affect the quality of the product. 
Cheap, low-quality.
Usually in the manufacture of such shoes is used impractical material and cheap glue, which may not stand up to the process of washing.- With reflective inserts..
They can come off or peel off. - With damage, blemishes or defects.
Washing will make them fall apart permanently. - With protruding foam padding..
Can cause damage in the spin cycle and cause the machine to clog. - Rhinestones, patches or decorations.
They may fall off or leave rust marks during washing. - Suede.
This material is very susceptible to moisture, and after washing them, their place will be in the trash.
How to properly wash sneakers in a washing machine
Before you load athletic shoes into the machine, they need to be prepared and only then you can wash sneakers in the machine.
How to prepare the shoes?
- Shoes are thoroughly washed, the sole is cleaned of dirt, pebbles, leaves and sand so they do not clog the spigot or filter of the washing machine.
- For effective cleaning, you may need an old toothbrush or a spoke.
- If the dirt is old, you can soak your sneakers before washing them.
- After the shoes are washed, the insoles (if they are not glued) and laces are removed. The latter are hand-washed with soap and water, and the insoles can be perfectly cleaned with a shoe brush.
Washing process
Next, you will need a special mesh bag, if there is no such, you can take a pillowcase. Sneakers are placed there and loaded into the washing machine.
If there is no pillowcase, then the situation will be saved by having several towels or sheets that are placed in the machine with the sneakers.
These manipulations will avoid damaging the machine, especially if the shoes have decorative elements, and improve the quality of washing.
On what mode to wash sneakers in the machine?
- On the control panel select the program of delicate washing and low speed.
- The spin and dry should be turned off.
- The temperature should not be higher than 40 degrees. If possible, set it to 20 degrees. At high temperatures, there is a high likelihood of shoe shedding and unraveling.
- It remains to pour the powder and start the wash.
Another point is that using ordinary powder on the shoes may cause streaks. To avoid this, use a liquid detergent for the machine. If you wash white shoes, it is allowed to add bleach for efficiency.
How to dry washed sneakers
Several ways to dry them:
- Drying on the balcony.But not in direct sunlight. Relevant for the warm season.
With a special dryer for shoes.. It will take only 4 hours, and the ultraviolet not only perfectly dries shoes, but also held antifungal treatment.- Sneakers can dry them near electric appliances, previously stuffed them with tissues, office paper or toilet paper, so that there was no deformation.
Newspaper can not be used because it can leave traces - imprints. The paper should be changed as often as possible so as not to slow down the drying process. - If you are going to dry your shoes on the radiator, it should be covered with rags, so that the sneakers in the drying process does not unravel. The best drying option is at room temperature.
- Using silica gel balls. They are placed in both sneakers for 2-3 hours and pulled out. After the shoes are dried naturally with good airing.
Taking care of your shoes after washing.
If the washed shoes have metal elements or decorative, they should be wiped with a dry rag to avoid the appearance of rust.
If you have leather inserts, dab them with cream and the result will be amazing.
Many models of sneakers are impregnated with a special water repellent, which will wash off in the wash. After your shoes are completely dry, spray them again with water-repelling spray.
These simple rules on how to wash your sneakers in the machine will return your shoes to their freshness and pristine appearance.
