Best way to clean running shoes: Hello, I’m... - Couch to 5K

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Best way to clean running shoes

Upsidaisy profile image
UpsidaisyGraduate
16 Replies

Hello, I’m looking for some advice on how best to clean my new running shoes, especially during this inclement weather with so much rain and mud. Is it best to let them dry and then brush the mud off and then clean them with sports shoe gel? Is it a no no to put them in the washing machine?

Many thanks

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Upsidaisy profile image
Upsidaisy
Graduate
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16 Replies
Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate

Hi, a common question at the moment and infact one which was asked a couple of days ago on the 'Bridge to 10K' forum.

Here is a link to that very post , you may find it useful .

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

Upsidaisy profile image
UpsidaisyGraduate in reply to Instructor57

Many thanks Instructor 57, I’ll take a look.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Let 'em dry..then bang all the mud off... brushing off the tops too.No washing machine for me, ( or many), as that mud., well, it's the medals for each run.

Wear with pride !

Upsidaisy profile image
UpsidaisyGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Thank you Oldfloss, you made me smile too!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Upsidaisy

I am glad:) And... when your shoes wear out and you need to change them... ( be a while yet), they make great garden planters for small plants! :)

Upsidaisy profile image
UpsidaisyGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

What a great idea! I’m all for a bit of upcycling! 👟🌱😊

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

I have a bucket and brush outside and clean them while still wearing them, then stuff them with newspaper (replaced frequently) and let them dry naturally. A couple of pairs of trail shoes can help you avoid wearing damp shoes.

All the manufacturers whose shoes I have had always say no washing machine, but I know folk who do it that way. Why waste energy?

Upsidaisy profile image
UpsidaisyGraduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thand you for your detailed reply - good advice.

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate

The important thing is not to subject them to heat. Often the glues that hold them together are loosened by heat.

If you're going to rinse them off, use cold water and an old toothbrush.

To dry, a warm room or an airing cupboard. Never on a radiator or in front of a fire. Allow the air to circulate round them.

If you are going to stuff them with paper to absorb moisture, change it for fresh dry paper every few hours.

Upsidaisy profile image
UpsidaisyGraduate in reply to nowster

Thank you for all your good advice - I’ll make sure I follow it!

newbie-nick profile image
newbie-nickGraduate

Clean? Clean? Are you mad... they will only get dirty again. In all seriousness, pack them with scrunched up newspaper and allow to dry somewhere warm, but NOT hot. No radiators tops or infant of fires. When they are dry bash them together to knock off the mud and use a nylon bristles brush. I never use the washing machine for it.

Upsidaisy profile image
UpsidaisyGraduate in reply to newbie-nick

Thank you newbie-nick. Yes, it’s true they can’t stay looking new unless I leave them in the box! I like the idea of bashing them together to knock off the mud. I’ll look forward to trying it 🙂

newbie-nick profile image
newbie-nickGraduate in reply to Upsidaisy

A word of caution... tie the shoe laces otherwise they tend to whip your hands... I know from painful first-hand experience! Also, watch the flying mud and your eyes.

Upsidaisy profile image
UpsidaisyGraduate in reply to newbie-nick

Thanks for the warning, I’ll follow your good advice.👍 Might even dig out a pair of safety specs or some shades to protect the ol’ peepers. 🕶

Springsnowdrop profile image
Springsnowdrop

Not sure about cleaning them, but using a hairdryer on low/cold inside them makes dry fast. Curious to see the advice on how to clean them too.

Upsidaisy profile image
UpsidaisyGraduate in reply to Springsnowdrop

Great tip! I’ll try that one 👍 thanks Springsnowdrop.

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