cross-posted from: https://linux.community/post/1079067
after running under the rain for 30 minutes my white sneakers had a foul stench. I tried disinfectant and washing them with soap and water and lots of rubbing and sunlight to dry.
While that got rid of most of the smell, my white sneakers are now brownish, specially around the shoelaces.
I've never washed sneakers in the washing machine. Am I going to ruin them?
I have washed shoes on gentle before with success. Technique, I put them in a pillowcase that closes first to keep laces from tangling
you'd think it doesn't need to be said because it's obvious, but i speak from experience that it does need to be said: make sure you don't put them into an agitation based washer; impeller or tumble washers ONLY!
(or atleast use a laundry bag if you have only have access to an agitation washer)
and air dry them IN THE SUN!!!
Did it once after some cats pissed on them, and they started smelling 1% worse than they did from my feet alone. They ended up bent and unusable.
Note: This was probably my own fault. It was before I learned how to properly use a washing machine, so it wouldn't surprise me if I selected too high of a temperature. I also dumble dried them, and I have no idea if that was good for them either.
I've washed shoes in the washing machine a few times, using the setting for delicate clothes. So far no damage to be seen and they come out clean.
Probably not something that should be done every other day, but once in a while seems fine.
Shoeshiners exist for a reason. There's a science to cleaning shoes.
Airplanes are vehicles, yet it won't do you much good to take them to a car mechanic.
Yeah, but airplanes aren't cars. Sneakers are still shoes though, so the expectation is/was there.