Those Rothy's sneakers you love? They're not just stylish and comfy; they're also surprisingly easy to care for, meaning you can keep them looking and feeling great for ages. Think of it as giving them a spa day. The best part? You can tackle this in just a few simple steps.
Before you dive in, it's wise to plan a little. You'll want to set aside about 10 hours for the whole process, including drying time. So, if you've got an event or just need your favorite pair back in action by morning, starting the day before is a smart move. Weekends are often perfect for this little refresh.
First things first, let's get things prepped. You'll want to remove the contoured footbed from your sneakers. And for the laces? Tie them together – it just makes things neater and prevents them from getting tangled up in the wash.
Now for the main event: the washing machine. Go ahead and pop your shoes and the separated footbeds right in. Don't worry about special bags or washing them alone; they can handle it. If you're washing darker colors, you might want to keep them separate from lighter pairs, just to be safe. Oh, and a quick note: if your Rothy's sneakers have blue midsoles, it's best to skip the machine for those and give them a gentle hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent instead.
Speaking of detergent, the key here is 'mild.' Think all-natural, a homemade version, or even a vinegar-based cleaner. Something gentle, like what you'd use for baby clothes, works wonders. The goal is to clean without being harsh.
And when it comes to water temperature, always opt for cold. It's kinder to the shoe fibers, helps prevent any shrinkage, and still gets them thoroughly clean. This applies whether you're using the machine or hand washing.
Once the cycle is done, resist the urge to toss them in the dryer! Heat is not their friend. Promptly take your Rothy's out and lay them flat to air dry. Keep those insoles separate. You'll want to give them about six to eight hours to dry completely. For sneakers that might have wool fibers, using a shoe tree can be a great trick to help them keep their shape as they dry.
Quick Refresh Between Washes
Sometimes, you just need a little touch-up, not a full wash. For those moments, spot cleaning is your best friend. It’s a quick way to tackle minor marks and keep your shoes looking fresh without the longer process.
Start by finding a stain remover you trust. For everyday spots, you might not even need a special product, but if you do, OxiClean is a solid choice for tougher stains, or a gentle baby-item cleaner can work well. A homemade paste of dish detergent and baking soda is also surprisingly effective for grease or stubborn marks. Apply your chosen cleaner to the area you want to treat.
Grab a toothbrush or a small scrubbing brush and gently work the cleaner into a lather. You might need to add a tiny bit of water to help it along. This scrubbing action helps lift the stain from the fibers.
After scrubbing, you can either rinse the treated area with cold water or, if it's a larger area or you feel it needs it, go ahead and wash the whole shoe following the machine instructions. If it's just a small spot, a quick rinse of that area will often do the trick and save you drying time.
And, you guessed it, air dry! Let them dry for a few hours before you wear them again. No heat, just good old-fashioned air.
Keeping Them Smelling Fresh
Even the best shoes can get a little… fragrant after a lot of wear. Between washes, a few simple tricks can help keep your Rothy's smelling as good as they look. Stuffing them with tube socks is a great way to absorb moisture and odors. You can also try sprinkling a little baking soda inside them overnight to neutralize smells.
