Tips for Washing Your Running Shoes

Since, I'm off training and running for the next few days, I decided it's time to give my running shoes a bath. And here's where the domestic diva side of me comes out. Well, you don't have to be Martha Stewart to be able to do this.





Here how to wash and keep 'em smelling good...


1. Remove laces and inserts from the shoes. Rinse the shoes with water inside and out. Throw in the laces with other clothes in the washing machine or hand-wash them. Allow the inserts to air out. Air-dry the laces. I don't advice tossing them in the washing machine since some running shoes can't withstand the harsh cycles of a washing machine.


2. Mix up a solution of mild soap and water. Using a soft old toothbrush, scrub every part of the shoes, including liners and insoles with the mild soapy water mixture inside and out. Rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water.



3. Gently try to squeeze out any excess water and wipe off with paper towels or a rag. Stuff the shoes with paper towels, dry rags or newspapers to soak up excess moisture and preserve their shape. Allow them to drip-dry.

4. Allow shoes to dry in a well-ventilated room.
Air drying will allow shoes to dry without it being damaged and to prevent it from shrinking. Do not put under direct sunlight. And a never toss it in the dryer. Machine washing and the use of a dryer is inadvisable because it can weaken the support structures in the sole. I leave mine on a shaded area in our balcony.




5. Replace the paper towels/rags/newspapers as soon as they become soaked. Replace the inserts and laces when the shoes are completely dry. You may apply clear shoe polish to white leather parts and black polish to black leather.



6. Put the laces and the inserts back into the shoes once all the parts are completely dry.Baking soda is a deodorizer. Sprinkle a bit of baking soda inside the shoes. Remove the powder from your shoes after a few hours by going outside and shaking the powder out, clap the soles of your shoes together a few times to get rid of any excess powder. (*another alternative: baby powder or a dryer sheet in the shoe works just as well.)



And voila! ... You've got clean and fresh smelling shoes!

Wash the shoes, save the cat!♥.•:*¨*:•.♥

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