Mesh trainers are a must-have for anyone who values comfort, breathability, and style. Whether you wear them for long walks, everyday errands, or for your daily exercise, they’re designed to keep your feet cool and comfortable. The lightweight material allows for excellent air circulation, which helps prevent sweaty feet and unwanted odours.
However, as fantastic as mesh trainers are, they come with one major downside—they get dirty fast. Whether it’s dust, mud, or unavoidable scuffs, the delicate fabric tends to hold onto stains and grime, making them look older than they really are. And because mesh is a more delicate material compared to leather or synthetic fabrics, cleaning it the wrong way can easily cause damage.
But don’t worry! We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you clean your mesh trainers safely and effectively so you can keep them looking fresh and feeling great. Whether you’ve had an unfortunate run-in with a puddle or your trainers are just looking a little dull, follow these simple steps to bring them back to life.
Steps on How to Clean Mesh Trainers
Cleaning your mesh trainers properly doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these tried-and-tested steps, you’ll be able to restore them without causing any damage to the material.
1. Prepare the cleaning solution
Before you dive in, you’ll need to gather a few essentials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mild laundry detergent or dish soap – Avoid anything too harsh, as strong chemicals can weaken the fabric.
- Cool or lukewarm water – Hot water can break down the glue holding the shoe together and may even cause the colours to fade.
- A soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush – This will help remove dirt without damaging the mesh.
- A microfibre cloth – Perfect for wiping off excess soap and water.
Fill a small bowl with cool to lukewarm water and add a small amount of laundry detergent or dish soap. Mix it well until it creates a soapy solution. Be careful not to use too much soap—it should be just enough to lift dirt without leaving behind a sticky residue.
2. Remove Dirt Off the Trainers
- Take a soft brush (or an old toothbrush) and gently sweep away dust and dried dirt from the upper part of your trainers.
- If you’ve recently walked through mud, let the trainers dry before attempting to brush off the dirt. Trying to clean wet mud can make the stain worse.
- Don’t forget the soles! The bottom of your trainers can collect a surprising amount of dirt, which can transfer to the upper part during cleaning. Give them a quick scrub to remove any debris.
By doing this pre-cleaning step, you’ll prevent unnecessary scrubbing and ensure the soapy mixture can work effectively on the stains.
3. Prepare the Trainers
Now that your trainers are free from loose dirt, it’s time to prep them for a proper clean.
Remove the Laces
Laces tend to get just as dirty as the trainers themselves, but they can be cleaned separately to ensure a thorough refresh.
- Remove the laces and check for any stains. If they’re not too dirty, you can simply soak them in a bowl of soapy water.
- For stubborn stains, scrub them gently with a toothbrush before rinsing them off.
If you prefer, you can put the laces in the washing machine with the rest of your laundry. Just be sure to air dry them afterwards to prevent fraying.
Keep the Trainers in Shape
One common issue when washing trainers is that they lose their shape once wet. To avoid this:
- Insert a shoe tree inside your trainers. This helps them maintain their form while drying.
- If you don’t have a shoe tree, stuffing your trainers with newspaper or paper towels will work just as well.
Keeping your trainers in shape during cleaning ensures they look just as good when they dry!
4. Wash the Trainers
Now comes the part that makes all the difference – washing your trainers.
- Dip your soft-bristled brush or cloth into the soapy water and gently scrub the mesh upper in circular motions. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as excessive force can damage the delicate fabric.
- Once the upper part is clean, move on to the soles. Since the soles are made from tougher material, you can scrub a smidge harder to remove stubborn stains.
- If your trainers have white rubber soles, you can use a magic eraser, such as the Magic Upper Cleaner, or baking soda paste (baking soda mixed with a bit of water) with a sponge to help lift any scuff marks.
Be patient during this step—mesh trainers can absorb dirt deep into the fabric, so some elbow grease may be needed to remove tough stains.
5. Wipe and Dry the Trainers
Once you’re happy with how your trainers look, it’s time to rinse off any soap and let them dry properly.
- Use a clean, damp microfibre cloth to wipe away any soap residue.
- Check for any remaining dirt—if necessary, repeat the washing step for stubborn stains.
- Let the trainers air dry naturally. Avoid using a tumble dryer or placing them near direct heat, as excessive heat can weaken the glue and damage the material.
- Keep the shoe tree or newspaper inside while drying to maintain their shape.
Pro tip: Drying your trainers in a well-ventilated area (but out of direct sunlight) will speed up the process and help prevent any stiffness in the fabric.
Conclusion
There’s nothing worse than seeing your favourite pair of mesh trainers covered in dirt, but with the right care, they don’t have to stay that way! By following this simple yet effective cleaning routine, you can keep them looking fresh for longer, so you don’t have to replace them prematurely.
Remember:
- Always use gentle cleaning methods to avoid damaging the fabric.
- Avoid hot water or direct heat when drying.
- Use a shoe tree or newspaper to help your trainers maintain their shape.
However, if your trainers are looking too worse for wear, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Check out our latest mesh trainers collection for a fresh new pair that will keep you comfortable and stylish every step of the way.
