What program should I use to wash sneakers in an LG washing machine?

Not every pair of sneakers can withstand a machine wash (or any other) without problems. Shoes with numerous appliqués, adhesive marks on the soles, etc., risk falling apart, losing their appearance, or becoming permeable to water. Therefore, sneakers should only be washed if the manufacturer allows it. Is there a special cycle for washing sneakers in an LG washing machine?

Washing parameters and modes

It's important to remember that even the highest-quality and most durable sneakers won't withstand a delicate wash. Therefore, if you decide to "clean" your shoes, carefully monitor the washing parameters. For example, the temperature shouldn't exceed 40 degrees (preferably 30 degrees Celsius), and the spin cycle should be turned off. Also, if possible, don't set the wash time to more than half an hour. Prolonged swishing will only damage the adhesives.

Since LG machines don't have a dedicated mode for washing athletic shoes, users are left with the "Quick 30" program. It's ideal for almost all purposes, except for one: it doesn't have a spin function. However, there's a way to slightly modify the program and tailor it to your needs.

• Turn on the washing machine.
• Press the Fast 30 mode button.
• Press the "Spin" button and select "No spin".
• Start the wash.

Accordingly, the spin time in the "Quick 30" program is reduced, and the total wash time without spinning is now 25 minutes instead of 30. This is more than enough time to restore your sneakers to their perfect condition.

Prepare your shoes thoroughly before washing.

Preparing your shoes for washing is just as important as the washing itself. If you neglect certain recommendations, your sneakers can be irreparably damaged after cleaning, even if the machine settings were set correctly. First of all, remember that it is not advisable to wash sneakers with protruding foam rubber, as well as with reflectors.In the first case, the foam will mercilessly peel off during the process and clog the filter or pump, while in the second, the parts will simply peel off, leaving unsightly bare spots with adhesive residue.

Now remove the laces from the sneakers and simply place them in the drum along with the shoes. This will ensure they'll wash better. The insoles should also be removed. You can clean them either in the washing machine along with the sneakers and laces, or by hand.

• Wet the insoles thoroughly with room temperature water.
• Sprinkle the surface with dry laundry detergent.
• Scrub with a shoe brush or a stiff sponge.
• Clean the insoles until they are perfectly clean. This will take no more than 10 minutes.
• Now you can hang or lay them out to dry.

It's also essential to thoroughly clean the soles of your shoes. Dirt, sand, and small stones—all of these things, if they get into the drum, will inevitably damage the filter, pump, and other components of the washing machine, so it's best not to take any chances.

You can scrape off the initial layer of dirt and stones with a sharp knitting needle or similar object. Finer stains can be removed in a minute with a strong stream of water. This will perfectly prepare your sneakers for the next wash.

Experts also recommend washing sneakers in a special bag. You can buy one at any hardware or home goods store. If finding a bag in your city is difficult, no problem. Add a few towels, rags, rugs, etc., to the drum along with the sneakers. This is necessary to prevent the sneakers from hitting the drum walls during washing (and shoes are quite heavy) and from damaging the bumpers or other internal components of the washing machine. And, oddly enough, the gentler the wash, the better the sneakers are cleaned.

Important! You can only wash sneakers in the washing machine once, or at most two pairs (if they're children's or small women's). Otherwise, the shoes could easily break the glass door, causing two problems: flooding and replacing the door, or even the entire machine.

Never use the automatic drying function, even if it has one. Shoes that are not dried properly will lose their original appearance, become misshapen, and be damaged. Dry them naturally! Specifically, keep them away from artificial heat and light sources, as well as direct sunlight. To maintain their original shape, many users recommend stuffing their shoes with newspaper or cardboard inserts.

   

Readers' comments