Sneakers are popular shoes that are worn not only by people leading an active lifestyle. It consists of multiple foam and fabric linings, like any thing, it requires proper care. It is difficult to provide it - but it seems so only at first glance.
You can wash sneakers by hand, but it is time-consuming and difficult. Why not use a washing machine? Many people are stopped by the fact that the device may break or the shoes themselves may deteriorate, and then they will still have to get rid of the smell in the machine. But this will not happen if the basic rules are followed - the sneakers are of high quality, and when loading the user adheres to the basic standards.
Don't rush to prepare for the big wash. There are some prohibitions and restrictions. For example, shoes made of leather cannot be exposed to massive amounts of moisture. It may deteriorate and lose its original appearance. It is not recommended to put products with spikes on the sole or metal inserts inside it into the drum - they can destroy the washer. These are just some of the nuances that are important to consider.
How to properly wash sneakers in an automatic washing machine
Many people are used to washing rag shoes by hand, but this is not the best solution. As a result of a poor-quality procedure, dirt and dust eat deep into the fabric, and then it is difficult to remove it from the fibers. In addition, this process requires free time, and if you don’t have it, an automatic machine will help out. To keep your sneakers looking like new, you must follow the basic rules:
- Carefully inspect your shoes before loading them into the drum. If it has reflectors or labels glued to it with glue, it is better to wash it by hand. Decorations may come off. It is also worth doing if the shoes are old and foam rubber protrudes from them.
- Take out the laces so they and the tongue can be washed better. Place them and your shoes in a laundry bag. It's also worth getting an insole.
- Inspect the sole of the sneakers, remove any existing dirt and small stones from it - the procedure will be more productive.
- Shoes are always washed in a special bag, but if you don’t have one, use a handy method. Place your sneakers in the drum and fill it 50% with any rags or old towels. This will reduce the load on the unit.
- Do not place more than 2 pairs in one load, regardless of the capacity of the drum, especially if the appliance does not have a “shoe washing” function.
- Even though the load is small, use the full amount of powder required to provide one load.
- Do not turn on the spin function. Due to its operation, certain components of the device, for example, bearings, may fail. It is also worth doing with the additional drying function, but not because of harm to the device, but to the sneakers themselves. Simultaneous exposure to heat and moisture will cause them to deform.
Attention!
It is optimal to use top-loading washing machines for washing shoes - they do not contain glass that can crack under pressure. Failure to follow the rules, even when the item is of high quality, will certainly distort its condition. The presence of metal objects on the surface (zippers, rings for laces) is a reason to refuse washing, because rust may subsequently appear on them. Sneakers from well-known sports brands are not always machine washable, and the manufacturer indicates this information on the product tag.
You can’t ignore it, because your favorite sneakers may not restore the desired shape. You need to look at the material from which they are made. If the covering is natural suede or leather, only hand cleaning is possible with or without gentle detergents.
Can sneakers be washed in the washing machine or dishwasher?
It is logical to wash sports shoes in a washing machine, but few people know that a dishwasher can also be used for the same purpose, but following certain rules. Cleaning can be carried out in low temperature mode, for example, on a program for fragile dishes. Drying should take place without the use of heating elements.
Keep in mind that it is necessary to follow this rule. Exposure to boiling water (which most devices use for high-quality processing of dishes) is detrimental to sneakers. They may shrink, the adhesive may soften, or the coating may crack. You must understand that a dishwasher is not intended for washing, therefore there is a risk of damaging the device itself (if it is not equipped with a fine mesh filter) due to clogging.
Leather sneakers
Natural and artificial leather should not be exposed to moisture. As a result, the material will undergo deformation and stretch, cracks and other changes may form on the surface. There is no point in washing such sneakers. Only the insole and laces are cleaned. These items can be washed by machine or by hand.
Suede sneakers
Washing suede sneakers using an automatic machine is acceptable, but provided that the material is artificial. Synthetics tolerate cleaning well in a gentle mode without spinning. It is also worth using liquid powder or capsules with detergent. You should not use classic powder; it leaves stains on the surface and is difficult to rinse out. Products made from natural suede, like leather, must be washed by hand.
Cleaning the sole
Most white sneakers have a sole that is the same color as the upper. It accounts for even more pollution. The task of cleaning is complicated by the relief and porosity of the material. Simple recipes will help you restore your appearance.
Acetone with vinegar
To prepare the cleaning solution you will need the following components:
- acetone;
- vinegar.
Measure out both liquids in equal quantities and mix. The napkin should be moistened in the prepared solution and wipe the sole, paying more attention to heavily soiled areas. After treatment, rinse the sole.
Lemon acid
Dilute a tablespoon of citric acid in ½ glass of water . Wet a napkin in the prepared solution and treat the sole. After this, rinse the remaining product with water.
Oxygen bleach
For treatment, you can choose one of the oxygen-containing bleaches intended for washing clothes.
Operating procedure:
- The selected product is diluted in water in accordance with the instructions.
- So much prepared solution is poured into the basin so that when you place the sneakers in it, only the sole is in the water.
- Leave for a couple of hours.
- Clean the sole with a brush.
- Rinse with clean water.
Potato starch with milk
A product that requires the following components will help
clean stubborn stains on white natural leather sneakers
- milk;
- starch.
Both components are mixed in equal volume. Apply the mixture to the shoes with a brush. After cleaning, the sneakers are rinsed and dried.
How and with what to whiten the white sole of sneakers, video recipes:
What operating mode should you use to wash sneakers in a machine?
It is better to wash shoes on a delicate cycle at a temperature of no more than 30-40 degrees. These indicators are sufficient to remove contaminants and maintain the integrity of the sneakers. If the unit is equipped with a “shoes” mode, you must use it.
If the insole is significantly dirty, soak it first. It is impossible to place more than 2 pairs in one load, since the products are quite durable and can damage the drum during rotation.
Attention!
During washing, the machine may bounce due to insufficient loading, so you need to fill it at least 50%.
What does this have to do with Apple?
None.
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