Sneakers, especially if they are white, are very difficult to keep in their original form. Washing them is not an easy task. But knowing how to wash sneakers in a washing machine, you can achieve an amazing result without spoiling the product and spending a minimum of time on it.
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How to wash sneakers in a washing machine
You can wash sneakers in a washing machine, but you should know some nuances. Otherwise, there is a risk of causing damage to the device (therefore, according to the instructions, washing shoes in the washing machine is prohibited). Although they have already begun to produce modern models in which such a function is provided.
You need to take into account that this can easily ruin your shoes. The sneakers in the vast majority consist of such parts: soles (foam or rubber), leather or leatherette, fabrics, as well as glue. Therefore, there is always a risk of sticking shoe elements and losing shape. To avoid such troubles, all manufacturers on the tags indicate a badge prohibiting machine wash. However, no one is looking at him, since very few people get it by hand, removing all dirt and stains, due to lack of experience, knowledge, time or desire.
Preparing shoes for washing
First you need to prepare sneakers or sneakers for the upcoming important procedure.
To do this, you need:
- Carefully inspect the product for damage. If threads stick out somewhere, fabric is torn, foam rubber peeks out, it is better not to risk it and not throw such shoes into the machine, otherwise it will become clean, but hopelessly spoiled. First, the couple needs to be repaired.And also do not arrange such procedures for models with rhinestones, sequins, pebbles, appliqués, stickers and reflectors. These elements can easily come off and also clog the drain.
- Take out the laces and insoles. The inside of the sneakers is often no less dirty than the top. Feet sweat, bacteria multiply, resulting in an unpleasant odor, yellow spots and dirt. Insoles with laces can be washed separately, sent to the machine with shoes, cleaned with a regular brush. To do this, insoles need to be slightly moistened and sprinkled with powder. Intensive rubbing movements will remove dirt right in front of your eyes. The duration of the process does not exceed 10 minutes. After thorough rinsing, the product can be sent for drying.
- Clean out the sole. Very often it has a complex intricate pattern, where small pebbles often fall, sand and dirt are packed. To do this, it is convenient to use a thin knitting needle or a durable wooden stick. The sole should be rinsed under running water so that the remaining sand does not clog the filters of the machine.
- Put a pair of shoes in a special laundry bag. You can buy it or sew it yourself. If an old pillowcase is lying around at home, it is just convenient to use it for this purpose. Alternatively, you can put your old towels or rugs in order to reduce the beating on the drum. Sometimes even tennis balls are used (to balance).
You cannot put more than two pairs of shoes, otherwise they can break the glass door (especially for models with heavy soles). Light rag sneakers can be washed in 2 or 3 pairs. But they must be sorted by color. To make sure that the fabric does not fade, you need to try to wipe the surface of the products with a towel soaked in warm water. If no traces of paint are visible, then the process will be successful.
Mode and temperature in the automatic machine
Shoe washing is of particular importance. It is better to choose a delicate program with a maximum temperature of no more than 40 degrees. This will be enough for the shoes to be removed, but not to stick out.
Powder is better to use liquid. The usual remedy is rather poorly rinsed, so stains can remain.
It is advisable to add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the compartment - for disinfection and aromatization. Then the sneakers will smell like pine, lavender or sandalwood.
Spin is prohibited. This will lead to the failure of the bearings and the appearance of unpleasant noise during operation of the device. The ban applies to the drying mode (if any). It must be turned off, so that the shoes do not deteriorate and are not deformed. The drying process must be natural.
The frequency of washing depends on the degree of contamination and frequency of use. Mostly shoes have to be washed every 2-3 months (of course, if you do not walk in the swamp).
How to clean a pair of suede, leather
Suede and leather shoes should be cleaned very carefully. Such models are much more expensive than conventional fabric, so it would be a pity to spoil them randomly. It is better to wipe leather products with a damp cloth and a special product; machine wash will deform them. As a detergent, it is permissible to use ordinary washing or baby soap. Particular attention should be paid to all seams and joints of the upper part of the shoe with the sole.
Suede sneakers look very stylish, but very capricious in leaving. Therefore, they are not suitable for everyday use. If the shoes are very dirty, they can be washed in a machine, but at a temperature of no more than 30 degrees and only in delicate mode. And even better - just clean them with special tools without using water. At home, you can use vinegar and ammonia. In any case, you must first familiarize yourself with the recommendations that the manufacturer gives.They can be written on a label or enclosed in a box in the form of instructions.
Washing white sneakers
Washing of contaminated snow-white products is carried out according to the same algorithm as usual. The only caveat - with the powder in the compartment for detergents, it is advisable to add bleach.
For the same reason, sports shoes or towels of other colors cannot be washed with light models. Bleach is not used for washing colored items; moreover, they can shed and stain a snow-white pair.
Tricks for quick drying without streaks
However, washing sneakers in a washing machine is not enough. You also need to know how to dry them so that stains do not form on the fabric, and your favorite shoes do not lose their shape.
Inside wet products, you need to put white paper, tightly filling the entire inner space. This is necessary to maintain their shape. Newspapers and magazine sheets are not a good option, since dyes from them can be printed on the light inner surface of the sneakers. The insoles must be removed and left to dry separately.
In no case should you dry your shoes:
- hot air blow dryer;
- on battery;
- in the sun.
After the paper absorbs most of the moisture, put the products on a special shoe dryer or use a fan, vacuum cleaner, air conditioning using cold air.
As you can see, there are no particular difficulties in washing this sports shoe. The main thing is to take into account all the nuances and time-tested tips. Then, such products will serve a long period, and washing will not negatively affect their appearance.