You wash your gym- and sports-wear religiously, but when was the last time you cleaned your gym shoes? Not to mention backpacks, exercise mats, and the bands on wearable tech, such as Fitbit?
Cleaning your gym shoes every few months isn’t just hygienic, it extends their lifespan. You should also clean them if you’ll be storing them away for a long time, as residual dirt and oils can cause yellowing.
Some sneakers can be machine washed, but that’s not necessary. Whether machine- or hand-washing, brush and rinse away any excessive dirt before getting started.
If you machine-wash, you’ll need to remove the laces and insoles first; put the laces into a mesh bag before washing, and do not machine-wash the insoles. If you use a top-loading machine with a centre agitator, it’s better to wash multiple pairs of shoes at once, and balance the bulk of the shoes with a load of towels. Wash on a regular cycle, with warm water and detergent.
Do not machine-dry, but air-dry instead, out of direct sunlight. Machine drying can warp the shoes and cause the glue to melt. Even direct sunlight can warp the outer sole and lead to yellow staining. If needed, you can stuff the shoes with white paper or handtowels to preserve the shape while drying.
If you’ve only got one pair of shoes, machine washing might not be worth the hassle – on the other hand, it can be a great convenience if you’ve got a very sporty household. Not every shoe should be machine-washed; double-check the manufacturer’s website if you’re in doubt.
Hand-washing is preferable, and should only take about half an hour from start to finish. Remove the laces and insoles; mix some laundry detergent into a bowl of water and then add the laces to soak. Use a washing rag and toothbrush to clean the shoes with the soapy water, getting into the crevasses and scrubbing the outer soles.
Rinse with warm water and use a rag to remove the remaining soap and grime. In another bowl, mix one cup water and one tablespoon baking soda and use a rag to clean the soles with this mixture. You can also sprinkle baking soda on soles to deodorize them between cleanings.
