Choosing and using a sneaker washing bag

Machine-washing shoes, including sneakers, has its own unique challenges. After all, not only are the sneakers subjected to extreme stress, but the machine drum also experiences certain strains.

To reduce the risk of unsuccessful washing of such shoes, it's essential to use a sneaker washing bag. Choosing one isn't difficult, and we'll share recommendations on which bag to buy and how to use it correctly.

Recommendations for selection

Choosing a laundry bag for your sneakers should be done carefully, otherwise, it could become useless and you won't notice any results. When purchasing a laundry bag, pay attention to the following:

• The material used should be sufficiently dense and permeable to water; a bag made of thin fabric may tear after just a few washes. If the bag is made of mesh, the holes should not be too large to prevent small parts from falling off the shoe and being released into the washing machine drum.
• Be sure to check the quality of the seams; they should be strong and reliable, and there should be no protruding threads;
• The presence of reinforcing ribs is also important; this is what distinguishes a shoe washing bag from a simple carrying bag. Foam inserts should be present around the entire perimeter of the bag; these protect the sneakers from impacts with the walls of the washing machine drum.
  

  Important! For this reason, don't use a pillowcase instead of a laundry bag in your washing machine, as it won't protect your sneakers or the drum from the shock of the spinning cycle. Be sure to keep this in mind when making your own laundry bag.

• Don't confuse a shoe washing bag in a washing machine with laundry bag for delicate items, the difference is the same – in the shock-absorbing inserts.

Bags overview

Laundry accessories like sneaker bags aren't very popular. Therefore, they're only available at major household cleaning stores, where you buy laundry detergents, gels, and other laundry and home care products. Even if such a bag is not available in stores in your city, you can easily order it online. These bags are mostly made in China, but you can find other brands as well. Here are some examples of the most popular products:

1. The Metaltex mesh shoe bag is a zippered mesh bag made of white PVC. This bag measures 32 x 42 cm and is made in Italy. The average price is $8.
   
2. Rayen Shoe Net – This shoe net bag for washing shoes in a washing machine is also made of PVC and has a zipper, but it's made in Spain. The bag measures 34 x 16 x 19 cm. The average price is $9.50.
   
3. EVA shoe washing bag – this bag is not much different from the previous ones, but it also features a spacious design and inserts for safe washing. The bag measures 39 x 23 x 17 cm. It's made in Russia, so the average price is $2.50.
   
4. The Java shoe washing bag is another Russian-made bag made of mesh material. It measures 42 x 22 x 14 cm.
   
5. A mesh shoe bag with round, impact-resistant inserts, made in China. The bag is square, made of mesh, and closes with a zipper. Average price: $3.
   

Be sure to read the instructions before use!

Instructions for use

Using a shoe washing bag in a washing machine is very simple. Simply place your shoes in the bag, close the zipper, insert the bag into the drum, add detergent, and select a short cycle with no spin and a water temperature of no more than 30°C.⁰S. But it's not that simple. Each of the above steps has its own nuances that are worth remembering, as neglecting them will shorten the lifespan of both the sneakers and the machine.

• First, before putting your sneakers in the bag, you need to clean the soles of any dirt, or better yet, wash them.
• Secondly, before washing shoes in a new bag for the first time, check it for color fading. Bags aren't always white; if they're colored, lather them with soap and rinse them under water. If the water is clear, you can safely wash white sneakers in the bag. Otherwise, color stains may remain on white shoes.
• Thirdly, No more than two pairs of shoes, placed in different bags, can be placed in the washing machine drum per wash.
• Fourth, it's best to use gels for washing, as they dissolve faster and leave marks on shoes. Moreover, you should wash on a short cycle to avoid damaging the shoes.
  

  Please note! Only wash athletic shoes from reputable manufacturers in the washing machine; Chinese-made sneakers generally cannot withstand this type of washing.

• Fifth, laces and insoles should be removed and washed separately, preferably by hand, as this will help them wash better.

After washing, remove the sneakers from the bag and dry them. Drying them in a bag is not recommended, as it will take longer. It's best to hang them upside down to dry, allowing the water to drain more quickly. Then, turn them upside down.The shoe bag for washing in the washing machine also needs to be dried thoroughly.

So, a machine-washable sneaker bag or net is a very useful household item. It's especially handy for those who don't like the hassle of hand-washing their shoes. And if you take good care of your shoes, you won't skimp on a bag, especially since it's less expensive than a pair of good sneakers from a well-known brand.

   

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