- Tag: Education
How to Clean Altra Running Shoes
Cleaning and caring for your running shoes is a great way to ensure that they stay looking and feeling fresh for as long as possible. However, to preserve the quality and functionality, it’s important to learn how to clean Altra running shoes without damaging the materials or structure.
To help you keep your running shoes looking and feeling great, here’s everything you need to know about cleaning running shoes at home.
What You Need to Clean Altra Running Shoes at Home
Whether you want to give them a bit of a spruce after months of daily runs or need to remove mud, water residue, and more after a tough trail marathon, you can clean your Altra running shoes at home using a few simple household items.
Before you start cleaning your Altra running shoes, make sure you have a few key items set up and ready to go:
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Warm water
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Gentle soap
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A bucket
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A gentle brush
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A cloth
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A clean sponge
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Paper towels or newspaper
How to Wash Altra Running Shoes: A Step-By-Step Guide
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Remove and clean laces and insoles separately
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Brush off excess dirt
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Wash gently by hand
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Rinse thoroughly under clean water
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Leave in a well-ventilated area to air dry
How to Clean Altra Shoe Insoles and Laces
To clean your insoles and laces, remove them from your Altra shoes. Soak them in warm and soapy water, then rinse and let them air dry before putting them back in your shoes.
How to Clean Muddy Running Shoes
If your shoes are covered in mud after an epic trail run, let the mud dry and then brush it off. You can use a dry shoe brush or a cloth to do this. An old toothbrush is also a great option if you need to get dirt out of small crevices and in between lugs on the bottom of your shoes.
You probably won’t be able to remove all the mud and dirt from your shoes this way, but the more you get rid of at this point, the easier the process will be at the next stage.
Once you’ve removed as much dirt as possible, it’s time to clean the shoes. Mix some warm water with mild soap and use a soft brush, sponge, or cloth to scrub the mixture onto the uppers, midsoles, and outsoles of the shoes. Try to avoid soaking the entire shoe.
Once you’ve cleaned your shoes with the soapy mixture, use clean water and a clean cloth to wipe away any soapy residue.
How to Clean White Running Shoes
For white running shoes, the process is largely the same as any other colour running shoe. For stubborn stains on the mesh or soles of white running shoes, a small amount of baking soda can be used to gently scrub the dirt away.
It’s also best to use white cloths to clean white running shoes to avoid any colour transfer. When drying your white running shoes, air-dry them away from direct sunlight to prevent yellowing.
How to Dry Altra Shoes After Cleaning
Make sure you thoroughly dry your running shoes after cleaning. Don’t use heat or put your shoes out in the sun. Instead, allow plenty of time for them to air dry naturally at room temperature. This could take up to 48 hours, so make sure you allow plenty of extra time.
To protect the shape of your shoes, you can stuff them with paper towels or newspaper. This can also help to absorb moisture as they dry.
And there you have it. How to wash running shoes (and how NOT to wash Altra shoes) in five simple steps!
FAQs About Cleaning Altra Running Shoes
Can I wash Altra shoes in a washing machine?
No, we don’t recommend washing Altra shoes in a washing machine. To protect their structure, materials, support cushioning, and design features, it’s best to clean your shoes by hand using gentle soap and warm water.
How often should you clean Altra shoes?
It depends on how often and where you wear them. If you run regularly on roads, trails, or in wet and muddy conditions, cleaning them as needed can help keep them looking fresh and performing as expected.
How to clean Altra shoes after a muddy run?
It’s best to remove heavy surface dirt as soon as it’s practical, so it does not set into the materials. Let thick mud dry first, then clean the shoes gently by hand.
Can cleaning your Altra shoes help them last longer?
Regular care can help preserve the look and feel of your shoes over time. Keeping dirt, dried mud, and residue from building up may also help protect the upper and other shoe materials.
What kind of soap should you use on Altra shoes?
A mild, gentle soap is the safest option for cleaning. Harsh cleaners, bleach, and strong detergents are best avoided because they can be too aggressive on shoe materials.
Can you use hot water to clean Altra shoes?
It’s better to use warm water rather than hot water. Hot water may be harsher on adhesives and materials. A gentler approach is the better choice.
What should you avoid when cleaning Altra shoes?
In addition to avoiding machine washing and harsh cleaning products, also keep your Altra shoes away from direct heat and prolonged direct sunlight while drying. These can affect the shoe’s shape, materials, and overall performance.
Is it okay to soak Altra shoes in water?
It’s better not to fully soak them unless absolutely necessary. A more controlled hand-cleaning approach helps target dirty areas, while being gentler on the shoe’s construction.
Why is hand cleaning better for Altra shoes?
Hand cleaning gives you more control over how much water, soap, and pressure you use. That makes it easier to clean the shoes while being gentler on the materials and design.
