The famous age-old Irish debate, should you put your runners into the washing machine?
This isn't simply a yes or no answer but luckily as someone who's worked in a shoe shop, I have all the answers (well some of them), So here's the ultimate do's and don'ts on how to keep those white runners looking fresh.
DO's
- First check if the manufacturers recommend throwing them in a washing machine.
- Place your runners in a pillow case and wrap an elastic band around them – this is to make sure the fabric stays intact and your runners won't end up looking like your dog ate them.
- Throw shoes like Skechers and Toms in the washing machine – they're designed this way so why not keep them looking like new.
- Put them in a cold wash – this prevents the colours from fading.
- Let them air-dry for a few hours.
DON'Ts
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- Don't put any sort of air cushioned runners into a wash – this could seriously damage your expensive, new shoes.
- Make sure to never throw runners into a drier, this could cause your shoes to shrink and not fit!
- Don't wash marathon runners like Asics – washing them will loosen the glue and they will end up falling apart after a few washes.
Alternative methods:
- Try placing dry tea bags in your shoes – the tea absorbs any foul smells and the longer you leave it, the more effective it will be.
- Another way to get rid of foot odour is to sprinkle baking soda in the soles of runners.
- Using a foam cleaner can be a really effective way to clean runners unable to go in the washing machine. Grab a shoe brush and buff the foam into the runners – they'll be gleaming in no time.
- Mix some warm water and laundry detergent in a bowl – using a sponge rub the entire show until the stains are removed.
