A pair of strong and comfortable sports shoes sometimes sell for a high price and when used often, there is a chance that the shoes will get dirty quickly. You need to be careful when cleaning sports shoes. However, with proper care and cleaning, you can restore the condition of your shoes and protect them. Keep in mind that washing sports shoes using a washing machine can actually damage the shoes. Therefore, be prepared to wash it manually (by hand) if you want to clean it properly.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Performing Periodic Cleaning
Step 1. Clean the shoes with a dry brush
Before washing shoes, remove dirt and large stains first. Use an old toothbrush or dry scrub brush. Brush the dirty part of the shoe to remove dirt and stains.
Step 2. Mix warm water with laundry detergent
Fill the sink with warm (not hot) water. After that, add a little laundry detergent.
Step 3. Remove the insole and laces
Straps and insoles need to be washed separately. Remove the laces and insoles from the shoes, then set them aside.
Step 4. Wet the sponge
Alternatively, you can use a soft towel or soft brush. Make sure the sponge has absorbed enough soap and water before squeezing it to remove excess moisture. Use a mixture of water and detergent to clean stubborn stains.
- An old toothbrush helps you brush the areas around the "tongue" of your shoes and the inside of those hard to reach shoes.
- Do not wet the leather or foam parts of the shoe. You can find specific cleaning instructions for your available shoes on the manufacturer's or manufacturer's website. If in doubt, do not wet the surface of the shoe that is already clean.
Step 5. Wet a sponge with clean water to remove any residual detergent
After removing the stain, dip a second sponge or washcloth in warm (no soap) water. Rub a sponge or cloth against the shoes to remove any residual detergent.
Step 6. Air the shoes to dry
Do not put shoes in the dryer. Place the shoes in an area at room temperature. Let the shoes dry naturally.
Part 2 of 3: Making Shoes Smell Good
Step 1. Always wear socks
Without socks, sweat will collect in the shoes. Bacteria thrive in humid conditions, so bad odors stick to shoes and are difficult to remove.
Step 2. Sprinkle foot powder on the shoes
It's possible that your sweat penetrates your socks and keeps your shoes wet or damp, even if you're wearing socks. Sprinkle foot powder on the insoles before you put on your shoes so that excess moisture can be absorbed and the shoes don't smell bad.
Step 3. Wash the insole
If your shoes already smell bad, try cleaning the insoles to reduce the intensity of the smell. Remove the insole from the shoe and follow the steps described earlier. Clean the soles with a sponge dipped in the water and detergent mixture, wipe with a second wet sponge to remove any soap residue, and allow the sole to air dry.
Part 3 of 3: Cleaning Shoelaces
Step 1. Remove the laces from the shoes
Laces can be cleaned in a more “rough” method than shoes, so you will need to remove them from your shoes and wash them separately.
Step 2. Clean the straps first with laundry detergent
For stubborn stains, you can sprinkle a little detergent on the stained area. Use your fingers to rub the detergent into the stain before rinsing the strap with warm water.
Step 3. Wash the shoelaces in the protective bag
Shoelaces can be washed in a washing machine, but if left untied, they can tie up and entangle other clothes. Put the strap in the protective bag first, then wash it using the normal wash setting.
