How to wash Nike sneakers in a washing machine and by hand: can they be wet, features of cleaning Nike Air Max, how to properly dry after washing?

Nike and Nike Air Max sneakers are comfortable and practical shoes that are used not only for sports, but also in everyday life. However, even if you use it carefully, it will inevitably get dirty.

Since the original models are highly expensive, you need to approach the issue of washing them especially carefully, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

We will tell you in this article whether and how to wash Nike sneakers in an automatic washing machine.

Is it possible?

Nike sneakers can be made from both textiles and natural materials. Nike Air Max shoes are made only from genuine leather.

The manufacturer is categorically against washing in a washing machine. This applies to all original models.

However, there are exceptions to any rule, since sometimes it is not possible to refuse automatic washing.
You can put fabric Nike sneakers in the washing machine. However, under no circumstances should the following pairs be washed in it:

Nike Air Max models. They are made from genuine leather, which cannot be machine washed.
Products that have defects in the form of unraveling seams, oozing foam rubber, etc. Once in the drum of the washing machine, they will deteriorate completely.
Sneakers with many stripes, reflective tapes and other decorative elements.

Hand wash is a priority on all Nike styles. The manufacturer allows the use of weak cleaning solutions to treat the soles and uppers of sneakers.

Disadvantages of machine washing:

severe wear of the material,
drying out of the sole,
reduction in shock-absorbing properties,
premature appearance of villi,
loss of sneaker shape.

Which sneakers can't be washed?

Some companies warn that their products cannot be washed.

Therefore, if you have Adidas, Nike, Hibok or Puma sneakers, then carefully study the label.

Let's find out which products should not be put into the machine drum:

Cheap models are often of poor quality. For example, the sole may be glued.
Products made from genuine leather react negatively to cleaning products.
Damaged shoes may tear even more after drumming.
You can’t throw decorated sneakers into the car either. This applies to rhinestones, reflectors, lights and stones. Such items may not only fall out, but also clog the equipment.

Pay special attention to products made of suede or nubuck. They must be stitched. Remember that canvas sneakers may fade. Therefore, they should be sorted by color.

Rules for washing Nike sports shoes in an automatic washing machine

If you decide to machine wash your Nike sneakers, you need to do it correctly.

To begin, you should prepare your shoes:

Thoroughly clean the sole tread, remove small stones and other contaminants from it.
Remove insoles if possible. It is recommended to wash them by hand.
Unlace your shoes. The laces can be loaded into the drum along with the sneakers, but in a separate bag.

Then you need to decide on the type of detergent. It is recommended to use gel or gel capsules. If the shoes are white, then you can add a little bleach to the machine. It should be gentle and not contain chlorine.

It is not prohibited to use powder for washing sneakers, but cleaning efficiency may be reduced. It contains granules that do not dissolve well in cool water and are also difficult to rinse out in a short period of time.

It is important to choose the right washing mode. The best option is the “sports shoes” program. If it is not there, then set the delicate or gentle wash mode.

The following settings are manually adjusted:

washing temperature: 30 degrees for colored and 40 degrees for white sneakers;
spin mode is turned off;
Washing duration is 30-40 minutes.

Stages of washing sneakers in an automatic machine:

Place shoes in the drum of the washing machine. You should not wash more than 2 pairs at a time.
Along with them, some unnecessary light fabric is loaded, for example, an old pillowcase. It will act as a counterweight and protect the shoes and the washing machine itself from damage.
Set the appropriate washing mode.
Remove shoes from the drum and dry in fresh air.

Nike sneakers cannot be wrung out. They should dry naturally.

Features of washing depending on the material

Before washing the sneakers in the washing machine, we must first check the symbols visible on the label. Only thanks to the manufacturer's recommendations can we choose the right cleaning method and prevent damage.

It is worth knowing that not all sports and textile shoes can be washed in an automatic machine, since this process is associated with certain risks.

Leather and leatherette

Unfortunately, leather shoes cannot be washed in a washing machine, regardless of whether they are covered with natural or artificial leather. With prolonged contact with water, the skin may begin to peel off or unsightly wrinkles may form.

The best way to clean such shoes is to follow these simple recommendations:

Leather sneakers require special care

Cleaning should be done in warm or even cool water - hot water can deform the material.
After you have washed your leather shoes, be sure to dry them - with a dry rag, napkin or a special rubberized brush.
If the material is heavily soiled, try to remove it with the following solution – water + ammonia ( ratio 5:1 ). Do not allow your sneakers to become thoroughly wet as a result of this cleaning.
Finally, don’t forget to dry them with a napkin.

Suede

Suede is a natural leather that does not tolerate contact with water, especially when completely immersed in water. Washing suede shoes in the washing machine will likely cause the material to warp and discolor.

If there is an urgent need to refresh such sneakers in the washing machine, they should be placed in a special mesh bag. So that the material does not wear off quickly, but resort to this type of cleaning last.

Nubuck

A material that is similar to suede, that is, leather framed, but polished to produce a suede-like texture. The external difference between nubuck and suede is really small.

If you haven't already purchased a brush specifically for this skin type, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove dry dirt and dust.

To clean nubuck, use classic school rubber, which also effectively removes dirt that has accumulated on the surface of the material during the day.

Note! If your nubuck pair gets wet, let it dry completely before cleaning. Crumpled newspapers inserted inside absorb moisture well. Never dry nubuck shoes under a radiator or in the sun!

Textile

It would be more correct to call sneakers made from this material sneakers. They are light, inexpensive, and your feet don’t get tired or sore in them. The textile surface holds up well to various prints and designs. However, there are two drawbacks: they are only suitable for warm weather and do not protect your feet from moisture at all.

Fabric sneakers are not afraid to flounder for 15-30 minutes in the washing machine. Even if the sneakers have thin leather stripes.

On a note! Sneakers can be machine washed with care - as long as there is no damage to the fabric and the sole is sewn to the outer surface rather than glued to it. The main thing is that the products do not fade.

Before putting them in the washing machine, thoroughly soap your fabric sneakers and turn on the gentle wash program. Add towels or a couple of old clothes to the drum.

Net

The easiest and most effective way to clean mesh models is by machine washing. However, the steps must be performed correctly so as not to damage the shoes.

Here's a quick guide to keeping your favorite sneakers looking great:

Clean dry any sand or dried dirt. It is best to shake them on the balcony and lightly brush the soles. Thanks to this, we protect not only shoes, but also the washing machine.
Remove the laces and wash them by hand. If their condition leaves much to be desired even after washing, replace them with new ones. It's low cost and the effect can be amazing!
Place your sneakers in a laundry net.
Place in the washing machine. Wash at 30 degrees or, if possible, turn on the cold water function.
Use a good washing powder or detergent to get rid of dirt.
It is important not to spin or set the washing machine to the minimum speed. Thanks to this, we reduce the likelihood of possible damage to the sneakers.

Warning! Shoes are not placed in an empty drum, but filled with other things that can be washed at low temperatures. This ensures shock absorption

When washed in these conditions, the mesh sneakers will be clean and will not be damaged. Increasing the wash temperature or spin speed may cause shrinkage or warping.

Sneakers with membrane

If your fall or winter running shoes or boots have a Gore-Tex membrane, any oil or silicone products may reduce their breathability.

Use preparations that impregnate shoes, but do not impair their technical properties. Impregnation maintains thermal insulation, protects against dirt, and prevents water absorption, which gives a feeling of comfort in any conditions.

To clean leather shoes with a membrane, just like suede ones, use warm water and a toothbrush. To clean leather in combination with textiles and other materials, it is better to use a sponge.

Led sneakers

LED brand sneakers should be handled with care. Pay special attention to luminous parts. It should be noted right away that backlit sneakers cannot be washed in an automatic machine. These models require more painstaking cleaning.

The main reasons why it is not recommended to wash LED sneakers in a machine:

The design contains microcircuits and other parts that feed the LEDs. In direct contact with water, the backlight may be damaged.
Luminous sneakers have a complex design and sole pattern, so it gets tightly clogged with street dirt, which can disrupt the functioning of the washing machine.
In most cases, this type of shoe is equipped with a connector for recharging from electrical networks. Therefore, it is better to clean LED sneakers manually.
Machine washing may damage the phosphorus coating.

From the above, it is clear that LED sneakers can be cleaned using chemical compounds in the form of dry foam or home remedies.

How to clean by hand?

Instructions for hand washing Nike and Nike Air Max sneakers:

Remove the laces and insoles. They are washed separately.
Wipe off dust from shoes using a soft damp cloth.
Place a light cloth inside each sneaker. This is done to prevent water from getting under the insole and causing damage to the sole.
Pour warm water into a basin and dilute the detergent in it.
Wet the brush in the soapy solution and gently clean the shoes with it.
When the desired result is achieved, the pair is rinsed under running water and the fabric is removed.
Dry your sneakers naturally.

An excellent option for cleaning sneakers is an old toothbrush. Its bristles have the required degree of rigidity.

Using a brush, you can clean not only the sole, but also the top of the product. However, you need to control the friction force so as not to damage the fabric.

As a laundry detergent, you can use laundry soap, washing powder, dishwashing liquid , or clothes washing gel. All of them contain surfactants, so they have high cleaning power.

You can remove grass marks and other stubborn stains from the white sole using a melamine sponge. It is sold in any hardware store at a price of 40-60 rubles.

Melamine sponge is easy to use . Cut a small piece from it, moisten it in water, squeeze it out and rub the contaminated area. During operation, it will decrease in size.

Washing membrane-coated sneakers

The main concerns when washing are related to the risk of damaging the durable water-repellent coating (DWR) and ruining the breathable properties of the membrane. But the presence of technologies such as Gore-Tex or Texapore does not cancel the previous washing rules: such shoes can and should be safely loaded into the drum, but with one condition - use only special detergents for washing membrane-coated items.

What shoe care products should you avoid? Firstly, these are compositions containing fat, oils, wax - they limit the vapor permeability of the material. If you have carelessly damaged the water-repellent properties of the membrane, they can be restored with special products that are sold in shoe and sports stores.

Before using the impregnation, make sure that the shoes are completely clean of other detergents.

How do water-repellent fabric treatments work?

It should be understood that impregnation can give the fabric water-repellent properties, but it will not turn ordinary fabric into a membrane one. A waterproof layer is created on the surface of the fabric, which causes water to collect in drops and be shaken off the surface. Manufacturers of water-repellent impregnations assure that they are not washed off from products even after 3 washes. True, it is necessary to wash not with powder, but with special means, which were mentioned earlier.

Washing powders are membrane destroyers! After a few washes, you will notice that the membrane coating is peeling off from the main fabric, which means your sneakers are no longer able to protect you from moisture and chafing.

Photo: Johner Images/Getty Images

How to restore the breathability of fabric

Over time, the “pores” of the membrane become clogged and it begins to “breathe” worse. The secret is simple: impregnation or any detergent for membrane fabric cleans the surface of the membrane itself - and the breathable properties are restored on their own.

If the sneakers are only superficially dirty, the outer layer of the shoe should be cleaned simply with warm water (not higher than 40º C) using a cloth or brush. Running shoes with a membrane should also be dried only naturally, avoiding heat for reasons already known to us.

Washing bag

A washing bag is used when Nike sneakers are processed in an automatic washing machine. This product is a mesh that is secured with laces or a zipper. Shoes are placed in it before being loaded into the drum.

Thanks to the use of a bag, it is possible to reduce the friction force of sneakers on the inner surface of the elements of the washing machine. This prevents the formation of pills and the tearing off of decorative stripes and stickers.

The cost of the bag is not high, taking into account the fact that its service life is unlimited. You can purchase the product in stores that sell shoes or in online markets for 200-300 rubles. Products supplemented with shock-absorbing inserts will cost more (about 600-900 rubles).

How to wash branded shoes?

Features of caring for branded sneakers are usually indicated in the instructions on the label, but often the printed text is erased with intensive wear. Here are some tips to help you wash branded sports shoes correctly:

Adidas. Sneakers from this manufacturer can be machine washed at 30°. However, if the products are made of nubuck, they can only be hand dry cleaned.
Reebok cannot be machine washed or used with harsh stain removers or bleaches.
New balance, like Reebok, do not support automatic washing, as they contain inserts made of suede, nubuck and leather. Abrasive products are also prohibited. It is best to use dry cleaning with a soft brush.
Nike. Sneakers from this company can be washed on a delicate cycle in an automatic washing machine.
Converse. Converse can easily withstand automatic washing, but before that it is better to clean them with a mixture of 3 tbsp. l. vinegar and 2 tbsp. l. baking soda.
Demix. These sneakers can withstand machine washing at 40° on a delicate cycle. They can also be washed by hand using soapy water and a medium-hard brush.
Vans need to be washed by hand, as automatic washing causes pilling to form on Vans' products. The water temperature should be less than 40°, the soaking time should be 1-2 hours.
Ecco. Ecco sneakers are made of eco-leather, so dirt can only be removed using a dry method. In especially advanced cases, it is better to take the pair to the dry cleaner.
Puma. Shoes from this manufacturer, like Nike, can be washed in a washing machine. But if we are talking about suede, use dry cleaning.

How to dry?

You need to dry your sneakers correctly, as the final result depends on it. Points to pay attention to:

sneakers should dry at room temperature;
you cannot take them outside in cold or hot weather;
the steam should not be exposed to direct sunlight;
It is forbidden to place wet shoes on a heating radiator or near a switched-on gas burner;
Do not use a hair dryer or heater;
for better evaporation of moisture, you need to lift the tongues of the sneakers up;
insoles and laces are dried separately, xx are returned to their place after the shoes are completely dry.

Immediately after washing, you can stuff your sneakers with white paper. When it absorbs water, it is changed. This procedure is repeated until the paper is no longer very wet. Final drying should take place without it.

How to get rid of odor in sneakers without water or soap

There are situations when it is necessary to remove the unpleasant smell of sneakers using quick “dry” methods, without resorting to washing. There is such an opportunity: you can use shoe deodorant, which is convenient to take with you on any trip, or wipe the inside of your shoes with hydrogen peroxide so that the fabric becomes slightly damp. The peroxide will soon evaporate, and with it the unpleasant odor will go away.

You can try putting green tea bags in your sneakers at night, however, this method takes longer and may be less effective as it masks the odor rather than destroying the bacteria that are responsible for the odor.

On the subject: How to get rid of unpleasant odor in sneakers

photo: wikihow.com

Important Tips

In order to wash Nike sneakers with minimal losses, you need to follow the following recommendations:

It is not recommended to use fabric softener to wash shoes. She may react to him in unexpected ways.
To make shoes less dirty, after washing they need to be treated with a water-repellent and dirt-repellent agent.
To deodorize the insoles and give them a pleasant smell, you can add a few drops of sage or fir essential oil to the laundry detergent.
During drying, it is not recommended to keep shoes suspended, fixing them with clothespins.
After washing, you need to rinse your sneakers thoroughly so that no dirt or detergent particles remain on them. If this is not done, they may deteriorate or become covered with yellow stains.
To wash colored shoes, do not use products containing a bleaching component.
It is forbidden to twist shoes to remove excess moisture from them.

When washing sneakers in the washing machine, you may hear an unusual noise. It is not recommended to stop the wash cycle because of it. The noise occurs as a result of the beating of the hard sole against the drum.

Caring for shoes after washing

If washed shoes have metal or decorative elements, they should be wiped with a dry cloth to avoid rust.

If you have leather inserts, lubricate them with cream and the result will be amazing.

Many models of sneakers are impregnated with a special water-repellent agent, which will be washed off during washing. After the shoes are completely dry, treat them again with a water-repellent spray.

These simple rules on how to properly wash sneakers in a machine will return your shoes to their freshness and original appearance.

How to check the original Nike by code?

You can check the authenticity without opening the package. If the product is original, then the label on the box has a nine-digit code. The first 6 digits indicate the model. The last 3 are color.

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