Can You Wash Trainers in the Dishwasher? A Surprising Guide
**The answer is a cautious *maybe*. While it might seem like a quick fix, washing trainers in the dishwasher carries significant risks of *damage and degradation*, and is generally *not recommended* for all types of trainers.**
Trainer Cleaning: A Necessary Evil
Keeping your trainers clean is essential for both hygiene and aesthetics. Mud, dirt, and sweat can damage the materials, shorten their lifespan, and contribute to unpleasant odors. Traditional cleaning methods can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, leading some to seek alternative shortcuts. Enter the dishwasher – an appliance designed for cleaning, but a potentially disastrous choice for your favorite footwear.
Dishwashers: Not Just for Dishes
Dishwashers use a combination of hot water, powerful detergents, and forceful spray jets to remove food residue from dishes. While effective, these features can be too harsh for the delicate materials often found in trainers, such as leather, suede, and certain adhesives. The high heat can warp or shrink components, while the strong detergents can strip away colors and damage the overall structure.
The Potential Benefits (And Why They’re Overshadowed)
In theory, washing trainers in the dishwasher could offer a few perceived benefits:
- Convenience: Simply load them up and press start.
- Thorough Cleaning: The spray jets can reach difficult-to-access areas.
- Reduced Effort: Minimizes manual scrubbing.
However, these potential benefits are far outweighed by the risks.
The Risks: A Shoe-In for Disaster?
Here’s a breakdown of the potential damage your trainers could suffer in the dishwasher:
- Adhesive Failure: The heat and harsh detergents can dissolve the adhesives holding the shoe together, causing soles to separate, panels to detach, and overall structural failure.
- Material Degradation: Leather can dry out, crack, and shrink. Synthetic materials may warp or become brittle. Colors can fade or bleed.
- Shape Distortion: The high temperatures can cause trainers to lose their original shape, especially those with delicate structures or memory foam components.
- Damage to the Dishwasher: Loose components from the trainers, like laces or small embellishments, can clog the dishwasher’s drain or damage its internal components.
Which Trainers are Absolutely Off-Limits?
Certain trainer types should never be washed in the dishwasher:
- Leather trainers: The heat and detergents will strip the natural oils and damage the leather, leading to cracking and shrinkage.
- Suede trainers: Suede is extremely delicate and easily damaged by water and heat.
- Trainers with embellishments: Any trainers with glued-on beads, sequins, or other delicate embellishments are likely to lose them during the wash cycle.
- Vintage trainers: The glue and materials in older trainers are often more fragile and susceptible to damage.
- High-end or delicate trainers: Trainers crafted from premium or fragile materials, with intricate designs or specific care instructions.
- Trainers with electronic components: Light-up trainers or trainers with sensors or built-in technology.
The Safer Alternative: Hand Washing
Hand washing remains the safest and most effective method for cleaning trainers. It allows for greater control over the cleaning process and avoids the harsh conditions of the dishwasher.
The Hand Washing Process: Step-by-Step
- Remove Laces and Insoles: Wash them separately with mild soap and water.
- Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix warm water with a mild detergent, such as dish soap or laundry detergent.
- Gently Scrub: Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the trainers, paying attention to areas with dirt or stains.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the trainers with clean water to remove all traces of soap.
- Air Dry: Stuff the trainers with paper towels to help them maintain their shape and absorb moisture. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, which can damage the materials.
A Note on Drying
Never put trainers in the dryer. The high heat will damage the adhesives and materials, leading to shrinkage, warping, and cracking. Air drying is always the best option.
Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to wash your trainers in the dishwasher is up to you. However, weighing the potential risks against the perceived benefits makes a strong argument for sticking to traditional hand-washing methods. Your trainers will thank you for it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a gentle dishwasher cycle?
While a gentle cycle might seem less harsh, the detergents used in dishwashers are still typically too strong for trainers. The heat, even on a lower setting, can still damage adhesives and materials. It’s generally not recommended, even with a gentle cycle.
What type of detergent is safest for dishwasher use on trainers?
Absolutely no standard dishwasher detergents. They are far too harsh. If you insist on using a dishwasher (against recommendations), the only viable option is a very mild, pH-neutral detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics. However, the risk of damage remains substantial.
Should I remove the trainers immediately after the dishwasher cycle?
Yes, remove them as soon as the cycle is complete. Prolonged exposure to the heat and moisture within the dishwasher can increase the risk of damage.
Can I wash white trainers in the dishwasher?
While the temptation to brighten white trainers in the dishwasher is understandable, the risks are the same. The harsh detergents can damage the materials and potentially yellow the white color. Hand washing with a dedicated stain remover is a safer alternative.
Is it okay to wash just one trainer in the dishwasher if the other is clean?
It’s generally not a good idea. Even if one trainer appears clean, subjecting only one to the dishwasher’s harsh environment could lead to uneven wear and tear. It’s always best to wash both trainers together by hand.
How often can I wash my trainers in the dishwasher?
Never. Given the risks, washing trainers in the dishwasher should not be a regular practice.
What if my trainers are extremely dirty and hand washing doesn’t seem effective?
For extremely dirty trainers, consider pre-treating them with a specialized stain remover before hand washing. Repeat the hand-washing process as needed. If all else fails, a professional shoe cleaning service may be a worthwhile investment.
Does the brand of trainer matter when deciding to use the dishwasher?
Yes, it can. High-end brands often use more delicate materials and intricate construction, making them more susceptible to damage. Cheaper trainers might withstand the dishwasher better, but the risk of damage is still present.
Can I wash the insoles and laces in the dishwasher separately?
The laces can be washed in a mesh laundry bag on a gentle cycle. Insoles should be hand-washed, as they can warp or degrade in the dishwasher.
What are the signs that my trainers have been damaged by the dishwasher?
Common signs include: Separation of the sole, peeling of the upper material, fading or discoloration, cracking, shrinkage, and a general loss of shape.
If I decide to risk the dishwasher, what dishwasher setting should I use?
If you are determined to proceed (against recommendations), select the coolest, shortest, and most delicate cycle available. Skip the drying cycle entirely. This is a last resort and still carries a high risk of damage.
Are there any specific products that can protect my trainers before dishwasher cleaning?
There are no products that can guarantee protection against the harsh conditions of a dishwasher. Focusing on proper hand-washing techniques and appropriate cleaning products is the safest approach.