If you’re like most people, washing your favorite pair of tennis shoes can be a real chore. Because these types of shoes must be hand washed in order to ensure they don’t lose their shape or color, it can take an incredibly long time and require a lot of special attention. But what if there was another option? What if you could wash your tennis shoes without all the hassle?
Believe it or not, that alternative exists: You can actually put tennis sneakers in the dishwasher! It may sound unconventional, but this method is a surprisingly effective and efficient way to get your kicks looking brand-new again in no time at all.
In this blog post, we’ll go over how to wash tennis shoes in dishwasher for a sparkling pair of freshly washed shoes.
Summary: Washing tennis shoes in the dishwasher can be a convenient and effective way to clean them. To wash tennish shoes, first, remove any excess dirt or debris from the shoes. Then, place the shoes in the dishwasher, but avoid placing them near sharp objects. Add a small amount of dish soap to the dishwasher and run it on a gentle cycle with cool water.
Is It Safe?
Yes, washing your tennis shoes in the dishwasher is completely safe. The process involves using a low temperature and mild detergent to ensure that the material of your sneakers isn’t damaged or distorted during the cleaning process.
Additionally, while some sneakers are not dishwasher safe, most tennis shoes can be washed using this method without any issue. Make sure to check the labels of your shoes before you start washing them in a machine.
What You’ll Need
To get started, you’ll need a few key materials. These are:
- Tennis shoes
- Dishwasher safe detergent
- White vinegar
- Mesh laundry bag
- Old toothbrush
Once you have all the necessary materials, it’s time to get started.
10 Easy Steps on How to Wash Tennis Shoes in Dishwasher
1. Shoe Prep:
Before placing your shoes in the dishwasher, you’ll want to take some time to prepare your sneakers. First, remove any excess dirt or debris from the outside of the shoes using an old toothbrush and a mixture of warm water and white vinegar. This will help ensure that all dirt is removed before you place them in the machine.
2. Place Shoes in Mesh Bag:
Once your sneakers are prepped, it’s time to place them into the mesh laundry bag provided by most dishwashers. This step is important as it helps protect your shoes from spinning around during the washing cycle and also prevents small pieces of plastic from clogging up your dishwasher drain. Be careful to make sure that your shoes are securely fastened within the bag before placing it in the machine.
3. Set Temperature:
Before you start the wash cycle, you’ll want to set your dishwasher to a low temperature (typically around 25-40 degrees Celsius). This ensures that your shoes won’t be damaged during the washing process. Don’t forget to set the washing cycle so that it is in a gentle setting.
4. Add Detergent:
Once the temperature has been set, add the dishwasher safe detergent to the machine. Most dishwashers come with a dispenser for this purpose, so simply fill it up, and you’re ready to go. If your machine doesn’t have a dispenser, simply pour the detergent directly into the dishwasher.
5. Begin Wash Cycle:
Now that everything is set up and ready, begin the washing cycle. Make sure to keep an eye on the machine during this process in case any problems arise. It is also important to note that most dishwashers will take around one hour to complete the cycle.
6. Check Shoes After Wash Cycle:
Once the wash cycle has finished, take out your shoes from the mesh bag and check them for any damage or discoloration. If there are no signs of damage, then you can move onto the next step. On the other hand, if there are signs of damage, it’s best to start over with a new pair of shoes.
7. Rinse and Dry the Shoes:
Take your shoes and rinse them with clean water to make sure that all the detergent has been removed. Once you’ve rinsed your shoes, place them in a cool, dry area and allow them to air dry completely before wearing them again. Avoid placing them near direct heat sources or in humid environments, as this may damage the material of the shoe.
8. Polish if Desired:
If desired, you can use shoe polish to give your kicks an extra shine after they’ve been washed. This is optional, but it can help keep your sneaks looking brand new for longer periods. Ensure that you check the label of your shoes before using any kind of polish on them, as some materials may react differently to certain products.
9. Wear Your Clean Tennis Shoes:
Once your shoes have been washed and dried, you’re ready to enjoy your freshly cleaned sneaks. Don’t forget to thank the dishwasher! Finally, make sure to repeat this process every few weeks in order to keep your shoes looking brand new. This will help extend the life of your favorite pair of shoes and ensure that they stay clean and fresh for years to come.
10. Enjoy!
And there you have it! Now you know how to wash tennis shoes in a dishwasher with ease. Have fun cleaning your kicks, and enjoy your sparkling pair of newly washed sneakers! Remember to practice safe cleaning practices and to check your shoes for any damage after each wash cycle. Happy washing!
By following these steps, you can keep your favorite tennis shoes looking and feeling as good as new for even longer. Washing them in a dishwasher is not only an easy way to clean them but it also helps protect the material from damage due to water or other debris that may get stuck in the laces or soles of the shoe.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Use a gentle laundry detergent when washing your tennis shoes in the dishwasher. Do not use a bleaching agent or other harsh chemicals.
- Before putting them in the dishwasher, remove any excess dirt and debris from your shoes and laces with a soft brush.
- To help keep your shoes dry during the wash cycle, place them on top of a large plastic cutting board or similar item that is rated for use in the dishwasher. This will allow water to drain away as they clean.
- If possible, turn off the drying cycle on your dishwasher so it doesn’t heat up too much, which could damage the material of your shoes.
- Take extra care when handling wet shoes after they’ve been washed. Allow them to air dry, and avoid using a hair dryer, as this could cause the material to shrink or become misshapen.
Taking proper steps to maintain your tennis shoes will help prolong their life and keep you looking stylish on the court! Happy washing!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid leaving your shoes in the dishwasher for an extended period of time. While dishes should be washed for at least 30 minutes, it’s best to take your shoes out after 15-20 minutes to avoid damaging them with too much heat.
- Avoid putting leather tennis shoes in the dishwasher, as the heat and water pressure can ruin the material. Stick to synthetic materials such as canvas, mesh, or rubber when using a dishwasher to wash your tennis shoes.
- Avoid washing other items in the same load as your shoes, as they could become damaged due to friction. It’s best to keep all items separate that you don’t want to be scratched or torn up during the cycle.
- Avoid drying your tennis shoes in the dishwasher. The heat from the drying cycle can cause your shoes to shrink or become distorted and could lead to future wear-and-tear problems.
- Avoid putting any detergent other than a very small amount of mild liquid soap, as too much detergent can leave a residue on your shoes that is difficult to remove. To avoid this issue, you should always rinse off the soap suds after each cycle before taking out your shoes.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to safely wash your tennis shoes in a dishwasher without damaging them! Just remember to always take them out after 15-20 minutes and never dry them in the machine afterward. Happy cleaning!
Conclusion
To summarise, washing your favorite pair of tennis shoes in the dishwasher may be a surprisingly practical solution when you don’t have the time to hand-wash them. While this process is relatively simple and requires minimal supplies, it must still be done with care and knowledge of fabric types. Be sure not to overload the dishwasher, as this can cause damage to the shoes during the cycle. If unsure about what type of detergent works best for your particular shoe material or design, always refer back to the manufacturer’s instructions first.
Whether you wash them by machine or hand, keeping up with regular cleaning routines will keep your tennis shoes fresh and looking great for years. In some cases, the safe use of a dishwasher may be just the trick!
Hopefully, the article on how to wash tennis shoes in dishwasher has been useful and informative. Thanks for reading!
