Mesh shoes are known to be able to absorb all kinds of liquids that stick to them, making them a bit difficult to clean. Luckily, with a little extra care, you can keep your shoes free of dirt. You can also clean it in the washing machine by following the right steps!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Manually Cleaning Mesh Shoes
Step 1. Make a mixture of warm water and 5 ml of dish soap
Pour warm water into a bowl – no more than half so you can dip a washcloth – then add the dish soap. Gently stir the soap with a spoon until it dissolves.
- Make sure the consistency of the cleaning fluid you make is slightly foamy, but not too sticky or foamy.
- Never use bleach – this product can damage some materials and cause the color of the shoes to fade.
Step 2. Untie your shoelaces, then fill the shoe with cloth
After removing the laces, find a clean, absorbent cloth and insert it into the shoe - it will absorb any extra fluid that comes out during the cleaning process. The fabric will also make the shoe more sturdy when brushed.
- Use a microfiber cloth that is highly absorbent.
- Fill your shoes with kitchen paper if you don't have any used cloth.
- If your laces are dirty, wash them with a separate mixture of warm water and 5 ml of dish soap. After that, scrub it clean with a soft-bristled brush.
Step 3. Remove any dirt on the outside of the shoe with a soft-bristled brush
Go to a shoe store and buy a soft-bristled shoe brush. Hold the brush perpendicular to the shoe and brush off any dirt on its surface using short, pressing motions.
- Use a lighter pressure than the pressure when cleaning other thicker materials, such as leather.
- Replace your shoe brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush as an alternative.
Step 4. Wash the shoes with cleaning fluid and a soft cloth
Dip a soft cloth in the shoe cleaner. Rub the surface of the shoe in a circular motion while pressing it lightly. To clean hard-to-remove stains, such as dry dirt or grass stains, dip the brush in the cleaning liquid and scrub the soiled area clean.
Wash the cloth regularly in a bowl of warm water to remove dirt
Step 5. Rinse the washcloth and clean the surface of the shoe one more time
After cleaning the shoes with the cleaning liquid, dip the cloth in a bucket of water and wring it out. Now, rub the washcloth one more time over the surface of the shoe to remove any soap residue.
Make sure you wring out the cloth after dipping it in the cleaning liquid to remove any excess soap that has been absorbed
Step 6. Clean the shoe's midsole with a disinfectant wipe
Unlike the surface of your shoes, the midsole – or the bottom of your shoe – can be cleaned with bleach. Buy disinfectant wipes at the nearest home supply store, then scrub the bottom of the shoe until it's clean. Press the tissue firmly and be careful not to touch the surface of the shoe.
- Never use cleaning wipes on the surface of your shoes.
- If you don't have cleaning wipes, use kitchen paper towels that have been moistened with 3-4 drops of bleach.
- Use a Magic Eraser product if you have one. You can buy them at home supply stores and supermarkets.
Step 7. Dry your shoes in a cool, dry place for 24 hours
Look for an indoor location, such as a shed or attic, or a shady outdoor location. Avoid garages because they don't have enough airflow, and don't dry shoes in the basement.
- Put the laces back on after the shoes are completely dry.
- Place an electric fan near the shoe to increase airflow and speed up the drying process.
Method 2 of 2: Using the Washing Machine
Step 1. Remove the shoelaces and tuck them into the socks
Start by removing the laces from the holes – the ones closest to your feet – and then pulling them all the way down. Once removed, tuck the shoelaces into the socks – this will allow them to be cleaned separately from your shoes. Tie the mouth of the sock with a string or rubber band.
If your shoes have shoelaces attached to the plastic holes, don't take them off
Step 2. Insert your shoes into the pillowcase, then tie the ends
Place your shoes in the pillowcase – a free size as long as they fit – then tie the ends of the pillowcases tightly shut. After that, tighten the bond using a rubber band by means of a bandage twice or more, depending on the size of the rubber and the thickness of the end of the pillowcase that is tied.
- Fold the ends of the ties in half before using the rubber to secure them.
- Usually, you can fit 2-3 pairs of shoes into a pillowcase. Put in as many shoes as you want, but don't overfill.
- Remember, not all shoe materials can be washed in a washing machine. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations listed on the shoe.
Step 3. Put the shoes with their laces in the washing machine that has been given a detergent
Place a pillowcase containing shoes and socks containing shoelaces in the washing machine. After that, fill the washing machine tub with a cloth to prevent the shoes from hitting the walls of the machine. Finally, add 1 cup of your choice of detergent.
If you have a washing machine with a turbine in the center, wrap the edges in a towel
Step 4. Wash the shoes with “Delicate” and “Cold” settings
Turn the capacity dial to the nearest number before “Medium”, then press the “Cold” button. Now, turn the wash mode dial to “Delicate” on the “Normal” setting. Check the washing machine settings again, then turn on the machine and wait!
Use the “Delicate” setting or – for older washing machines – “Gentle Wash” when washing mesh shoes. This will minimize agitation in the fabric fibers so they don't stretch
Step 5. Dry your shoes in a cool and dry place for 1 day
Indoor areas such as sheds or attics, or shaded areas outdoors are ideal. Never store shoes in the basement or in the garage as both locations usually don't have sufficient airflow.
- If you have a fan, turn it on in front of the shoe to speed up the drying process and increase airflow.
- Do not dry shoes in the machine – this can damage the mesh material.
- Remove shoes from inside pillowcases and laces from inside socks before drying.
- Reattach the shoelaces when dry.
