As I mentioned, the washing machine isn’t the best option when it comes to wool, leather or suede trainers. Here you want to spot-treat any stains or marks. Here’s the full how-to: Cleaning Leather Trainers By Hand You can speed up the drying process by stuffing some newspaper inside them which will help absorb any excess moisture. For tougher stains, dab on some neat Persil and leave for about 15 minutes. When the shoes look clean, or as clean as you think you can get them given what your child’s been up to in them, wipe away any detergent with clean water and a fresh cloth. Unless your washing machine actually states that trainers can be washed in it, we would advise you not to wash your trainers in the machine. This is because it is possible to damage the paddles in the drum which are only plastic after all. If they do become damaged they will snag on your laundry and potentially ruin your clothes. Next, load up the washing machine with old towels or jeans, and put the sneakers in a mesh laundry bag, cloth bag, or old pillowcase. This will reduce the impact of the sneakers on the washing machine drum. Choose a delicate cycle and a slow spin speed to minimize damage, too.

So take a deep breath and relax – with these simple steps, you’ll be able to wash and care for your favourite pair of trainers like a pro! Allow Trainers to Air Dry Whilst suede trainers require quite a degree of work to clean, it’s knitted wool trainers that are, in my opinion, the hardest to clean. It’s not the best idea to machine wash them, and you can’t use a brush, as it can snag the wool. This is because most fabric softeners contain chemicals that can break down the materials used to create your shoes. As a result, using these products regularly can cause the soles or uppers of your trainers to deteriorate over time. Now, let’s discuss another crucial step in this process: avoiding fabric softeners. While fabric softeners can make other fabrics feel softer and more comfortable against your skin, they can actually damage your trainers. Then, place them in the washing machine along with a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners as they can damage the shoe material over time.Next, hold the shoe under a cold running tap or hose to rinse off as much mud as possible. Never ever use hot water. Hot water is not a friend of mud, and never the twain should meet. You can wash trainers easily in the washing machine by first removing the laces and then putting them into a mesh laundry bag with the shoes," Laura recommends. "I pop a laundry pod in the drum and a scoop of stain remover as I find this combination is best for removing any stains. Put on a cool 30c wash with a low spin speed setting. My top tip is to also add a couple of towels to the wash to minimise the trainers rattling around in the machine." How to wash trainers by hand

Unless stated in the instruction manual of your particular machine that trainers can be washed using the machine, if any damage occurs your warranty will be invalidated. As many modern washing machines have sealed drums and paddles that cannot be replaced, the result could mean you’ll need to buy a replacement machine. When adding detergent, make sure to measure it correctly according to the instructions on the label. Here are some tips to help you add the appropriate amount of detergent:

Drying Your Clean Trainers

With these steps done, you’re ready to move onto placing your trainers in a mesh laundry bag for added protection during the wash cycle! Place Trainers in a Mesh Laundry Bag However, you need to keep a close eye on the shoes just in case the sun’s beating rays damage the material. Keep an eye out for any signs of stiffness or crispiness, this is an indication that the material is drying out too much in the sunshine.

Place your trainers in a well-ventilated spot (by a fan is a good idea), but not in direct sunlight. For trainers that are safe to machine wash, here are the full steps to follow for the best results. There are quite a few no-nos that could sabotage your cleaning intentions, so be sure to read the guide fully to avoid any laundry mishaps. 1. Remove The Laces

Experts at Bosch explain that sneakers made out of leather or suede can't really deal with "water damage from being washed in a washing machine," but that synthetic materials "are more hard-wearing and can therefore withstand multiple washes in a washing machine." However, the water that turns dirt into mud is formulated from 100% pure evil. This water pushes the dirt deep into the fabric of your trainers, making it harder to remove. As such, before you pop your muddy trainers in the washing machine, it’s important to pre-treat them. The laces need to be hanging outside of the tumble dryer’s door – this action stops the trainers from flying around in the dryer once the cycle starts!