How to Clean Dirty Cross Country Shoes
For many runners, cross country shoes are a special purchase. It makes sense that special care should be taken. Properly cleaning shoes can help cross country runners get the most out of their running shoes. Well-cleaned shoes can also reduce the likelihood of developing athlete's foot and other fungus- and bacteria-related infections caused by sweaty running shoes.
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Instructions
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Prepare shoes for detailed cleaning by removing surface dirt. A rigorous tapping of the soles of your cross country shoes will remove any crusted mud, dirt or pebbles that may have lodged themselves at the bottom. Use a stick to dislodge particularly stubborn dirt and pebbles from crevices.
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Remove and machine wash the sockliner, insoles and shoe laces. These are typically the only parts of cross country shoes that can be machine washed and dried. Do not machine was any other part of your shoes, as it can cause damage. Bleach may be used if laces and liners are white or light colored.
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Brush the outside of your cross country shoes with a large rough brush and water. A cloth or sponge may also be used for lightly soiled shoes, as well as a mild detergent or soap. If you don't have access to an outdoor water hose, brushing shoes in your sink or bathtub makes clean up easier.
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Scrub the inside, mesh and grooves of your shoes with a toothbrush and mild detergent or baking soda. Interiors of well-used cross country shoes can get really smelly. Using mild detergent or baking soda on the inside of your shoes can kill some of the bacteria.
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Air-dry shoes in a warm, sunny area. The faster the shoes dry, the less likely they will develop mildew. Do not place your shoes in a dryer. Milan running states that air drying shoes is always best, as it "allows shoes to dry without being damaged and without shrinking."
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References
- Photo Credit 2 runners image by redrex from Fotolia.com
