Running shoes should be addressed in the washing machine. Most of the time, people don’t give them a dry cleaning and end up washing them in warm water. While cleaning running sneakers is not as stringent as washing your pair of slippers, it still has its guidelines.
Having clean sneakers becomes extremely important when you’re out for a run, and your sneakers get covered in mud or dust. This guide will tell you how to clean Nike running shoes in the most efficient way possible. We will also talk about how you can make a mild cleaning solution that requires little effort and ingredients that you probably have in your kitchen anyway.
Table of Contents
How to clean Nike running shoes:
To clean running shoes, it is important to take out the insole and give the insole and shoe a brush down to remove dust. If there are any dirty patches or dirt on the sole, a damp cloth can help to clean them. You can also store shoes away from direct sunlight and in a well-ventilated area. It is best to wash your shoes straight after running muddy runs. To do this, use a basin of water and rubber gloves to wash the shoes thoroughly. After washing, dry the shoes using a towel or air dryer. By following these steps, you can ensure that your running shoes are in tip-top condition for future use.
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01: Make a Mild Cleaning Solution
Running shoes require a thorough cleaning to ensure they remain in good condition. You can make a cleaning solution using a mild detergent, distilled vinegar, baking soda, and water. To clean the shoe uppers:
- Use a brush with soft bristles.
- For stubborn dirt, rinse and scrub with a hose.
- Use a mild soap, baking soda/water paste, or vinegar/water mix for insoles.
- After cleaning your running shoes, allow them to dry completely before giving them a hard brushing to remove caked-on dirt. This will help keep them in good condition and ensure they are ready for the next run.
02: Use a Dry Brush
Regularly cleaning your running shoes can help them last longer and reduce any damage caused by bacteria and grime. To clean your shoes, brush the outsoles in small, circular motions to remove dirt and debris. It is best to use a dry brush with stiff bristles for the best results. After a muddy or rainy run, it’s important to wash your running shoes immediately to prevent the fabric from stiffening.
Instead of cleaning your shoes regularly, you can use a quick rinse and scrub to remove excess dirt and grime. For general cleaning, spending 15 minutes giving your shoes a quick clean every two to three months is recommended. This will help keep them in good shape and reduce the risk of shoe wear or damage.
03: Remove and Wash the Laces
Before cleaning running shoes, remove the laces and place them in a mesh bag. It is best to do this step to prevent the laces from becoming damaged while cleaning.
Next, scrub the laces using a mild soap and water solution or Gore-Tex-friendly cleaner. After scrubbing, rinse the laces thoroughly with clean water.
It is best to avoid putting laces in a dryer or near any heat source to avoid damaging them further. Instead, rinse them thoroughly with clean water and let them air dry.
Finally, ensure that you keep your running shoes in an air-tight container to prevent dirt, dust, and other particles from getting inside and damaging the shoes over time.
04: Wash the Soles
To clean the soles of running shoes, use a damp cloth and brush down the soles to remove dust. Always use an old, lint-free cloth for best results. After cleaning the shoes, insole out of the shoe and brush down both shoe and insole to remove excess dust. To ensure your shoes last longer, it’s important to clean them regularly and take care of them. Try washing your sneakers in warm water with detergent or soap and then scrubbing them dry.
Additionally, avoid drying sneakers in a clothes dryer or washing machine, as this can damage the materials in your shoes. Instead, air dry your sneakers outside or use a low heat setting in your dryer. Ultimately, it’s important to maintain your sneakers by washing them regularly and taking care of them properly.
05: Wash and Blot the Uppers
To clean your running shoes, remove any dirt or debris from the uppers of your shoes with a damp cloth. Next, use a soft brush to gently scrub the stubborn dirt off the uppers of your shoes. For mud- and rain-soaked running shoes, rinse the uppers with a hose and scrub with a brush. Gently pat the uppers dry with a towel to remove excess moisture. Finally, allow the upper to air dry completely before wearing them again. By cleaning your running shoes regularly, you can keep them in good shape and avoid costly repairs or replacements.
06: Dry the Shoes With a Towel
Runners should dry their shoes with a microfiber towel or soft cloth to blot excess moisture. This will help remove excess soap from the shoe surface and ensure the shoe fabric remains in good condition. Once dry, runners can air out their shoes at room temperature to finish drying them. To speed up the drying process, runners can place their shoes in an area with plenty of air circulation to dry them quickly. It is important not to use heat or a clothes dryer to dry running shoes as it can damage the glue and foam cushioning in the shoe. Instead, Runners can leave their shoes out in the sun to dry naturally.
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02: What to do with old running shoes?
03: What is a neutral running shoe?
04: What is a drop in running shoes?
05: What is a Stability Running shoe?
06: How long do running shoes last?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean Nike running shoes?
To clean Nike running shoes:
01: Gently scrub the dirt and debris with a soft brush.
02: Use mild detergent to clean the shoes thoroughly.
03: Avoid using heat, such as a dryer or radiator, to prevent damage to the glue that binds the shoe’s components.
04: Clean the shoes regularly—around every 2-3 months is usually a good frequency—to keep them in good condition and delay any damage caused by bacteria and grime.
05: Immediately wash your shoes after running for muddy and rainy runs to remove any dried mud or dirt.
Can I put my Nike running shoes in the washing machine?
No, it would help if you did not put your Nike running shoes in the dryer. Doing so can damage them and may not dry out as quickly as they should. Instead, stuff them lightly with paper towels and leave them out to air dry. If your shoes are machine washable, you can put them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Before putting your shoe in the washing machine, check the care label for specific instructions. For cleaning your running shoes, use warm water and laundry detergent and scrub them with a sponge or microfiber cloth.
How do you wash running shoes without ruining them?
To clean your running shoes without ruining them, follow these simple steps:
1. Fill a basin with warm water and mild detergent and swish the shoes in the water.
2. After a muddy run, it is best to wash your shoes straight away to prevent the mud from drying and making the fabric stiff.
3. To clean your shoes, fill a basin with warm water and mild detergent and scrub the shoes in the water with a brush. Be sure to scrub in between the laces and soles.
4. After a dry run, remove the insole and give the insole and shoe a brush down to remove the dust.
How can I clean my running shoes at home?
Start washing your running shoes in a basin of warm water for cleaning your running shoes at home. Make sure to scrub away any mud or dirt with a soft brush or cloth. Next, dry your shoes by leaving them in the sun or air. For regular maintenance, it is recommended to give your shoes a quick clean every two to three months. And, of course, always avoid exposing them to high temperatures to prevent damage.
What is the best way to wash your Nike running shoes?
To clean your Nike running shoes, follow these simple steps:
1. Wash them in warm water with a small amount of laundry detergent.
2. Use a sponge or microfiber cloth to remove dirt or stains.
3. If the shoes get muddy during the run, wash them straight after the run to avoid damage.
4. Stuff the shoes lightly with paper towels to help them dry more quickly.
5. Let the shoe air dry away from any heat source at room temperature.
Conclusion
If you follow these cleaning tips, your Nike running shoes will be in great shape. You can also use a toothbrush or soft brush to scrub the insoles and outer soles of the shoes. While washing them, use warm water and detergent-free detergent. If you notice any stains or dirt on the Nike shoe washing machine, instructions them to use a mild detergent-based solution and a cloth to wipe them clean. Ensure that they are completely dry before storing them away.
