How to clean your running shoes
During training sessions and competitions with the Urban Runners, we've heard quite different opinions on how to clean your running shoes. What about you? Do you like them clean, dirty, or do you only wash them when you see they have too much dirt on them?
How to care for and clean your sports footwear
During training sessions and competitions with the Urban Runners, we've heard quite different opinions on whether to clean running shoes and how to do it. There are some who refuse to wash them, while others have put them in the washing machine because they want them spotless. And in the middle ground, there are those who only wash them when they see they have too much dirt...
It's important to remember that we often don't realize that dirt can make our shoes look worn or old before they actually are. So we have two important reasons to wash your shoes: to keep them and our feet in better condition, and for our personal appearance and image. With a bit of luck, you'll also extend their lifespan.
4 immediate recommendations to extend the life of your shoes
- a) Do not put them in the washing machine !!!
- b) Do not tumble dry them either !!!
- c) Avoid using bleach or certain chemical products !!!
- d) The key: Use fewer products and be more consistent with cleaning.
Cleaning tips for your running shoes
First of all, it is recommended to loosen the laces, or remove them directly; as well as removing the insoles. In a basin-type container, tub, or pot, combine lukewarm water with a little laundry detergent or dish soap.
Stir until it forms a slightly soapy mixture. You can also scrub them with a scourer. For example, one of those yellow and green ones for washing dishes, or a similar one. A cloth or a very soft brush will also work. The important thing is to choose something that won't scratch the surface or get caught on the upper.
To clean the Upper or top area: Soak the sponge, cloth, or scourer in the soapy water and clean by rubbing over the affected areas of your shoes.
In the case of cleaning the insoles, the steps to follow are the same: lukewarm water with detergent, and scrub carefully until all the dirt is removed.
Outsole: Remove excess dirt with a soft-bristle brush, an old toothbrush, or a dishwashing scourer with a sponge. These will always be more effective than a simple cloth. You read that right, an old toothbrush is very useful for cleaning a lot of things in your home, and in this case, your footwear. Apply a small amount of lukewarm water to another soft cloth to remove excess detergent. Or, even better, rinse the shoes under a running tap.
Another trick, if you want to shine the sole, add a little baking soda to the mixture; this is especially effective for white soles.
Cleaning the laces
Dirty or unsightly laces can ruin your sportiest look. Plus, washing laces is very convenient. They are the only element of running footwear that you can put in the washing machine. To prevent them from getting tangled with each other, or with the rest of the clothes you're washing, it's best to put them inside a laundry bag, or for example, inside a cushion cover. You also have to be practical: if your laces are already old or very dirty, it's better to replace them with new ones.
Drying the shoes
For good shoe maintenance, let them air dry at room temperature. Avoid direct exposure to the sun. In very hot areas, it is best to place them in the shade. Do the same with the insoles; you must let them dry completely before putting them back in the shoes. Let them dry naturally. Do not place the shoes on a radiator, stove, next to a fireplace, or near other heat sources. Shoes are made with fabrics and plastic materials that could burn or deform, in addition to losing basic properties for their proper performance, such as elasticity.
What products not to use to wash shoes
Putting shoes in the washing machine can be detrimental to both the shoes and the washing machine. Harsh chemical products like bleach, KH-7 cleaner... are very effective for cleaning tiles, but they are too aggressive for shoe materials.
They can alter or erode the upper mesh and/or the glues. They will cause the shoes to lose their properties. If you are a fan of neatness, and you opt for ecological cleaning products, or homemade remedies, you can find many formulas to clean and whiten your shoes with less aggressive products, such as: toothpaste, baking soda, coarse salt, vinegar...
Prevention is better than scrubbing
Running in the rain, or after it has rained, will make your shoes dirty quickly, especially if you do it on dirt. So, to keep them clean, the best thing you can do is wet them immediately after training or competition, even if it's just with water.
Removing stains from your sports shoes as soon as possible is essential to prevent them from penetrating the textile fibers and becoming permanent. On a daily basis, if you don't intend to wash your shoes right after using them, we recommend putting them in an airy place to dry thoroughly.
Another thing you can do is stuff a ball of paper inside to better dry the internal moisture. So far, we've talked about how to clean running shoes, which are usually made with technical mesh materials bonded to different plastic materials. These tips would also apply to casual or sportswear canvas shoes, which are often used in summer.
Cleaning suede shoes
Cleaning suede shoes is a different matter, as it is a much more delicate material, and they can deteriorate if rubbed too hard. In this case, you can use a damp cloth with a little ammonia or one of the products sold in shoe stores or supermarkets specialized in suede cleaning. As you can see, these are very simple and easy-to-follow tips.
