Tennis shoes are an essential part of any tennis player’s gear. They endure a great deal of wear and tear during matches and practices, getting dirty from the court surface, sweat, and other elements. Washing them in a washing machine can be an effective way to clean them, but it requires the right approach. When you play tennis, your shoes are constantly in contact with the court, which can be made of clay, grass, or hard surfaces. This leads to dirt, grass stains, and sometimes even clay caking onto the shoes. Additionally, the moisture from your feet during intense play can cause unpleasant odors. Cleaning them properly in the washing machine can not only make them look better but also extend their lifespan.
Preparation Before Washing
Remove Laces and Insoles: Before putting your tennis shoes in the washing machine, it’s crucial to take out the laces and insoles. The laces can get tangled during the wash cycle, and washing them separately ensures a more thorough clean. You can soak the laces in a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. For the insoles, they often absorb a lot of sweat and can be washed by hand with a soft brush and a gentle detergent solution. This step also allows you to clean the inside of the shoes more effectively.
Brush Off Excess Dirt: Use a soft – bristled brush to gently remove as much loose dirt as possible from the shoes. Pay attention to the soles, where dirt and debris tend to accumulate the most. Brushing the upper part of the shoes can also help get rid of surface dirt and any grass or clay that may be stuck. This initial cleaning reduces the amount of dirt that will be spread around during the washing machine cycle.
Check the Shoes for Damage: Inspect your tennis shoes for any signs of damage such as holes, loose stitching, or detached parts. If there are holes, water can seep in during the wash and cause more damage, or the shoes may not come out as clean. Loose stitching might come undone further during the agitation in the washing machine. If you find any issues, consider repairing them before washing or decide if it’s still safe to wash the shoes.
Choosing the Right Washing Machine Settings
Use a Gentle or Delicate Cycle: Most modern washing machines have a gentle or delicate cycle option. This is the best setting for washing tennis shoes. The gentle cycle reduces the risk of damaging the shoes by minimizing the agitation. It provides just enough movement to clean the shoes without being too harsh on the materials. For example, if your shoes have synthetic uppers or delicate mesh, a harsh cycle could cause the fabric to tear or lose its shape.
Cold Water is Key: Always use cold water when washing tennis shoes. Hot water can cause the colors to fade, especially if your shoes have bright or bold colors. It can also damage certain materials like glue that holds the shoes together. Cold water is effective in removing dirt and odors without these negative consequences. Additionally, cold water is better for the environment as it requires less energy to heat.
Low Spin Speed: Set the spin speed to low. A high spin speed can put excessive stress on the shoes, potentially deforming them. A low spin speed helps to remove water gently without causing any structural damage. This is particularly important for shoes with cushioned soles or those made with soft materials that can be easily affected by the force of a high – speed spin.
Selecting the Appropriate Detergent
Mild Detergent: Choose a mild detergent that is free from bleach and harsh chemicals. Bleach can damage the colors and materials of the shoes. A mild detergent is designed to clean effectively without being too abrasive. You can look for detergents specifically formulated for delicate fabrics or even those made for washing sports gear. These types of detergents are usually gentle enough for tennis shoes and can break down dirt and sweat without causing harm.
Avoid Fabric Softeners: Do not use fabric softeners when washing tennis shoes. Fabric softeners can leave a residue on the shoes that can affect their breathability. Tennis shoes need to be able to breathe to prevent excessive sweating and odor. The residue from the fabric softener can also make the shoes slippery, which is dangerous when you’re wearing them on the tennis court.
Detergent Quantity: Use only a small amount of detergent. Too much detergent can create excessive suds, which can be difficult to rinse out completely. Leftover detergent in the shoes can cause skin irritation and may also attract more dirt over time. A small amount, usually about half of what you would use for a normal load of clothes, is sufficient for cleaning tennis shoes.
Protecting the Shoes During the Wash
Use a Washing Bag or Pillowcase: To further protect your tennis shoes during the wash, place them in a washing bag or an old pillowcase. This helps to prevent the shoes from banging against the sides of the washing machine drum, which could cause scuffs or scratches. The bag or pillowcase also contains any loose debris that might come off the shoes during the wash, keeping the washing machine clean.
Positioning in the Washing Machine: Place the shoes in the washing machine in a way that they are not stacked on top of each other. If possible, lay them flat or at an angle to ensure that all parts of the shoes get cleaned evenly. This also reduces the risk of them getting damaged during the wash cycle. For example, if two shoes are placed haphazardly on top of each other, the pressure from the wash could cause parts of the shoes to bend or warp.
Don’t Overload the Washing Machine: Make sure not to overload the washing machine when washing tennis shoes. Leave enough space for the shoes to move around slightly during the gentle cycle. Overloading can prevent the shoes from getting a proper clean as the water and detergent may not be able to reach all areas. It can also cause the washing machine to work inefficiently and may even lead to damage to the machine itself.
Drying the Tennis Shoes Properly
Air Drying is Ideal: After the wash cycle is complete, take the shoes out of the washing machine and let them air dry. Do not use a dryer as the heat can damage the shoes. Place them in a well – ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause the colors to fade, and heat from the sun can warp the shoes. You can stuff the shoes with newspaper or a clean towel to help them maintain their shape during the drying process.
Speed Up Drying with a Fan: If you need to speed up the drying process, you can use a fan. Set the fan to a low or medium speed and direct it towards the shoes. This gentle airflow helps to evaporate the moisture faster without causing any damage. Make sure the fan is not too close to the shoes to avoid blowing them around or causing any uneven drying.
Check for Residual Moisture: Before wearing the shoes again, make sure they are completely dry. Check the insides, especially around the heel and toe areas, as these are often the last parts to dry. Even a small amount of moisture can lead to mold growth or unpleasant odors. If you feel any dampness, continue the drying process until the shoes are fully dry.
Post – Wash Maintenance
Deodorize if Needed: Even after washing, some shoes may still have a lingering odor. You can use natural deodorizers like baking soda. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside the shoes and let it sit for a few hours before shaking it out. Baking soda helps to absorb any remaining odors. Another option is to use specialized shoe deodorizers available in the market, which are designed to neutralize bad smells.
Check the Fit and Comfort: Once the shoes are dry, put them on and check the fit. Sometimes, washing can cause the shoes to feel slightly different. Make sure they still provide the same level of comfort and support as before. If you notice any changes in the fit, it could be due to the shoes losing their shape during the wash. In such cases, you may need to consider replacing them or using inserts to improve the fit.
Regular Cleaning Routine: To keep your tennis shoes in good condition, establish a regular cleaning routine. Don’t wait until they are extremely dirty to wash them. Washing them after every few uses, depending on how dirty they get, can prevent dirt and sweat from building up and causing long – term damage. This regular maintenance also helps to keep the shoes looking new and performing well on the tennis court.
Conclusion
Washing tennis shoes in a washing machine can be a great way to keep them clean and fresh, but it’s important to follow these steps carefully. By properly preparing the shoes, choosing the right settings, using the appropriate detergent, protecting the shoes during the wash, drying them correctly, and performing post – wash maintenance, you can ensure that your tennis shoes last longer and continue to provide the comfort and support you need during your tennis activities.
Related Topics
- Why Do Female Tennis Players Wear Skirts
- Why Put Tennis Balls in Dryer
- How to Become a Professional Tennis Player
