washing sneakers?

Maybe this will show I'm really gross, but I've never washed my sneakers before. The other day I forgot my socks and worked out anyway resulting in very sweaty and slightly bloodstained sneakers.

My (possibly stupid) question is, is it ok to handwash trainers, or can it somehow reduce their comfortableness/flexibility? I guess I'm also not wanting them to lose their newish look.

Mon. Jun 5, 4:19pm

I just throw them in the washing machine, myself.

Monday, June 5, 2006, 4:25 PM

A friend told me it's okay to wash alone in a dishwasher. I've never done it, though.

Monday, June 5, 2006, 4:27 PM

I throw mine in with a load of towels -- and definitely put them in the dryer (so no excuses about not going to the gym because my sneakers are wet!).

Monday, June 5, 2006, 5:50 PM

try ammonia

depending on what the shoes are made of, ammonia works well to remove dirt and grime from shoes. put some in a spray bottle or just use a rag and wipe the shoes. i do this every few months to keep them looking new... but if you want to clean the insides you should try the washing machine route.

Monday, June 5, 2006, 11:08 PM

I put them in the washer/dryer. Also keep in mind you will probably need a new pair of shoes within 3-4 months anyway because the cushioning wears out.

Tuesday, June 6, 2006, 9:03 AM

just stick them in the washer...i dont put mine in the dryer also be careful if your shoes are all white sometimes they can turn a little yellowish if you put them in the washer

Wednesday, June 7, 2006, 12:20 PM

thanks for all the tips folks - greatly appreciated! I reckon I will try handwashing them first - then maybe the washer if that fails. Our washer is top loading so I don't think it will do a great job with them, but will see.

I have noticed that they feel less comfortable than when I first bought them - over a year ago -- but I really can't afford to be buying new sneakers every 4 months for the cushioning (oh, how I wish I could).

Wednesday, June 7, 2006, 1:55 PM

A top-loading washer will work fine for sneakers. If you're worried about them getting chewed up, put them in a cloth bag before you put them in the wash, or a cheesecloth dish bag. But they likely won't get chewed up anyway. What you should do, though, is leave the house when they're in the wash, b/c they're loud!

Wednesday, June 7, 2006, 3:19 PM

Try the washer on gentle with a few towels. Use a little oxyclean if you are concerned about them turning yellow and you want to do a number on the stains. I wouldn't do the dryer myself.

But please, if they are breaking down get a new pair! You only get one pair of feet, and believe me, having been someone who was poor and tried to walk too much with worn shoes, you can damage your feet and then you will really pay, in pain and money. I'm very sorry I was penny wise and pound foolish. Be good to your feet.

Thursday, June 8, 2006, 3:28 AM

broken-down shoes, plantar fasciitis, don't go there!

If they're a year old and breaking down, those sneakers have got to go!

It's not so much the cushioning that is important, but the stiffness. If you notice that you can bend the sole right over and you couldn't before, you're not getting good support -- and you're likely to get plantar fasciiitis. Which you really really really don't want. Ask me how I know this.

Thursday, June 8, 2006, 7:28 PM

DO NOT USE THE DISHWASHER TO WASH SNEAKERS OR SHOES!

DO NOT USE THE DISHWASHER!!! - We own a rental condo, and we found mud covered work sneakers in the dishwasher. It was full of sand, grit and pebbles which would cover the dishes on each attempt to run it. Sand is heavier than food particles, so it does not pump out of the dishwasher. As a result, you have to spend hours cleaning it out if you have the technical skills to take the unit apart. Otherwise you might as well throw the dishwasher away! I think a new pair of sneakers would be the cheaper way to go!

Link

Thursday, July 19, 2007, 5:31 PM

Definatly get new sneakers!! I am very cheap and hate buying new runnig shoes, but now I am paying for dr.'s appts and therapy on my knee...Must cheaper to get new shoes! Not worth the outcome.

Thursday, July 19, 2007, 8:47 PM

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