Rules and tips on how to wash white sneakers and maintain their original appearance

White sneakers are a trend in recent seasons. These shoes are very popular when playing sports and as an everyday option.

In order for sports shoes to maintain their appearance, you need to know the rules and features of washing sneakers.

In this article we will tell you how to wash white sneakers by hand and in an automatic washing machine so that they are snow-white and without yellow streaks.

Is it possible in an automatic washing machine, on what mode?

This washing method is the simplest and most convenient. If the washing machine settings include a separate mode for washing shoes, then it is recommended to use it. If it is not available, choose a delicate one.

Procedure:

1. Wash off dirt from sports shoes, paying attention to the soles.

2. 
   Place shoes in a washing bag and place in the drum.

3. Pour the detergent into the container provided for this purpose.
4. Set the temperature to no less than +30ºС and no more than +40ºС.
5. Disable spin.
6. Do not use dryer.
7. Start the washing machine.
8. After washing, take out the shoes.
9. Dry your sneakers.

When there is no special bag, you can use a non-fading light cotton pillowcase without prints or decor. Sneakers are placed in it, and the open edge is tightly tied or sewn up.

You need to add a couple of terry towels to the drum itself . For washing, it is preferable to use a detergent in liquid form.

These precautions are necessary to reduce the load on working parts and prevent breakdowns.

Features of washing in an automatic machine

If shoes can be washed automatically, then they need to be properly prepared. To do this, you must follow the following recommendations:

1. 
   Inspect the pair carefully. If foam rubber, threads stick out from it, and there are also poorly stitched parts, then intensive washing should be abandoned.

2. Unlace the shoes, remove the insoles and liners. These elements are processed separately.
3. Clean shoes from debris, sand, leaves, gravel, and dried dirt. Small pebbles stuck in the sole can be removed using a knitting needle or a dry brush.

Once the shoes are prepared, you can start washing.

Step-by-step algorithm of actions:

• place the pair in the drum;
• add liquid detergent to the compartment;
• start the washing program, after it is completed, remove the shoes and dry them.

It is not recommended to wash more than 2 pairs of shoes in one cycle.

You can use anything to protect the drum, such as an old towel or tracksuit. The clothes will act as a counterweight, so the washing machine will not get damaged.

On what program (mode)?

When choosing the optimal washing mode, you need to focus on the brand of the machine. There are models that are equipped with a program called “sports shoes” .

If it is not separately highlighted in the menu, it is recommended to process shoes in a delicate mode. It can also be designated as “gentle”.

It's not difficult to set up the machine yourself. To do this, remove the spin function, or set the speed to 400-500 per minute.

At what degrees should I wash? The temperature should not exceed 40 degrees . With these parameters, washing time will be reduced to a minimum.

Washing sneakers in various washing machines

Depending on the brand of washing machine, the washing mode for sports shoes will differ. All features are presented in the table:

At what temperature?

The optimal washing temperature is 30 degrees Celsius . As a rule, it is this that is set automatically if a specialized program has been selected. In such conditions, the sneakers will not come apart.

Membrane shoes are washed at temperatures less than 30 degrees. Even the most durable sneakers cannot be washed at temperatures above 40 degrees.

Which powder is best to use?

For washing sports shoes, it is best to use liquid detergents . These can be gels or concentrates.

It is important that they do not contain aggressive components, such as chlorine or acids.

To wash colored shoes, you need to purchase products suitable for caring for dyed items . Failure to follow this recommendation may result in damage to the shoes.

No less important is the mode in which the detergent is activated.
It should work in cool water (up to 30 degrees Celsius). It is recommended to avoid washing powder, as it contains multi-colored inclusions .
They dissolve poorly in water at low temperatures. As a result, unsightly stains may appear on your sneakers. The best option for washing sneakers are gel capsules. They are placed directly into the drum. It is not recommended to add various conditioners. It is unknown how shoes will react to these substances.

It is strictly forbidden to pour liquid soap, shampoo, or dishwashing detergent into the washing machine compartment. These substances contain a large amount of surfactants, so they will foam a lot. Using them will cause the equipment to fail.

With and without spin

All modern washing machine models have a function for adjusting the spin speed. The number of revolutions can be set manually.

Only fabric sneakers can be spin washed. It is important that there are no visible defects or broken seams. The optimal number of revolutions is 500 per minute .

If you leave this value at 600 or higher, you can seriously damage the shoes and the drum itself. In some cases, the sole even comes off. When you can’t set the spin speed, you just need to disable this function.

Using a special bag

To make washing as safe as possible, you need to place your shoes in a special mesh bag. It is secured with a zipper or with laces. Sneakers or sneakers, while in the bag, will not be subject to excessive wear.

This device allows you to protect the drum, since shoes will not knock on it , and therefore will not be able to damage its internal structure.

Laundry bags are inexpensive, about 300 rubles. You can use them for several years. These products are reusable. Some of them are additionally reinforced with shock-absorbing foam inserts.

This article will tell you how to wash sneakers in a shoe bag.

Manual removal of dirt

You can wash your sneakers by hand using water and washing gel. The following items will be needed:

• a basin of such a size that sneakers fit into it;
• washing gel.

For cleaning, you can use products designed for washing white laundry.

Cleaning procedure:

1. 
   Prepare your shoes.

2. Pour non-cold water into the basin (temperature about +40°C).
3. Dilute washing gel in water.
4. Dip your sneakers in water.
5. Wash shoes using a brush on the outside.
6. Clean the inside of the shoes with a brush.
7. Rinse your sneakers.
8. Dry.

Let's say no to laundry!

Shoes that should not be washed in a washing machine:

• cheap, low-quality sneakers;
• leather goods - the leather may shrink and the sneakers will become unusable;
• shoes whose soles are torn can completely fall apart after washing in the machine, and the “filling” of sneakers that falls out after washing can damage the machine;
• shoes with reflective stickers - decorations may fall off after washing in an automatic washing machine.

Do you need a bag?

The shoe washing bag is designed for high-quality washing of sneakers and protecting the washing machine from damage. If you need to wash 2 pairs of sneakers at a time, then you need to purchase 2 of these bags.

Their significant difference from conventional ones is special seals around the perimeter. They prevent sneakers from dangling loosely in the drum and soften the impact of shoes on the drum during the washing process.

The dimensions of such bags are always indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. This information can be very important if the sneakers are too large.

Reebok

Reebok has been around since 1895. Joseph William Foster, the company's founder, was the first to create spike-soled shoes designed for playing football. Since 2006, Reebok has been a subsidiary of Adidas.

Reebok has always allocated incredible amounts of money for advertising campaigns, which often involved football stars and famous athletes. The company's fame cannot be questioned, as can the popularity of sneakers under the Reebok brand. An interesting fact occurred in 2011, when the company was forced to pay $25 million to consumers as compensation for the fact that the product characteristics stated in the advertisement of the Easy Tone and Run Tone sneakers were not true.

Still, the quality of Reebok sneakers deserves respect . One pair will last for many years with proper care.

If you follow the rules for washing sneakers in the washing machine, then every time you wash a pair of Reebok sneakers, they will look like new.

Proper drying

To prevent shoes from becoming deformed, they should be dried properly . The inside of each sneaker should be filled with white paper that absorbs moisture well.

A prerequisite is to use only white paper, which will not stain the inside of the sneakers.

It is better to dry sports shoes outdoors . If it is not possible to organize this, then the sneakers are dried indoors, away from heating devices and open fire. As the paper inside the shoe becomes moist, it is changed periodically.

How to dry it properly?

Dry your sneakers naturally. Most products do not tolerate contact with direct sunlight.

Shoes should not be heated by placing them on a heating radiator or near a gas stove.

You can speed up drying by taking the sports pair out into the fresh air or into a room with low humidity.

To give the sneakers the correct shape, they can be stuffed with paper. Read more about drying shoes after washing here.

How to make them snow-white?

If soiling is severe, simple washing may not be effective. Proven recipes suitable for white sports shoes can help.

Toothpaste

For this you will need:

• old toothbrush;
• white toothpaste;
• water;
• rags.

Such cleaning can be carried out only in those areas where there are no decorative elements.

Procedure:

1. Squeeze a little toothpaste onto your brush.
2. Gently rub the paste into areas that need cleaning.
3. Wash off any remaining paste with a wet cloth.
4. Dry.

Removing yellow spots and stains from the surface

If there are yellow spots on the white surface, they should be treated separately. This method is good for cleaning leather sneakers, but it is unacceptable if there is a mesh.

For cleaning you will need:

• 
  hydrogen peroxide (or freshly squeezed lemon juice);

• table vinegar;
• regular washing powder;
• container for mixing components;
• Toothbrush;
• rag;
• water.

Preparation of the cleaning mixture:

1. Pour 2 tbsp into a container. washing powder.
2. Add equal amounts of vinegar and lemon juice to make a paste.

The well-mixed ingredients are rubbed into the stains with a brush. Wash off any remaining product from the surface of the shoe with a rag.

Soda

For white leather white sneakers, a baking soda based recipe will work. To implement it you will need:

• soda;
• vinegar;
• liquid soap;
• toothpaste.

Procedure:

1. Take all ingredients in approximately the same ratio.
2. Mix.
3. Clean the top of the sneakers with a brush.
4. Complete the process with normal washing and rinsing.
5. Dry your shoes.

Use of household chemicals

To whiten difficult stains on white sneakers, oxygen bleaches in powder form, for example, Vanish, can be used.

The dry component is diluted with water to a paste. A rag is moistened in the resulting composition and the stained area is treated. After cleaning is completed, the powder is washed off with water.

Radical whitening

If stains cannot be removed using any of the methods, you can use paint . This method is a good choice for sneakers made of genuine leather, but cannot be applied to leatherette and textiles.

To paint white shoes successfully, you must strictly follow the instructions on the paint.

This video will show you how to clean white sneakers:

Cleaning the sole

Most white sneakers have a sole that is the same color as the upper. It accounts for even more pollution. The task of cleaning is complicated by the relief and porosity of the material. Simple recipes will help you restore your appearance.

Acetone with vinegar

To prepare the cleaning solution you will need the following components:

• acetone;
• vinegar.

Measure out both liquids in equal quantities and mix. The napkin should be moistened in the prepared solution and wipe the sole, paying more attention to heavily soiled areas. After treatment, rinse the sole.

Lemon acid

Dilute a tablespoon of citric acid in ½ glass of water . Wet a napkin in the prepared solution and treat the sole. After this, rinse the remaining product with water.

Oxygen bleach

For treatment, you can choose one of the oxygen-containing bleaches intended for washing clothes.

Operating procedure:

1. The selected product is diluted in water in accordance with the instructions.
2. So much prepared solution is poured into the basin so that when you place the sneakers in it, only the sole is in the water.
3. Leave for a couple of hours.
4. Clean the sole with a brush.
5. Rinse with clean water.

Potato starch with milk

A product that requires the following components will help
clean stubborn stains on white natural leather sneakers

• milk;
• starch.

Both components are mixed in equal volume. Apply the mixture to the shoes with a brush. After cleaning, the sneakers are rinsed and dried.

How and with what to whiten the white sole of sneakers, video recipes:

Suede and light

Noble suede in white looks very attractive. But keeping such a pair clean is more difficult than a leather pair.

Dirt, dust and moisture are the enemies of white suede. If you happen to get caught in the rain while wearing such shoes, then you need to dry the sneakers thoroughly before cleaning them. To do this, the inside is stuffed with white paper.

Methods for cleaning white suede sneakers:

1. 
   Use a special brush for suede to clean the surface. This will not only lift the pile, but also remove dirt.

2. You can use a special cleaning foam for suede. It must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, which are indicated on the spray body.
3. Individual stains can be removed by rubbing the surface with a regular eraser.
4. As a last resort, it can be treated with a soap solution to which a little ammonia has been added (1 tsp per liter of water).

When dealing with a white suede pair, you should avoid over-wetting the material and deforming the pile.

How to protect your shoes and car?

To protect both the washing machine and sneakers, you need to use a special bag when washing. This is a thin rectangular mesh that closes with a drawstring or zipper. Shoes are placed in it, and due to this:

• the friction force of sneakers on the drum is reduced;
• the likelihood of an imbalance is reduced, since the pair is together and does not disturb the balancing of the drum during spinning;
• Direct contact between metal and fabric, decor, and stripes is excluded - the latter do not deteriorate or are affected by pellets.

A universal bag of the appropriate size will do. Its cost varies from 100-500 rubles, and its shelf life is unlimited. You can purchase the mesh in almost any store. There is also a “homemade” alternative - an old pillowcase.

Sneaker dry cleaning

You can maintain your shoes in a well-groomed condition yourself, or by turning to dry cleaning services. Special sneaker dry cleaners can be found in many large cities.

Often, for the convenience of customers, such establishments offer courier delivery services. You can search for shoe dry cleaners on the Internet by searching for “sneaker dry cleaner.”

Such enterprises provide a whole range of services:

• cleaning;
• disinfection;
• deodorization;
• restoration, etc.

In addition to sneakers, you can also take other shoes to a sneaker dry cleaner.

Depending on the list of services provided, the price is determined. Standard cleaning will cost from 1,500 rubles . If additional painting of all sneakers or individual elements, gluing, replacement of laces is required, then the amount will be higher.

Recommendations from experts

The following recommendations will help you wash your white sports shoes better

1. If there are black stripes or stains on the leather upper, you can remove them using an eraser.
2. When starting any type of washing, you need to prepare your sneakers - clean them from dirt, remove the laces and insoles.
3. Colored laces should not be washed with white shoes as they may stain them.
4. It is recommended to wear gloves when manually cleaning shoes, especially in cases where recipes include citric acid and vinegar.
5. When washing sneakers, don’t forget to clean the laces and insoles. They can be easily washed by hand using soap.
6. Textile sneakers and sneakers cannot be washed in hot water, as the material may shrink.
7. Do not use cleaning products containing chlorine.
8. When washing sneakers, it is better not to use fabric softener, as it can cause stains.

For white sneakers with colored elements and inserts, it is advisable to use only hand washing, which allows you to keep the process under control.

Is it washable?

Sneakers can and should be washed. Even with the most careful wear, after some time they will lose their attractive appearance. Proper cleaning will refresh your shoes, renew their color and extend their service life.

Sports pairs made from such materials as:

• leather;
• suede leather;
• velours;
• nubuck.

You cannot wash sneakers that consist of several types of fabrics at once, for example, genuine leather, rubber and foam polymers. It is dangerous to load shoes with minor defects into the machine.

Before you place your shoes in the drum, you should read the information on the inside label. Also, the rules for caring for sports shoes can be presented on the box.

Most often, manufacturers place information in signs . If the product cannot be washed in a machine, then the label will show a crossed out square with a circle inside.

You should not wash sneakers that have many additional parts. These can be fur inserts, appliques, sequins, rhinestones. Adhesive-based shoes do not tolerate contact with water. With active rinsing, it simply falls apart.