How to properly wash and dry sneakers.

High-quality sneakers not only can, but also need to be washed. Of course, in order not to spoil your favorite shoes, you have to follow certain rules.

How to wash sneakers in the washing machine

In the washing machine, it is better to wash sneakers in special mesh bags or in an old pillowcase. Choose a special mode for sports shoes, if you have one, or hand or delicate wash at a temperature not exceeding 30 degrees. This way the sneakers will not deform and lose color. Don't forget to turn off the spin and tumble dry option.

Before putting your sneakers in the car, be sure to wash the soles and remove any small pebbles that might be stuck in the treads. Otherwise, the washing machine may be damaged.

Another very important rule: do not forget to remove the sensors from your sneakers, if any, before washing.

To ensure that your sneakers hit the drum as little as possible, place a few towels or old clothes with them. This will protect your shoes from unnecessary damage, and you won’t have to listen to the knocking.

Don't add too much detergent, no matter how dirty your sneakers are. Excess powder may not come off and may leave stains. This is especially noticeable on white sneakers .

How to wash sneakers by hand

If the shoes are new and quite expensive and you are afraid of ruining them, your option is to wash them by hand. This is done in warm soapy water with a soft brush. Remove the insoles and laces and wash them separately.

Study the information on the label. It should indicate what fabric your sneakers are made of and whether they are washable.

It is not recommended to wash leather and suede sneakers. To clean them from dirt, use an old toothbrush, a damp cloth, or special cleaning products that are sold in shoe stores.

How to disinfect shoes

To disinfect sneakers, add a few drops of essential oil of pine, fir, tea tree, eucalyptus, thyme, juniper or sage to the water when washing. All of the oils listed have antibacterial properties. Well, they will make your sneakers smell nicer.

How to dry your sneakers

Sneakers can become deformed in the dryer. And due to high temperatures, the glue that holds the sole in place can melt, so you can’t dry your shoes on a radiator or next to a heater.

Ideally, you should leave your sneakers outdoors, but you don't always have time for this. To quickly dry your sneakers, use several proven methods. Just remember to take out the insoles first: they dry separately.

1. Fan

Take an ordinary fan with a mesh, make two small hooks from available materials (wire or large paper clips will do) and hang the sneakers on the mesh using these hooks. Dry for 1-2 hours on medium to high speed.

If you simply place wet sneakers in front of a fan, they will take longer to dry.

2. Air conditioning

Place your sneakers under the air conditioner so that the blown air hits them. This will also help the shoes dry faster.

3. Vacuum cleaner

It won't dry you out completely, but it will help draw out moisture from the inside. Place the shoes in a bucket, basin or other convenient container, remove the nozzle, insert the pipe into the shoe and turn on the vacuum cleaner. Dry each sneaker for 15–20 minutes.

4. Hairdryer

You need to be careful with the hairdryer. You should not dry it with hot air: this may melt the fabric inside. It is better to choose a cold mode and dry your shoes by placing them on the floor. Never leave a hair dryer inside your sneakers.

5. Newspaper

No one has canceled the good old method with a newspaper, but this will be the longest option. Take some newspapers, crumple them and stuff them into your sneakers . After an hour, check the paper: if it is completely wet, replace it with dry paper.

6. Silica gel

It works the same way as newspapers: it absorbs moisture. Simply place bags of silica gel beads into wet sneakers and leave for a couple of hours. Then don’t forget to dry the balls on the battery to reuse.

If you are in doubt about any of the methods, try it on old shoes first. And tell us in the comments how you wash and dry your sneakers.