Method2Using a Washing Machine
1Remove the laces from your shoes and put them in a sock. Start by removing the laces from the holes at the top of your shoe—closest to your leg—and work your way down to the tip. After you remove your laces, stuff them into a sock—this allows you to clean them separately in the same load as your sneakers. Tie the end of the sock tightly with a lace or elastic band.[11]If your shoes have laces that feed through plastic loops that hold them in place, don't bother removing them.
2Stuff your shoes into a pillowcase and twist the end. Place all of your shoes into a pillowcase—whichever size accommodates your load—and twist the end tightly to hold it closed. Afterward, fasten the twisted end with a rubber band wrapped around it 2 times or more, depending on the size of the rubber band and the thickness of the twisted end.[12]Fold the twisted end in half before wrapping the rubber band around it to make it snugger.
Usually, you can fit 2 to 3 pairs of shoes in a pillowcase. Put as many in as you want, but try not to stuff it too tight.
Remember that not all shoe materials can be washed in a washing machine. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
- 3Place your shoes and laces into the washer with detergent. Put the pillowcase with your shoes and sock with your laces into the washer. Afterward, stuff the remaining space around the bags with rags to prevent the bags from hitting the walls. Finally, dump in 1 full cup of your favorite laundry detergent.[13]
If you have a top washer with a center turbine, wrap its edges with a towel.
4Wash your shoes on "Delicate" and "Cold." Turn the load size dial to slightly before the "Medium" and hit the "Cold" button. Now, put the spin mode to "Delicate" on the "Normal" setting. Double-check your settings and then turn the washer on and wait![14]Always use the "Delicate" or—for older washers—"Knits Gentle" setting for your mesh shoes. This minimizes agitation of the fabric and prevents it from stretching.
5Air-dry your shoes for 1 day in a cool, dry location. Indoor areas like a hayloft or shed or outdoor locations that provide enough shade are ideal. Never store your shoes in a basement, and avoid garages, as they often don't provide enough airflow.If you have an electric household fan, place it in front of your shoes to decrease drying time and improve airflow.
Don't machine dry your shoes—this will likely ruin the mesh material.
Remove the shoes from the pillowcase and the laces from the sock before setting them to dry.
Tie the laces back onto your shoes when they're done drying.
