Washing white sneakers in a washing machine

White sneakers have become very popular lately. They pair well with many wardrobe items and look incredibly stylish. However, the lighter the shoe, the dirtier it gets and the harder it is to clean, let alone white sneakers. Constantly washing shoes by hand is a Herculean task, so it's logical to ask whether it's possible to machine wash white sneakers.

Is the machine allowed?

Although washing sneakers in a washing machine is not recommended, there is no strict prohibition. Sneakers manufacturers sometimes even openly allow machine washing of their products. The only condition is a delicate mode. Some washing machines have a special shoe program, perfect for washing sneakers. If you don't have one, a simple gentle cycle will do.

The complete instructions for washing sneakers look quite simple.

• Wash away any clumps and thick layers of dirt by hand, paying special attention to the soles.
• Place the shoes in a laundry bag and place it in the washing machine drum.
• Add the desired product to the dispenser compartment.
• Set the temperature to 30-40 degrees Celsius. Cold water may not clean your shoes, while very hot water may cause them to become misshapen.
• Turn off the spin and dryer, if available.
• Run the program.
• Immediately after finishing, take out the shoes and dry them thoroughly.

If you don't have a special laundry bag, you can use a simple cotton pillowcase without patterns or prints, preferably white or any other color that won't fade. Place your sneakers in it, and tie the loose end or fasten it with a zipper, if you have one.

Machine washing is done at your own risk, as there is a risk that the sneakers will turn yellow completely or become covered with yellowish spots.

It's a good idea to add a softening agent, such as terry towels, to the drum along with your sneakers. They won't take up much space but will reduce the strain on the machine's components. The same goes for detergent; it's better to use liquid detergents instead of powdered ones.

Should you put your sneakers in a bag?

As mentioned above, a bag or pillowcase is highly recommended when washing shoes. This protects the washing machine from damage and improves cleaning results. A separate bag is required for each pair of sneakers.

Laundry bags are distinguished by their sealed edges, which prevent shoes from hitting the drum during washing. The manufacturer specifies the bag dimensions on the packaging, so it's important to pay attention to this, especially if the shoes are large.

We take care of it in the traditional way

You can wash your shoes yourself using water and laundry detergent. In addition to detergent, you'll need a basin large enough to accommodate your shoes and a soft brush.

Important! Any gel detergent for white clothing is suitable for washing fabric shoes.

• Prepare your shoes
• Pour lukewarm water into a basin (about 40 degrees).
• Dilute washing gel in it.
• Dip the shoes into the resulting solution.
• Take a brush and carefully clean the outer surface of the sneakers first, and then the inner one.

After this, all you have to do is rinse the item in clean water and then dry it naturally.

Removing moisture from sneakers

Drying sneakers with a hairdryer or near heating devices is strictly prohibited, as it can cause them to lose their shape. It's best to air dry them.

To speed up the drying process, place white paper, napkins, cotton wool, or paper towels (not newspaper) inside the shoes to absorb excess moisture.

Fighting yellow stains

Removing dirt from sneakers isn't the hardest part. Often, after prolonged wear, yellow stains appear on shoes that don't disappear even after washing. How do you remove them? The described method will cope with the task perfectly if the sneakers are leather. Take hydrogen peroxide (or freshly squeezed lemon juice), table vinegar, washing powder, a container for preparing the mixture, a toothbrush, a rag and some water.

Take 2 tablespoons of the powder and mix it with equal parts vinegar and hydrogen peroxide or juice in a container to form a paste. Apply it to problem areas with a toothbrush, then remove with a cloth. This method is not suitable for sneakers with mesh uppers!

   

Readers' comments