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How to Wash Running Shoes in a Washing Machine

Mel Frank

Running shoes quickly absorb moisture as you exercise, which leads to odor and bacterial growth. To properly clean the running shoes, you not only want to rinse off the elements that gather on the outside of the running shoes, but you also want to kill that bacteria and remove the odor on the inside.

Wash running shoes in the washing machine.

First, read the care instructions tag on the tongue of the running shoes. The tag should read "machine washable" for running shoes that are safe for washing machines.

  1. Remove the laces from your running shoes, and place them in a lingerie bag. This bag prevents the laces from getting tangled during the wash.

  2. Place the shoes and lingerie bag with laces in your washing machine. Turn on the machine with a cold wash cycle and small load size.

  3. Pour your normal portion of laundry detergent into the washing machine, along with 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1/2 cup baking soda. The vinegar kills the bacteria while the baking soda brightens the running shoes plus removes odor.

  4. Let the washing machine complete the wash, and remove the shoes and laces. Lay both the shoes and laces flat to air dry.

The Drip Cap

  • Running shoes quickly absorb moisture as you exercise, which leads to odor and bacterial growth.
  • To properly clean the running shoes, you not only want to rinse off the elements that gather on the outside of the running shoes, but you also want to kill that bacteria and remove the odor on the inside.
  • First, read the care instructions tag on the tongue of the running shoes.