Shoe Maintenance Made Easy: Clean Your Running Shoes Like a Pro
Running can be tough on your body, particularly your joints and muscles, but it’s equally demanding on your shoes. With regular pounding on pavement, trails, and treadmills, your footwear suffers, leading to worn soles and diminished traction. Instead of frequently replacing your running and workout shoes, establishing a regular cleaning routine can significantly prolong their lifespan.
Consistent maintenance of your athletic shoes is essential for both optimal performance and hygiene. Dirt and grime can accumulate on the fabric and laces during your outdoor workouts and activities. Additionally, odors can develop when shoes become soaked with rain or sweat. Fortunately, there's an easy routine you can follow to make your shoes look nearly new again.
What You'll Need to Get Started
Cleaning your workout shoes should take around 30 minutes and requires just a few supplies that you likely have at home:
- Dish soap or laundry detergent
- Water
- Vinegar
- Toothbrush or other soft-bristle brush
- Sink or large bowl
Before you begin cleaning, inspect your shoes to determine if they are beyond help. If they are falling apart or have cracked soles, it may be time for a new pair.
Easy Steps to Deep Clean Your Athletic Shoes
This routine is suitable for standard fabric running shoes made from nylon mesh, cotton, knit polyester, and rubber.
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Brush Off Excess Dirt
Use an old toothbrush or a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub off excess dirt, grass, mud, and other debris. Be sure to clean all sides and the outsole thoroughly. -
Clean the Uppers
Remove the laces and insoles from your shoes and set them aside. Use the toothbrush to remove any leftover dirt. Create a gentle cleaning solution using water mixed with a few drops of detergent or dish soap. Then, use the toothbrush or a washcloth to wipe down all sides of the shoes. Rinse thoroughly with warm, clean water. -
Clean the Insoles
Your insoles likely retain the most sweat, making them prone to odors and requiring more intensive cleaning than the uppers. One option is to place your laces and insoles in a mesh bag and machine wash them on a gentle cycle for a deep clean and fresh scent.
If you prefer to hand wash, use the detergent solution mentioned earlier, or create a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. No matter which cleaning solution you choose, scrub the insoles thoroughly and rinse with clean water. -
Dry Your Shoes Completely
This is the simplest yet most time-consuming step in the cleaning process. Allow your shoes to air dry completely before reinserting the soles and laces. For faster drying, place your shoes indoors in a low-humidity room and stuff them with balled-up paper towels (change them if they become too wet).
You can also place your shoes in front of a fan to speed up drying, but avoid putting them in the dryer or near any heat source, as heat can warp the shape of your shoes, weaken the adhesive that holds the fabric to the outsole, and even cause yellow staining.
Can You Machine-Wash Running Shoes?
While hand-washing is usually the best practice, some shoes can be safely washed in the machine. To find out, check the care label, usually located on the underside of the tongue. It should indicate whether machine-washing is permitted.
Cotton, nylon, and polyester shoes are generally machine-safe, but if you’re uncertain, it’s best to err on the side of caution and hand-wash them.
Maintaining clean running and workout shoes is essential not only for their appearance but also for their performance and longevity. By following this straightforward cleaning routine, you can effectively remove dirt and odors, ensuring your shoes remain in optimal condition for every workout. Regular upkeep not only extends the lifespan of your footwear but also enhances your comfort and hygiene during exercise. So, set aside some time every few weeks to give your athletic shoes the care they deserve, and enjoy the benefits of fresh, clean kicks for all your fitness adventures!