They fit like a glove and make you feel like you are walking on air: indeed, we are talking about the Nike Air Max. They are the perfect everyday-shoe, and you probably want to keep them as clean as possible. The British weather makes that quite a challenge, and your beloved trainers will likely get covered in mud splatter or other dirty stains. Well, there is only one thing you can do: clean. But can you put your Nike Air Max in the washing machine? We answer this question and give you 7 tips on how to get your Nikes squeaky clean.
Can you machine wash Nike Air Max
The washing machine is your first go-to if you want to clean your dirty stuff, but it is a different story when it comes down to Nike Air Max. Your washing machine uses tons of water to get your clothes as clean as possible. Your shoe completely sucks up the water, which causes the filling material to get soaked. Take into account that the drum tumbles and tosses your shoes back and forth. You can imagine what this does to the filling material: it goes everywhere and does not stay in place. Unfortunately, this harms the original fit and comfort that Nike Air Max is known and loved for.
Besides the amount of water your washing machine uses, its temperature is way too high for your trainers. This damages the paint and fabric, and the colours of your Air Max will likely fade. And you certainly do not want to show off some faded trainers!
The adhesive layer between the upper and the sole of your Nike Air Max is not very fond of being washed in the washing machine. Of course, you can wear your trainers in damp weather and they can take on some rain as well, but washing in the washing machine puts a strain on the adhesive layer. The amount of water together with the tumbling of the drum damages the adhesive layer of the shoe. The worst scenario is that the sole comes off! In short: washing your Air Max in the washing machine gives you a clean, but totally deformed trainer that has lost its comfort.
How to clean your Nike Air Max trainers
Well, now you know that washing your trainers in the washing machine is anything but a good idea. Luckily there are many bog-standard items you can use to whiten your trainers. But how do you actually clean your shoes? Here are 7 easy steps to clean your Nike Air Max.
#1 Remove the laces from your Air Max
Are the laces very dirty? Remove them and put them in a bowl with lukewarm water. Let your laces soak while you clean the rest of the shoe. Rinse them, and use a soft cloth to dry them. Do you have white laces? Then add a splash of bleach to the water.
#2 Remove coarse dirt
You remove mud, leaves, and other dirt by picking it off your AM’s. A toothbrush, an old pen (remove the ink cartridge!), or a cotton wool swab is perfect for cleaning the cracks, grooves, and seams. Is the upper very dirty, or are there placards of muck on your shoe? A soft, dry shoe brush easily removes the dirt from the outer sole, the midsole, and the upper. But what if you do not have a shoe brush? Don’t panic! The good old regular toothbrush does the trick as well.
#3 Make soapy water
Fill a bowl, a pan, or a bucket with warm water and add a splash of mild detergent. Mix the water and the detergent.
#4 Wash the soles
Get a soft (tooth)brush and put some of the soapy water on it. Now gently brush the outer- and the midsole. Use a soft cloth to dry your shoe.
#5 Wash the upper
Use a bit of soapy water and a soft cloth or brush to clean the upper of your Nike Air Max. Use an absorbent cloth or other soft cloth to gently rub the upper. You really do not need to scrub since scrubbing damages the leather or suede. Do your Air Max still don’t look clean? Then repeat this step as many times as necessary.
#6 Dry
Are your trainers clean? Put them somewhere in your room, but avoid direct sunlight. The sun may cause your Nike Air Max to fade or shrink, and that would be a waste. You can loosely put in a small white towel or a ball of white paper during the drying process. This collects the excess water and ensures that the shape of the shoe is kept intact. Tip: please do not use newspapers since the ink will stain.
#7 Care
If you want to keep the leather or suede looking gorgeous, just make sure your treat your Nike Air Max with the right products. If correctly cared for, your sneakers will last longer.
If you insist on putting your Nike Air Max in the washing machine
We advise you to follow these steps if you do want to wash your Nike Air Max in the washing machine.
- Remove all the coarse dirt before you put your trainers in the washing machine
- Remove the laces and put the shoes in a laundry bag or a pillowcase
- Set your washing machine on a delicate program at a low temperature
- Do not spin-dry
- Slowly let dry. It may take a couple of days to fully dry your shoes
One last tip: never, never, never put your trainers in the dryer! The heat causes the soles to shrink and damages the cushioning. Also, the adhesive layer dissolves, which detaches the soles.
But what if you followed our steps and your Nike Air Max trainers are still not clean? Then you can always buy a new pair!
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