Washing sneakers: How to do it properly

Table of contents

• Introduction

• The myths about sneakers in the washing machine

• We have created an FAQ for you that answers all your questions about "sneaker washing"

  • Can I wash sneakers in the washing machine?

  • How can I wash my sneakers in the washing machine?

  • How often can I wash sneakers in the washing machine?

  • What can happen if I wash my sneakers in the washing machine?

  • Which detergent should I use to wash my sneakers?

  • Can I wash several sneakers in the washing machine at the same time?

  • What spin speed should I choose when washing sneakers?

  • At what temperature can I wash my sneakers in the washing machine?

  • Can you wash leather sneakers in the washing machine?

  • Can all sneakers be washed in the washing machine?

How to wash sneakers by hand

• • • Have everything you need ready

    • Clean the sole properly

    • Find the right cleaners

    • Use the right brushes

    • This will make your shoelaces look like new

    • Destroy odors

    • Dry your sneakers properly

    • Impregnate

• Is there a difference when washing leather sneakers and fabric sneakers?

• Conclusion

Clean sneakers are important to us at Asphaltgold. That's why we clean our shoes regularly; it's simply part of the process. While researching this article, we noticed recurring questions.

Can I wash sneakers in the washing machine? Or: Which cleaner should I use for what? And, as if that weren't enough, the thought probably pops into some minds: Could I damage something? We want to shed some light on the matter. That's why you'll find the ultimate guide to washing, polishing, and cleaning sneakers here. Let's start with the washing machine.

The idea of ​​being able to wash all your sneakers in the washing machine is wonderful. First of all, we can say: Yes, you can wash your sneakers in the washing machine, but not all of them. And you have to keep a few things in mind to ensure your favorite sneakers come out of the washing machine in one piece. To save you time in the future, we'll give you the dos and don'ts and answer all the questions we regularly receive.

We've had good experiences with sneakers in the washing machine, and we've been disappointed in the past. That's why we're cautious about this topic. When we read that there are recommendations to wash sneakers in the dishwasher, we were completely shocked. Please don't do that. It sounds ridiculous, but we want to honor our sneakers and not mix them with the leftovers from the last pasta Napoli.

 The most important information can be found here at a glance:

DOS

• Sneakers made of synthetic materials can be washed in the washing machine

• Always wash sneakers in a laundry net

• Remove insole

• Remove all applications from the sneaker

• Remove shoelaces and wash separately in a laundry net

• Wash sneakers below 30 degrees

• Use the program for delicates or easy-care items

• Use a short wash cycle

• Set gentle spin (approx. 400 - max. 800)

• Pad the washing machine with towels

• Use a maximum of one third of the detergent

• Stuff sneakers with newspaper after washing

• Let sneakers dry without sun and heat

DOS

• Sneakers made of synthetic materials can be washed in the washing machine

• Always wash sneakers in a laundry net

• Remove insole

• Remove all applications from the sneaker

• Remove shoelaces and wash separately in a laundry net

• Wash sneakers below 30 degrees

• Use the program for delicates or easy-care items

• Use a short wash cycle

• Set gentle spin (approx. 400 - max. 800)

• Pad the washing machine with towels

• Use a maximum of one third of the detergent

• Stuff sneakers with newspaper after washing

• Let sneakers dry without sun and heat

DONTs

• Throw leather sneakers in the washing machine

• Machine wash sneakers with elaborate decorations and appliqués

• Use washing programs above 30 degrees

• Use spin speeds above 800

• Throw the sneaker, including the laces and insole, into the washing machine.

• Drying sneakers in the tumble dryer

• Drying sneakers in the sun

• Drying sneakers on the heater

• Use fabric softener

Can I wash sneakers in the washing machine?

Yes and no. You can wash sneakers made of synthetic materials in the washing machine. Leather sneakers should definitely not be machine washed. Likewise, you should avoid putting shoes with appliqués (metal, rhinestones, patches, etc.) in the washing machine. Appliqués can come off.

Step 1: Only put your shoes in the washing machine if they're made of synthetic material. The shoe label usually lists the material composition. If you don't have that information anymore, you can google the model and item number. If the shoe is still available, you'll also find all the information about the material in the product details.
Please note: Sneakers made of genuine leather and shoes with applications (metal, rhinestones, etc.) must not be machine washed.

Step 2: Remove coarse dirt from the sneakers with a soft brush.

Step 3: Remove the laces, insole, and any removable appliqués. Place the laces in a laundry bag. Alternatively, you can use a pillowcase.

Step 4: Pack your sneakers in a laundry net or pillowcase.

Step 5: Take a few towels and place them in the washing machine as well. This will protect the drum and the sneakers.

Step 6: Select a gentle wash cycle, such as delicates, easy care, or wool. Some washing machines even offer a program for sneakers. Set the machine to a maximum of 30 degrees and select a gentle spin cycle (400–800).

Step 7: Use only a third of the amount of detergent you'd normally use for a full load of laundry. Avoid fabric softener, which will make your sneakers porous.

Step 8: Once the wash cycle is complete, stuff your sneakers with newspaper. This will absorb the moisture best and help your shoes retain their shape. You can also use Zewa, but it's not quite as effective as newspaper. Dry your sneakers in a place away from direct sunlight and heat. Never place your sneakers directly on a heater or in direct sunlight. This will reduce the lifespan of the material and can lead to unsightly dry marks.

Step 9: Once your shoes are completely dry, you can re-lace the shoes and insert the insole. Done!

Shoe manufacturers generally do not recommend washing shoes in the washing machine. From experience, we know that sneakers made of synthetic materials can be washed in the washing machine. However, every wash carries risks, as the upper, sole, shape, cushioning, and adhesive edges can suffer – even with synthetic materials. We cannot give a specific number of washes per sneaker. We recommend always washing your shoes by hand.

What can happen if I wash my sneakers in the washing machine?

If you are not careful about which shoes you wash and how, your sneakers can come out of the washing machine looking very unsightly.

These are the risks of washing sneakers in the washing machine:

• Adhesive edges turn yellow

• Sole adhesive may come loose

• The cushioning of the sole can break

• Leather inserts can become porous and brittle

• The shape of the sneakers may warp

• Applications (metal, rhinestones, patches, etc.) can come off

• Dry edges may occur

Smooth leather shoes, in particular, should not be put in the washing machine. But sneakers with mesh and leather trim can also be damaged in the washing machine. The leather overlays suffer, and the shape quickly becomes distorted.

Which detergent should I use to wash my sneakers?

You can use conventional detergents. It's best to use a liquid detergent; powder detergent can lead to white marks. Make sure you use no more than one-third of the usual amount. Please do not use fabric softener, as this can cause your sneakers to become porous.

Can I wash several sneakers in the washing machine at the same time?

Yes, but we recommend washing no more than two or three pairs. Make sure the material and color are similar, and pack the washing machine with plenty of towels to protect the drum and the sneakers from bouncing.

What spin speed should I choose when washing sneakers?

It's best to choose a very gentle spin cycle. Choose a number between 400 and a maximum of 800.

At what temperature can I wash my sneakers in the washing machine?

Never wash your sneakers above 30 degrees Celsius. Use a gentle wash cycle, such as delicates, easy-care, or wool. Some washing machines even offer a program specifically for sneakers. Be sure to also select a gentle spin cycle (400–800).

Can you wash leather sneakers in the washing machine?

No. The leather will become porous and reduce its lifespan. We've heard of successful washing of leather sneakers before, but we strongly advise against it. You should also be careful with mesh and leather sneakers. It might work well the first time, but the second time, the sneaker might lose its shape. If you want to know how to clean leather sneakers, check out this guide.

Can all sneakers be washed in the washing machine?

No. Please only wash sneakers made of synthetic materials. Avoid putting leather or nubuck sneakers in the washing machine. Sneakers with appliqués (metal, rhinestones, patches, leather overlays, etc.) can also be damaged by a wash cycle.

Washing sneakers in the washing machine is risky. It can work well, but you can also make a lot of mistakes. For lightly soiled sneakers, we always recommend washing them by hand. There's far less room to go wrong that way.

How to wash sneakers by hand

We prefer to wash our sneakers by hand. While there are a few things to keep in mind and it's more time-consuming, cleaning your sneakers yourself will last longer. Learn how to properly clean your sneakers by hand here. We'll give you tips and tricks.

Have everything you need ready

Take your time and make yourself a good drink, gather everything you need, and put a towel under you that's okay with getting dirty. You should have the following items ready for cleaning your shoes: a brush suitable for the material of the particular sneaker, cleaning products of your choice, a sponge or microfiber cloth, an eraser, and waterproofing spray.

Clean the sole properly

We actually find it hardest to get the sole really clean again. Some brands offer midsole cleaners that you let work for a short time and then simply wipe off with a sponge, brush, or microfiber cloth. We've had very good experiences with them so far. If you prefer to use home remedies, use an eraser. With the classic erasers you used at school, you can get almost any stubborn dirt off the sole. You can also use dirt erasers, but we swear by the good old white eraser; it's the most effective. We also often see the tip that you can use nail polish remover. We advise against this.

Find the right cleaners

There are countless cleaners on the market. Cleaners with integrated brushes, foam cleaners, liquid cleaners, etc. Sure, they all have their place, but you can also use mild dish soap or liquid soap. If you absolutely must have a dedicated sneaker cleaner, we recommend Jason Markk. We're fans of the RTU Foam , which you can use immediately without any additional water. We also really like the Premium Shoe Cleaner . It can be used on all materials, including leather, suede, nubuck, cotton, and mesh.

Use the right brushes

In addition to sneaker cleaners, there's also a wide selection of brushes. Jason Markk offers the gentle Premium Cleaning Brush . If those brushes are too expensive for you, you can also use a toothbrush. For nubuck and suede, we recommend a special crepe brush. This brush can remove many stains from suede – without any water.

This will make your shoelaces look like new

Remove the laces and wash them separately in the washing machine in a mesh laundry bag. You can also soak them in lukewarm water and soap. For stubborn stains, you can also pre-treat them with stain remover. Once your laces are dry, you can also treat them with a fabric shaver. This will remove all the small lint. If you want your laces to be completely smooth, simply iron them. You can also use a flat iron for this. This will make your laces look like new in no time.

The Upper Cleansing

After cleaning the sole and removing the laces, you can clean the upper. Make sure your cleaner and brush are suitable for the specific upper. Take a damp sponge or microfiber cloth and go over any stains. Even if you use the right cleaner, brush, or sponge, handle your sneakers with care so you don't damage the upper by rubbing too hard. Once you're finished cleaning, remove any remaining foam and dirt with a cloth.

Destroy odors

If you handwash your sneakers, you'll have to take care of getting rid of any unpleasant odors yourself. You can, of course, do this with a shoe deodorant. But you can also use household remedies, as baking soda neutralizes odors. Simply shake a little of the powder into your sneakers and let it sit overnight. The next day, you can vacuum or shake it out.

Dry your sneakers properly

When you're done, stuff your sneakers with newspaper. Of course, you should only do this if the shoes are very wet. The paper absorbs the liquid best and ensures your shoes retain their shape. Dry your sneakers in a place protected from direct sunlight and heat. Never place your sneakers directly on a heater or in direct sunlight. This will reduce the lifespan of the material and can lead to unsightly dry marks.

Impregnate

After cleaning (or even after purchase), you should definitely use waterproofing spray. Waterproofing protects your sneakers from moisture and dirt, especially during the colder months. And the best part: The sneakers are easier to clean and, in case of doubt, get less dirty. However, you should also re-waterproof your sneakers regularly to maintain their protection. We highly recommend Jason Markk's Repel Spray . For smooth leather shoes, we recommend a cream or wax, which also gives them an extra shine.

Is there a difference when washing leather sneakers and fabric sneakers?

Yes, leather sneakers should be cleaned differently than fabric sneakers. We've created a detailed guide on how to properly clean each material. To keep track, check out the detailed instructions:

Cleaning leather sneakers

Cleaning fabric sneakers

In our guides you will find step-by-step instructions for washing fabric and leather sneakers.

Conclusion

With our guide, we'll share our extensive knowledge with you. It's especially important that you know which shoes can and can't be washed in the washing machine. Just to be clear: leather sneakers have no place in the washing machine. Be sure to get a washing net for your next wash and make sure you pack as few sneakers as possible into the washing machine. You can remove dirt in no time with just a few household remedies and don't need expensive cleaners. If you have a good waterproofing spray, your sneakers won't get dirty as quickly. And the good news is: If things get really bad, you can even hire experts to clean your favorite sneakers. If you love your sneakers as much as we do, you should clean them regularly. With our guide, you can even get a super dirty white Air Force 1 clean again.

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