Washing Adidas sneakers in a washing machine

Not everyone is afraid to wash Adidas sneakers in the washing machine, fearing they could ruin their expensive shoes. But if your sneakers are heavily soiled and external cleaning isn't helping, your gaze inevitably turns to the washing machine. Fortunately, it's possible to predict how your athletic shoes will react to the spinning drum. You just need to know which Adidas sneakers are safe to put in the washing machine, and which models are strictly prohibited.

What sneakers should not be put in the washing machine?

Before planning your laundry, it's worth considering what shoes can be machine-washed. While putting leather boots in the drum isn't a good idea, small, lightweight sneakers are an acceptable and seemingly safe option. However, it's important to consider the quality of the item, not its size.

These sneakers will definitely not survive machine washing:

• having a rubber or foam sole (when washed, the factory glue will be washed away and the tread will fall off);
• made from genuine, artificial leather or leatherette (leather products have no place in the drum, although some consumers claim the opposite);

Leather and suede shoes cannot be washed in a washing machine – these materials do not tolerate being soaked in water!

• low-quality models (owners of original Adidas can take a chance, but fakes with cheap material and glue are best avoided in the machine);
• with reflective elements (they are weakly attached and come off when the drum rotates);
• with external and internal damage (untwisting will only make the problem worse);
• with foam rubber sticking out (there are two dangers here: the shoes will be torn more, and the machine will become clogged with pieces of stuffing);
• with abundant decoration, spikes, rhinestones, stripes (the decorations may fly off or be damaged by traces of rust);
• with suede inserts (suede products do not tolerate moisture, so it is better not to risk it).

Whole fabric sneakers without visible damage and rubber soles can be washed in a washing machine. The main thing is to do this as carefully and competently as possible: prepare the boots, set the appropriate settings, and dry the product according to the rules. We'll tell you below how the whole process works at home.

Preparing sneakers for cleaning

You can't just throw your Adidas sneakers in the washer and start the cycle. First, you need to prepare the shoes. This involves the following steps:

• wipe off the top layer of dust with a damp cloth;
• clean the sole tread from stuck dirt and stones (a knitting needle or an old toothbrush will help with this);
• if there are stubborn stains, it is necessary to treat the contaminated areas with a stain remover or soak them in a soapy solution;
• remove the insoles and wash them by hand;
• pull out the laces (they can be thrown into the drum along with the shoes);
• unhook all detachable elements (Velcro, key rings).

Before loading Adidas into the washing machine, clean it of dirt and remove any insoles, laces, or detachable parts.

That's not all. Shoes are washed in limited quantities—no more than two pairs per cycle. It is recommended to put a few rags or jeans in the drum along with the sneakers as a “counterweight”.

Why a special bag?

It's recommended to place the sneakers themselves in a special protective bag. This mesh bag will prevent the shoes from "traveling" around the drum and rubbing against its walls. This will protect both the sneakers and the washing machine, preventing imbalance, clogged drains, and damage to the washing machine's interior.

You can buy a laundry bag at a hardware store for $2–$5.

If you don't have a mesh bag, you can use an old pillowcase instead. Just make sure to close the improvised "bag" so the shoes don't come out when you shake them.

Which algorithm is suitable?

Once the drum is loaded, you can select the appropriate mode. It's not recommended to guess, as too much spinning or excessively hot water will damage your Adidas, potentially fatally. It's best to play it safe and check the cleaning conditions before pressing the "Start" button.

1. Select the “Delicate” or “Manual” program.
2. Turn off automatic drying.
3. We check that the set temperature does not exceed 40 degrees (ideally 20).
4. Reduce the spin to a minimum, or better yet, turn it off.
5. We set a double rinse to wash out all the detergent.
6. Add detergent to the powder dispenser (it is better to choose liquid powders or gel capsules, and for white sneakers - bleach).
7. Let's start the cycle.

You can't wash Adidas sneakers in hot water—they will fade and come apart!

It's important to strictly adhere to the recommended dosage when adding detergent. Exceeding the recommended dosage will result in excessive foaming, preventing some of the active ingredients from being washed out of the fabric. This will cause granules remaining in the fibers to be released, leaving stains and streaks.

Removing moisture from shoes

Adidas sneakers need to be not only washed properly, but also driedIf you rush drying or, conversely, delay the process, the shoes may become deformed or moldy.Fortunately, no special technology is required – just choose one of the following options.

1. Balcony. During warmer months, place the sneakers outside, protected from direct sunlight.
2. Shoe drying. Follow the instructions, and in 3-4 hours, your shoes will be dry and disinfected.
3. Electrical appliances. Placing sneakers directly on a radiator is not recommended, but drying them 20 cm away from a heater or oven is permitted. Simply stuff the shoes with white paper or napkins to prevent them from warping. Avoid using newspapers, as the ink will quickly transfer to the fabric.

Another option is to insert silica gel beads. In any case, it's best to let the boots dry halfway and then leave them to dry at room temperature.

What to do next?

If your sneakers have metal inserts, be sure to wipe them dry after washing to prevent rust. Apply shoe polish to leather parts. Laces should be reinserted after they're completely dry.

Ideally, after cleaning, treat your sneakers with a water-repellent treatment. This will ensure they last a long time.

   

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