Perhaps you’re just beginning out in wrestling and still learning the ropes of the art, including how to ensure the best care of your equipment. Or, maybe you’ve been wrestling for a while but are still unsure about the best way to keep your shoes clean. Either way, you’re probably wondering if putting your wrestling shoes in the washing machine is okay.
So, can you put wrestling shoes in the washer? Well, that’s one of the questions most people ask regarding their wrestling shoes. And to be of aid, we’ve decided to answer it in this article. Keep reading to discover the answer.
Can You Put Wrestling Shoes in the Washer?
Yes, you can put your wrestling shoes in the washing machine. Wrestling shoes are sturdy enough and will survive a cycle in the washer. However, there are some things that you should keep in mind when washing your shoes in the machine, so ensure that you’re aware of these before you proceed.
Washing your wrestling shoes in the machine is an acceptable way to clean them. After all, they are sturdy enough to not only take a beating in the ring but also be durable enough to withstand machine washing.
But before you toss your pair into the washer, know some things you should keep in mind to avoid damaging your shoes or lessening their lifespan.
Here are a few precautions:
Use a Washing Bag
One of the best ways to protect your shoes when washing them in the machine is to put them in a laundry bag or wrap them with an old towel. That keeps them from hitting the walls or sides of the washer too harshly.
Choose a Gentle Cycle
Wrestling shoes are usually of durable materials, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be delicate. When washing your shoes in the machine, choose a gentle cycle to avoid damaging them.
Use Cold Water
Hot water can damage the materials of your shoes or cause them to shrink. That’s the last thing any wrestler wants for their footwear. So, it’s best to use cold water when washing them. Cold water is gentler on them and will go a long way to safeguard their durability.
Remove the Laces
Before putting your shoes in the wash, one of the things you have to keep in mind is to remove the laces. That will help to keep them from getting tangled up in the machine and will also help to protect them from damage.
Use a Mild Detergent
Use a mild detergent such as liquid dishwashing detergent when washing your shoes. These are gentle enough not to damage your shoes but still get the job done.
Is It Safe To Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine?
Whether it is safe to wash shoes in a washing machine depends on the material. Most cotton, nylon, polyester, and canvas shoes can go with a washing machine. However, some like leather, satin, and suede work best with other cleaning methods. We recommend that you check the manufacturer’s instructions to know whether the specific shoe you have supports machine washing.
There’s been an age-long debate on whether or not washing shoes in a machine is the best method. Some say that it is, while some claim that it isn’t. So, what’s the final ruling on this matter? Is it safe to wash shoes in a washing machine or not?
The answer is both yes and no. It all depends on the material of your shoes. Some materials can withstand machine washing. So, if yours are of such, there’s no harm in putting your shoes in the washer machine.
However, if the material of your shoe isn’t among those that support machine washing, then you’ll need to consider an alternative way of cleaning them. Otherwise, you may end up doing more harm than good to them.
Even so, the surefire way to know whether your shoes can go in the washer machine is by checking the manufacturer’s instructions. Most shoes will have a label somewhere that’ll indicate whether or not they can be washed in a machine. Additionally, you could always contact customer service and ask about it if you’re still unsure.
Can You Put Wrestling Shoes in the Dryer?
You surely can put wrestling shoes in the dryer. Wrestling shoes will withstand the heat of a dryer without getting damaged, as long as you do the settings right. Set your dryer on the lowest level to avoid damaging your wrestling shoe.
A dryer comes in handy when we want our shoes to dry faster than we are willing to wait for nature to do its work. It is one of the most commonly used appliances in most homes. The dryer, however, should not be your go-to method for drying all your shoes.
The main reason for this is that not every shoe can withstand the high heat of a dryer. For some shoes, the heat will cause them to warp and lose shape. Others will suffer from the drying process and look dull and lifeless.
The good news is that wrestling shoes are not among those that will get damaged by the dryer. In fact, you can put them in the dryer without having to worry about them getting damaged.
Even so, you should remember that not all settings are created equal. Avoid the high heat setting as it can damage your shoes. Instead, go for the lowest setting possible. That way, you’ll still be able to dry your shoes quickly without damaging them.
But again, wrestling shoes have a lot of mesh, and air-drying them won’t take as much time. So, if your situation allows, leaving them to dry naturally is still the best option. The dryer is a great way to speed up the drying process, but it’s not the best.
What Happens If You Put Shoes in the Dryer?
What happens when you put shoes in the dryer much depends on the type of shoes and the settings. Some shoes don’t support the dryer and will damage immediately you toss them in. And as for those that can work with the machine, you might as well damage them when you go with the wrong setting.
You see, the consequences of putting shoes in the dryer all boils down to two things; the type of shoe and the setting you choose. Depending on these two factors, you could end up with perfectly dried or damaged shoes.
If you put your shoes in the dryer, always go for the lowest setting possible. That way, you’ll be able to dry your shoes quickly without damaging them. And as for the type of shoe, ensure they can withstand the machine’s heat before you put them in. Otherwise, you might as well damage them.
What is the Best Way To Clean Wrestling Shoes?
The best way to clean wrestling shoes is to use mild detergent and the lowest cycle on your washing machine. Additionally, add some old towels or enwrap the shoes in a pillowcase to avoid them from banging around in the washer.
Wrestling shoes are mostly made of synthetic materials that can be machine-washed without any problem. However, as already said, you still need to take some precautions to ensure that your shoes come out of the wash looking as good as new. You’ll have nothing to worry about if you follow all the safety precautions when giving your wrestling shoes a good wash.
How Often Should You Wash Your Wrestling Shoes?
You should wash your wrestling shoes after every use. Wrestling shoes are constantly exposed to sweat, blood stains, and other dirt and debris that require more frequent washing than most other types.
Although wrestling shoes are for indoor use, it’s logical to debate that they don’t need frequent washing because they see less dust and other elements. However, that’s not the case.
You see, as much as they less often come into contact with dust and other outdoor elements, they are constantly exposed to your sweat and body oils. Not to mention the fact that they are also regularly coming into contact with the mat, which is itself full of dirt, sweat, and other things.
For all these reasons, it’s recommended that you wash your wrestling shoes after every use. That way, you can prevent the build-up of dirt and sweat that can cause the shoes to break down prematurely.
However, if you think that washing regularly isn’t ideal for your case, either because of time or some other reasons, then you can at least try to clean them as often as possible. You can always utilize spot-cleaning between the washes. Also, bring into use disinfectants and deodorizers. Otherwise, they may carry a lot of microbes and become smelly for a few uses.
How Do You Get The Stink Out of Wrestling Shoes?
You can get stink out of wrestling shoes by using baking soda or vinegar. Add any of these deodorizing products to the water you will use to soak your footwear. If you don’t want to wash them, sprinkling baking soda on the shoes and leaving them overnight can also do the trick.
Dealing with smelly shoes is the last thing anyone wants. The smell can be embarrassing, not to mention that it can also be hard to get rid of. But with vinegar or baking soda, you have everything you need to get rid of the stink.
Alternatively, you can also go for the commercial deodorizers available in the market. But if you want to save money, the two DIY solutions mentioned above should do the trick.
Can I Handwash My Wrestling Shoes?
Definitely! You can handwash your wrestling shoes if you use the proper cleaning solution. You’ll need water, dishwasher liquid, a soft cloth, and a soft-bristled cleaning brush. A toothbrush can also work in a pinch. Make sure that the bristles are soft enough not to damage the shoes.
Perhaps you don’t want to risk your wrestling shoes or just want to avoid the washer for one or several reasons. In that case, you can definitely handwash them without any problem. The process is straightforward, like handwashing any other type of shoes.
Just make sure that you’re using the right cleaning solution. You may also need first to soak the shoes in detergent, especially if they have some stubborn stains. That way, you can ensure they come out of the wash looking as good as new.
Can You Put Sports Shoes in the Washing Machine?
You can put sports shoes in the washing machine provided that the label on the shoes allows. So, always take time to read the manufacturer’s washing instructions. If you can use a washer, the manufacturer will usually provide information on how to set your machine.
But generally, some of the shoes that most shoemakers discourage putting in the washer include basketball and tennis shoes. But that may not cut across to all brands. So, it’s still best to check the label for washing instructions.
Otherwise, you may end up choosing the wrong washing method and end up damaging the footwear. And as long as you use the inappropriate washing method that the manufacturer recommends, you automatically void the warranty.
Final Verdict
While it’s okay to wash your wrestling shoes in the washer, following the proper washing instructions is of utmost importance. Otherwise, you could still damage your shoes, no matter how tough and durable they are.
Moreover, it’s important to note that not all wrestling shoes are created equal. So, always check the manufacturer’s washing instructions before proceeding with any cleaning method.