The official beginning of spring is just weeks away. The warmer weather makes us want to come out of hibernation and get back into the gym to get our bodies beach ready. It’s no secret that working out + sweat is the perfect equation for some funky workout gear. You wash your exercise clothes after each session, but how often do you wash your sneakers? All that sweat and dirt can cause them to become stinky, but don’t worry! Did you know that you can clean your sneakers in the washing machine? Here’s how:
Step 1 — remove any excess dirt 
If you wear your shoes a lot when running outside, your sneakers might be especially filthy. Run-ins with mud, snow, and de-icing salt might still show some evidence of the encounter on your shoes. Take a dry scrub brush or a clean rag and brush the dirt off as well as possible before washing. You could also take them outside and bang them together to remove any excess dirt.
Step 2 — take out the laces
Removing your laces is a very important step. You want to make sure your laces get as clean as possible from any hidden dirt in the eyelets and you also don’t want to let your laces get caught in the agitator during the spin cycle. You can drop them into a small, closeable mesh bag and wash them with your sneakers. You also may want to take out the insoles and wash them separately or if they’re just too stinky to salvage, buy some new ones.
Step 3 — add a cushion
You want to make sure your sneakers have as much cushion as possible when washing to minimize and wear and tear. Place things like towels, blankets, or sweatshirts in the bottom of the washer before you put your sneakers in. This will give them a buffer and also make it a little quieter during the cycle.
Step 4 — add light detergent/wash on gentle
Now that you’ve placed your shoes and laces in the washer, you’re read to add your detergent. Your regular brand will work just fine. Make sure that you use it sparingly. Adding too much detergent can cause stains and even leave behind a residue that will leave your shoes stiff.
Step 5 — air dry
After your wash cycle, it’s key to let your sneakers air dry. The spin cycle in the washer will have removed all of the excess water so your shoes should only be damp. Place them outside, next to an open window, or in front of a fan to speed up the drying process. When they’re completely dry, reassemble them, and show them off. They’ll look good as new!
Follow these steps when necessary to keep your kicks as fresh as possible! If you need help cleaning your workout gear, feel free to come in and utilize our 24 hour self-service laundromat. Don’t forget about our free parking and wi-fi!
