However, you might not know the best way to clean them. But don’t worry – that’s where we come in!
In this handy guide, we’ll teach you how to wash your running shoes, both by hand and in a washing machine.
So read on, and learn all there is to know about washing your running shoes!
How To Hand Wash Your Running Shoes?
The best way to wash your running shoes is by hand. This is quick and easy to do, and will leave your shoes looking great.
Here’s how to hand wash your running shoes:
Step 1) Remove The Laces And Insoles
Start out by removing the laces and insoles from your running shoes.
These need to be washed separately – your insoles can become damaged if they get waterlogged (especially if they are memory foam), while laces simply get in the way.
Step 2) Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
Now it’s time to get your cleaning solution ready.
This is simple to do, and you don’t need any harsh chemicals to clean running shoes; in fact, these can easily damage your shoes.
Fill a bucket or large bowl with warm water and some mild detergent, only using a small amount.
Step 3) Wipe Away Major Dirt And Debris
Next, use an old rag or paper towel to clean away any excess mud and dirt.
Don’t use any of the soapy water for this – just use a dry cloth to get rid of the worst of the dirt.
This will make washing your running shoes easier and will prevent the water from spreading the dirt around.
Take extra care when cleaning the soles as this is where most of the dirt will be.
You might need to use an old toothbrush or some toothpicks to get debris out of hard-to-reach spots on the soles.
Step 4) Clean The Outsoles
Now it’s time to clean your running shoes properly.
These are the lower parts of your shoes (aka. the soles and the rubber parts that run around the midsole and toe cap of the shoe).
Using a sponge or a soft brush, dip it in the soapy water and gently scrub at the lower parts of your shoes to remove the dirt.
Step 5) Cleaning The Uppers
From here, you need to clean the uppers (the top half of your running shoes that cover your feet).
Use a sponge or rag dipped in the cleaning solution to gently wipe the material, cleaning away the mud and dirt from your shoes.
Don’t submerge the shoe as this can damage it.
Once you’ve finished washing your shoes, leave them to air dry in a cool, dry place.
Washing Your Running Shoes In A Washing Machine
You can also machine wash most running shoes, although it’s important for you to check that your shoes are machine-safe before doing so as soaking some shoes in water can damage their fabric and adhesives.
You also need to follow some important steps while washing to make sure that your running shoes stay in their best condition.
The first thing you need to do is remove the laces and insoles from your running shoes, the same as if you were hand washing them.
You can still wash the laces in your washing machine, but you’ll need to put them in a mesh garment bag to prevent them from getting caught in the machine drum.
You’ll have to wash the insoles by hand, however, as these can get damaged in the machine.
To do this, you can simply use a damp sponge or rag and some soap to wipe down the insoles before drying them off with a towel or a dry sponge.
Then, sprinkle some baking soda on top to deodorize them and soak up any remaining moisture, leave it overnight, and brush off the baking soda when the insoles are dry.
Step 2) Clean Any Excess Dirt By Hand
Before putting the shoes in the machine, you should remove any excess dirt and mud.
Use a soft brush or old rag to clean up any visible dirt from your shoes, paying extra attention to the soles.
You can also use toothpicks or an old toothbrush to get hard-to-reach dirt out from grooves in the soles or other tricky areas.
Step 3) Put Your Running Shoes In The Washing Machine
Now that you’ve gotten rid of the worst of the dirt, you can pop your shoes in the washing machine.
Put them in a mesh garment bag to keep them from bouncing around in the drum – this can damage your machine as well as your shoes.
It’s also a good idea to put some old towels in with your shoes to balance out the weight in the machine and to provide some padding against the drum.
Using old towels is better than newer ones, as new towels might bleed dye out into your shoes.
Step 4) Run The Machine
Stick your washing machine onto a delicate, cold water cycle.
Hot water can damage the shoes (especially the adhesives) and cause them to become discolored, warped, or even fall apart.
It’s also important to put it on a delicate spin to keep your shoes from getting damaged in the drum.
Use a gentle liquid detergent to clean your shoes; powder detergent can get stuck in the crevices of your shoes and not dissolve, leaving clumps of detergent on your shoes.
Step 5) Drying Your Shoes
When the washing cycle has finished, all you need to do now is let your shoes dry.
Take the shoes and laces out of their garment bags and leave them to air dry in a cool, sunny area. Hang your laces up so they get the most air possible.
You can stuff paper towels or a dry rag in your shoes to soak up excess moisture and speed up the drying process; this also helps the shoes keep their shape while they’re drying so they don’t get warped.
When everything’s completely dry, re-lace the shoes and insert the insoles – now you’re ready to go!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – now you know how to clean your dirty running shoes by hand and in a washing machine!
All you have to do now is follow this handy guide and your shoes will look as good as new in no time!
Hi, I’m Richard Harris and I have been running for almost 20 years now. Since a young teenager with a little baby fat still clinging on for dear life, I have been obsessed with this simple form of cardio.
Not only have I enjoyed running every single day for two decades, but I have also been fascinated by the countless marathons and races offered around the USA. I love watching these races, and I’ve even participated in some of them too!
