Washing Sneakers in Washing Machine

The right sneakers can elevate the look of any outfit, but keeping them clean is no easy feat! From muddy hiking trails to city pavements, your sneakers can pick up dirt from anywhere. Knowing how to wash them in a washing machine is a great life skill that will breathe life into your worn out trainers, and although it's important to double check your sneakers' warranty before throwing them in the machine, cleaning them in this way is easy and effective. So, whether you're trying to refresh some crisp white kicks, or revive your old sneakers in any colourway, this guide is all you need to have them looking brand new.

HOW TO SAFELY CLEAN SNEAKERS IN THE WASHING MACHINE

To clean your sneakers safely, it's important that you check whether they can withstand being put through a wash cycle. Some sneakers are made of leather materials that may not stand up to washing machine cleaning, whereas vegan sneakers are more frequently able to cope with it. It's also a good idea to clean some of the smaller stains off your sneakers first, so that the washing machine cycle can provide a deep clean that gets your trainers looking fresh on the first try. 

DO I HAVE TO WASH TRAINERS ON A COLD CYCLE?

Every pair of sneakers you buy will come with a care label attached inside, which will detail and determine whether or not they can go in the washing machine. However, if the label doesn't say anything about the temperature, then what's the best route to take? Sticking to 30 degrees or under is a generally accepted rule, as this will work to get the stains out while keeping your trainers intact, but it's important to note that your individual sneakers might vary in their care instructions. If you're unsure, get the name of the model, as it may be best contacting the brand to double check. If you seek how to clean white canvas cleaning instructions, don't miss out our special guide on "How to clean white sneakers".

STEP BY STEP GUIDE

Washing sneakers is the best way to keep them well cared for and freshen up any outfit. By following these simple steps, you can guarantee that you'll be rocking stylish kicks whatever the occasion.

1. Check the label: The first thing to do when cleaning your sneakers is to check the wash care label. This will not only detail any care instructions, but give you an idea about the material type and whether it can withstand the power of a laundry machine.
2. Prepare your sneakers: The next step is to prepare your sneakers to be cleaned. Remove the laces and brush off any stones that might be stuck in the soles before placing the sneakers in a delicate bag that's designed for use in the washing machine. Not only will this help to keep your trainers safe, but it will also prevent them causing any damage to the machine itself.
3. Use the right products: Before you press start, make sure that you have the correct products to keep your sneakers smelling and feeling fresh for years to come. Having the right laundry detergent such as persil or tide, as well as an antibacterial spray will lay a significant role in ensuring the quality of the trainers, so consider going for a trainer specific liquid detergent that is good for washing shoes.
4. Avoid using the tumble dryer: Finally, it's crucial that you do not use a tumble dryer to get your sneakers dry after washing them, as there's a high chance of the sneakers shrinking in size. Instead, always air dry your sneakers for a crisp, clean look. 

Note: If you've already used the dryer by accidentally shrinking your shoes over, check out our blog post devoted to "How to stretch sneakers" for further tips and instructions".

HOW TO CLEAN THE WASHING MACHINE AFTERWARDS

If you've recently cleaned your trainers using the washing mahine, you might be noticing the unfortunate build-up dirt and grime that can accumlate there. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to clean the washing machine afterwards:

1. Use baking soda: For a traditional cleaning method, adding baking soda to the inside of the machine, directly onto the drum, before starting a cycle, will draw out any dirt and leave the machine sparkling.
2. Don't forget the exterior: An important point to remember after washing your sneakers is that you shouldn't forget to clean the exterior of the washing machine, as well as the drum. Wiping down the rubber seals is a great maintenance tip that will also extend the life of your appliance.
3. Leave the door open to dry: This will ensure a fresh and clean end while avoiding bacteria.

One of the biggest issues that you can encounter when cleaning the machine will be mildew or damp, which can be caused by washing your sneakers and then leaving the moisture to sit inside the machine. To combat this, leave the door slightly open after the cycle has finished, allowing the machine to air out and dry.

There's nothing worse than going to complete your outfit and discovering that your trainers are still dirty from the last time you wore them, but by following this guide and keeping your washing machine clean, your trainers will look brand new in no time!

At Bullfeet, not only can you create your own eco-friendly sneakers from scratch, you can customise them using our top quality sustainable materials. Check out our online 3D shoe creator to find the endless range of products available; the majority of which are obtained from recycled products, such as plastic bottle tops from the ocean, the outstanding veganoa water repellent fabric (especially easy to clean), or our vegan materials made from recycled clothing destined to end up in landfills, among others.

The Bullfeet team ®