Put running shoes in the washing machine? Please don't! 10 tips for correct care
In our Dextro Energy* stories we have already told you how to find the right running shoe . But what if the rockets get dirty? How do you actually clean running shoes properly? And why is the washing machine usually the worst idea? Here we give you a few good tips on how to get the most out of your running shoes for longer.
The question of all questions first: How long do running shoes last?
And the answer: It depends on what kind of shoes they are. And how you care for them. Unsatisfactory answer? Then in a little more detail:
Depending on the style and load, the nature of the route and the weather in which you run, running shoes can accompany you for hundreds or just a few kilometers. With sensitive carbon rockets and delicate works of art for the tartan track, however, it can be over after just 100-200 kilometers, while with more robust running shoes you'll be lucky to break the thousand mark.
If you also like running over hill and dale, this often puts more strain on your running shoes than a road marathon. And of course, it is the care that determines how long a running shoe lasts : If you clean your running shoes in the washing machine, they usually have a very short life. More on that in a moment. But if you clean them correctly and take care of them otherwise, you'll have something to use them for longer. And another tip at the end: Running shoes are fine as long as they allow you to run comfortably and safely. There is no rule of thumb when it comes to kilometers. But this is definitely the case: If you no longer feel comfortable in your running shoes or if they are obviously badly damaged, it's time for a change . By the way, we have our own story about how to find the right running shoes . Take a look!
10 tips on how to clean and care for your running shoes
Running shoes should not be washed in the washing machine . Adhesive spots and material on your sprint and jogging shoes can be damaged in the washing machine by chemical agents, high temperatures and speeds, and too much water. In addition, shoes with a high plastic content can deform, while certain textiles can shrink.
So far so good. But what exactly can you do if you want to wash, look after and care for your running shoes? Here are 10 good, simple tips to help you use your running shoes for longer.
Show off your neat running shoes! No problem at all with our tips.
@iStock.com/vitranc
Tip No. 1: This is what you need for comprehensive running shoe care
Don't worry, it's not much. To clean any type of running shoes, you need:
- A mild detergent and possibly special leather care (if your shoe contains leather or artificial leather)
- A container with lukewarm water
- A soft scrubbing brush for the shoe, a harder scrubbing brush for the sole
- A toothbrush for those tricky spots
- A scratch for stones etc. in the sole (nothing sharp)
- A sponge and a soft cloth
- Paper towels to quickly remove moisture and dirt
And you need care afterwards
- Waterproofing spray or wax
- Shoe deodorant
- Disinfectant spray
Tip No. 2: Wash, clean and care for running shoes – how does it actually work?
And again: don't worry. It's all half as wild and not complicated at all. In addition to the things just listed, all you need is some peace, time and a place where you can work efficiently. And then it starts:
- Remove the laces and insole. You can wash these in the machine (see tip no. 4).
- Add the mild detergent to the lukewarm water. Less is more here.
- You can now knock out any coarse dirt on your running shoe, scrape it off or remove it with paper towels.
- Clean the sole first (see tip #5).
- Then clean the upper. Most running shoes are clearly divided into “fields”. Clean each part of your running shoe upper one at a time. You can gently “scrub” textile upper material with a sponge, cloth or soft brush. Just make sure that the water isn't too hot and that the shoe doesn't get too wet. Again: less is more. Please do not use water or mild detergent for leather and artificial leather. Here you can work with special leather care – how to use it is written on the packaging. In general: If you are unsure which cleaning method is right for which upper material, contact your sports shop or the manufacturer directly. Your shoe won't immediately disappear into thin air if you clean it incorrectly, but unsightly stains, damaged material, etc. are unnecessary.
- You can also clean white running shoes and soles with a little effort: you can cover up stains on the soles with white textile pens, and you can scrub and polish white running shoes with special care products. For obvious reasons, we advise against white running shoes - no one has that much time to clean them after every run.
- Once you've finished cleaning, you can dry your running shoes professionally. We'll tell you how to do this in Tips No. 6 and No. 7. Spoiler: Newsprint and good ventilation play an important role.
- If the running shoes are dry, you can use shoe deodorant or disinfectant spray to ensure more hygiene (see tip no. 9) or impregnate them against moisture (tip no. 8).
- Completed. Have fun running!
Tip #3: Two pairs of running shoes are better than one
Especially if you run often or daily, you might consider whether two or even three pairs of running shoes might be an option for you. This way you give used running shoes enough time to dry - and you can still use them every day. It's not just about mud or rainwater: if running shoes can be ventilated and dried, this also prevents unpleasant odors caused by sweat and “cheese feet”.
Tip #4: The washing machine is not completely useless
You can of course wash insoles and shoe laces in the machine , as long as the manufacturer's care instructions allow this. Just make sure that the insoles in particular are completely dry before putting them back into the shoe. And yes: the damage caused by cleaning in the washing machine is usually greater than the benefit. But if you have the choice between “putting your running shoes in the washing machine” or “throwing your running shoes away,” it’s definitely worth a try. Then the following applies: wash as gently and cold as possible. Take out the shoelaces and “cushion” the shoes themselves in a pillowcase. Important: Flying shoes are loud and can damage the drum. So the padding is important. More importantly: never, ever, never tumble dry running shoes (like all sneakers).
Tip No. 5: Give the running shoe sole a little love when caring for it
You can feel the difference: If you scrape dirt, stones, etc. out of the sole with a pointed (but not sharp) object or a hard brush and then clean it with a damp cloth, this can improve the walking experience - and therefore the body better relieve. Care is very important, especially with soft, spongy Boost soles. Tip: Sometimes it makes care easier if you simply let dirt that is still wet dry . It then often falls out of the sole simply by tapping it.
Tip No. 6: Drying running shoes means protecting running shoes
Whether you have washed your running shoes in the washing machine, cleaned them by hand with lots of water or they are soaking wet from your last run in the pouring rain: only if running shoes can dry ideally can you avoid unpleasant smells and damage to seams, glued areas and textiles. Even if it doesn't sound very intuitive: Please don't dry your running shoes on the heater, with a hairdryer or even in a lukewarm oven (I've seen it all before). If the heat is too high, the running shoes can become deformed , adhesive spots can burst, etc. Instead, simply line the inside of the shoes with newspaper and let them dry at room temperature in a well-ventilated area. Check every now and then, change newspaper if necessary – perfect.
Tip #7: Running shoes need air
As already mentioned: Not only should running shoes be completely dried again and again - ventilation also plays a big role. If you want to avoid your running shoes smelling like cheese feet or musty moisture, you can always make sure to put them where air circulates. Open shoe racks are always preferable to closed shoe cabinets.
Tip No. 8: Waterproof and protect running shoes
Cleaning running shoes is one thing. The other thing is protection: Make sure that you regularly waterproof your running shoes with appropriate products. Especially before your very first run: waterproof them, protect your running shoes, and enjoy dry feet. This is also the indication when it is time to re-waterproof: As soon as the shoes absorb moisture or get completely wet, you can get started. On average, waterproofing is required every four to eight weeks - depending on the season, terrain and timing of your runs. But which agent or wax should you use? Unfortunately, we can't give you any general advice here - but the running shoe manufacturer will definitely have advice .
And how do you waterproof?
First you have to clean your running shoes properly. You can then remove the shoelaces . Then spray the shoes all around from a safe distance (it says on the waterproofing spray). In places where there is too much or too little spray, you can help with a cloth. If you use wax, it is applied to the running shoe with a sponge or cloth - here too, please follow the manufacturer's instructions. Once you're done, the impregnation just has to soak in - you guessed it, everything you need to know about the required duration is on the product.
Tip #9: Disinfect and deodorize running shoes
Let's not kid ourselves: When it comes to regular use, even the best tips often don't help. The running shoes will start to smell a bit strange if you're unlucky. Bad smells can often indicate bacteria or fungi in the shoe . The solution: You can remove the pests with an effective disinfectant spray - this not only ensures more hygiene, but can also reduce or eliminate the odors. With a shoe deodorant you can cover up acute odor nuisances - ideal if you have to leave running shoes in areas where bad smells bother (others).
Tip No. 10: Recognize when even the best care is no longer effective
How many kilometers do running shoes last? The answer to this question varies depending on the running shoe - but is always the same: until it breaks. If the sole is damaged or the upper material is cracked, if the walking experience gets worse and worse or the shoes literally stink to high heaven despite all attempts to clean them, you may need new ones (be sure to check tip 1 again). Whether jogging shoes or sprint shoes, whether for the street or cross-country: We'll tell you how to find your new running shoe in our story with Björn Sturm from Ideale Straight .
And if, in addition to running shoe information, you are also looking for the right foods for your running : take a look at our Dextro Energy* online shop. There you will find endurance products for short and long distances ...
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A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important.
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