Have you neglected giving your trainers a wash recently? Chances are they’re looking soiled and stained. Cleaning your shoes on a regular basis not only keeps them looking good, but it’s an eco-friendly way to save money in the long run as well.
If you’re uncertain whether to wash your trainers in the washing machine or not, check their care instructions. They should have this information either online or with the manufacturer or retailer.
Hand washing
Hand washing is an integral step in reducing the risk of infections. This simple yet effective technique has the potential to save lives.
Hand hygiene with alcohol is the most widely recommended method of hand hygiene and has been recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) due to its affordability, ease of execution, and short duration – only 20 seconds!
Always wash your hands in soap and water to help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria that can lead to diseases like colds, flu, and urinary tract infections.
In the United Kingdom, 83% of people typically lather their hands with soap and warm water at home. An additional 9% mix hot and cold water to cleanse their hands.
Handwashing is the most efficient method for eliminating bacteria, making it an important strategy in infection prevention and control (IPC). Furthermore, handwashing has great cost-saving potential – leading to significant savings for hospitals and patients alike.
Machine washing
Washing machines are a staple in the United Kingdom. Not only are they user-friendly, but they can save you time and energy as well.
They can help keep your trainers looking like new for longer by eliminating stains and being much gentler on delicate fabrics than hand washing.
In the UK, many modern washing machines come equipped with intelligent features that can be connected to your smartphone and provide advanced settings that save you money and energy.
Some machines will also disinfect your clothes, decreasing the risk of odours and bacteria. They can be programmed to automatically dose the correct amount of detergent and softener, so you won’t have to add more than what’s necessary.
It is essential to clean the seals of your machine before and after each use. Dirt and soap scum can accumulate inside these areas, leading to mildew or mould growth. Additionally, leaving the door slightly open after each wash helps circulate air around the drum for added sanitation.
Sole cleaning
Sole cleaning is an effective way to keep your trainers clean. It doesn’t require any special tools – just some elbow grease!
With a toothbrush and non-gel toothpaste, you can quickly and gently scrub the soles of your sneakers. Use a small amount of paste, then rub in circles until all grime has been eliminated.
For a thorough clean, apply baking soda and water to the shoe soles for an effective clean. Vinegar can also be used to remove stains from shoe soles.
Shoe soles are breeding grounds for thousands of microorganisms that can lead to various health issues. Therefore, regular cleaning your shoes is essential in order to prevent infections and other illnesses.
Lace cleaning
Lace is a delicate fabric, so it requires delicate cleaning. Hand washing with cool water and a mild detergent is recommended; vigorous scrubbing the fabric could distort its fibers and cause damage.
Lace can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with a mesh lingerie bag using a delicate detergent. Do not put it through the tumble dryer as this adds extra wear and tear to the fabric.
If the lace is white, oxygen-based bleach (OxiClean, Clorox 2 and Country Save Bleach are all brands) is recommended. Fill a basin or sink large enough to submerge your pieces of lace and soak for at least two hours – overnight is even better!
Once you have soaked the lace, rinse it thoroughly and then air-dry on a towel. Doing this will help maintain its condition for extended use.