The Direct Answer: Washing Your New Balances
Yes, in many cases, you can put New Balance shoes in the washing machine, provided they are not made of delicate materials like leather or suede. The general consensus among shoe care experts is that most athletic sneakers, including many New Balance models, can withstand a gentle machine wash cycle. However, success hinges on proper preparation and using the right settings to prevent damage to the shoes and your machine.
- Machine washing is viable for most New Balance athletic sneakers.
- Avoid washing leather, suede, or embellished models.
- Preparation is crucial for preventing damage.
- Use cold water and a gentle cycle for best results.
- Air dry exclusively; never use a machine dryer.
Before you toss your beloved New Balance kicks into the wash, it’s vital to understand that not all shoes are created equal. Delicate materials, specific construction types, or excessive embellishments can render a shoe unsuitable for machine laundering. Prioritize checking the shoe's care label or the manufacturer's recommendations if available. When in doubt, a thorough hand-wash is always the safest alternative, though it requires more effort.
The primary goal when machine washing is to mimic a gentle cleaning process that removes dirt and odor without stressing the adhesives, fabrics, or structural integrity of the shoe. This means avoiding harsh detergents, high heat, and aggressive spin cycles, which can lead to soles detaching, fabrics fraying, or colors bleeding.
Think of the washing machine as a tool that, when misused, can cause irreparable harm. The right approach ensures your New Balance shoes emerge cleaner and fresher, ready for your next activity, without compromising their shape or longevity.
Preparation Steps Before the Wash
Proper preparation is the cornerstone of successfully washing your New Balance shoes in a washing machine. Skipping these steps significantly increases the risk of damaging your footwear and potentially your appliance. The initial phase involves removing loose debris and protecting both the shoes and the machine's drum from abrasive contact.
Begin by removing the laces and insoles. These components often trap a considerable amount of dirt and can become tangled during the wash cycle, potentially damaging both themselves and the main shoe structure. Washing them separately allows for more thorough cleaning of each item. The laces can often be washed in a mesh laundry bag alongside the shoes, while insoles may require hand washing depending on their material, especially if they are made of foam or have cushioning elements that could degrade in a machine.
Next, tackle any heavy-soiled areas. Use a soft brush (like an old toothbrush or a dedicated shoe brush) and a mild cleaning solution – a dab of dish soap or a specialized shoe cleaner diluted in water works well – to pre-treat stubborn mud, grass stains, or scuff marks. This pre-treatment reduces the need for aggressive washing machine settings later.
Crucially, place your shoes inside a mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase. This barrier prevents them from banging against the drum, which can cause scuffing and structural stress. For added protection and to balance the load, toss in a couple of old, colorfast towels. These act as additional padding and help absorb some of the impact during the wash cycle, ensuring a quieter and safer operation for your heavy duty washing machine.
Always remove excess dirt and mud from the soles before washing to prevent clogging the washing machine's drain filter.
This meticulous preparation phase ensures that the washing machine's action is focused on cleaning rather than causing damage, setting the stage for a successful refresh of your New Balance sneakers.
Choosing the Right Washing Machine Settings
Selecting the correct washing machine settings is paramount to preventing damage when cleaning your New Balance shoes. The goal is to simulate a gentle hand-wash, avoiding the harsh agitation and high temperatures that can compromise shoe construction and materials.
Opt for the cold water setting. Hot water can warp plastic components, weaken adhesives, and cause colors to bleed, leading to a faded or damaged appearance. Cold water is much gentler on the shoe's materials and bonding agents.
Next, select the most delicate cycle available on your machine. This is often labeled as 'Delicate', 'Gentle', 'Hand Wash', or 'Casual'. These cycles use slower spin speeds and less aggressive tumbling action, minimizing stress on the shoes. Avoid any cycles that involve high heat or intense agitation.
Regarding detergent, use only a small amount of mild, liquid detergent. Harsh chemicals, bleach, or powdered detergents can strip colors, damage fabrics, and leave residue. A formula designed for sensitive fabrics or a small amount of regular liquid laundry detergent is generally sufficient. Do not use fabric softener, as it can degrade adhesives and cushioning materials.
Finally, skip the spin cycle if possible, or choose the lowest spin speed setting. High-speed spinning can force water into seams and stress the sole attachments. If your machine allows, a final rinse cycle helps ensure all detergent is removed, preventing stiffness or discoloration.
The key to machine washing shoes lies in treating them with the same care you would delicate clothing.
By carefully selecting these settings, you significantly reduce the risk of common issues like sole separation, material degradation, or loss of shape, ensuring your New Balance footwear comes out looking and feeling refreshed.
The Crucial Drying Process for New Balances
Once your New Balance shoes have been washed, the drying process is just as critical as the washing itself. Improper drying can undo all your careful efforts, leading to warping, shrinkage, or damage to the shoe's internal structure. The golden rule here is never use a machine dryer.
High heat from a tumble dryer is the enemy of adhesives, foams, and synthetic materials used in athletic footwear. It can melt glue, distort shapes, and cause synthetic fabrics to become brittle or shrink. Therefore, air-drying is the only recommended method for New Balance shoes, just as it is for most sneakers.
Begin the air-drying process by gently blotting away excess water from the exterior and interior of the shoes with a clean, dry towel. Do not wring or twist the shoes, as this can distort their shape. Stuffing the shoes loosely with paper towels, plain white newspaper (avoid colored ink as it can transfer), or clean, dry cloths can help absorb internal moisture and maintain the shoe's shape. Ensure you replace the stuffing periodically if it becomes saturated to speed up the drying process.
Find a cool, well-ventilated area to air dry your shoes. Avoid direct sunlight or placing them near a heat source like a radiator or vent, as this can cause materials to degrade or fade unevenly. Hanging them by their laces (if they are sturdy) or placing them on a drying rack or an old shoe tree allows air to circulate around them freely.
Patience is key. Depending on the humidity and temperature, it can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, or even longer, for shoes to dry completely. Ensure they are thoroughly dry before wearing them again or storing them to prevent odor and mildew development. If you removed the insoles, make sure they are also completely dry before reinserting them.
Stuffing new balance shoes with crumpled newspaper or paper towels is an effective way to speed up drying and help them retain their shape.
Following these air-drying steps ensures your New Balance shoes maintain their intended structure, materials integrity, and longevity after their wash.
When to Avoid Machine Washing New Balances
While many New Balance athletic shoes are designed to be resilient, certain materials and construction types make them unsuitable for a washing machine. Understanding these exceptions is vital to avoid costly mistakes and preserve your footwear.
Leather and Suede: Any shoe incorporating significant amounts of genuine leather or suede should not go into the washing machine. These natural materials can be irreversibly damaged by water and agitation. Leather can crack, stiffen, and lose its finish, while suede can become matted, discolored, and lose its characteristic texture. For these materials, spot cleaning with specialized leather or suede cleaners is the appropriate method. This also applies to shoes with extensive suede or leather accents.
Embellished or Technical Shoes: Shoes with delicate embellishments, such as sequins, intricate embroidery, or certain types of reflective materials, are also poor candidates for machine washing. The agitation can dislodge or damage these decorative elements. Similarly, highly technical running shoes with specialized gel cushioning, delicate mesh ventilation systems, or bonded seams might be more susceptible to damage from machine washing than standard trainers.
Older or Worn-Out Shoes: If your New Balance shoes are already showing signs of wear, such as fraying seams, separating soles, or degraded cushioning, the stress of a washing machine cycle could exacerbate these issues, potentially leading to complete failure. For older, beloved pairs, a gentler hand-wash or spot clean is a far safer bet.
Shoes with Electronics or Batteries: Any footwear containing electronic components, such as lights or smart tracking devices, must never be submerged in water or placed in a washing machine.
For shoes made with a combination of materials, assess the most delicate component. If leather, suede, or sensitive embellishments are present, opt for hand-washing or spot cleaning.
When in doubt, always err on the side of caution. A quick online search for the specific model number of your New Balance shoes or consulting the brand’s official care instructions can provide clarity. If machine washing is not explicitly recommended, or if any of the above conditions apply, a manual cleaning approach is the most responsible choice to ensure your shoes remain in good condition.
Alternative Cleaning Methods for Your New Balance Shoes
When machine washing isn't an option, or for a more targeted clean, alternative methods can effectively restore your New Balance shoes. These techniques offer greater control and are ideal for delicate materials or spot treatments, ensuring your footwear remains in excellent condition.
Hand Washing: This is the most versatile and safest alternative for most New Balance shoes. Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent or specialized shoe cleaner. Use a soft brush or a cloth to gently scrub away dirt from the uppers, midsoles, and outsoles. For stubborn stains, you might use a slightly firmer brush on the soles but always remain gentle on the fabric and cushioning. Rinse thoroughly with clean, cool water, ensuring no soap residue remains. As with machine washing, air dry completely, stuffing with paper or towels to maintain shape.
Spot Cleaning: For minor scuffs, dirt marks, or specific stains, spot cleaning is highly efficient. Dampen a clean cloth or a cotton swab with a mixture of water and a tiny amount of mild soap or shoe cleaner. Gently rub the affected area. For tougher marks on soles or rubber components, a magic eraser can sometimes be effective, but test it on an inconspicuous area first. This method is excellent for quick touch-ups between deeper cleans.
Using a Shoe Cleaning Kit: Many brands offer comprehensive shoe cleaning kits that include brushes, cleaning solutions, and microfiber cloths. These kits are specifically formulated for footwear and often cater to various materials, providing a safe and effective way to clean your New Balance sneakers. Follow the instructions provided with the kit for the best results.
Cleaning Laces and Insoles: Don't forget these components. Laces can usually be scrubbed by hand with soap and water or placed in a mesh bag and machine washed on a delicate cycle. Insoles, especially those with odor-absorbing properties or cushioning, might require hand washing with a mild soap and thorough air drying to prevent mildew and maintain their structure. Some removable insoles can be safely washed on a gentle cycle if placed in a protective bag.
Addressing Odor: For persistent odors, after cleaning and ensuring the shoes are completely dry, consider using a deodorizing spray, baking soda sprinkled inside overnight, or specialized shoe deodorizers. Proper ventilation and regular cleaning are the best defenses against odor.
By employing these methods, you can maintain the appearance and hygiene of your New Balance footwear without resorting to potentially damaging machine washing, especially for models that require more delicate care.