How To Clean Sneakers in a Washing Machine

New spotless sneakers

Keeping sneakers looking as clean as the day they were bought is not difficult and takes little effort. You can resurrect sneakers that have been badly neglected. You should clean sneakers in the washing machine regularly, even when they look clean.

Things You'll Need

• Washable sneakers washing machine tooth brush (optional) liquid mild detergent (optional) laundry detergent towels

Instructions

Washing sneakers regularly keeps them looking new

1. Check your sneakers for visible scuff marks or dried-on dirt. Any soil marks should be scrubbed off using a toothbrush and a mild liquid detergent. Check the back, sides and soles of each sneaker.

2. Load your washing machine with towels. Loosen the shoe laces but do not remove them. Put the sneakers into the washing machine, nestling them within the towels to keep them from banging against the washer.

3. 

   Add your usual detergent and set the water temperature to cold. Use the regular timer setting for towels. Close the washing machine door and wash.

4. Pull the sneakers out of the wash to dry. Shape and form them with your hands, and if needed, stuff the toes with clean tissue paper. This will help retain the shape of the sneakers.

5. Take the sneakers outdoors to air dry in the sun. They should never be placed in the dryer.

Tips & Warnings

• Make it a habit to clean your sneakers each time you have a load of towels or sheets to wash. Wash your sneakers on a sunny day to be assured of being able to air dry them.

• Machine drying sneakers will shrink and shrivel them.