Introduction
Running does a number on shoes. I ran for years — through mud, snow, slush, you name it. When my shoes got filthy, I'd throw them in the wash and switch to another pair. Rinse and repeat, season after season. All that machine washing could've taken a huge toll, but I learned a few tricks over the years to keep my runners in good shape.
If your shoes have seen better days, don't worry. As long as they're made from a washable fabric — like polyester, canvas and cotton — you can usually machine wash them. (This will be a gentle, cold-water wash with little spin.) Check the label on your shoe, if you can still read it, to double-check.
Don't try this with leather or silk shoes, or anything with lots of baubles or delicate stitching. And, you don't need a dedicated laundry bag. I just throw my sneaks in a pillowcase. Both front-loading or top-loading washers work, but avoid the dryer. It's too hot and the tumbling action can damage your shoes, and possibly your dryer.
Here's how to get your kicks shiny and clean in the washing machine.
Tools Required
Materials Required
- Baking soda
- Mild liquid detergent or soap flakes
