Washing shoes: This is how it works

Washing shoes: How to do it correctly - bluu - The Wash Sensation

The festival season is coming to an end. All that remains are great memories and mud-splattered, dirty shoes. But don't panic: with these Tips and tricks, your sneakers will be thoroughly clean again.

Wash shoes in the washing machine

Before you put your shoes in the washing machine, first remove all dirt from them and take out any parts that could come loose.

  • In case of heavy soiling: Remove as much dirt as possible BEFORE Laundry. Use a soft brush or a damp cloth for this.
  • Unpack the shoe: Remove shoelaces, insoles, and loose parts such as appliqués

You hand over the shoes and the shoelaces  into a wash bag or an old pillowcase. Now it's time for Laundry.

  • The best shoes Wash together with bed linenThis protects the washing machine from shoes tumbling around inside.
  • Give a bluu Laundry Detergent Sheets  into the machine.
  • Select one gentle spin cycle.
  • Position  maximum 30 degrees and a Delicate or easy-care program a.

After Laundry, the shoes need to dry as quickly as possible, otherwise there is a risk of mold growth.

  • Stuff the shoes with newspaper  and place them in a well-ventilated area. The newspaper not only speeds up drying, but also restores the shoes to their proper shape.
  • Never put the shoes in the dryer or on the heater.

How to wash your shoes by hand

Weisser Sneaker wird mit einer roten Bürste unter fliessendem Wasser gereinigt

Even when washing your shoes and sneakers by hand, you should first remove heavy dirt such as mud and grime. For example, you can use a toothbrush and a soft, damp cloth.

Wash shoes with bluu

Make a mild soapy solution. This works great with the bluu Laundry Detergent Sheets! Tear off a small piece of the Laundry Detergent Sheets and dissolve it in lukewarm water.

Head over to the bluu Laundry Detergent Sheets here.

Dip the brush or your cloth in and gently wipe the shoes clean.

This way, you can not only wash off outdoor mud or dirt from hiking trips, but also remove salt streaks left behind during winter use.

Machine-washable shoes

  • Synthetic shoes, such as athletic shoes and sneakers
  • Fabric shoes, such as canvas or espadrilles
  • slippers

Shoes that should not be put in the washing machine

Abgetragene, schmutzige Lederschuhe

  • Shoes with appliqués or embellishments
  • Leather shoes

There are of course exceptions. If you are unsure whether your shoes are safe to wash, visit the manufacturer's website. You will often find general care tips posted there.

Waterproofing shoes: Yes or no?

Sneaker tritt in eine Pfütze, Wasser spritzt auf

Waterproofing is worth it: The protects Keep away from water and rain and Prevents dirt from penetrating deep into the fabric.

There are special waterproofing sprays formulated for every material and every shoe color.

Wax creams are also a great (and more eco-friendly) way to protect shoes, especially leather shoes.

When the sneaker smells bad

Mann hält sich die Nase zu und hält ein Paar schwarze Schuhe

Especially during summer, we sweat more heavily, and our sneakers start to develop an unpleasant odor.

This is what you can do about it.

With baking powder or baking soda

Baking powder and baking soda are an effective solution: both trap moisture and absorb the unpleasant odors from your sneakers.

  • Sprinkle one tablespoon of baking powder or baking soda inside your shoe
  • Leave it to work overnight, preferably for 24 hours
  • Suck out the powder

With coffee

Kaffeesatz in einem Körbchen mit Holzlöffel

If you have a coffee machine at home, you can use the coffee grounds.

Let it dry thoroughly, then spread it directly inside the shoe. You can also lay down some household paper first and spread the product onto that instead.

The strong coffee smell masks other odors.  and the stench has already dissipated after just a few hours.

More Tips about all things related to Laundry can be found on our Blog.