Machine washing saves time but needs to be done correctly
Sneakers are an item used almost every day, especially for people who exercise or exercise regularly. However, not everyone knows how to clean properly to both clean effectively and protect the shoe shape.
According to Ms. Vanessa Terra Bossart - hygienist and owner of Green Terra Cleaning (USA), machine washing can be a fast and convenient solution for shoes made of nylon or polyester. However, before putting them in the washing machine, users need to remove shoelaces, insoles and remove dirt from the surface.
Experts recommend placing shoes in a mesh washing bag to reduce impacts in the drum. At the same time, adding old towels to the machine helps balance the load and reduce noise when rotating.
Light washing with warm water at about 30 - 40 degrees C is considered suitable for most sports shoes. Users should avoid using too much detergent or strong bleach because it can cause glue to peel off and discolor the material.
After washing, shoes need to be naturally dried in a ventilated place. Experts warn against using a high-heat dryer because it can easily deform the sole and body of the shoes. Putting paper inside also helps maintain shape and absorb moisture better.
Hand washing is safer with sensitive material shoes
Besides machine washing, many experts still rate hand washing as a safer choice for expensive shoes or easily damaged materials such as suede and fabric.
Mr. Daniel Brown - CEO of Handy Cleaners (UK), said that hand washing helps control scrubbing force and limit the risk of glue peeling off or loss of shoe shape. According to him, users only need to soak shoes in warm water mixed with mild soap for about 10-15 minutes and then use a soft brush to clean each area.
For stubborn stains, baking soda mixed with water to form a thick mixture can help clean effectively without harming the material. This is also a tip recommended by many household hygiene experts.
In addition to the shoe body, the straps and insoles should be cleaned separately to avoid accumulating bacteria and unpleasant odors. After washing, the shoes need to be completely dried before being used again.
According to experts, whether doing machine or hand washing, the most important thing is to check the shoe material before cleaning. Some brands such as Nike also recommend limiting machine washing with woven fabric shoes to avoid reducing product durability.
Regular shoe cleaning not only helps keep shoes clean and beautiful but also prolongs their life and limits the accumulation of odors after a long period of use.
