Comments on How to Wash Sneakers

We own a rental condo, and we found mud covered work sneakers in the dishwasher. It was full of sand, grit and pebbles which would cover the dishes on each attempt to run it. Sand is heavier than food particles, so it does not pump out of the dishwasher. As a result, you have to spend hours cleaning it out if you have the technical skills to take the unit apart. Otherwise you might as well throw the dishwasher away! I think a new pair of sneakers would be the cheaper way to go!

We own a rental condo, and we found mud covered work sneakers in the dishwasher. It was full of sand, grit and pebbles which would cover the dishes on each attempt to run it. Sand is heavier than food particles, so it does not pump out of the dishwasher. As a result, you have to spend hours cleaning it out if you have the technical skills to take the unit apart. Otherwise you might as well throw the dishwasher away! I think a new pair of sneakers would be the cheaper way to go!

I usually use a fabric pre-treatment, like Shout, in a cold wash setting, the sneakers have come out very clean.

I usually use a fabric pre-treatment, like Shout, in a cold wash setting, the sneakers have come out very clean.

Believe it or not, but the motor and condenser under your fridge act as a dehumidifier, so if you lay your shoes on their side in front of the bottom vent it will dry them quickly.

I've found that using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on my white athletic or casual shoes is an effective and easy way to keep them clean.

I put a pair of white sneakers in the washing machine once and it ruined them. They were all scratched up and ugly. I suggest using soap, a toothbrush (one that you don't use anymore) and water.

If you happen to have a dehumidifier (maybe in your basement or garage) place the sneakers in front or on top of the dehumidifier and it should cut the drying time in half.

I wash my sneakers in the washing machine using the cold water setting on a delicate cycle. First, I remove the laces and wash them separately in a mesh bag with a load of towels. To wash the sneakers, I use a high water level and wash them by themselves. The more items in the machine, the more they will be agitated and the more damage that will be done to them. Then I set them in front of a fan overnight. By morning I have clean dry pair of tennis shoes.

Make a thick paste of Ajax and water and use a brush (along with a cloth) to clean the white rubber soles.

Windex works wonders on white running shoes. Just spray it on a rag and rub onto the shoe.

I found that using ammonia (if you can stand the smell) is the best way to clean white athletic shoes.

Lean the shoes against a vertical surface with the toes pointing upward. The water will run down to the open part where it can evaporate quicker.

After hand washing, place the wet sneakers in your washing machine with the shoe's tongue pulled out and the opening of the sneaker facing away from the center agitator post. Set your machine to spin and start the machine. This will spin most of the water out of the sneakers! I then place them in a dry spot to air dry the rest of the way. You won't believe how this speeds up drying.

The dishwasher is a great way to clean your sneakers. Take them out before the end cycle.

I've noticed with my white shoes that Mr. Clean Magic Erasers work quite well if you need to clean them up in a hurry.

Lean the shoes against a vertical surface with the toes pointing upward. The water will run down to the open part where it can evaporate quicker.

Make a thick paste of Ajax and water and use a brush (along with a cloth) to clean the white rubber soles.