Experts reveal the best way to keep your trainers clean

Whether your taste is toward chunky Nike styles, gorpcore Salomons or streamlined Adidas silhouettes, trainers are a cornerstone of any wardrobe. The right pair can prop up your everyday wardrobe for years to come – especially when you keep them box fresh with regular cleaning.

Trainers can get scuffed up fast. Luckily, the solution is just as easy – simply chuck them in the washing machine. I’ve been successfully doing this for years, but not without making some glaring errors on the way.

I’m still mourning my chunky Adidas trainers that shrank in the washing machine because of the heat, and my old Axel Arigato green sneakers have never looked the same since the colour ran when I put too much laundry detergent in.

To help you avoid the mistakes I’ve made, I went to the experts to get the lowdown on how to keep your favourite pair of trainers in tip-top condition.

What trainers can go in a washing machine safely?

"Trainers made from canvas, mesh, or polyester are usually safe to wash in the washing machine,” says Sophie Lane, Miele’s product training manager. While this is good rough guidance, Salah Sun from Beko adds: “It’s always best to check your shoe manufacturer’s website or care labels for specific wash instructions before cleaning your trainers in a washing machine.”

Some trainer styles – including suede or leather – should never go in the washing machine. “They don’t respond well to being fully saturated and can easily lose their finish,” says Natasha Barwell-Jones from the shoe polish brand Cherry Blossom.

“Instead, suede shoes should be gently brushed with a dry cloth to remove dirt and debris, while leather shoes are best cleaned with a damp cloth to preserve their quality,” Sun says.

Read more: Best orthopaedic shoes that actually look good

How should you prepare trainers for the washing machine?

“Start by removing the laces to prevent them from catching on the drum or door during washing,” Sun explains. “To ensure your trainers come out of the machine in pristine condition, it’s important to spot clean and scrub any caked-on dirt off the trainers first,” Ian Palmer-Smith, appliance expert at Domestic & General, explains. “This will also stop the built-up dirt and mud from clogging up and damaging your appliance and leaving it needing a washing machine repair.”

A simple way to protect your trainers is to put a protective layer between them and the washing machine drum – most experts recommend an old pillowcase or mesh laundry bag.

Which setting should the washing machine be on?

“In most instances, selecting a delicate or hand wash cycle is advisable, and for optimal results, we recommend using a delicate cycle at a cool temperature,” Sun says. “This setting ensures efficient and safe cleaning by avoiding overheating the glue in your trainers.” Lower cycles still ensure a thorough clean, but reduce the risk of damage to your shoes and drum.

Sun also suggests adding some old towels to the load to distribute the weight evenly. “It's important to avoid cycles with excessively high spin speeds or unbalanced loads as these can cause potential problems during the wash.”

Another top tip is to use a small amount of liquid detergent and avoid fabric conditioner. “I would recommend using half a cup,” Palmer-Smith says. “Additionally, you should stick to gel or liquid detergent as powder may not properly dissolve in the inside of your trainers due to less water circulation.”

Ecover concentrated bio laundry detergent

Voted the overall top pick in laundry expert Zoe Griffin’s guide to the best detergents, Ecover’s concentrated liquid formula was dubbed “impressive compared with other eco detergents.” Zoe found it kept whites looking bright and the honeysuckle and jasmine scent remained noticeable after washing.

Buy now £10.5, Amazon.co.uk

Ariel gel colour

If you’re trying to cut costs or take a more eco-friendly approach to washing, Ariel’s gel colour was tester Zoe Griffin’s top pick for cold washes. She found that “even at lower temperatures, it lifted dirt, removed stains and left clothes looking properly clean,” and found it more effective on tough stains than brands such as Smol and Wilton London.

Buy now £7.25, Amazon.co.uk

Tesco non-bio laundry liquid super concentrated

Costing less than £3, Tesco’s non-bio laundry liquid was Zoe Griffin’s favourite budget detergent during testing. She found it hard to fault for the £2.79 cost and concluded that “it handled daily grime well.” She did qualify that it’s not quite as effective as the Ecover liquid above, but felt the performance still exceeded what you’d expect for the price.

Buy now £2.79, Tesco.com

How should you dry your trainers?

According to Barwell-Jones, drying is where most mistakes happen. “Don’t tumble dry or leave them on a radiator – high heat can warp soles and weaken glue,” she explains. “Let them air dry naturally and stuff them with paper to help hold their shape as they dry.”

Are there any other methods for cleaning your trainers?

Barwell-Jones emphasises that machine washing shouldn’t be your go-to. “Spot cleaning or using dedicated trainer products little and often is a much safer way to keep them looking good, especially for everyday wear,” she explains. “It avoids the wear and tear that comes with a full wash.”

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