Keep those kicks as fresh as the day you bought them.
Anyone who got close enough to sniff those shoes could tell you that was a mistake.
Proper sneaker cleaning isnt always intuitive, however.
Thats because of the biology of our feet, and the nature of footwear, says Dr. Mendeszoon.
Your feet have themost sweat glandsof any part of the body."
Moisture attracts bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Those organisms love dark, moist environments."
Even a hallway is better than a closet.
But youll want to be gentle.
And, dont throw yourgym shoesin a washer more than once a month at most, says Dr. Mendeszoon.
Washingtoo often can make the glues and the cushioning in the midsole start to degrade.
Heres how to wash your sneakers.
Those containing suede, leather, or velvet would be damaged if put into a washing machine."
Skip the harsh chemicals or bleachthose can damage sneaker fabrics and make stains worse.
But you dont necessarily have to give them a full-on soak.
The powder absorbs moisture and bad odors to help keep your shoes fresh.
Then, use an antimicrobial spray like Lysol on both the inside and outside, suggests Dr. Mendeszoon.
This step will kill off any germs that are making your shoes the wrong kind of funky.
Bottom Line
A good pair ofsneakerscan do a lot for your feet.
Treat them carefully so they can support you for the long run (or walk, orHIIT session).
Fortunately, it doesnt take much to clean sneakers.
Photo:Getty Images
Getty Images
Getty Images
