How to Wash Kids Tennis Shoes the Right Way

You can extend the life of your child’s shoes and keep them looking new by taking proper care of them. Here is a guide on how to wash kids tennis shoes the right way.

Materials Needed

You will need the following items in order to wash your kids’ tennis shoes the right way: a bucket, a scrub brush, a toothbrush, and a mild detergent. You will also need access to a washing machine and a dryer.

Check the care label

Before you start, check the care label inside the shoe. Some shoes can’t be machine-washed or machine-dried. If your shoes have a care label that says “dry clean only,” don’t machine-wash them. You can, however, hand-wash these shoes in a basin of water and mild detergent.

Gather your materials

To start, you’ll need a few materials. Gather the following items:
-A soft bristled brush
-A toothbrush
-Mild dish soap
-Water
-A clean towel
-An old toothbrush (optional)

Prep the Shoes

Start by removing the laces and insole from the shoe. This will give you better access to the inside of the shoe and allow you to clean all areas thoroughly. If the shoes are especially dirty, you may want to pre-treat them with a stain remover before washing.

Remove the laces

You’ll want to start by removing the laces from your child’s shoes. This will help ensure that all of the dirt and grime on them is removed. If your child’s shoes have Velcro closures, you can leave these in place.

Once the laces are removed, you’ll want to use a soft brush to remove any dirt or mud that is on the surface of the shoes. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe down the shoes. If your child’s shoes are very dirty, you may need to wash them in a sink with some mild soap and water.

Brush away any dirt or debris

Before you wash them, you need to get rid of any excess dirt or debris that may be on the shoes. The best way to do this is to use an old toothbrush (or a new one dedicated to cleaning shoes) and brush away any dirt on the surface of the shoes. If there are any tough spots, you can use a little bit of gentle laundry detergent on the toothbrush to help loosen things up.

Wash the Shoes

You’re at the end of a long day of practice and your kid’s shoes are caked with mud. You want to get them clean as quickly as possible so they’re ready for the next day, but you don’t want to ruin them either. Here’s a quick guide on how to wash kids tennis shoes the right way.

Fill the sink or a bucket with warm water

Wash the shoes in a sink or bucket of warm water. Add a small amount of mild detergent, such as dish soap, to the water and stir to create suds. Submerge the shoes in the soapy water and scrub them with a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt or grime. If the shoes are very dirty, you may need to soak them for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Add soap

If your shoes are really dirty, start by scrubbing them with soap and a toothbrush. You can use dish soap, hand soap, or even laundry detergent. Just make sure to not use too much soap or it will be hard to rinse off.

Scrub the shoes

First, take a look at the shoes and see if there are any areas that need special attention, such as grass stains or scuff marks. Use a toothbrush or an old rag to scrub these areas gently. If the shoes are very dirty, you may need to soak them in a bowl of warm, soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Next, fill a sink with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Swish the shoes around in the water and then use your brush or rag to scrub them clean. Rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water.

If your child’s shoes have laces, you will need to wash them separately. Just toss them in the wash with your child’s clothes or in a mesh laundry bag.

Rinse the shoes

Start by rinsing the shoes in cool water to remove any loose dirt and debris. If they’re really dirty, you may need to scrub them with a soft brush to loosen the dirt. Be sure to do this gently so you don’t damage the shoes.

Dry the Shoes

Let’s start with the most important step: drying the shoes. You’re going to want to make sure that you get as much water out of the shoes as possible. You can do this by using a clean, dry towel. Place the towel inside the shoe and press down, absorbing as much water as you can.

Let the shoes air dry

After scrubbing the shoes clean, it’s important to let them air dry. Do not put them in the dryer, as this can damage the shoes and cause them to shrink. If possible, stuff the shoes with newspaper to help absorb moisture and speed up the drying process.

Use a shoe dryer

To quickly and thoroughly dry shoes, use a shoe dryer. You can find these at most shoe stores. They work by circulating air through the shoes and getting rid of the moisture that’s causing the shoes to smell.

If you don’t have a shoe dryer, you can put your shoes in front of a fan or open window. This will help to circulate the air and dry your shoes out faster.