Posted on September, 21st 2022

As soon as kids put sneakers on their feet, they attract dirt. That is why many parents do not anticipate using them as hand-me-downs. But, if the proper cleaning technique is used, the possibility exists of being able to do just that. And then the life of the tennis shoe can be extended for a few more wearings all because parents properly cleaned their kids' sneakers so they are in good shape for the next child.

While it may seem straightforward to clean sneakers, there is a bit of an art to it. Between knowing how different materials react to the cleaning technique, whether they shrink, and how to dry them, if a step is done improperly, there is the chance that sneakers will be ruined. But, if properly cleaned not only will sneakers look better for it, they will not be any worse for the wear.

Washing Machine Clean

Before washing sneakers in the washing machine, the tags should be checked to ensure that the material can stand being in any of the cycles. The materials that generally fare just fine in the washer, according to Whirlpool are canvas, nylon, cotton, and polyester.

Now it is time to wash the shoes! And according to the publication, the steps to follow include:

• Take shoelaces out of shoes and place them in a garment bag
• Wash insoles by hand if removable
• Use a toothbrush to remove dirt and grime from the sides and bottoms of shoes
• Place shoes in the garment bag
• Place white towels or old towels that no longer bleed into the washer
• Use liquid detergent in the load
• Put shoes on the delicate cycle to wash
• Let shoes air dry when done
• Once the shoes are dried, put the insoles and shoestrings back in. And voilà! Clean sneakers in great condition.

Hand-Washing Kids' Sneakers

For those shoes that will not fare as well in the washing machine, handwashing can help to clean sneakers as well. This can work for most shoe types but be sure to read the label to confirm.

According to Nike, when handwashing shoes, they need to have something put inside the shoes so that they keep their shape. Recommended is newspaper. But anything to that end that will accomplish the goal will work as well.

Per the publication, to handwash sneakers, the process includes:

• Removing loose dirt with a dry brush or toothbrush
• Make a solution of laundry detergent or dish soap and warm water
• Remove laces and wash separately
• Use cloth or toothbrush to apply the solution, making sure not to brush too hard
• Let shoes air dry
• If insoles smell, they can be removed and washed by hand as well. They need to be completely dry before putting them back into the shoes.

When shoes and laces are dry, replace laces. Then shoes are ready to be worn again.

Cleaning Sneakers With Baking Soda

For those white tennis shoes that just will not get clean, a bit of baking soda and water will do the trick to make them sparkle!

According to Arm & Hammer, white sneakers can easily return to their original brilliance with just a bit of baking soda and vinegar.

To make this happen, per the publication, the steps to follow include:

• Mix one tablespoon of hot water, vinegar, and baking soda in a bowl until a paste is formed
• Remove laces
• Use a toothbrush to scrub the paste onto the shoes
• Soak laces in the solution
• Place shoes in the sun for three to four hours
• When dry, "clap" the shoes together to remove the dried solution
• Use a toothbrush to remove any solution that does not come off on its own
• Shoes will be ready to wear and in great condition for any siblings to wear in the future.

Dishwasher Shining Clean

It might seem silly to mention, but sneakers should NOT be put into the dishwasher, according to The Spruce. And yet there are several sources that claim dishwashers will clean sneakers without fail. Who to believe?

The problem with putting sneakers into the dishwasher is that the dishwasher gets too hot and will change the structure of the shoe. Parts of the shoe can also melt, according to the publication. And as a result, sneakers are unusable.

Therefore, leave the dishwasher to dishes and find other means to wash those stinky sneakers.

Source: Moms.com