How to wash trainers in the washing machine

The new year is here and many of us will be trying to keep our resolutions of staying active or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Whether it's running or hitting the gym, after a few weeks your trusty trainers are likely to be in need of a little TLC. That's where our experts at Go Assist come in, with a step-by-step guide on how to keep the key ingredient of your resolution squeaky clean, in order to help you stay on track and remain motivated. 

Our comprehensive guide will ensure your trainers are washed properly and correctly, so that you can avoid it leading to a possible washing machine repair. 

A step-by-step guide on washing your trainers 

Our experts recommend following these steps to have your dirty trainers looking as good as new in no time:

1. Prepare your trainers for washing

Before putting your trainers into the washing machine, it's important to take some time to prepare them properly:

• If your trainers have removable insoles our experts recommend taking them out. This is because some insoles are made from materials that can get damaged when washed in a washing machine.
• Remove the laces to ensure water and detergent can reach all areas of your trainers. Our experts suggest putting the laces in a laundry bag or pillowcase, to prevent them from tangling with other laundry.
• Give your trainers a quick brush or shake outside to remove any loose dirt or debris.

2. Check the labels

It's essential to check the care labels inside your trainers to ensure they are machine washable. Most trainers can handle a gentle cycle, but it does depend on the brand and style of them. 

3. Load the washing machine

Place your trainers inside the washing machine, but don't let them go in alone. Including some towels, for example, in the same cycle will prevent the trainers from rattling around and potentially damaging the drum.

4. Use a mild detergent 

Our experts recommend using a mild, liquid detergent to wash your trainers. This is because powder detergents may become trapped inside the shoes and are less effective at lower temperatures. Also, while it's tempting to use a lot of detergent due to strong odours, a little goes a long way. You won't need as much as a full load of laundry, and fabric softener is unnecessary. 

5. Start the cycle

Set your washing machine to a cold temperature, ideally 30 degrees or lower, to prevent colour fading. Even if your trainers are white, hot water can still distort their shape. Choose a setting with a low spin speed, such as 'handwash' or 'delicate', and then press 'start'.

6. Dry your trainers

Allow your trainers to air dry for up to a day. Our experts have shared some tips to help speed up the drying process:

• Fold the tongues over the toes of the shoes.
• Place a silica gel bag in each trainer to absorb excess moisture. These are the bags of beads you sometimes find in parcels, but you can also find them in supermarkets.
• If weather conditions permit, you can let your trainers dry outdoors.
• Put paper towels inside your trainers to also absorb moisture and to help maintain their shape.

Our experts don't recommend putting your trainers in the tumble dryer, as it can cause colour fading and deformation. 

Our step-by-step guide ensures that your trainers are cleaned properly, helping you stay on track without the worry of a washing machine repair. By following these simple steps, you can keep your trainers looking and feeling as good as new, allowing you to keep up your new year resolutions with confidence and motivation.

For more washing machine advice and tips, check out our FAQs page.