Tips for washing sneakers to save you buying a new pair

Experts say some sneakers can be cleaned in a washing machine but there are a few important steps to follow. (Adobe Stock) Link copiedShareShare articleAlexandra Sherlock has a favourite pair of sneakers that she doesn't want to part with. The lecturer at RMIT University's School of Fashion and Textiles says washing and regular care means she's still wearing them, five years on. "Every time I wash them, people compliment me on my new shoes," Dr Sherlock says. "It's a satisfying feeling knowing the amount of money that you've saved by doing that and also the positive impacts on the environment." But not all sneakers and running shoes are made the same and while some can go in the washing machine, others require a different approach. Recently, we broke down the best wash cycle for your clothing. But what about your shoes? Here's what our experts recommend if you want your sneakers looking as fresh as the day you bought them. Dr Sherlock, the founder of the Footwear Research Network based in Melbourne/Naarm, says if shoes are synthetic or made from fabric, they can be cleaned in the washing machine. Experts say most sneakers can be cleaned at home either by handwashing them or putting them in the washing machine. (Supplied: Dr Alexandra Sherlock) Choice's director of reviews, Matthew Steen, says it's best to check the washing instructions on the shoes first. "Shoes made of cotton, canvas, polyester or nylon are generally ok to go in the washing machine," he says. He recommends using a liquid detergent because powder is likely to get stuck inside your shoes and not dissolve properly. Celine Ducher, the manager for fabric care in electronics at Electrolux, recommends always using a gentle wash cycle and low water temperature to prevent damaging the shoe. "30 degrees max or even cold temperature is best," she says. "I would recommend you put the shoes in a laundry bag, so it helps protect your washing machine and your shoes during the spin cycle." More delicate materials such as leather, suede and satin require gentler cleaning methods, according to our experts. Alexandra Sherlock is a lecturer at RMIT University's School of Fashion and Textiles. (Supplied: Dr Alexandra Sherlock) "There are lots of things you can do before using the washing machine," Dr Sherlock says. "A surface clean with mild detergents or [specific] cleaning products will certainly give them a visible refresh if odour isn't a problem." She says leather sneakers can be "tricky" to clean because they can also have synthetic materials on parts of the shoes. "You'd probably want to give it a leather treatment, which is more about renewing and refreshing the look of them," she says. She says some leather shoes also have a polyurethane coating, which is a synthetic plastic layer to create water resistance and make them easier to clean. "You don't want to be using anything that is solvent-based on that and again, the heat can be problematic." Ms Ducher says you can wash the laces in the same cycle as the shoes, but she recommends putting them in a laundry bag so they don't tangle. Experts on the most cost-effective and efficient wash cycles for your home. "You can also wash them with regular whites if you just want to wash them separately," she says. For the insoles, she recommends handwashing with bicarbonate soda, to get rid of any odours. "Then make sure they are really dry and you don't put them back in the shoes when they are still moist because they can start to smell," she says. "The best way is to check the interior by putting your hand inside and just making sure that the interior is dry." Our experts say some shoe manufacturers suggest air drying them in the shade and avoiding direct heat sources, which can cause sneakers to warp or shrink. Regular tumble dryers should also be avoided as the heat and tumbling action can damage the shoe, according to Ms Ducher. But you can use a heat pump dryer if it has a drying rack attachment. "It has to be put at a low or 'delicate' setting," she says. "The shoe rack makes sure the sneakers aren't flying around in the machine and it's protecting the shoe in the machine." Dr Sherlock says if your sneakers are sentimental or expensive, it might be best to seek professional help from a cobbler or professional shoe cleaner. She says it's generally more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than replacing them. "Giving your sneakers a new lease of life so they look new is a really satisfying experience," she says. "Unfortunately, we've got to a point in consumer culture where it has become the convention that we'll just go and buy another pair. "Every pair of shoes and sneakers that you've ever owned probably still exists, if they haven't been incinerated, then they're probably likely still in landfill, which is quite alarming."

Tips for washing sneakers to save you buying a new pair

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