How to Wash & Dry Tennis Shoes

Don't throw out your tennis shoes just because they are dirty.

Your tennis shoes experience a lot of wear and tear. You walk in your shoes every day and expose them to dirt, mud and a variety of other substances that cause them to get dirty. If your tennis shoes are dirty, there is no need to run out and buy a new pair. Spruce up your tennis shoes by giving them a thorough cleaning. It is important to wash and dry tennis shoes properly, whether they are canvas or leather, so they do not become damaged or distorted.

Things You'll Need

• Scrub brush
• Large bucket
• ¼ cup mild laundry soap
• Old toothbrush
• Newspaper

Instructions

1. Brush the shoes with a dry scrub brush to remove loose dirt and mud. Bang the soles together a couple of times to loosen stuck-on dirt and mud. Make sure to scrub the soles with the dry scrub brush.

2. Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add ¼ cup mild laundry soap and use your hands to mix the soap and water. Make sure the bucket is big enough to hold your shoes.

3. Remove the shoelaces from your tennis shoes. Dip an old toothbrush into the soapy water and thoroughly scrub any dirty areas of the shoes, rinsing out the toothbrush in the soapy water often. Don't forget to scrub all along the soles and the bottom of the tennis shoes.

4. Place the tennis shoes and shoelaces into the soapy water. Let them soak for one hour.

5. Stuff the inside of the shoes with balled up newspaper to help them keep their shape while drying. The newspaper also will absorb the moisture. Sit the tennis shoes in the sun to dry.

References

• Made Man: How to Wash Tennis Shoes
• Planet Green: How to Clean Tennis Shoes
• Cleaning Tips: Washing Your Sneakers and Tennis Shoes