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How to wash basketball shoes in washer
How To Clean & Care For Your Basketball Shoes
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As a basketball player, you know how important your shoes are. Discover what you can do to help increase the longevity of your pair with these tips.
You know that feeling you get when you open up a box of new basketball shoes? You lift the lid and remove the paper barrier to reveal the fresh footwear lying inside. They are crisp and perfect with stuffing that evokes the way they’ll look on your feet. They even have a certain smell of newness. Don’t you wish they could stay that way?
Players wear their shoes to practice, to games and even around town, but how can you keep them looking and feeling the way they did on day one?
Consider the following tips to keep your basketball shoes clean and in shape longer.
STORE THEM RIGHT
After a game, you might be stuffing your shoes deep into your gym bag, in a hurry to head out for some fun with your teammates and friends.
But leaving them in your gym bag for an extended time can cause them to lose their shape, putting a lot of pressure on the seams. It can also lead to a buildup of odor, since they can’t air out properly.
Instead, you should store your shoes in an open room or closet with plenty of airflow after wearing them. This will allow them to dry out before your next use. Once they’ve had time to dry out, store your shoes in their original box, rather than on your bedroom floor where they are easily vulnerable to getting kicked around or tripped over.
To help keep your footwear even more fresh, try using a shoe deodorizer, which can come in solid form or an easy-to-use spray.
You may also consider having a couple pairs of basketball shoes and rotate them between games, giving each pair more time to dry and less time in active use.
WEAR THEM ONLY ON THE COURT
The cardinal rule is to never wear your indoor shoes outside.
Doing so can cause your basketball shoes to lose both grip and color faster. If you avoid exposing them to the elements, they will likely last much longer.
By only wearing your shoes on the court, you can keep them cleaner as well. That means less wear and tear and less work for you to maintain them.
KEEP THEM CLEAN
If you want to keep your shoes in tip-top shape, regular cleanings are essential.
You should, at the very least, clean them after every game. Why? It can reduce general odor, help prevent loss of traction by removing debris from your tread, and keep your basketball shoes from deteriorating by reducing grime that can wear down your tread.
First, as general warning, don’t put your shoes in a washer or dryer. You should also avoid completely immersing them in water. Use these steps as a guide to properly wash your basketball shoes:
Remove excess dirt using a soft-bristled shoe brush or tooth brush to clean the sole on the outside of your shoe.
Mix warm water with just a drop of laundry detergent (or, if leather, a specialty leather cleaner). Apply a small amount to a sponge or soft cloth to clean dirty areas of the shoe.
Remove your insole and clean using a water/detergent mix.
Rinse excess soap off of the shoe and insole using just water on a second sponge.
Air dry your shoes at room temperature. You shouldn’t leave your shoes to dry in the sunlight or use direct heat (like a hair dryer).
Basketball shoes are one of the most important pieces of equipment you own, so it’s important to take care of them. If you keep your shoes clean and in good shape, it should help keep your footing firm and your appearance crisp and sharp.
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How to Clean Your Shoes in 6 Easy Steps. Nike.com
How to Clean Your Shoes in 6 Easy Steps. Nike.com
Product Care
Periodic cleanings will keep your shoes looking (and smelling) their best. Here’s how to clean your shoes without damaging them.
Last updated: October 4, 2022
5 min read
Time Required
30 min
Estimated Cost
$20
Supplies
Dish Soap
Baking Soda
Magic Eraser (Optional)
Leather Conditioner (Optional)
White Vinegar (Optional)
Tools
Shoe Brush
Toothbrush
Soft Clean Cloth
Suede Brush (Optional)
It’s tough to keep your shoes pristine without cleaning them regularly. The minute those new sneakers come out of the box, you’ll want to wear them outside — where they’ll pick up dirt, mud, scuffs, and stains.
To ensure peak performance of your sneakers over time, we recommend proper care and maintenance, including cleaning. Before you get started, place your shoes in a shoe tree or fill them with crumpled newspapers to help retain their shape during cleaning. Then, get to work.
These tips will help you keep any sneakers and running shoes fresh and clean in just a few easy steps.
How to Clean Your Shoes Step by Step
1.Use a Dry Brush
Remove loose dirt from the outsole, midsole, and uppers using a dry, soft-bristled shoe brush. No shoe brush? No problem, an old toothbrush works fine.
2.Make a Mild Cleaning Solution
Mix warm water with a small amount of mild laundry detergent or dish soap.
For white and lighter colored shoes, you can also make an effective cleaning paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and water.
3.Hand Wash the Laces
Remove the shoelaces and apply a small amount of the mild cleaning solution to them. Massage the laces with your hands, rinse, then dab dry with a soft cloth.
4.Wash the Soles
Apply the mild solution to a soft-bristled brush, toothbrush or a wash cloth. Clean the outsole and midsole thoroughly, taking your time to clean every part of the soles. Dry with a soft cloth.
Note: If you need to wash your insoles, remove them first and clean with your solution, making sure to give them time to dry before putting them back into your shoes.
5.Wash and Blot the Uppers
Use the mild solution and a soft-bristled brush, toothbrush, or a soft damp cloth to clean the uppers. Take your time and don't scrub too hard.
When you're satisfied with the look, use a dry microfiber towel or soft cloth to blot and lift as much soapy moisture and dirt as possible. Repeat if necessary. Try to avoid drying by rubbing as it can wear down the shoe fabric or spread any remaining small bits of dirt.
6.Air Dry
Air dry your sneakers at room temperature. Always allow your shoes to dry completely before wearing them for your next workout or activity. For most shoes, it should take at least 8 hours to fully dry.
Be sure to brush off loose dirt with a shoe brush or toothbrush before you wash the shoe with a cleaning solution.
Special Considerations for Different Materials
Following these basic cleaning steps will ensure clean sneakers, but certain fabrics and materials may need a little extra TLC. Here’s what you need to know about using cleaner for different types of shoes.
How to Clean Leather Shoes
Leather shoes stain easily, so it’s important to clean them regularly. In addition to using a dry brush and mild dish soap solution, you may want to use a Magic Eraser or leather conditioner to remove stains. Don’t scrub the shoes too hard, or you could damage the leather.
How to Clean Suede Shoes
Suede is notoriously difficult to clean. If you notice water marks, scuff marks, dirt or stains, it’s probably time to give your suede shoes a proper cleaning. Use these recommended tricks and special tools to get the job done. Here’s how.
Use a suede brush or towel to wipe away surface debris, working in the same direction as the material rather than going against the grain.
Use suede rubber (or a pencil eraser) to rub away any marks on the surface of the shoe.
For stubborn stains, use a cloth dipped in white vinegar to scrub the fabric in alternating directions.
How to Clean Knit Shoes
Nike Flyknit shoes provide flexible support where you need it most, but the fabric is delicate and requires care when using cleaner. Create a mild, soapy water solution with soap that doesn’t contain chemicals. Never use bleach or other harsh cleaning products, since they can damage the material. Take a clean cloth and rub the solution in the same direction as the knit.
Shoe Cleaning FAQs
Can I Wash My Shoes in a Washing Machine?
Most shoes should not be put in a washing machine or dryer. The delicate materials may get beat up in the wash cycle, and heat can deform your shoes.
How Do I Clean My Insoles to Reduce Shoe Odor?
From time to time, it may also be necessary to clean your insoles. To do so, remove the insoles and use the same cleaning steps for the outside of your shoes. Be sure to air dry them completely before putting them back in your shoes. If odor persists, you may want to replace the insoles. Replacement insoles are available at most sporting goods and shoe stores.
What if My Shoes Are Still Dirty After Cleaning?
If you’ve followed and repeated the cleaning steps above and your shoes still look dirty, they may have taken too many trips up the court, cuts across the field, or laps around the track. It might be time for a new pair of sneakers.
How Often Should I Clean My Shoes?
Your cleaning schedule depends on how often you wear your shoes and where your feet take you. Aim to clean your shoes every two weeks or whenever they start to look dirty. Regular maintenance reduces cleaning time.
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How to wash basketball shoes without consequences?
Each of us has different life situations in which we don't know what to do. And if these are certain life decisions on which a lot depends, then you can understand a person. But if this is a domestic issue, then there is already a flaw in the person himself.
For example, if a person does not know how to properly wash shoes, then only he is responsible for the consequences. You must remember and understand how to solve everyday problems. The issue of washing shoes is especially relevant for those who are directly involved in sports. Today we will talk about how to properly wash basketball shoes, how to prepare them for washing, and what to do if you want your shoes to last you as long as possible? This will be discussed in our short but interesting review.
And also note that you can easily buy LeBron basketball shoes at the lowest prices right now. To place an order, just follow the link. There you will find a large selection of quality shoes at an affordable price.
In general, first you need to determine whether your specific version of shoes can be washed? In order not to guess, but to know for sure, you need to carefully study the label on the tongue of the sneaker. This label carries information about the possibility of washing, about the temperature regimes of washing, and so on. If you can wash shoes, then the next step should be to prepare the shoes directly for the cleaning process.
Initially, check if there are any extra parts and elements in the sneaker. Has a coin rolled into the sneakers, are there any solid particles of debris? In fact, these items can harm not only the sneaker, but also the washing machine, so you need to be as careful as possible in this regard.
The second step is to remove the insole and laces. In general, the insole and laces can be washed separately from shoes with a high frequency. If it is not recommended to wash sneakers too often, then with regard to other elements of the shoe, it is not only possible, but even necessary, with laces and insoles. For example, if you wash the insole, this will significantly reduce the possibility of an unpleasant odor. You can wash the insole with ordinary soap or separately with other items in the washing machine. The laces are removable in order to increase the intensity of water penetration into the interior of the sneakers. Washing your sneakers will be much easier and more efficient.
The third step is to clean the soles of the shoes from sand and dirt under running water. The less sand in the drum, the better. And it’s better not only for a washing machine, the filters of which can become clogged with sand, but also for shoes, the frame of which can get microdamaged. And this is fraught with a change in the appearance of shoes in a negative direction.
Pay attention to the fact that today more and more people are trying to wash sneakers in the machine, but they do not always determine the washing temperature correctly. The ideal washing temperature is 35 degrees Celsius. This temperature will not have a negative effect on the strength of fabric and adhesive joints. Also, washing in this mode will ensure effective cleaning of even the most stubborn stains. One way or another, but we hope that this version of the shoe will provide you with a comfortable and pleasant toe. You also learned that washing sneakers in a typewriter is not so problematic. You just need to follow the recommendations and advice.
We would also like to remind you that you can buy LeBron basketball shoes today. To place an order just click on the link.
See also
How to wash sneakers in the washing machine?
May 22, 2019
Beloved and incredibly comfortable sneakers with the onset of spring are the best choice for many. But, often shoes that look great in the morning become dirty in the evening, as spring is often combined with light rain and mud. We have prepared information that will help you to always walk in the cleanest sneakers and at the same time not spend a lot of time on the process, as the recommendations apply to washing shoes in the washing machine.
What do you need to know to clean white sneakers?
First of all, you need to remember that you need to wash your shoes correctly, otherwise such actions can lead to various negative consequences: loss of shape, breakdowns. Therefore, you need to study certain nuances before starting a big wash.
Which sneakers can be machine washed?
Today, sneakers are made from different materials: threads, glue, fabric, leatherette, leather, rubber, foam. You must understand that when washing, a rather serious problem may arise - peeling off the sole or various components.
Experienced specialists are sure that shoes made of synthetic materials can be washed, since washing will not harm them. If we are talking about leather shoes, then you will have to look for other cleaning options.
Which sneakers should not be machine washed?
As a rule, the manufacturer on the shoes indicates whether they can be washed by hand or in a typewriter. But, not every machine provides the necessary delicate washing mode. Therefore, you will have to pay more attention to this process.
Cheap shoes are less likely to survive several machine washes than quality shoes. We also recommend that you refuse to wash those sneakers that are decorated with rhinestones. They are likely to withstand one wash, but later the rhinestones can peel off, which will cause the formation of an ugly appearance. And the rhinestones themselves, which have fallen into the machine, can cause the unit to fail or affect the performance of the drain.
This type of cleaning is not suitable for those products that are equipped with foam stickers and reflectors. They will have to be cleaned manually.
Which wash cycle should I choose?
If your machine does not have a shoe washing function, then you will need to set the temperature to no more than forty degrees. Also, the drying and spinning function will need to be completely excluded from the cycle.
Shoe preparation process before washing
If you are planning to wash your shoes for the first time and don't know how they will react, then the preparation process is a must. If the shoes are of low quality, then it is still better to clean them manually, since it is possible that after washing they will lose their original appearance. If the quality of the sneakers is normal, then you need to start the preparation process.
First, the insoles are removed. It is recommended to wash them separately by hand, but you can also wash them together with sneakers in a washing machine. However, the process of hand washing is not difficult. The insoles are rinsed with warm water, sprinkled with powder. After a few minutes, we carry out a light cleaning with a shoe brush, rinse and leave to dry.
The sole is the dirtiest place where various pebbles, chewing gum, etc. collect. You will need to clean it with knitting needles, otherwise these inclusions can have a very negative impact on the operation of the machine in the future. After the sole is cleaned, you need to rinse it under running water.
It is also recommended to use a specialized laundry bag. In it, the shoes mostly retain their original appearance. If there is no bag, then you can throw a few old towels into the washer. They will not allow shoes to knock on the drum, and this in turn will preserve the shape of the product and prevent the drum from breaking.
Tip! In the process of washing sneakers, you can also wash rugs. First, save time. Secondly, mats will become an element of depreciation and protection.
How to wash suede sneakers, shoes made of synthetic materials?
Determine if a particular shoe is machine washable according to the manufacturer's recommendations;
Carry out the initial sole cleaning process;
Remove the insoles and soak them;
Put the shoes in the bag;
Load into the machine and start the wash cycle.
In the process of washing, we exclude the options of spinning, as well as drying. These processes can become the basis for the rapid deterioration of your shoes. Drying sneakers after washing should also be correct. It is recommended to pour a standard portion of powder into the dispenser of the washing machine. The washing temperature does not exceed forty degrees.
For white sneakers, you can add chlorine-free bleach for great results.
How to dry your sneakers properly?
If it's warm outside, you can dry your sneakers in the sun. You can also stuff the product with white paper, which will allow you to maintain the desired shape of the shoe during the drying process. In addition, the paper will take away excess moisture. Let's say right away that in no case should newspapers be used for such a case, as they will be printed on the inside of the shoe.
If you have arranged washing during the heating season, then you can use the battery for quick drying. In warm weather, you can simply dry your shoes on the balcony; you can choose a conventional dryer as the basis for drying.
Do I need to treat sneakers after washing?
Often, extremely unpleasant odors arise inside sneakers, which are quite difficult to get rid of. In such a situation, it is recommended that before placing the product in the drum, pour a small amount of soda into the shoe. Thanks to such actions, it will be possible not only to get rid of the unpleasant odor, but also to achieve perfect cleanliness.
There are special sprays, the use of which allows you to protect shoes from moisture and dirt. The use of such sprays will allow you to keep the result of cleanliness and freshness for a long time. After all, frequent washing of sneakers still negatively affects the durability parameters.
How do I wash sneakers in a washing machine with a special mode?
There are washing machines that have a specialized mode for washing shoes. If such a regime exists, then it is possible to obtain high-quality shoe cleaning with minimal harmful effects. On the other hand, in certain cases it would still be rational to wash the sneakers by hand, especially if they are leather or the quality leaves doubts. However, the most important thing here is to determine for yourself specifically whether you are ready to spend significant time on the cleaning process, or whether savings are above all for you.
We offer you to get acquainted with the models of washing machines that have the necessary shoe washing function: Bosch WIW28540OE, Haier HW60-BP12758, Atlant 50U87 CMA-50U87-000, Indesit IWSB 5085, Indesit IWSB 5105 white. The choice of a washing machine has a lot of features, therefore, when purchasing, check the availability of this function. Also, pre-study user reviews, which will help you make a rational and competent choice. Only studying reviews will help you determine whether a particular model of washing machine is up to the task.
Remember that proper care of shoes allows you to keep them for a long time, while maintaining not only operational, but also aesthetic qualities. Clean sneakers are the key to protecting your feet from diseases of a fungal origin.
Here’s how to clean your shoes without damaging them. 
Here’s what you need to know about using cleaner for different types of shoes.
Replacement insoles are available at most sporting goods and shoe stores.
And if these are certain life decisions on which a lot depends, then you can understand a person. But if this is a domestic issue, then there is already a flaw in the person himself. 
This label carries information about the possibility of washing, about the temperature regimes of washing, and so on. If you can wash shoes, then the next step should be to prepare the shoes directly for the cleaning process. 
The laces are removable in order to increase the intensity of water penetration into the interior of the sneakers. Washing your sneakers will be much easier and more efficient. 
You also learned that washing sneakers in a typewriter is not so problematic. You just need to follow the recommendations and advice. 
Therefore, you need to study certain nuances before starting a big wash. 
We also recommend that you refuse to wash those sneakers that are decorated with rhinestones. They are likely to withstand one wash, but later the rhinestones can peel off, which will cause the formation of an ugly appearance. And the rhinestones themselves, which have fallen into the machine, can cause the unit to fail or affect the performance of the drain. 
If the shoes are of low quality, then it is still better to clean them manually, since it is possible that after washing they will lose their original appearance. If the quality of the sneakers is normal, then you need to start the preparation process. 
In it, the shoes mostly retain their original appearance. If there is no bag, then you can throw a few old towels into the washer. They will not allow shoes to knock on the drum, and this in turn will preserve the shape of the product and prevent the drum from breaking. 
Drying sneakers after washing should also be correct. It is recommended to pour a standard portion of powder into the dispenser of the washing machine. The washing temperature does not exceed forty degrees. 
In such a situation, it is recommended that before placing the product in the drum, pour a small amount of soda into the shoe. Thanks to such actions, it will be possible not only to get rid of the unpleasant odor, but also to achieve perfect cleanliness. 
However, the most important thing here is to determine for yourself specifically whether you are ready to spend significant time on the cleaning process, or whether savings are above all for you. 
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