How to wash sneakers on a Beko washing machine

The beauty of automatic washing machines is that they can clean not only clothes but also shoes. While not every machine has a dedicated sneaker cycle, this doesn't stop you from cleaning your favorite footwear. The most important thing is to follow safety precautions to avoid accidentally damaging your appliance or sneakers. These precautions include not only removing laces, using a towel, and air drying, but also much more. Let's take a closer look at the process of cleaning sneakers using an automatic machine.

Suitable washing algorithm

Beko washing machines often don't have a dedicated cleaning mode for sneakers or other footwear. Because of this, housewives are forced to use programs with settings suitable for this type of clothing. Experts recommend washing shoes in the “Delicate Wash 30”, “Synthetics”, and “Gentle 30” modes. These gentle cycles with low water temperatures are believed to not only clean shoes perfectly, but also not damage them.

Be sure to turn off the spin cycle if it is included in the program you have chosen to clean your sneakers.

Experts also recommend using special laundry wipes, as they effectively prevent fading. Therefore, if you don't want your shoes to fade, lose their vibrant colors, or develop brightly colored stains during the cleaning process, it's best to add a few special wipes.

Finally, during the pre-wash stage, use a special detergent designed for sportswear and sneakers. This gel dissolves extremely quickly in water and won't leave streaks on shoes or other items.

Will the machine ruin sneakers?

Shoes always get very dirty very quickly because, unlike clothing, they come into direct contact with dirt, dust, and various debris. This is especially true for the sneakers we wear for running and exercising—they're incredibly difficult to keep clean afterward. That's why it's much easier to wash them in a Beko washing machine for the best results and to save time.

It's crucial that your favorite pair of shoes are machine-washable, which you can confirm by checking the label on the shoes or the instructions on the box. If you don't have a box and the label is long gone, simply look at the ingredients to determine whether they're machine-washable and, if so, which cycle to use.

• It is not recommended to wash any clothing made of leather, silk, or satin in a washing machine, so shoes made of these materials should not be machine washed either.
• When shoes are made of synthetic materials, such as those typically used for athletic sneakers and children's shoes, they can be cleaned in a washing machine. This is because nylon, cotton, and polyester can be washed in a washing machine without any problems.
• If shoes are made of PVC or polyurethane, they can be washed in household appliances, provided the precautions indicated on the label are followed. Pay particular attention to the washing cycle temperature and the washing program the manufacturer recommends.

In situations where sneakers cannot be washed in a Beko washing machine, it is permissible to clean it using a special chemical cleaner that removes light stains.

The material of the shoe isn't the only thing worth considering. It's also important to examine the quality of the stitching, as if a thick layer of glue is visible to the naked eye, it will likely dissolve during the washing cycle, ruining the shoe. This doesn't apply to expensive items, which are made with a special waterproof adhesive that doesn't dissolve during the washing machine.

Even if the manufacturer's label states that sneakers should only be washed by hand, you can still try to clean them in the washing machine at your own risk. This is because modern Beko washing machines feature gentle programs that are gentle on clothing and shoes. Therefore, you can rest assured that your favorite items will be protected if you select a gentle cycle without spinning and use the right detergent.

Information from the manufacturer

Never rush to wash shoes, as they're much more easily damaged than clothing. First, read all the information on the label. Pay attention to the recommended temperature, washing program, etc.

Once the label is no longer usable, washing information can be found on the manufacturer's official website. This applies to major companies like Nike, Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, New Balance, and others. Otherwise, if you purchased a product from a less popular brand, you'll have to rely on external factors.

Carefully examine the sneakers, looking for loose threads, glue, and other obvious defects. If the shoes appear fragile or of poor quality, do not use the Beko washing machine for cleaning.

Pre-treatment of sneakers

If you're determined to machine wash your sneakers, you should first thoroughly prepare the item for washing. What should you do?

• Remove the laces from each shoe and then place them side by side.
• Remove any dirt stuck to the soles – this can be easily done using an old toothbrush.
• Remove stubborn stains and old dirt by soaking your shoes in warm water for at least 15 minutes.
• Remove the insoles from your sneakers before washing.

If your insoles smell, you should leave them overnight with regular baking soda, which will effectively eliminate the odor.

• Place a towel on the bottom of the drum so that the sneakers lie on it and do not hit the walls of the drum while the “home helper” is working.

Finally, for best results, place your shoes in special laundry bags to prevent them from getting tangled in the towel. If you don't have one, don't worry—cleaning with a towel will be safe and effective, provided you follow all the instructions.

Drying sneakers

After the Beko washing machine cycle is complete, it's crucial to thoroughly remove moisture from your sneakers. Since spinning isn't an option, you'll need to find a safe way to dry them. In this case, you cannot use a tumble dryer either; only natural drying methods are allowed.

It's important to remember that shoes should not be placed outdoors directly in the sun, or near radiators or other heat sources. They can be placed outdoors, away from direct sunlight, or in a well-ventilated room with very low humidity.

To keep your shoes from losing their shape, you can place regular paper inside. The sheets should be clean and unused, meaning no marks from pens, pencils, paints, or anything else. Therefore, avoid using newspapers or magazines to avoid accidentally damaging the shoe.

   

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