Can you wash sneakers in a washing machine?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether sneakers can be washed in a washing machine. Participants share their personal experiences, methods for cleaning shoes, and opinions on the effectiveness and safety of machine washing sneakers.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue against washing sneakers in a washing machine, citing potential damage and recommending alternative cleaning methods such as using a toothbrush and shoe cleaning products.
  • Others share their positive experiences of machine washing sneakers, claiming it effectively cleans them, especially the white parts and shoelaces.
  • A few participants mention the importance of material, noting that leather shoes should not be washed in a machine, while synthetic materials may be more suitable.
  • Some participants express that sneakers are meant to get dirty and share their experiences with stains that are difficult to remove.
  • There are suggestions to include towels in the wash to cushion the sneakers during the cycle.
  • One participant humorously notes that the only thing holding their trainers together is the dirt.
  • Several participants discuss their personal shoe preferences and experiences with different types of footwear, including sneakers, dress shoes, and boots.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on whether sneakers should be washed in a washing machine, with participants presenting multiple competing views and personal anecdotes. Some advocate for machine washing, while others strongly advise against it.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying degrees of uncertainty regarding the best methods for cleaning different types of shoes, particularly concerning the impact of materials on cleaning methods.

mooberrymarz
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Can u wash sneakers in a washing machine??

I have no clue how to wash shoes. Staying by myself is sooo damn hard... :mad: Is it ok if i just dump them in a washing machine.. some people say i should but others say its a really dumb idea.
 
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NO!

You'll damage them! Go to Click's or something and buy those shoe cleaning material thingies. Also, sneakers (takkies!) come with a care guide (if you buy some proper ones.) Follow it and you shall be happy...! :wink:

I use a toothbrush to get the dirt of my takkies - put some wahing powder in a bowl with water, dip the toothbrush and rub of dirt. It works quite well and my shoes are clean. Though, it does take damn long.
 
Sneakers are supposed to be dirty.

Njorl
 
True. My new sneakers don't stay clean for longer than a period of a week, and they turn yellow and brown after my outdoor cross-country runs. I think its gotten to a point where it can't be scrubbed off, the stains are too deeply rooted.
 
yeah my takkies are those puma mostro mesh's and i don't really know how to get the dirt of the mesh part. I'll try the toothbrush thing and I that doesn't work U WILL PAY FOR MAKING ME MESS THEM UP! Ahemmm... no really, I'll try it out.
 
Don't dry them in a microwave oven.
See book "Cuckoo's Egg" by Clifford Stoll for more details.
 
The only thing holding one of my pair of trainers together is the dirt.
 
I use a scrub brush and a paste I make with Tide detergent, rinse to remove soap and air dry outside.
 
Buy shoe cleansers. Don't put your sneakers in you washing machine! (Life skills). lol
 
  • #10
were you able to clean the oum sing on the side of you shoes. mine is white and if i use a damp cloth it turns cream or darker like grey. any advice?
 
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  • #11
I've put mine in the washing machine several times - it works a treat.

Go for it mooberrymarz!
 
  • #12
Are you guys talking about leather shoes?

I have two pairs of running shoes, both over 8 years old and I have washed them many times.
 
  • #13
rofl, this thread was almost exactly a year old. You can clean shoes in hte washing machine as long as they don't have any leather or else it'll ruin them.
 
  • #14
Holy crap. It is a year old.
 
  • #15
I was mine in the machine, and then air dry them. Even the ones with leather trim seem to come out ok.
 
  • #16
Maybe it is good to include some old towels in the wash, so that they are cushioned somewhat while tumbling. I don't even own sneakers, but I guess that would work.
 
  • #17
wow, I've never known anyone who didn't own sneakers. They are the most comfortable shoes in the world!
 
  • #18
Just hose your sneakers off and wait for them to dry(that's what I do)
 
  • #19
Adrian Baker said:
I've put mine in the washing machine several times - it works a treat.

Go for it mooberrymarz!
Yeah, they whites parts turn much whiter and especially the shoelaces get cleaner. I've put mine in many times.
 
  • #20
hypatia said:
wow, I've never known anyone who didn't own sneakers. They are the most comfortable shoes in the world!
Nah, I never find them very comfortable. I have regular shoes that are much more comfortable and don't make my feet sweat like sneakers do. But, I do wear the sneakers for lawn mowing. When I was a kid, mom always tossed our sneakers in the washer and dryer (and they always made loud clunking in the dryer no matter what they were in there with).
 
  • #21
The only shoes I've ever owned are tennis or running shoes, dress shoes, and sandals. I've never even tried any other kinds.
 
  • #22
hypatia said:
wow, I've never known anyone who didn't own sneakers. They are the most comfortable shoes in the world!
Not exactly my style, my favorite shoes are some suede boots with heals :smile: they'd look like this http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:tzA8f0eumIoJ:http://www.duoofbath.com/images/policies_main.jpg (they walk like heaven). I should get some sneakers so that I can start take up running or some other sport..
 
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  • #23
Hey, I've got a question: how do you get stains out of suede shoes? I made the mistake to wear the boots to a club, and now there are beer stains on it.. I have been afraid to even attempt cleaning it with a towel and water. Maybe I should stop by the shoe-maker and ask if there are special products..
 
  • #24
Those are nice boots! I wear dress shoes everyday, but the second I get home off they come. The sneakers go on and then I take my dog for a walk. She{the dog} knows what the shoes mean, and she gets all excited, and runs for her lead.
 

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