Clean Shoes - How? - Beginners

Nozza

29/10/2002 at 13:04

Hey guys,

I have just been out for run this morning and did some off track stuff on the wet grass.

As you can imagine, my shoes are not the cleanest.

Is it ok to stick shoes in the washing machine or have you any better suggestions as to how to clean shoes without having to actually hand wash them?

Looking forward to your replies,
Tim

XFR Bear

29/10/2002 at 13:30

Not sure on this - have been reports of disastrous consequences. I knackered a pair of mine by putting them on the hot air dryer - all the glue melted!

In winter "hand wash" them in a bowl/bath and then turn upside down to get the worst of the water out, then stick them on the central heating storage thing to dry out.

An old toothbrush is good at getting mud off, I find.

Sore Toes

29/10/2002 at 13:45

recommendation from my 18yr old son (discovered accidentally!!)

1. attend foam party at local nightclub (yes, foamy bubbles everywhere)
2. go for a run through long wet grass - ignore strange looks from passers by because your feet are foaming
3. end result - shoes look like new - with no shrinking or scuffing that you sometimes get in the washing machine

Alternatively, follow Iain's advice!

Scotty.

29/10/2002 at 13:50

Tim,

Don't put them in the machine !!!!!

A very expensive lesson in how not to treat running shoes as they will definately shrink no matter how slowly they dry.

I just gently rinse the outsides under tap and rub with a light brush to get rid of the dirt. The only scrubbing that needs doing on mine are the removable in-soles which freshen up quite well.

I once put a pair on a bathroom towel heater to dry off and this discoloured the upper material. Best to keep them away from excessive heat when drying.

LaceUp

29/10/2002 at 15:31

Well I know lots of people who just put them in the machine on a gentle cycle - they come out looking brand new.

But I don't think I would recommend you do this on a regular basis.

Gavo

29/10/2002 at 15:52

Have used washing machines occasionally (always take the insoles out though) & so far so good.

Back when I had a bit more energy, I used to play footy & cleaned my boots in the bath using the shower head - stick 'em by the radiator & they were fine.

Wurzel

29/10/2002 at 16:52

Allow to dry and clean with a stiff brush. Real runners don't have clean shoes, or so everybody tells me whenever I buy a new pair!

Linca

29/10/2002 at 18:39

Wash with an old toothbrush and some type of cleaner (dishwashing liquid or hand soap seems to work fine) for the outside. I know the shoe manufacturers don't recommend it, but I was getting disgusted at how sweaty the insides on my shoes were getting in the summer, so tried out the washing machine. Set it on the gentle cycle and the coolest temperature and put a few old towels in as well. First tried it on an old pair of trainers and that worked OK, so did it on with the newer ones as well. Dry them next to the radiator.
If in doubt, test it on your old trainers first!

Jayne Hall

29/10/2002 at 20:49

Washing machine on 'quickwash' cycle. I've always done this and my shoes have never been damaged. Brush off loose mud etc. and put shoes in an old pillow case as the laces can get caught in the drum. Do not use detergents - I use Graingers fabric shoe wash which is available from most outdoor clothing (hillwalking etc.) shops. Don't dry them by direct heat - I put mine in the airing cupboard to dry.

Trailing fox

29/10/2002 at 21:55

I've come to the conclusion that unless you only ever run on-road and in the dry, you'll always end up with cack on your shoes. Now I just wipe off the worst with a wet cloth and leave to dry on top of the boiler.

XFR Bear

29/10/2002 at 23:32

It's always puzzled me why running shoe manufacturers don't make them in darker colours, so the mud doesn't show as much.

I've actually got black socks for similar reasons, but white ones a re a lot more common!

Agree about strong heat - my central heating unit doesn't emit much. Stuffing newspaper inside helps to pull out the moisture before this stage too - but change it regularly as it gets soaked.

Must try that wet grass thing.

I do have some trainer cleaner stuff I got as a present years ago, but haven't tried it yet. Think it comes from JJB sports if anyone wants to try it out.

Dangly Spice

31/10/2002 at 15:10

My road shoes i just put on a bit of newspaper by the french windows to dry in the brief hour of sunshine that comes in at this time of year. It depends on how disgusting my off road shoes are: really disgusting (cow poo and sheep shit with added mud and horse pee) goes into a bucket of cold water to be soaked, then brushed, then stuffed with newspaper and left to dry by the window. Not too bad, i tie the laces together and suspend from a coathanger so the air can circulate in the shed. When dry the mud will brush off - and i'm not bothered about the colour of the shoes. New shoes in our club are an in vitation to be pushed into puddles or have your feet trodden on.

PD2806

18/11/2002 at 13:26

Pressure washer is good fun, watching them roll up and down the drive with the Kids chasing them

A Chimp Writes

18/11/2002 at 13:31

Oh dear, I just leave mine in the bag till the next time I need them. A couple of thwacks to knock the (by now nicely dried)excess mud off and off I go.

The Bobolink

18/11/2002 at 14:43

Get off excess mud etc and then apply luke warm water with a manky old toothbrush and rub. No detergents, just warm water.

Old Timer

18/11/2002 at 15:05

Let them dry and then spray with,would you believe,Mr Muscles Kitchen Cleaner,rub in and wipe and they come up a treat!

Dustin

18/11/2002 at 15:34

I have used the washing machine on my trainers in the past, although its advisable to check the wife hasn't left her 'white undies' wash in the machine first!

(I actually thought she bought them in that unattractive,washed out grey, until I tried to buy her some for Christmas....."no no sir , black,white,red yes, grey definitely not".)

Also a quick wash with warm water and left to dry by the bolier works.Can also recommend the old toothbrush for removing mud.

Tom Bombadil

19/11/2002 at 10:38

Leave them to dry and then go for a run in them. The old mud just falls off. If they get muddy again simply repeat the process.

The Tri Store

19/11/2002 at 13:24

The washing machine idea can ruin shoes as the heat can mess with midsole/cushioning materials. If you absolutely have to use it then make sure it's a really low temperature but it's safer to use the more labour-intensive methods.

It invalidates the warranty on Nike shoes too (and they are very switched on to knowing when it's been done!) - I have seen what it can do to an air unit to put them in the washing machine and it's not funny.

Sutts

19/11/2002 at 22:11

I always use the washing machine and then dry them in the airing cupboard, i have never had any problems.