After we work out, we usually know to immediately put our clothes in the laundry and take a shower. But the one thing we don’t always remember to clean is our shoes. Sneakers that get sweaty and go too long without being cleaned can start to smell and even grow fungus or bacteria. So be sure to clean your workout shoes regularly. Here’s how.
Washing Machine
As long your sneakers aren’t made of suede or leather, you can wash them in the washing machine by placing them in a pillowcase or mesh bag and putting them in the washing machine along with some linens that need washing. Wash on a cold, gentle cycle. Try to get off as much debris as you can before washing them so as to minimize what the washer needs to take off.
Powder
To help with stench, sprinkle some baby powder or baking soda inside your shoes and leave overnight. The powder will absorb the smell. When it’s time to put them on again, pour out the powder. If you like, use a wet wipe to wipe the inside clean and let them dry before putting them on.
Air Them Out
On the day-to-day, the most important thing you can do is air our your shoes as soon as you take them off. Remove your sneakers immediately after working out, remove insoles, and place either somewhere cool and dry or directly in the sunlight to let them air out and help discourage bacteria from growing.
