Submitted 4 months ago by vestmoria@linux.community to nostupidquestions@lemmy.world
after running under the rain for 30 minutes my white sneakers had a foul stench. I tried disinfectant and washing them with soap and water and lots of rubbing and sunlight to dry.
While that got rid of most of the smell, my white sneakers are now brownish, specially around the shoelaces.
I’ve never washed sneakers in the washing machine. Am I going to ruin them?
use mesh laundry bags, otherwise the laces are going to get all tied up with each other. it would honestly probably be best to take the laces out and put them in their own laundry bag. put the insoles in separate mesh laundry bags as well, the shoe is going to change shape during this process and you’re going to fuck up any foam insole.
wash on cold, with a little soap. if your machine has a hand wash setting or a delicates setting, go ahead and use it.
there’s really no need to dry them in the dryer, you definitely do not want to put the insoles in the dryer.
Ok here you go. Take out the inserts and use a spray and wash product on the inside. Tie the shoes and put in washer along with inserts that are loose. Add 2 or 3 towels into the wash also. This reduces noise, washer negative impact, and helps clean the shoes. Once finished, put shoes in the sun along with inserts to the side, to dry. I have done this many, many times. Do not put in dryer. Voilá!
No, your sneakers are most likely to be okay but I wouldn’t be so sure about the washing machine. I’m also unsure it would be effective in removing the brown stains.
My recommendation would be let them soak for a day in water with a bit of laundy powder + laundry enzime solution ( Vanish, Sard or whatever brand is sold in your corner of the world). Remove the laces and the inside of the soles if they’re a separate part. Then the next day gently brush the stained areas.
I bought a mesh sneaker bag from Amazon that is designed to keep them safe in the wash and it seems to do the trick each time. Just be sure to take out in the insole before washing.
Don’t use much heat, that will destroy them. Just throw them in at 30C and add a cup of white vinegar. It keeps the smell away even if they get wet again. Dry them quickly when finished.
Have been doing this for years, no problems so far.
Have you checked the maker’s site?
I damaged a few insoles, so maybe take care of them separatly.
I think general advice is to remove insoles and shoelaces. Choose a program that keeps spinning to a minimum. And put something else in so they don't spin around like crazy. And dry them slowly, stuffed with old newspapers.
I occasionally wash them. I also put in a few dirty rags or something. Seems fine, but I haven't done it frequently.
As a stinky feet-haver, I opt to buy a couple pairs of the same cheap shoes and toss them once the smell starts. There’s just no going back, in my experience.
That seems incredibly wasteful, have you tried like baking soda or something?
I should have clarified that the ones I get are about $15 a pair and last me 6 months. But yes, I’ve tried everything, baking soda, vinegar, freezing them, washing and drying - even if it works initially the smell comes back within days.
JohnnyWishbone@lemmy.world 4 months ago
Remove insoles, place in old pillow case, zip tie the pillow case shut, put on a daily short wash probably about an hour at 30 degrees, small amount of detergent and white vinegar in the fabric softener tray, dry in sun or on radiator. Never fails.