How to wash sneakers?
One of the most popular types of sports shoes today are sneakers. These models are used not only for training in the gym, but also as an addition to the everyday urban look. In any case, after a long wear of sneakers, each person faces such a task as washing the product. In order not to harm the material, while cleansing it well, you need to learn about some of the features of cleaning.
Features
For a start it is worth saying that it is quite difficult to clean sneakers as it is done with shoes or shoes. The reason is simple: most sports shoes are made from soft materials. It is known that fabrics absorb dirt rather quickly. If sneakers are used exclusively for sports, then there is such a problem as the appearance of an unpleasant smell of sweat.
Only washing with the use of special household products will help to eliminate it.
What is not washable?
Before you start a more detailed conversation about the process of cleaning shoes, it is worth saying that not all shoes are washable. Most often, this applies to cheap and low-quality models that immediately lose their original appearance and properties upon contact with water. Such shoes dry for a long time, besides, it can deform even in the process of cleaning.
Also It is not recommended to wash the sneakers from the skin. This is due to the fact that the material is compressed, and after washing the sneakers will be completely unsuitable for further use. You should not clean shoes with torn soles, otherwise, sneakers will fall apart during washing. With regard to processing in the machine, then falling out of the material can damage the technique.
How to wash?
There are two main ways to return to the former sneakers at home:
- The first method is manual processing. Basically, this method is used when working with sensitive materials that may be damaged during machining. For cleaning shoes using tools designed exclusively for hand washing.
- The second type is machine washable. It takes much less time compared to the previous method, but it is worth remembering a few important rules for machine processing.
Equally important is the correct care of shoes. To no further problems with washing brush the sole of dirt thoroughly. A soft cloth can be used to remove stains from the surface. It is recommended to clean the shoes from dust with a special brush.
Do not forget that even with regular care, sneakers will still need general laundry sooner or later.
Training
Before you start washing the sneakers, you need to do their preparation. To do this, you must first purchase a brush designed for the material from which sports models are made. Thus, you can clean shoes with high quality without damaging the soft fabric. Before you start washing you need to remove the laces from the sneakers. Remove the insoles, then rinse the soles under running water to remove dirt. For cleaning heavy dirt you can use an old toothbrush.
Be sure to check shoes for defects. As already noted above, sneakers can not be washed (especially in the machine), if there are gaps. Decide in advance on which mode will be most suitable for your shoes. In this case, you should build on the characteristics of the material.
Water temperature
Special attention during the washing of sneakers should be paid to the temperature regime.Basically, this indicator is selected based on the properties of the material of the shoe. Water is recommended for both hand and machine washing. temperature 30-40 degrees. It is suitable even for delicate fabrics. If the water is too hot, it can cause shoes to be put up.
Especially it concerns those cases when not very high-quality synthetic materials are present in the product. At temperatures below 30 degrees, stains (both ingrained and fresh) are poorly removed from sneakers.
Detergents
One of the important steps in the process of washing shoes is the choice of high-quality detergent. Each material needs an individual approach. Basically, ordinary soap and a special sponge are used to clean delicate fabrics. This allows you to quickly and efficiently eliminate contamination without harming the material. For strong stains you can use a soap solution.
For some fabrics, for example, suede, you should select special tools. Modern manufacturers produce a variety of detergent compositions suitable for this type of material. Sneakers made of synthetic materials can be cleaned with soap. A good helper in removing hard-to-reach dirt will be an old toothbrush.
Manually
If you decide to wash your sneakers with your hands, first pour water (temperature - 40 degrees) and liquid detergent. Also, you will need ordinary soap for cleaning. If the products are made of rag materials, it is recommended to soak them in the pelvis for half an hour. The same applies to white sneakers, which are most susceptible to heavy pollution.
After 30 minutes, the dirty water should be drained, after which - to prepare the solution for washing of the above components. Then, using a sponge or brush, you need to remove stains from the shoes. Cleaning must be done outside and inside. After removing all contaminants, the shoes should be rinsed with clean water to remove the foam.
In typewriter
In comparison with the previous method, the machine wash of sneakers will take less time, but it is worth considering a few important points. Many manufacturers claim that it is not possible to launder fabric items in this way, as the material can be damaged. Despite this, many people have long enjoyed washing in the car:
- To begin with, rag items should be carefully inspected for damage. Also check the integrity of the shoes inside. Remove the insoles and laces in advance so that the products are better washed.
- Then prepare sports shoes for further automatic washing. The sole must be thoroughly washed under water, removing sand and small stones. The latter can damage the drum cars.
- Mesh sneakers are recommended to be placed in a special bag for washing. This is due to the fact that the fabric may tear during the cleaning process when it hits the drum. If there is no such bag at hand, a pillow case or towel will help to keep the net intact. These textiles fill the empty space inside the machine, softening the blows.
- After cleaning the shoe from dirt, you can put it in the drum. In the compartment of the machine you need to fill the required amount of powder, and then set the appropriate washing mode. When choosing it, be guided by the material properties of the sneakers.
Special liquid detergents will help relieve fabric models from the inside out of the smell of sweat. Clear white shoes at home is able to vanish. The tool quickly returns the original look and rich color of the material. Wash cloth shoes recommended be careful that the sole is not damaged or deformed during washing, so it will be enough to carry out one spin cycle at low revs. In order to clean shoes without streaks, it is additionally worth rinsing them with clean water after machining.
Before washing, it is recommended to wash the shoes from the inside with soap.This will help relieve sneakers from dirt and the smell of sweat.
Drying
One of the important stages is the drying of sneakers. So that the material does not deform, the shoes must first be filled with paper that will absorb moisture. It is worth noting that the paper is changed several times throughout the drying. Shoes should be put in a warm place, but not on the battery. This is due to the fact that under the influence of high temperature the material is deformed, the fabric becomes less durable and capable of changing the original shape.
How can I clean?
Each material requires a specific approach. For example, nubuck sneakers or velor models cannot be washed either manually or in a car. Materials quickly lose their properties and appearance, and shoes become unusable after the first treatment in water. To remove stains apply soapy solution or soap and water separately. The same point applies to leather sneakers. Shoes can be soaked in a light soap solution.
Please note that only liquid form is used for this.
White sneakers should be washed using special chemicals. To clean them manually, you can use toothpaste. It removes stains from a light surface well, as it has a whitening effect. In addition, after cleaning the saturated white color of sneakers returns. Basketball shoes should be washed only in the car. For such sneakers suitable temperature of 30 degrees. Shoes washed in delicate mode, without spinning and drying (these functions need to be disabled before starting the process).
One of the most difficult tasks is cleaning winter sneakers with fur. Many recommend pouring the soap solution inside the shoe, then rinsing it with clean water.
Please note that this method will be suitable only if you intend to change the sole of the sneakers.
How to remove stains?
To remove stubborn stains is best with brushes and chemicals. Remove the solution from the soap and help. Basically, this tool is used for delicate fabrics that are afraid of exposure to aggressive components. There are many other ways to eliminate pollution in the home. For example, old toothpaste is often used to clean rubberized models. Also, this option is suitable for light sneakers, as mentioned above.
Useful tips
Not only professional household products can be used to remove stains from fabric sneakers. For example, lemon juice can help wash out the yellow stains. The advantages of this tool are absolute naturalness and safety. Do not forget about cleaning fabric shoes inside. With prolonged use, there accumulates a large amount of dirt, there is a smell of sweat. To eliminate these problems will help machine or hand wash.
For more tips on how to wash your sneakers by hand, see the following video.