The Best Way to Wash Tennis Shoes

What is the best way to wash tennis shoes? This seems to be a question that everyone has their own answer to. Followed by the horror story of what happened to those tennis shoes after washing them the wrong way. We are going to tell you the best way to wash your tennis shoes so they will last a long time while looking their best.

How Long Should Tennis Shoes Last?

According to the TennisShoeGuide, you should replace tennis shoes after 40 to 60 hours of playing an activity or as soon as they show signs of wear. But also keep in mind that different brands of shoes will differ when it comes to their lifespan, as there are many factors.

  • Lightweight styles will not have as much interior support, so they will wear faster and need to be replaced more frequently. Shoes with more padding and cushioning will last longer.
  • The type of court you are playing tennis on can also affect the wear and tear on the shoe. Those that play the baseline and play frequently will have their shoes worn out more quickly than casual doubles players.

Just remember, tennis is a very active game, and since your feet (and wrists) take the brunt of the court activity, it is important to make sure you have well-padded shoes that offer the right support for tennis players.

When were Tennis Shoes Invented?

Tennis shoes have a very long and interesting history.

The first tennis shoes rolled off the assembly line in 1916 and were invented by the United States Rubber company, according to MyTennisOutfitter.com. They were named Keds and became very popular with tennis players of that time.

In the 1920s, the first tennis shoe company was founded. It was called Asics. If you look hard you may still find Asics shoes on the market.

Since that time, tennis shoes are not just worn during tennis games, they are worn daily for comfort by millions of people. There are many styles and colors to meet just about any fashion need. Today, there are many companies making a wide range of tennis shoes. Some of the top brands are Nike, Adidas, and Wilson.

What Do You Do When Your Tennis Shoes Get Dirty?

Everyone that wears tennis shoes knows that they are going to get dirty. But they don’t always need a thorough cleaning. Here are some tips to help you keep those beautiful pure white shoes as clean as possible between washings:

  • If your pristine white tennis shoes are showing signs of dirt or debris, use damp paper towels to remove the excess dirt. Moisten a Magic Eraser and rub it along the soles of the shows or any dirty area until they are clean.
  • Dampen a soft cloth and add Ivory soap until it is sudsy. Massage the dirty part of the shoe in a circular motion until the dirt is gone and allow them to air dry.

Some brands like Toms and Vans and other shoes that are made from canvas may present some challenges. But with some ingredients you already have in your homes, you can keep them looking as good as new. Here is the best way to clean these brands of shoes according to TipsBulletin.com

Gather the following ingredients together:

  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • Toothbrush (not the one you use to brush your teeth)
  1. Mix the vinegar and baking soda until it forms a paste. Put some of the paste onto the toothbrush and scrub the dirty area with the paste until the dirt or stains are removed.
  2. Don’t forget to clean the tongue of the shoe as well, as it is often forgotten about and can absorb plenty of sweat and dirt.
  3. This will also help clean shoes that often get a yellowish tinge after many wearings.
  4. When shoes have been cleaned, put them out in the sun to let them air dry. Bright sunlight also works to bleach light-colored objects, so they are getting cleaned a second time from the sun.
  5. Clap dry shoes together to remove any baking soda particles and your shoes are ready to work again, looking brand new.

Please keep in mind that this tutorial is best for white tennis shoes with no leather or other design features. They may need extra care to keep those designs looking their best.

Alternatives to Cleaning Tennis Shoes:

Here are some other effective ways to clean your tennis shoes.

The Bleach Method:

This method should only be used on white shoes, as most of us know, bleach is a strong product and will take the color out of most fabrics, including the color of tennis shoes. Also, it has a very strong odor so make sure you use this process outside or in a well-ventilated room.

  • 1 part bleach
  • 5 parts water
  • Toothbrush
  • Protective gloves (nitrile gloves work best)
  1. Mix the water and bleach in a container.
  2. Remove the shoelaces and any insoles.
  3. Dip the toothbrush into the solution and scrub the shoes in a circular motion to loosen the dirt. Start at the top of the shoe and work down towards the soles.
  4. After you have cleaned the entire shoe. Rinse them under cold water and allow them to dry outside.

The Toothpaste Method:

If you have scuffs and stains on your pristine white tennis shoes, the toothpaste method is great for spot cleaning those areas away.

  • White toothpaste (make sure it is white, no green or blue gels allowed)
  • Toothbrush
  • Soft cloth
  1. Wipe down the entire shoe with a soft, damp cloth to remove any dirt particles. Use spray bottles to wet them down.
  2. Add a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to the stains and scuffs. Brush the toothpaste into the shoe with a circular motion.
  3. Let shoes sit for 10 minutes, then wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
  4. Put the shoes in the sun and let them air dry, and you will be ready to play your next match, with beautiful white shoes.

What NOT to do When Cleaning Your Tennis Shoes:

Most canvas shoes are made from primarily cotton or a cotton blend. These fabrics tend to shrink when we put clothes with these blends in the washer and dryer, so you should avoid the washer at all costs.

Putting your tennis shoes in the washer may result in tennis shoes that have been shrunk. You pay good money for a good pair of tennis shoes, so you want to keep them wearable for as long as possible. Using Hot water and the dryer are not friends with your tennis shoes.

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