Posted by Claire.Hampshire
Friday, 31 Jul 2009
If you are a keen sports person (or just wear trainers a lot) then you have probably debated numerous times whether or not you can get away with putting your trainers in the washing machine. If you are a risk taker by nature, you may have already taken the plunge. Depending on your washing machine (and general luck of the draw) they may come out sparkling clean and intact, or your machine may be damaged for life and your trainers in tatters. The best advice is to avoid the washing machine unless you have a machine with a sports shoe programme, such as an Indesit washing machine. Here are some top tips for washing by hand:
Remove the laces – these are fine to go in the washing machine and will come out the better for it
Brush off any excess dirt with a soft brush
Add laundry powder (the kind you would use to hand wash clothes) to a bowl, or sink, of water.
Clean shoes with a soft bristle brush (an old tooth brush works well)
Rinse shoes with cold water
Stuff shoes with paper towels (such as kitchen roll) to dry – this will also help to maintain the shape of the shoe
If you are big on sports and exercise, a washing machine with specific sports programmes could be a worthwhile investment when you current machine breathes its last. Programmes on the new Indesit washing machines include special shoes, which keeps the shoes close to the side of the drum so they don’t fall over each other during the wash, and sports light and intensive. Sports Light protects synthetic gym clothes whilst Sports Intensive is perfect for muddy football kits.