Dirty shoes? Don’t sweat it. Here’s your ultimate guide on how to wash all types of trainers – whether they are canvas, synthetic, wool, suede, or leather – either by hand or in the washing machine.

Think of it like Ghostbusters, where Egon warns that you should never cross the streams, but with mud and hot water. Whilst suede trainers require quite a degree of work to clean, it’s knitted wool trainers that are, in my opinion, the hardest to clean. It’s not the best idea to machine wash them, and you can’t use a brush, as it can snag the wool. Experts at Bosch explain that sneakers made out of leather or suede can't really deal with "water damage from being washed in a washing machine," but that synthetic materials "are more hard-wearing and can therefore withstand multiple washes in a washing machine." The laces need to be hanging outside of the tumble dryer’s door – this action stops the trainers from flying around in the dryer once the cycle starts! For example, what drying method are you going to use, how wet the trainers are and what material(s) are the shoes made from.Once your trainers are looking shiny and new again thanks to all that careful cleaning, it’s a good idea to think about storage. After all, you don’t have to be wearing trainers to get them dirty. Stuffing shoes with newspaper, and changing it when it begins to feel damp, is a good way to speed drying as the paper absorbs some of the excess water (this is also a handy tip for all your shoes if you’ve been out in the rain or if the kids have been splashing in puddles.) You can also accelerate the process by removing the insoles and washing and drying them separately. For tougher stains, dab on some neat Persil and leave for about 15 minutes. When the shoes look clean, or as clean as you think you can get them given what your child’s been up to in them, wipe away any detergent with clean water and a fresh cloth.

If you suffer with wet trainers on a regular basis a good investment would be to get a shoe dryer for your home.Ultimately, it’s up to you and your personal preference – just be sure to weigh the potential risks and benefits before making a decision. How do I prevent the trainers from losing their shape during the washing process? As I mentioned, the washing machine isn’t the best option when it comes to wool, leather or suede trainers. Here you want to spot-treat any stains or marks. Here’s the full how-to: Cleaning Leather Trainers By Hand It’s difficult to give an exact time for how long trainers take to dry because there are many factors to consider. Leather and suede trainers should never be cleaned using this method as it can damage their texture. Instead, use alternative cleaning methods such as wiping them down with a damp cloth or brushing off any dirt and grime. Start by identifying the type of stain and selecting the best cleaner for the job. For common stains like grass or mud, use a mixture of warm water and laundry detergent. For tougher stains like grease or oil, opt for a heavy-duty stain remover. Apply the cleaner directly onto the affected area and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.