Simple and Effective Methods to Clean Tennis Shoes at Home
Tennis shoes are part of my regular wear, especially for hitting the gym. However, the sweaty mornings make them look shabby quickly.
I’ve tried various methods to keep them looking new, such as throwing them in the washing machine, scrubbing them, and even painting them once, but nothing worked as I hoped.
After much research and experimentation, I finally learned how to clean tennis shoes quickly and effectively.
I wash my shoes every two weeks in summer and every three weeks in winter. I spot-clean them whenever they are needed.
In this guide, I will share the method I use to clean my tennis shoes to keep them free from dirt, debris, and smell.
Tips for washing tennis shoes
The first thing you need to do before cleaning the shoes is to check all the labels on the inside of the boots, wherever they might be located, and make sure it does not say hand wash only.
If it says to wash only hands, don’t use the washing machine to clean the shoes. If you still have questions, check the manufacturer’s website for cleaning instructions.
Required Material:
1. Soft Bristle Brush
2. Dish soap or liquid laundry detergent
3. An old toothbrush
4. Soft cloth
5. Paper towel
How to Wash Tennis Shoes at Home Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare the shoes:
1. Remove the lace and insole and wash them separately
2. Take a soft bristle brush and brush off the shoes to remove the excess dust and dirt.
3. With the help of a toothbrush, remove the dirt and dust from the shoe welt.
4. Avoid soaking orthotics or arch support insoles in water for more than a few minutes to keep the layers from separating.
Method-1
Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide:
1. Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing 1 tbsp of baking soda and 1 ½ tbsp of hydrogen peroxide. Stir it until it forms a paste.
2. With the help of a toothbrush, Scrub the pate on the shoes in a circular motion and cover everything.
3. Now, put the shoes in sunlight for 1 to 2 hours, which will help brighten the boots.
5. Take a soft bristle brush and scruff the remaining paste.
Method-2
Hand Wash with dish Soap or Liquid Laundry Detergent:
1. Fill a bucket with room-temperature water and add a few drops of dish soap or laundry detergent.
2. Soak the shoes in the bucket for about five minutes, then gently scrub the outside with a soft brush. Go over the sidewalls and soles.
3. Once you finish cleaning, rinse the shoes in clean water and squeeze out the excess water.
4. Now, stuff the shoes with a paper towel to absorb the water and maintain its shape. And finally, place it in a well-ventilated area to air dry completely.
Tip: Avoid putting the shoes in direct sunlight to dry as it can discolour and damage the shoe’s glue.
Conclusion:
I use liquid laundry detergent to wash my shoes. How do you clean your tennis shoes, and what is your favourite method? Let me know in the comment section.
FAQs
Different types of materials are used for the construction of shoes. Boots made using canvas, nylon, polyester, and fabrics should be fine to throw in the washing machine.
If the shoes are made of leather, suede, rubber, or vinyl, avoid washing them in the washing machine.
The best way to wash your tennis shoes is to hand wash them by using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
The cleaning of your shoes depends on the frequency of the use. I used to clean my shoes every two to three weeks, but sometimes, I clean them sooner if they are visibly dirty.
Stuff the shoes with a paper towel or newspaper, place them for air drying or put them in front of the fan.
