Did you just finish a mud run and now your shoes are covered in mud?Did you splash through a few puddles after the storm?This article will show you how to clean your shoes and hit the pavement again in no time.
Step 1: When you get home, put your muddy shoes in a bag.
Unless you want to clean mud off your car seats, you should toss your shoes into a shopping bag or trash bag.
Step 2: Wait for the mud to dry
If you try to wipe the mud off before it has dried, it will stain the fibers of your shoe.If possible, place your shoes outdoors in direct sunlight.If you put your shoes by a radiator or other source of heat to dry, it can warp the plastic and alter the shape of the shoe.If there is no sunlight or it is humid, you should dry your shoes with a fan.Either put the shoes on a towel or plastic tray with the top facing the fan, or use an over the door hook to hang them on the grill.Don't leave your shoes outside.They will get damp again.
Step 3: The dried mud can be removed by beating your shoes against a hard surface.
You should be able to get most of the mud off of your shoe.The mud will fall off the exterior of your shoe if you stomp your feet.If your shoes are filled with dried mud, it may not be possible to get them on.
Step 4: To clean the shoe, use a dry paper towel.
There is a chance that a wet paper towel could stain your shoes.The dirt that fell off should be removed with a dry paper towel.
Step 5: If possible, remove the shoelaces and inserts.
You can really get into those hard to reach places if you remove the laces.Mud under the inserts can cause your shoe to become smelly and moldy.You can't remove the insert without ruining the shoe.If this is the case, leave them in and try to get them as clean as possible.If your laces are tied up and won't come out, you can always cut them and buy a new set of laces.
Step 6: Use a toothbrush to clean your shoes.
Go to town on the exterior and inside of your shoes if you use water and a few drops of dish detergent.There might be mud in every crevice.You can wipe the dirty water off with a dry rag or paper towel.You can use a nail brush or shoe polishing brush if you don't have a toothbrush.Don't forget to scrub the inserts off if you removed them.
Step 7: Put your shoes in the washing machine if they are still dirty.
You don't want to do this very often, but after a mud run you will probably need the power of the washing machine to thoroughly clean your shoe.You can protect the machine and your shoes from damage by washing them with towels or sheets, but the other items may need another wash.The shoes should only be washed in water.Make sure the inserts are out of the shoe before you wash them.
Step 8: Put your shoes in the dryer.
Stuff your shoes with newspapers or paper towels.Try to let your shoes bake in the sun and don't leave them outside overnight.If you put them in the dryer, it will ruin the shoe.It will take about 12 hours for your shoes to dry.Tie the laces to something heavy if you insist on trying to dry your shoes in the dryer.Put the laces over the door and close it.Your shoes should not be banging around.If you want to dry the shoes in a different way, you can put a pillowcase over them.
Step 9: Baking soda can be put into your dry shoes to absorb the smell.
There could still be some issues with your shoes.If you want to get rid of the smell, add a little baking soda and let them sit for a while.Before you put the shoes back on, make sure you get the baking soda out.Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to bang them upside-down.
Step 10: Clean your shoes.
Taking care of minor stains as they appear can keep your shoes looking better.If you want to remove dirt stains, try the Mr Clean Magic Eraser.
Step 11: As soon as the mud is gone, clean your shoes.
You end up with smelly trainers when you allow the growth ofbacteria in the fibers of your shoes.The longer you leave a stain, the harder it will be to remove.
Step 12: The tongues need to be pulled between uses.
Before your next run, unlacing your shoes and pulling the tongues forward will allow them to dry out.If you don't have time to unlace and re-lace your shoes, at least loosen the laces and lift the tongue to increase the air flow.
Step 13: Put your shoes in a block of cedar.
It's a good idea to keep cedar in your closet because it will do double duty.Win or lose!If you keep your shoes in a gym bag or locker, use Sneaker Balls to keep odors at bay.