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Original poster

People who put trainers in washing machine

63 replies

cookiesnScream · 11/01/2025 18:12

Group chat on class group a mum said she will chuck trainers in washing machine to be ready for Monday. I usually just clean with a cloth! Do people do this? I’m worried will wreck the trainers. sounds like a good idea. What do u do to clean your children’s trainers?

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ScaredOfDinosaurs · 11/01/2025 19:54

Vinegar in the fabric softener tray

It's antifungal and is a good way of killing any lurking spores.

I machine wash trainers every few weeks.

CraftyNavySeal · 11/01/2025 19:40

I put them in the washing machine when they get to the point where it’s either wash them or bin them.

I wouldn’t do it regularly but after a year or so. Put them in a pillow case.

TamborineGal · 11/01/2025 19:40

Rinse off mud/debris, use bio detergent and a slurp of white vinegar.
Voila.
Rejuvenated trainers.
Only done twice a year on proper trainers, flimsy daps may disintegrate.

crostini · 11/01/2025 19:39

Oh yeah and it must be on a low spin mode

crostini · 11/01/2025 19:38

Yes I do this every few months with my trainers... makes them look much newer.

You HAVE to put them in a pillow case.

And do not put kids light up trainers in as they will permanently flash after that... learnt from experience!

Mumtobabyhavoc · 11/01/2025 19:38

I've always put mine in the washer. I usually put them in a laundry wash bag and then just sit them near the heater to dry or pop them on a boot dryer (excellent purchase as I use it for gloves and hats, too).

Oldraver · 11/01/2025 19:36

I have dont it in the past and do do canvas shoes but would probably not with my better trainers

We do have a rack thing for drying trainers in the dryer but I haven't used it

Chasingaces · 11/01/2025 19:35

Not too hot as I put some dirty ones in at 60 deg and it melted the glue used to stick the soles on...

DerekFaker · 11/01/2025 19:34

Iloveeverycat · 11/01/2025 18:16

I had a washing machine that had a trainers setting. The rotation of the drum was set so the the trainers didn't bump about in the drum. That is the down side the banging about in the drum just put some towels in with them.

Edited

Clever!

I wash mine occasionally, but more for when the insides get smelly.

FTHC · 11/01/2025 19:34

Also stuff with microfibre cloths to help dry them out.

JeremiahBullfrog · 11/01/2025 19:33

I do this and it seems to work. But not regularly like I do with clothes.

BlueSky2024 · 11/01/2025 19:29

Not new pairs, when they are relatively new I hand clean them, after that I do but on a delicate wash with something like Woolite

Littlemisscapable · 11/01/2025 19:29

Yes. Especially nike kids trainers come up perfectly. They aren't going to last more than a year anyway so this works well. Put in with a few towels.

Fluufer · 11/01/2025 19:27

I wash trainers all the time. Just chuck in with a regular load. Never had a problem.

LemonadeSunshine · 11/01/2025 19:23

God no, life is too short!
I put into bowl with some washing liquid, scrub the insole with a brush, scrub the worst of the mud on the outside, rinse under the tap (warm), before spinning in the machine and drying on the top of the radiator. This is done maybe every six weeks or so, unless they're too muddy.

AliTheMinx · 11/01/2025 19:22

Yes. I do it often (obviously not for leather trainers). They come up a treat. I put wellies in too!!!,

fetchacloth · 11/01/2025 19:19

SleeplikeababyTonight · 11/01/2025 19:14

Tumble drier on low temp has never shrunk mine in winter, or upside down on a double radiator works, but takes awhile. I'm looking into a padded wash bag now!!

Edited
Show quote history

I bought the padded bag from Lakeland a few years ago,
It has two sections and a zip fastening. I think it was quite expensive but a worthwhile investment.😁

SofaSurfer1993 · 11/01/2025 19:18

Only made that mistake once, all the drum paddles fell off 😢

Shufflebumnessie · 11/01/2025 19:14

I've done it once to a pair of mine. Not only did they shrink slightly (& they were on a cool, delicate wash), but I also noticed they started to smell a lot faster once they'd been washed.
I won't do it again.

SleeplikeababyTonight · 11/01/2025 19:14

fetchacloth · 11/01/2025 19:10

I wash my Skechers in the machine no problem 😎.
Before doing so, I just brush any loose dust and dried mud off them, also removing any grit that may be on the sole, remove the inner insole and put them in a padded wash bag.
They take a day or two to dry this time of year, but way cheaper than buying new ones.

Tumble drier on low temp has never shrunk mine in winter, or upside down on a double radiator works, but takes awhile. I'm looking into a padded wash bag now!!

2025mustbebetter · 11/01/2025 19:14

Always do it. I'm too lazy to do otherwise! I've even done leather Nikes in there on a rinse with no detergent. Put them in a pillowcase and in with the sheets or towels to prevent banging around.

SleeplikeababyTonight · 11/01/2025 19:12

Kago2790 · 11/01/2025 18:14

Doesn't it damage the washing machine?

You're best to put in an an old pillow case, or wrapping with an old blanket is even better, as stops them clunking about too much. I clean with a cloth usually, but there are certain instances where they need to have a full wash.

fetchacloth · 11/01/2025 19:10

I wash my Skechers in the machine no problem 😎.
Before doing so, I just brush any loose dust and dried mud off them, also removing any grit that may be on the sole, remove the inner insole and put them in a padded wash bag.
They take a day or two to dry this time of year, but way cheaper than buying new ones.

littlespoonlifer · 11/01/2025 19:10

Yes. Either wrapped in a towel or I've been know to trap the laces on the door and let them hang in there

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