In my opinion, tennis is a sport of finesse and precision. Those who keep their equipment in the tennis bag meticulously organized, frequently change the grips on their racquets and maintain their tennis shoes clean and tidy are likely to play better tennis.
While racquet strings and grips are regularly replaced, and clothes are frequently washed, very few people clean their tennis shoes regularly. Some people wear their tennis shoes until they are worn out without ever cleaning or brushing them once.
Today, we will discuss the best daily cleaning and maintenance methods for tennis shoes, and finally, we will introduce Some simple methods to remove odors from tennis shoes.
How to Clean Tennis Shoes at Home?
After wearing your tennis shoes for a certain period, you need to soak them in water and brush them clean.
My method is to first soak the shoes in water with a mild detergent for an hour.
Then, use an old toothbrush dipped in laundry detergent to scrub both the inside and outside of the shoes.
After thoroughly rinsing with clean water, wrap the tennis shoes (if they are white, use paper towels to prevent yellowing) and let them air dry in a cool, ventilated place.
The ideal drying method for tennis shoes is to air dry them in a cool place. Many people are used to drying them outside, but never under direct sunlight, especially in summer.
High-temperature exposure can cause the shoes to delaminate and damage the sole material's stability. Similarly, do not use a hairdryer with a heating function to dry the shoes.
If your tennis shoes have stubborn stains, you can use this method:
toothpaste also has strong cleaning power and can be used to clean most shoe materials without damaging them.
First, apply laundry detergent to the shoe surface, then squeeze white toothpaste on it. Since toothpaste has strong stain removal capabilities, use a soft-bristled shoe brush to gently scrub the surface. Be careful not to use a hard brush to avoid damaging the surface.
After cleaning, wrap the shoes with paper towels to ensure the entire surface is covered, and then let them air dry in a cool, ventilated place.
How to Clean Mesh Tennis Shoes?
Some tennis shoes have many small grids on the surface, which can hide difficult-to-clean stains. It is very challenging to clean them with water alone, so special methods are required.
Dishwashing Liquid and White Vinegar
Dishwashing liquid contains surfactants that help separate oil from water, achieving oil removal and cleaning effects. White vinegar is an acidic substance that helps remove dirt. In a small bowl, mix some dishwashing liquid with white vinegar to make a cleaning solution.
Use a soft brush or toothbrush to dip the solution and gently scrub the shoe surface. For heavily stained areas, brush several times.
After brushing, rinse thoroughly with water to ensure no cleaning solution remains, and then air dry in a cool, ventilated place.
How to Clean Tennis Shoes in a Washing Machine?
Hand washing shoes is the most common method, as it cleans thoroughly without damaging the shoes. However, for those with a busy daily life, hand washing can be time-consuming and exhausting. Therefore, using a washing machine is a relatively easier and simpler choice.
If you clean your shoes in a washing machine, you only need three steps to get them clean:
Step 1:
Place the shoes in a shoe laundry bag. With the protection of the laundry bag, your shoes will not deform or get damaged by the rapid spinning of the washing machine. No need to pre-clean the shoes or remove the laces and insoles.
Step 2:
Put the laundry bag in the washing machine and add a mild detergent.
Step 3:
Select a gentle washing mode and wash with cold water. After this, your shoes will be as good as new.
The biggest advantage of this shoe laundry bag is that it is made of soft chenille material with over 1,000 small bristles like fingers, which can thoroughly clean the shoes while protecting both the shoes and the washing machine from damage.
The cleaning effect is comparable to hand washing, it does not fade, and it is suitable for various types and sizes of shoes. It is reusable and the best choice for cleaning shoes.
How to Remove Odors from Tennis Shoes?
Over time, shoes can develop unpleasant odors, especially for those who sweat easily. To effectively remove the odor from tennis shoes, it’s important to understand its causes and prevention methods.
The primary cause of shoe odor is the decomposition of human secretions by bacteria, particularly anaerobic bacteria. To address foot odor, it’s essential not only to clean the secretions regularly but also to eliminate these anaerobic bacteria.
A convenient and cost-effective method is to sprinkle some metronidazole powder inside the shoes. Metronidazole kills anaerobic bacteria, significantly reducing the odor on both your feet and inside the shoes.
There are also some simple methods to temporarily remove shoe odors without cleaning the shoes:
Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes and let it sit overnight. Shake out the excess the next day.
Vinegar and Water Solution
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the inside of the shoes, then let them dry completely.
Essential Oils
Add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or tea tree oil) to a cotton ball and place it inside the shoes to help neutralize odors.
How to Care for Tennis Shoes?
Due to the rough surface of hard tennis courts, tennis shoes often have special designs like "thickening, wear resistance, and slip resistance." Therefore, tennis shoes are recognized as one of the more durable types of sports shoes.
Many people who play basketball or badminton often buy tennis shoes, thinking they will last longer. However, even such durable shoes can wear out quickly if you frequently appear on the court each week.
For example, many professional players wear a pair of tennis shoes on average every month! It is quite normal for regular players to wear out a pair of shoes in 2-6 months.
If you want to play regularly and stay comfortable, but the cost of constantly buying new shoes is beyond your budget, what can you do? The only solution is to take good care of your shoes.
- Dedicated Use
Try to use your tennis shoes only for tennis. Otherwise, even the most expensive running shoes can get damaged quickly if worn for tennis.
- Alternate Between Two Pairs
Wearing two pairs of tennis shoes alternately can extend the lifespan of both pairs. Although the initial cost is higher, it prevents overuse and deformation of any single pair.
- Timely Cleaning
When your shoes get dirty, clean them frequently in small areas rather than large-scale cleaning. Try to wipe off dirty spots immediately with a cloth and remove the insoles for cleaning instead of soaking the entire shoe and scrubbing it vigorously.
If you must use water, gently brush with an old toothbrush, rinse with clean water, and air dry in a cool, ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight.
Cleaning your tennis shoes may seem like a daunting task, but with the right methods and a bit of effort, you can keep them looking new and prolong their lifespan.
Whether you choose to hand wash or machine wash, remember to always use gentle cleaning agents and avoid harsh chemicals. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your tennis shoes remain clean, comfortable, and stylish for a long time.
Regular maintenance will also help you get the most out of your investment, keeping your favorite pairs in great shape for all your activities.