Tennis shoes are an essential part of an athlete’s equipment. They take a lot of beating and, therefore, need proper and regular cleaning. Many people opt for washing their tennis shoes in a dishwasher. It’s an effective and easy way to get your shoes clean. Here’s how to wash tennis shoes in a dishwasher.
Preparation for Washing Tennis Shoes
Before washing your tennis shoes in the dishwasher, there are a few things you need to do. First, remove any laces and inserts from your shoes. You can wash them separately or with the shoes, depending on the material they’re made of. Second, check the care label on your shoes to make sure that they’re dishwasher safe. If they’re not, don’t wash them in the dishwasher. Third, remove any dirt or mud from the shoes by brushing them with a soft brush.
Choosing the Right Cycle
Once you’ve prepared your shoes, it’s time to choose the right cycle on your dishwasher. You should choose a gentle cycle, with a low-temperature setting. This will prevent the shoes from getting damaged or the color from fading.
Loading the Dishwasher
When loading the dishwasher, make sure that your shoes are placed in such a way that they won’t bump into each other or any other dishes during the cycle. You can place them on the top rack of the dishwasher or use a shoe rack designed for dishwashers. If you don’t have a shoe rack, you can stuff the shoes with towels or old newspaper to help them keep their shape.
Adding the Cleaning Solution
Once you’ve loaded your shoes into the dishwasher, you need to add a cleaning solution. There are different cleaning solutions you can use, but the most effective one is a mixture of equal parts baking soda and detergent. You can also add some vinegar for an extra cleaning boost.
Running the Dishwasher
After adding the cleaning solution, it’s time to run the dishwasher. Make sure that the cycle is set to the gentle cycle with low-temperature setting. Once the cycle is complete, remove the shoes from the dishwasher and inspect them for any remaining dirt or stains. If necessary, you can repeat the cycle.
Drying the Tennis Shoes
Once the shoes are clean and free from any dirt or stains, it’s time to dry them. You can leave them to air dry naturally, but it’s advisable to use a fan or place them near a vent for faster drying. Never use a dryer, as it can damage the shoes.
Tips for Maintaining Tennis Shoes
To keep your tennis shoes looking good and performing their best, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure to remove any dirt or mud from your shoes as soon as possible. Second, never leave your shoes in direct sunlight or in a hot car, as it can cause the material to warp or fade. Third, use a protectant spray to protect the shoes from water damage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When washing your tennis shoes in a dishwasher, there are a few common mistakes you need to avoid. First, don’t overload the dishwasher, as it can damage the shoes or the dishwasher. Second, don’t use hot water or a high-temperature cycle, as it can damage the shoes. Third, avoid using bleach or any harsh cleaning agents, as they can ruin the material of the shoes.
Alternative Methods for Washing Tennis Shoes
In case you don’t have a dishwasher, or your shoes are not dishwasher safe, there are other alternative methods you can use. These include handwashing the shoes with dish soap, vinegar and baking soda, or using a washing machine with a gentle cycle and low-temperature setting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I wash all kinds of tennis shoes in a dishwasher?
– No. Check the care label of your shoes to make sure that they’re dishwasher safe.
2. Can I use a high temperature cycle?
– No. Always choose a gentle cycle with a low-temperature setting.
3. How can I protect my tennis shoes from water damage?
– Use a protectant spray to protect the shoes from water damage.
4. Can I dry my tennis shoes in a dryer?
– No. Leave them to air dry naturally, or use a fan or place them near a vent for faster drying.
5. What should I avoid when washing my tennis shoes in a dishwasher?
– Avoid overloading the dishwasher, using hot water or high-temperature cycles, and using bleach or harsh cleaning agents.
Conclusion
Washing tennis shoes in a dishwasher is an effective and easy way to get them clean. By following the right steps, you can ensure that your shoes are properly cleaned without getting damaged. Remember to always choose a gentle cycle with a low-temperature setting, and avoid using harsh cleaning agents or leaving the shoes in direct sunlight or a hot car. With these tips, your tennis shoes will stay looking good and performing their best for a long time.
