4 SIMPLE STEPS TO CLEAN RUNNING SHOES AT HOME

Do you know how to clean running shoes properly? With just 4 simple steps, your running shoes will not only always look like new but also have a significantly longer lifespan.

1. 4 Steps to Cleaning Your Running Shoes

Essential Tools
Old toothbrush or soft bristle brush is best
Faucet or sink
For uppers: use mild soap, or if the shoes have Gore-Tex/other waterproof, breathable membranes, use a specialized cleaner, as soap or detergent can cause the layers to stick together
For insoles: use mild soap, or a mixture of baking soda and water, or a solution containing ½ vinegar and water.

Step 1: Clean the outsole

This step not only helps you remove sand and gravel stuck on the sole of the shoe, increasing the friction of the sole, but also helps you not accidentally carry bacteria from one place to another. Cleaning the outsole is very simple:

Let the outsole of the shoe dry completely
Use a good, hard brush and scrub it carefully
For stubborn stains: take a hose, rinse and scrub until all the gaps between the shoe sole are clean.

Step 2: Clean the upper part (cap) of the shoe
This step is also very simple:

• Remove the shoelaces, you can soak the shoelaces in a basin containing soap. About 5 minutes, then you wash the shoelaces and rinse with clean water. Dry the shoelaces in a dry place (or you can also put them in a mesh bag and wash them in the washing machine)
• If the insoles are removable, remove the insoles/liners and clean them. Normally, when running or exercising vigorously, the body will secrete sweat and it will seep into the shoes, causing unpleasant odors. Sprinkle a little baking soda on the insoles and inside the shoes to absorb the odor. After a day, shake off any remaining powder. In addition, you can also buy additional insoles to change and clean regularly.
• Use a brush and gently remove dirt from the shoe body.
• Use detergent diluted with a basin of warm water (or a cleaning solution that can be used with Gore-Tex membranes) and then use a brush to gently scrub the surface of the shoes.
• Rinse the shoes carefully with clean water to rinse off the soap suds and use a soft cloth to wipe the dirty areas to remove any remaining soap.

Step 3: Clean the insole/lining of running shoes

The insole absorbs a lot of sweat, creating a fertile ground for odor-causing bacteria to live. To prevent this, clean this part regularly.

Choose a cleaning agent. You can choose diluted soap, a baking soda/water mixture or a vinegar/water mixture… depending on your preference.

Scrub the insole, rinse with water and let them dry in a dry place.

Step 4: Dry the shoes

This is the easiest step in the whole shoe cleaning process:

Let your shoes dry naturally. Place them in a cool, low-humidity place, away from direct sunlight.

To dry them faster, you can use a fan.

You can also stuff newspapers or paper towels inside the shoes to absorb moisture and help the shoes dry faster (replace the paper whenever they get wet).
Never put your shoes in a dryer or near a heat source – high temperatures will cause the shoes to deform and the adhesive to lose its effectiveness.

Let your running shoes dry
Once your shoes are clean and dry, you can apply a Nano coating to make them waterproof, dirt-resistant, and better protected against dirt, bacteria, and mold.

2. 4 Things to Avoid When Cleaning Running Shoes

• Don't wash your running shoes in the washing machine: Washing machines have a quick and deep wash cycle. These harsh washes can damage or discolor the fabric of your running shoes.
• Don't dry them in the dryer: Placing your running shoes near high heat risks changing their shape. Dry them at room temperature.
• Don't use chemicals or bleach: These harsh chemicals can discolor your shoes.
• Don't brush or scrub: Be careful when cleaning your shoes. Scrubbing your shoes too hard can damage the textile or mesh material on the upper. For example, Pure Boost and Ultra Boost running shoes use materials that shouldn't be scrubbed.

In addition, you should take your shoes to a professional place like Extrim for regular shoe cleaning. There, your shoes will be cleaned more thoroughly, stains that you can't clean at home will also be cleaned, and there is also a professional disinfection and deodorization system.

3. 4 Things You Should Have for Long-Term Care of Running Shoes

1. Shoe Tree

Gravity, humidity, and dryness can all take their toll on shoes. Over time, creases and wrinkles naturally form in worn shoes, becoming permanently deformed. Therefore, you need a Shoe Tree to help maintain the original shape of your shoes, prevent wrinkles, cracks, and absorb moisture from the lining of your shoes

2. Add Silica Gel to Your Running Shoes

Summer running shoes are lightweight and often contain materials that are susceptible to deterioration. They are often not very moisture-resistant, so add a silica gel packet to their storage box to absorb moisture. This is an effective solution to protect your shoes from mold, moisture, and keep them dry and odor-free.

3. Shoe Box

When you buy shoes, don't rush to throw away the shoe box. Use them as a “shelter” for your beloved shoes. You can use them for shoes that are rarely used. Shoe boxes will protect your shoes from dust, sunlight and heat that can damage your shoes. If you don’t have a shoe box, you can still use an old wine box instead.

4. Shoe rack or cabinet

A shoe cabinet not only helps keep our shoes organized and neat, but it also protects them from being clean. For running shoes that you wear regularly, a rack or cabinet with an open front allows air to circulate around your shoes while keeping dust from accumulating on the shoe body. By arranging shoes properly on the shelves, shoes will not overlap or get dirty with each other.