Keeping your shoes clean and fresh not only extends their lifespan but also keeps them performing at their best. With the right technique and products, you can safely machine wash your shoes without compromising their integrity. Our Footwear Tech Wash removes unwanted dirt, stains and odors while preserving your sneaker’s fibres and materials*. Due to its unique properties, Footwear Tech Wash can be used for both handwashing and machine washing your gear.

Follow these simple steps to help you wash your favourite footwear.

*Do not machine wash leather, suede, formal shoes, or boots; instead, opt for handwashing.

Preparing for Wash:

1. Start by removing any loose dirt from your shoes. Use a soft brush or gently tap them to eliminate surface debris. For stubborn stains, pre-treat them with our DFNS Footwear Cleaner.
2. Take out the laces and insoles. Wash the laces separately by placing them in a mesh laundry bag to prevent tangling.
3. Place your shoes in a closed mesh bag or pillowcase to protect them from excessive banging and potential damage during the wash.
4. Never use conventional laundry products as a combination.

Machine Wash:

1. Grab the Footwear Tech Wash bottle. To use the automatic dosing system, turn the bottle upside-down with the lid closed and wait until the 25-ml chamber is full, then turn it the right way around. The perfect amount of solution will pour out when you open the lid, and the rest will stay down.
2. Select a gentle, cold water cycle with a slow or no-spin setting. Mesh, canvas, or pleather shoes can handle this gentle cycle. Avoid washing leather, suede, formal shoes, or boots in the machine; instead, opt for handwashing.
3. Pour the liquid into the Main Wash Dispenser (II) by opening the bottle’s lid.
   
   Tip: If you don’t know already, the symbols on your detergent tray mean the following:
   (I) – Pre-wash Cycle
   (II) Main-wash Cycle: this is where your detergent will usually go.
   (III) / *—Fabric Softener compartment

Drying:

1. Avoid using a tumble dryer, as the heat can deform the shoes and affect their structural integrity. Instead, allow your shoes to air-dry naturally. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources. Stuff your shoes with crumpled newspaper to help maintain their shape and absorb excess moisture.
2. Lay out the insoles and laces to air dry separately. This ensures they dry completely and don’t develop any unpleasant odors. 

Final Steps

1. Once your shoes are thoroughly dry, reinsert the insoles and lace them up.
2. Your refreshed shoes are now ready to hit the streets!

Note: Our Footwear Tech Wash is also effective for handwashing. Try it out on your footwear the old-fashioned way. Submerge your shoes in a bucket of warm water, scrubbing them gently, rinsing thoroughly, and leaving them to air dry out of direct sunlight.

By following these steps, you can safely machine wash your footwear, keeping it clean and extending its lifespan. What are you waiting for? Clean your kicks and hit the streets!