{"id":3416,"date":"2025-05-11T11:15:48","date_gmt":"2025-05-11T10:15:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/?p=3416"},"modified":"2026-01-10T11:34:32","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T11:34:32","slug":"wash-kids-trainers-without-ruining-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wash-kids-trainers-without-ruining-them","title":{"rendered":"How to Wash Kids\u2019 Trainers (Without Ruining Them): Machine + Hand-Wash Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3416\" class=\"elementor elementor-3416\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-12646fcf e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"12646fcf\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2aacee4c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2aacee4c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 05-08-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<h1>How to Wash Kids\u2019 Trainers<\/h1><p>Most kids\u2019 trainers can be cleaned safely if you: <strong>check the label and materials first<\/strong>, <strong>remove laces and insoles<\/strong>, use a <strong>cooler wash on a gentle cycle<\/strong> inside a <strong>wash bag\/pillowcase<\/strong>, then <strong>air-dry fully<\/strong> (no tumble dryer or radiator heat). Which? highlights \u201ccolder wash\u201d and other key do\u2019s\/don\u2019ts for washing trainers.<\/p><p>Kids\u2019 trainers take a beating: school runs, playground mud, PE kits, spilled juice, and the mysterious smell that appears overnight. At <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/\"><strong>Hamlet Laundry Ltd (London)<\/strong><\/a>, we see the same issues again and again\u2014and the good news is this: most \u201cruined trainer\u201d disasters come down to a few avoidable mistakes (usually <strong>heat<\/strong> and <strong>too much agitation<\/strong>). Which? also warns against common trainer-washing mistakes and recommends checking labels and keeping things gentle.<\/p><p>This guide is written for anyone, anywhere\u2014but we\u2019ll also share what we do in a professional <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-berrylands\">laundry<\/a> setting, so you can copy the safest approach at home.<\/p><h2>The 60-second trainer check: can these go in water at all?<\/h2><p>Before you do anything, check the <strong>care label<\/strong> if there is one. If you can\u2019t find a label, use this quick triage.<\/p><h3>Quick decision table<\/h3><table><thead><tr><td><strong>Trainer type \/ feature<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Safest method<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Why<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Canvas \/ mesh \/ most synthetics<\/td><td>Machine wash (gentle) or hand wash<\/td><td>Usually tolerates water if you keep it cool and gentle (many guides recommend this approach).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mixed materials, lots of glued trims<\/td><td>Hand wash<\/td><td>Reduces stress on glued seams and decorations.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Leather \/ suede \/ nubuck<\/td><td><strong>Do not machine wash<\/strong> (spot <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-canary-wharf\">clean<\/a> only)<\/td><td>These materials can deform, discolour, or stiffen\u2014many consumer guides warn against machine washing them.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Light-up trainers \/ shoes with electronics<\/td><td>Spot clean only<\/td><td>Water can damage components. (Treat as non-washable.)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Very old, cracked soles or separating glue<\/td><td>Hand wash or professional help<\/td><td>Agitation can accelerate separation; gentle handling is safer.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><p><strong>Hamlet Laundry tip:<\/strong> if the sole is already peeling a little, avoid the washing machine. A gentle hand clean (or a professional clean) often saves a pair that a machine would finish off.<\/p><h2>Why kids\u2019 trainers smell so fast (the science\u2014explained simply)<\/h2><p>Inside a shoe is basically a tiny \u201cweather system\u201d: warm, dark, and humid. Research on <strong>footwear microclimate<\/strong> found that the <strong>relative humidity inside footwear can be extremely high<\/strong>, and this kind of environment supports microbial growth.<\/p><p>That doesn\u2019t mean you need to panic\u2014it just explains why <strong>drying properly<\/strong> matters as much as washing. Medical research also discusses how the internal environment of footwear (heat\/humidity) is a risk factor in conditions like <strong>tinea pedis (athlete\u2019s foot)<\/strong>, reinforcing why fully drying shoes and avoiding persistent dampness is sensible hygiene.<br \/>And a recent review notes that <strong>footwear and textiles can contribute to reinfection<\/strong> cycles for dermatophyte infections, again pointing to the importance of good drying and hygiene habits.<\/p><h2>Machine-wash method (the \u201cdon\u2019t ruin them\u201d routine)<\/h2><p>This method is <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-the-best-dry-cleaning-service-in-london\">best<\/a> for <strong>canvas\/mesh\/synthetic<\/strong> kids\u2019 trainers that are structurally sound.<\/p><h3>Step 1: Prep (5 minutes that saves the shoes)<\/h3><ol><li><strong>Remove laces and insoles<\/strong> (wash laces separately; insoles are often the main smell trap).<\/li><li><strong>Knock off loose dirt<\/strong> and let mud dry, then brush it away.<\/li><li><strong>Pre-treat stains<\/strong> (a small amount of mild detergent + soft brush).<\/li><li>Put trainers in a <strong>mesh wash bag<\/strong> (or a pillowcase tied shut).<\/li><li>Add <strong>2 towels<\/strong> in the drum to reduce banging and help balance.<\/li><\/ol><p>Which? recommends checking labels and using a gentler approach (including a colder wash), and many mainstream laundry guides echo using protective methods to reduce damage.<\/p><h3>Step 2: Use safe settings<\/h3><p><strong>Aim for \u201ccool + gentle.\u201d<\/strong> Which? explicitly advises using a <strong>colder wash<\/strong> and avoiding common pitfalls.<\/p><p><strong>Recommended baseline settings (good for most machine-washable trainers):<\/strong><\/p><ul><li><strong>Temperature:<\/strong> cool\/cold (often around <strong>20\u201330\u00b0C<\/strong> if your machine offers it)<\/li><li><strong>Cycle:<\/strong> <strong>Delicate \/ gentle<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Spin:<\/strong> low to moderate<\/li><li><strong>Detergent:<\/strong> mild (if your child has sensitive skin, a mild\/non-bio option is often preferred)<\/li><\/ul><p>If your trainers have a label, <strong>follow the label over any general advice<\/strong>. Which? leads with this point for a reason.<\/p><h3>Step 3: What to avoid (this is where most damage happens)<\/h3><ul><li><strong>Hot washes<\/strong> (can soften adhesives and warp foam)<\/li><li><strong>Long, aggressive cycles<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Bleach<\/strong> on coloured materials<\/li><li>Overloading the drum (more banging = more damage)<\/li><\/ul><h2>Hand-wash method (best for delicate pairs or mixed materials)<\/h2><p>Hand-washing is slower but safer for trainers with glued trims, sensitive materials, or older pairs.<\/p><p><strong>What you need<\/strong><\/p><ul><li>A bowl of <strong>lukewarm<\/strong> water<\/li><li>A small amount of mild detergent<\/li><li>Soft brush or cloth<\/li><li>Clean towel<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Steps<\/strong><\/p><ol><li>Remove laces\/insoles.<\/li><li>Mix mild detergent into water.<\/li><li>Dip brush\/cloth, scrub gently (especially along seams).<\/li><li>Wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove soap.<\/li><li>Pat with a towel and move straight to proper drying.<\/li><\/ol><p><strong>Hamlet Laundry tip:<\/strong> If a shoe has leather panels but a fabric body, treat the whole shoe as \u201chand wash\u201d and keep leather sections <strong>as dry as possible<\/strong>. Many consumer guides recommend avoiding machine washing leather\/suede.<\/p><h2>Drying trainers properly (the #1 way to avoid ruining them)<\/h2><p>If there\u2019s one section to follow perfectly, it\u2019s this one.<\/p><p><strong>Don\u2019t do this<\/strong><\/p><ul><li>\u274c <strong>Tumble dryer<\/strong><\/li><li>\u274c <strong>Radiator \/ heated airer blasting directly onto the shoe<\/strong><br \/>Which? explicitly calls out mistakes and strongly cautions around drying approaches for trainers.<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Do this instead (shape + smell control)<\/strong><\/p><ol><li><strong>Stuff the trainers<\/strong> with paper towels or clean paper (not newspaper ink on white fabric).<\/li><li>Place them in a <strong>well-ventilated room<\/strong>, away from direct heat.<\/li><li>Replace the stuffing once it becomes damp.<\/li><li>Allow <strong>24\u201348 hours<\/strong> to dry fully (kids\u2019 trainers with thick padding can take longer).<\/li><\/ol><p><strong>Why it matters (evidence-based):<\/strong> footwear microclimate studies show shoes can reach very high humidity internally, which supports microbial growth\u2014so incomplete drying can undo a good wash.<br \/>And<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dermatophyte\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> dermatophyte<\/a> hygiene literature recognises that footwear\/textiles can contribute to persistence\/recurrence\u2014another reason to prioritise full drying.<\/p><h2>Stain playbook for real life (mud, grass, scuffs, food)<\/h2><p>Parents don\u2019t just search \u201chow to wash\u201d\u2014they search <em>\u201chow to fix what happened today.\u201d<\/em> Here\u2019s the quick rescue guide.<\/p><table><thead><tr><td><strong>Problem<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Best approach<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Notes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Mud<\/td><td>Let it dry \u2192 brush off \u2192 spot clean<\/td><td>Washing wet mud spreads it. Many trainer guides start with dry dirt removal.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Grass stains<\/td><td>Pre-treat gently \u2192 hand wash or cool gentle cycle<\/td><td>Test on a hidden area first.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rubber scuffs<\/td><td>Damp cloth + gentle rubbing<\/td><td>Avoid harsh abrasives that scratch.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Food \/ juice<\/td><td>Rinse early (cool water) \u2192 mild detergent<\/td><td>Heat \u201csets\u201d stains\u2014avoid hot water.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><h2>Keep kids\u2019 trainers fresher for longer (odor &amp; hygiene habits)<\/h2><p>A few small habits reduce how often you need to wash:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Rotate pairs<\/strong> (even 1 day off helps).<\/li><li>Pull out <strong>insoles<\/strong> to dry overnight.<\/li><li>Don\u2019t seal damp trainers in a school bag.<\/li><li>If smells persist, focus on <strong>drying + insoles<\/strong> first (often the culprit).<\/li><\/ul><p>Research on footwear environments and hygiene supports the idea that moisture management matters, and dermatophyte hygiene reviews discuss footwear\/textiles as a potential reservoir in recurrence cycles.<\/p><h2>Common mistakes we see at Hamlet Laundry (so you can avoid them)<\/h2><ol><li><strong>Hot wash to \u201ckill germs\u201d<\/strong> \u2192 warped foam, loosened glue.<\/li><li><strong>Straight into the dryer<\/strong> \u2192 misshapen uppers, separated soles.<\/li><li>Washing <strong>leather or suede<\/strong> like canvas \u2192 stiff, blotchy finish.<\/li><li>Not removing insoles \u2192 smell returns quickly.<\/li><li>No wash bag \u2192 trainers hammer the drum (and themselves).<\/li><\/ol><p>Which? also highlights several things you should never do when washing trainers\u2014especially around checking instructions and keeping the process gentle.<\/p><h3>People Also Ask<\/h3><p><strong>Can you wash kids\u2019 trainers in the washing machine?<\/strong><\/p><p>Often yes\u2014<strong>if they\u2019re canvas\/mesh\/synthetic and the care label doesn\u2019t forbid it<\/strong>. Use a <strong>cooler wash<\/strong>, a <strong>gentle cycle<\/strong>, and a <strong>wash bag\/pillowcase<\/strong>. Avoid machine washing leather, suede, or light-up shoes.<\/p><p><strong>What temperature should I wash trainers at?<\/strong><\/p><p>A <strong>cool\/cold wash<\/strong> is typically safer than hot water for preventing warping and protecting adhesives. Which? specifically recommends using a <strong>colder wash<\/strong> for trainers.<\/p><p><strong>Can I put trainers in the tumble dryer?<\/strong><\/p><p>It\u2019s risky. Heat can deform materials and weaken glue, and many trainer-washing guides caution against dryer heat. Safer: <strong>air-dry<\/strong>, stuffed with paper to keep shape.<\/p><p><strong>How do I get rid of smell in kids\u2019 trainers?<\/strong><\/p><p>Start with <strong>full drying<\/strong> and clean\/air the <strong>insoles<\/strong>. Very humid shoe interiors support microbial growth, so reducing moisture is key.<\/p><p><strong>What if the trainers have leather or suede panels?<\/strong><\/p><p>Treat them as <strong>hand-wash\/spot-clean<\/strong> and keep those sections as dry as possible\u2014many guides advise against machine washing leather or suede.<\/p><h2>If you\u2019re in London: when it\u2019s smarter to get help<\/h2><p>If you\u2019re unsure about the material (or you\u2019ve got a pair you really don\u2019t want to risk), that\u2019s exactly when a professional clean makes sense. At <strong>Hamlet Laundry Ltd (<a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/travel-guide-to-london\">London<\/a>)<\/strong>, we can assess the trainer materials, choose the safest method (machine-safe vs hand-clean), and control the drying process so shoes come back <strong>clean, shaped, and wearable<\/strong>\u2014not warped and crunchy.<\/p><h3>Final checklist<\/h3><ul><li>\u2705 Check label + materials first<\/li><li>\u2705 Remove laces + insoles<\/li><li>\u2705 Cool wash, gentle cycle (for machine-safe trainers)<\/li><li>\u2705 Use a bag\/pillowcase + towels to cushion<\/li><li>\u2705 Air dry fully (no tumble dryer)<\/li><li>\u2705 Prioritise drying to prevent smell and recurring dampness issues<\/li><\/ul><h2>Still unsure? Let Hamlet Laundry take care of it for you \ud83d\udc5f\u2728<\/h2><p>If you\u2019re worried about <strong>damaging your child\u2019s trainers<\/strong>, short on time, or simply don\u2019t want to deal with mud, smells, and long drying times \u2014 <strong>Hamlet Laundry Ltd<\/strong> is here to help.<\/p><p>As a <strong>London-based professional laundry service<\/strong>, we clean trainers and everyday footwear <strong>the safe way<\/strong>, using material-appropriate methods and controlled drying \u2014 so shoes come back <strong>clean, fresh, and wearable<\/strong>, not ruined.<\/p><h3>Why parents in London choose Hamlet Laundry \ud83d\udc99<\/h3><ul><li>\ud83e\uddfc <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/order\"><strong>Expert material assessment<\/strong> <\/a>\u2013 we check the shoe type first (fabric, mixed materials, delicate trims)<\/li><li>\ud83c\udf21\ufe0f <strong>Safe cleaning methods<\/strong> \u2013 no harsh heat, no guesswork<\/li><li>\ud83d\udc5f <strong>Odour &amp; hygiene-focused care<\/strong> \u2013 proper drying to reduce lingering smells<\/li><li>\u23f1\ufe0f <strong>Time-saving convenience<\/strong> \u2013 skip the trial-and-error at home<\/li><li>\ud83d\udccd <strong>Local London service<\/strong> \u2013 trusted by families across the city<\/li><\/ul><p>Whether it\u2019s <strong>school trainers, PE shoes, or well-loved everyday pairs<\/strong>, we help extend their life \u2014 saving you money and stress.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udc49 <strong>Not sure if a pair is washable?<\/strong><br \/>\ud83d\udc49 <strong>Don\u2019t want to risk ruining them at home?<\/strong><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/order\"><strong>Let Hamlet Laundry handle it \u2014 carefully, professionally, and conveniently.<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>\ud83d\udcde Get in touch with <strong>Hamlet Laundry Ltd, London<\/strong> today and let us take one more thing off your to-do list.<\/p><p><em>Clean shoes. Less hassle. Peace of mind.<\/em><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to Wash Kids&rsquo; Trainers Most kids&rsquo; trainers can be cleaned safely if you: check<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":3417,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[510,620,19],"tags":[438,21,421,47,437],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3416"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3416"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3416\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3421,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3416\/revisions\/3421"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3417"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3416"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3416"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3416"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}