Washing Nike sneakers in a washing machine

Nike sneakers have long been considered more than just athletic footwear, as they're worn not only at the gym but also in everyday life. So it's no surprise that they sometimes develop stubborn stains. White and light-colored models require special care, but can Nike sneakers be machine washed? You don't want to ruin your Nike sneakers by washing them improperly, as they can be quite expensive. But first, it's important to understand the manufacturer's cleaning options.

Will the shoes be damaged in the washing machine?

The manufacturer is unequivocal about whether Nike sneakers should be machine washed. Only hand washing is permitted; machine washing is strictly prohibited. This restriction stems from the use of natural materials. However, consumers often cannot afford hand cleaning, as it takes a long time. It's easier to toss the shoes in the washing machine, but this should be taken into account, as it can damage expensive sneakers.

Machine processing has the following disadvantages:

• materials wear out quickly;
• the soles of the shoes are damaged;
• the cushioning of sneakers deteriorates;
• pilling appears on the fabric;
• the shoes themselves become deformed.

Important! The manufacturer prohibits washing Nike sneakers in the washing machine.

Remember that machine washing Nike athletic shoes is quite risky. If the upper is made of fabric, it may survive this treatment. However, sneakers made of other materials could be irreparably damaged. Particular attention should be paid to NikeAir Max shoes, as they are made of genuine leather. Machine washing them is strictly prohibited.

Avoid washing old sneakers with visible defects. For example, if a stitching has come apart or the foam is exposed, this will only worsen their condition. Also, tumble washing is harmful to sneakers with decorative elements (patches, beads, etc.), even on a delicate cycle.

Each pair of shoes comes with care instructions. You'll also receive a care sheet with detailed cleaning instructions. Strictly following these instructions will allow you to wear your Nike sneakers for a long time without worrying about their condition. Let's take a closer look at the care instructions for athletic shoes and the manufacturer's suggested care instructions.

How are we going to wash Nike?

If you decide to take the plunge and wash your Nike sneakers in the washing machine, proceed with extreme caution. There are several important steps to consider. These primarily relate to preparing your shoes for cleaning and choosing a wash cycle. Before placing your sneakers in the washing machine, follow these steps:

• carefully remove any remaining dirt from the sole; it is convenient to use a toothbrush or toothpick for this;
• remove the insoles, as they can only be washed by hand;
• take out the laces, they can also be put in the washing machine, but in a separate case;
• Choose your laundry detergent carefully; it is best to use gels or capsules.

When washing white sneakers, you should use bleach to preserve the color.

Using laundry detergent is not recommended because the temperature must be low, and dry detergent dissolves poorly under such conditions. This will not produce the desired results; granule particles will remain in the fabric, causing stains and streaks. Liquid detergents, on the other hand, are easily removed from the sneaker material.

How do you wash Nike athletic shoes? Remove the insoles and laces, and place the sneakers in a special bag. You can wash no more than two pairs in the machine at a time. Be sure to add some heavy clothing to the drum. This could be, for example, an old pair of jeans.

The washing cycle deserves special mention; it's essential to select the most appropriate one. You can set a delicate wash cycle, a hand wash cycle, or a cycle specifically designed for athletic shoes. The washing temperature for colored sneakers should not exceed 30°C (86°F), and for light-colored sneakers, 40°C (104°F). The spin cycle should be turned off or set to the lowest setting.

Check the wash cycle settings again and run the washing machine. Make sure the cycle time doesn't exceed 40 minutes. After cleaning, remove the sneakers and dry them. We'll explain how to properly dry athletic shoes below.

Wet treatment without washing

Of course, it's best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and avoid machine washing your sneakers. This especially applies to leather NikeAir shoes, which are designed for wet cleaning only, meaning only the outside of the shoe. Follow these steps:

• Remove the insoles and laces from the sneakers and wash them separately if necessary;
• remove visible dirt with a damp cloth or rag;
• Place a light-colored cloth inside the shoe so that water does not get under the insole;
• pour water at a temperature no higher than 40 degrees into a special container;
• add liquid laundry detergent;
• wet the brush in the resulting solution and gently clean the surface of the shoes;
• After removing all dirt, rinse these areas with clean water;
• Remove the cloth inserted inside and dry the shoes.

If your sneakers are very dirty, using a small brush, such as a toothbrush, is effective. You can use it on both the sole and the upper. Just be careful not to apply too much force, as this can damage the material.

The solution can be made from any detergent. Special gels for washing athletic shoes are ideal. However, if you don't have any, you can use regular laundry soap, a solution of washing powder, or dishwashing liquid.

If your sneakers have stubborn stains, such as grass or blood, use a melamine sponge. These can be purchased at a hardware store and are quite affordable—around $0.50. To use, cut a small piece of the sponge, wet it with water, and apply it to the stain.

Why use a laundry net?

Regardless of the selected washing mode, a special bag is required. It's a mesh bag that closes tightly with a drawstring or zipper. This device accomplishes several tasks at once:

• shoes do not rub against the surface of the drum, which reduces wear;
• sneakers do not unbalance the washing machine because they do not move freely in it;
• decorative elements will not fly off;
• there will be no pilling on the shoe fabric.

This bag costs about $1 and can be used as often as needed. You can buy it at a hardware store or supermarket. If you don't have time to find one, you can use an old pillowcase, making sure it's tightly closed.

Drying shoes

Nike sneakers require not only a gentle wash cycle and low water temperatures, but also strict drying instructions. Otherwise, they may become misshapen and lose their appearance. To prevent this, follow these guidelines:

• drying is carried out only at room temperature;
• Do not place wet sneakers in cold or hot conditions;
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight;
• You can't put sneakers close to the radiator;
• do not use a hair dryer or the drying function of the washing machine;
• the tongues of the sneakers should be raised;
• You don't need to insert the insoles and laces until they are completely dry.

Important: Nike sneakers should only be dried naturally.

Sometimes it's recommended to stuff your sneakers with clean white paper after washing. After the sheets get wet, replace them with dry ones. Repeat this process until the sneakers are completely dry. Never use newspapers for this purpose, as the paint may leave marks.

How to improve the result?

Genuine Nike sneakers are high quality, but they also require special care. If you follow all the recommendations above, you won't have any unpleasant surprises. You should also pay attention to the following:

• When washing, do not use fabric softener, as it can damage the fabric;
• If you add essential oil to the washing solution, you can easily get rid of the unpleasant smell (preferably fir or mint);
• After washing and drying, you can treat your sneakers with a water-repellent agent;
• You can't hang shoes by their laces on a rope;
• Rinse the item especially thoroughly to ensure that no detergent remains inside;
• You must not wring or twist the sneakers.

Also, please note that shoes make loud noises during any wash cycle due to the slamming of the machine drum. If you follow all the washing instructions for Nike sneakers, stains will be removed effectively. This will also help you avoid any unpleasant after-effects.

   

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