To wash your Under Armour running shoes effectively, start by removing any accessories and brushing off loose dirt with a dry brush, then proceed with cleaning using a mild detergent.
Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Under Armour Running Shoes
Based on advice from an Under Armour representative, cleaning your Under Armour running shoes involves a few straightforward steps to ensure they remain in good condition and continue to perform well.
1. Preparation: Remove Accessories
The very first step, as recommended by an Under Armour representative, is to remove the accessories from your shoes. This typically includes:
- Laces: Untie and remove all laces.
- Insoles: If your shoes have removable insoles, take them out. This allows for a more thorough cleaning of both the shoe interior and the insoles themselves, and helps prevent unpleasant odors.
2. Initial Cleaning: Brush Off Loose Dirt
After removing accessories, the next crucial step is to address any loose dirt or mud. According to the guidance, you should "mod with a dry brush." While "mod" might be a transcription anomaly, the context strongly suggests removing mud and loose dirt from the shoe's surface using a dry brush.
- Gently brush off any visible mud, dust, or debris from the outsole, midsole, and upper fabric of your running shoes. This prevents dirt from being pushed further into the material during the wet cleaning process.
3. Deep Cleaning: Use Mild Detergent
Once the preliminary dry brushing is complete, you can move on to the actual washing. The recommendation is to use a mild detergent. This implies a gentle hand-washing approach to protect the shoe's materials and technology.
- Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix a small amount of mild detergent (e.g., dish soap, laundry detergent formulated for delicate items, or a specialized shoe cleaner) with water in a bowl.
- Apply the solution: Dip a soft cloth, sponge, or soft-bristled brush into the solution.
- Gently scrub: Carefully scrub the upper, midsole, and outsole of the shoes. Pay attention to stained areas, but avoid aggressive scrubbing that could damage the fabric or adhesives.
- Clean laces and insoles: You can wash the removed laces and insoles separately using the same mild detergent solution.
4. Rinse and Dry
Though not explicitly mentioned in the provided reference, proper rinsing and drying are critical follow-up steps to any wet cleaning process for footwear to prevent soap residue and mildew.
- Rinse: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off all soap residue from the shoes. Avoid submerging the shoes in water unless explicitly stated by the manufacturer for that specific model.
- Air Dry: Allow your shoes to air dry naturally at room temperature.
- Do not use direct heat sources like radiators, dryers, or direct sunlight, as this can damage materials, cause shrinking, or weaken adhesives.
- You can stuff the shoes with paper towels or newspaper to help absorb moisture and maintain their shape, changing the paper periodically.
- Ensure the shoes are completely dry before reinserting insoles and laces, and before wearing them again, to prevent odor and mildew.
Recommended Materials for Cleaning
To effectively clean your Under Armour running shoes, you'll generally need:
| Cleaning Stage | Recommended Items |
|---|---|
| Preparation | N/A |
| Initial Cleaning | Dry brush (soft or medium bristles) |
| Deep Cleaning | Mild detergent |
| Soft cloth, sponge, or soft-bristled brush | |
| Drying | Paper towels or newspaper (optional) |
Important Considerations
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Stick to mild detergents as recommended. Strong cleaning agents can degrade the materials and affect the shoe's performance.
- No machine washing: Unless specifically stated by Under Armour for a particular model, avoid putting your running shoes in a washing machine or dryer. The agitation and high heat can cause significant damage.
- Regular maintenance: Cleaning your shoes regularly, especially after muddy runs, will extend their lifespan and keep them looking fresh.
