Are you tired of hand-washing your dirty trainers or kids sport shoes?

Repeatedly…

Did you know you can safely clean most types of trainer and shoes in the washing machine?* With the right approach, you can restore your kicks to their former glory without any hassle.

Here’s Trainer Trash’s essential guide to trainer cleaning, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of washing trainers in your washing machine.

Can I Wash My Trainers in the Washing Machine?

Generally, yes. However, it’s essential to check the care label on your shoes for specific instructions.

Trainers made from synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, and mesh are more durable and usually suitable for machine washing.

Leather and suede trainers may not tolerate machine washing due to the risk of water damage.Trainer Trash Washbag

Higher temperatures can damage the glues used to assemble trainers and, of course, always protect your trainers from tumble-damage by using our premium padded washbags.

What wash is best for trainers?

It should to be a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. Eco delicate settings usually work. Our bags are designed for cold wash cycles, so never exceed 40 degrees celsius.

Don’t be tempted to crank up the temperatures and go for a speedy cycle, as these won’t play nicely with any delicate fabric in your trainers.

For heavier soiled trainers you can use a brush to remove excessive clumps of mud.

Avoid using settings with fast spin cycles, as your trainers may come out mis-shapen.

How do I dry wet trainers?

Dry them naturally.

Don’t use a tumble dryer. Put your trainers in a well-ventilated, warm area. Or hang near-to a heat source.

Avoid direct heat (like placing them on radiators) or exposing them to strong sunlight when wet.

Allow them to air dry naturally and avoid using targeted head appliances, like hair dryers, as some fabrics can shrink or warp.

To retain or restore shape you can stuff trainers with newspaper (or similar material) while they dry.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Trainers: If heavily soiled, scrub off excess dirt with a toothbrush or with a Trainer Trash soft-bristled brush, designed for this purpose.
2. Remove Laces & Remove Loose Insoles: This results in the best clean and allows the trainers to dry quicker.
3. Protect Your Trainers: Place your trainers inside the Trainer Trash laundry bag to prevent them from getting damaged by the washing machine drum.
4. Choose the Best Settings: Use a cold water setting. Opt for a gentle or delicate cycle to prevent excessive wear and tear.
5. If Using Detergent: Less is More. Steer clear of bleach, fabric softeners or other harsh chemicals that can damage your trainers. Use a laundry detergent formulated for delicates or a specialised shoe cleaner.
6. Dry Properly: Air dry your trainers in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as these can cause the materials to deteriorate.

Essential Tips

• Never Ignore the Label: When washing trainers follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Pre-treat Stains: If your trainers have localised stains, pre-treat them before washing. To do this, we suggest that you use Trainer Trash stain remover spray. It’s specially formulated by leading fabric experts for this purpose. Make sure you avoid using harsh chemicals that might damage the shoe material.
• Use a Padded Washbag: To protect your shoes during the washing process, it’s recommended to place them inside a Trainer Trash washbag. This will help to prevent damage to the trainers, damage to your washing machine and minimise noise.
• Use a Protector Spray: Give your trainers the best defence against attracting stains and getting dirt embedded deep in the fabric. The Trainer Trash Protector spray also repels water, making the next clean even easier.

With help from Trainer Trash you can effectively clean and refresh your trainers in your washing machine without damage or deterioration in quality.

Remember to always check the care label and choose the appropriate settings for your specific trainer type. With proper care and maintenance your favorite trainers will stay looking amazing for years to come.

*Always, always, always read the manufacturer’s instructions.