Shoe manufacturers will often warn you against washing your runners in the machine. We know why, if you don’t get it right you might damage your shoes. But with the right technique you can keep your runners looking clean and lasting longer. Not to mention it’s easy. So let's dive in…
Machine Washing
If your shoes don’t have any handmade details and aren’t made from a delicate material like leather or suede, you can actually pop them in the washing machine. Here’s how…
Step 1: Check the washing instructions on your shoes. Then make sure to check the fabric composition and recommendations. If everything looks okay then we’re good to go.
Note: if your shoes contain any type of leather skip to Cleaning Suede or Leather Shoes.
Step 2: Clean the outside of your shoes with an old toothbrush or a rag to get off any excess dirt.
Step 3: Take off the laces and pull out the inner-sole. You can soak these if you would like, or you can just put them into a delicate bag and into the wash - this will make sure that they don’t get caught in the machine.
Step 4: Machine wash your shoes. When washing, use a delicate detergent and use a lower dosage than typically recommended. We recommend using 3 pumps of our [Wool and Delicate Wash]. Make sure your temperature is set to cold, and run a delicate or handwash cycle.
Important tip: pop something else, like a towel, in the wash with your shoes. This way the shoes don’t bounce around and cause damage to your machine or themselves. You can also put them in something else like a pillowcase, which will further minimise damage but won’t wash them quite as well.
Step 5: Dry in a well ventilated space inside your house. Make sure to keep your shoes out of direct sunlight as it will damage the soles.
Handwashing
If you’ve still feeling some ‘what-if-I-ruin-them’ anxiety you can also play it really safe and hand wash your runners.
Step 1: Start by wiping away dirt, grass and mud with a soft brush (like an old toothbrush).
Step 2: Remove your laces and insoles (if washable) and place them inside a delicate bag. Then stick it inside a washing machine on a cold delicate cycle. Optimally, we recommend using a delicate detergent like our [Wool and Delicate Wash]. This will clean both laces and insoles while eliminating odours.
Step 3: Dilute your detergent and use it to scrub away stains and wash the shoes using an old toothbrush to apply the mixture.
Step 4: Rinse with a warm washcloth, removing soap, suds and any remaining grime.
Step 5: Air-dry in a well ventilated room.
Important note: never dry your shoes outside. This is because the sun wears and warps the outer sole, and can lead to yellow staining.
Cleaning Suede or Leather Shoes.
Step 1: Start by wiping away dirt, grass and mud with a soft suede brush.
Step 2: If they’re not made from suede or leather, remove any laces and insoles (if washable) and place them inside a delicate bag. Then stick it inside a washing machine on a cold delicate cycle. Optimally, we recommend using a delicate detergent like our [Wool and Delicate Wash]. This will clean both laces and insoles while eliminating odours.
Step 3: If your shoes are leather you can wipe them down with a *very lightly* damp cloth.
If they’re suede don’t touch them with water. Instead use a suede brush or eraser to buff out any marks.
Note: if your shoes are suede this could be a good time to spray them with a suede-specific water protectant, if you use one. For leather shoes you could also apply a leather conditioner once they’ve dried, to restore the natural oils.
Step 4: leave any laces and insoles to dry out in a well ventilated room away from sunlight.
And there you have it, three surefire ways to keep your runners clean and fresh.
How often should you do this?
That’s totally up to you.
Shoe experts would typically recommend giving them a brush after every use but who has the time for that? We think when they look or smell dirty is about the right time.
