It’s true! You really can throw (some) sneakers in the washing machine. Since they’re often made from synthetic materials, sneakers can do quite well in the washing machine, and if done right, they can come out looking brand new. This little guide will help you get your footwear looking top-notch again.

Check the care label

As we mention time and time again, the golden rule of doing any kind of laundry is check the care label first. Care labels on sneakers might not go into detail about temperatures or wash cycles, but they should indicate whether the shoes can or can’t be machine washed. If the washing machine is a no-go for this particular pair, you can always wash them by hand.

Getting them machine ready

First, remove the laces from the sneakers, then scrub away any excess mud or dirt. Ideally, you’ll want to put the laces and sneakers in a mesh bag. This will prevent the sneakers getting caught anywhere, particularly around the rubber door seal. After you’ve thrown them in the drum, it’s a good idea to add a few towels as well, as this will spot the sneakers banging around the drum. Finally, it’s best to wash sneakers at a warm 85 degrees to avoid shrinkage or distortion in shape and be sure to use a good quality color detergent.

Whatever you do, don’t tumble dry

It might be tempting to throw your trainers in the dryer after washing them, but this is a sure-fire way to ruin them. The heat from the dryer will distort the shape of the trainer and can cause the rubber sole to crack and warp. Either leave them outside in the sun to air dry, or under a heater if the weather isn’t on your side.

As long as you’re careful and follow you sneakers’ care label, you should have a pair that looks as good as new with minimum fuss.