How to properly clean sports shoes and extend their lifespan?

Do you want to know how to clean sports shoes? At Handbolaunpas, we teach you the steps to do it correctly and extend the lifespan of this essential accessory for those who practice handball or volleyball.

Over time, sports shoes accumulate dirt, stains, and wear, which can affect their appearance and functionality. For this reason, keeping them clean and well-maintained is key to ensuring they continue to provide proper support and preserve their quality.

However, many people don’t know how to clean them properly, which can lead to damage or premature wear. While cleaning may seem like a simple task, doing it correctly requires some knowledge about the most effective and least harmful techniques.

When should you clean your sports shoes?

Cleaning sports shoes should be done regularly to keep them in good condition, but the frequency depends on how often you use them.

If you use them intensively for sports, it’s recommended to clean them after each session. If you use them 2 or 3 times a week, a general cleaning every two weeks or when you start noticing dirt buildup will suffice.

If you notice tough stains, there’s not much you can do. When using resin to better grip the ball, there's a higher chance of your shoes getting dirty and it becoming difficult to clean. Scrubbing intensely or using water and heat can damage the product.

How to clean sports shoes? Step-by-step to extend their lifespan

Cleaning sports shoes properly helps maintain their appearance and contributes to prolonging their lifespan. By following the right process, you can remove accumulated dirt, prevent bad odors, and ensure your shoes continue to perform as expected.

Remove the laces and insoles

Before you start cleaning the shoes, it’s important to remove the laces and insoles. This way, you can clean each part more effectively and avoid damaging them during the process.

Laces can accumulate dirt and debris, so it's better to clean them separately, while the insoles can retain moisture and odors, so washing them is essential to ensure they don't affect the condition of the shoes.

Clean the upper part carefully

The upper part of the shoe is usually where most dirt accumulates. To clean it properly, use a damp cloth or a soft sponge dipped in a little water.

Gently rub in circular motions to avoid damaging the material, whether it's fabric, leather, or synthetic. This step will help remove surface stains and restore a cleaner, fresher appearance to your shoes. Let them dry naturally afterward.

Remove excess dirt from the outsole

The outsole is one of the areas that collects the most dirt, especially if the court is dusty or has resin. To clean this area, use a soft-bristled brush to remove excess dirt without scratching or damaging the rubber.

Gently scrub to eliminate dust or any other type of dirt, ensuring the shoes are completely clean at the bottom.

Clean the insoles gently

Insoles can accumulate sweat, dirt, and bacteria, which can cause unpleasant odors. To clean them, gently scrub the dirtier areas using a soft brush or sponge with a mixture of water and detergent.

Be careful not to soak the insoles too much to avoid deforming them, but with some gentle scrubbing, you can remove most impurities and restore freshness.

Don’t forget to wash the laces

Laces are often one of the most overlooked parts of cleaning shoes, but they’re essential to keep the whole shoe clean. Wash the laces by hand with warm water and a bit of detergent, or if they’re very dirty, you can place them in the washing machine in a mesh bag.

Let them dry outdoors at room temperature.

Once you’ve completely cleaned the shoes, it's essential to let them dry properly. Place them in a well-ventilated area, preferably at room temperature, to avoid deforming the materials or causing damage from excessive heat.

Tips for taking care of your handball shoes

Properly caring for your handball or sports shoes in general guarantees optimal performance, especially since some basic care can make a huge difference:

• Avoid washing them in the washing machine or drying them in the dryer: The movement and excessive heat can deform the structure and wear down the materials, reducing their performance and comfort.
• Avoid using bleach or certain chemicals: Harsh products like bleach can damage the fibers of the shoes, affecting their color and the integrity of the materials.
• Regular cleaning is essential: To avoid dirt and bacteria buildup, regular maintenance improves their appearance and helps preserve their features.
• Don’t expose them directly to the sun to dry: Direct sunlight can dry out the materials or cause fading. It’s best to let them dry outdoors, in the shade, to avoid damage and keep them in good condition.

By following these simple tips, you can extend the life of your sports shoes, ensuring they are always ready to perform at their best.

At Handbolaunpas, you can find the best handball shoes: durable and long-lasting

Handball shoes must be comfortable and offer high performance to withstand the demands of this dynamic sport. It's essential they have specific features like non-slip soles, good foot support, and materials that promote breathability.

By choosing Handbolaunpas’ handball shoes, you can be sure you're getting footwear that’s resistant to wear, maximizing on-court performance, and that you'll be able to keep in good condition for much longer due to its high quality.

Keep reading about topics like this on What features should handball shoes have?

Now that you know how to clean handball shoes, it’s the perfect time to choose the pair we have for you at Handbolaunpas. We assure you it’s the ideal opportunity to invest in quality footwear that can make a difference due to its durability and resistance, especially if you take good care of it.