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Over time, your HOKAs can get covered in dirt and grime, but did you know you can safely wash them at home? You only need a few household supplies and a little drying time, and we’re here to walk you through each step! In this article, we’ll teach you how to clean your HOKAs properly so you can keep them in the long run. We’ll also discuss whether you can machine wash and dry your shoes (plus, how to clean different materials).
Things You Should Know
- After removing the laces and insoles, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub off dirt and grime from your HOKAs.
- Mix 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of mild detergent and 1 cup (240 mL) of cold water, then dip a cloth into this solution to spot clean your shoes.
- After cleaning your shoes, stuff them with newspaper and let them air dry (out of direct heat and sunlight).
Steps
How to Clean Your HOKA Shoes
- Remove the laces and insoles from your shoes. Removing the laces and insoles speeds up the washing process and gives your shoes a more thorough clean. To extend the lifespan of your HOKAs, clean them as soon as they get wet or dirty.[1]
- Wash the laces in the washing machine with mild detergent. Once you unlace your shoes, put the laces in the washer with the rest of your dirty laundry. Pour in a small amount of mild detergent, and set the load size accordingly. Wash the laces on the coldest setting, then remove them from the rest of your load to air dry.
- Pro tip: Stuff the laces in a sock or small mesh laundry bag so they don’t get tangled in the washing machine.
- If the laces have caked on dirt or grime, gently brush them with an old toothbrush before tossing them in the washer.
Advertisement - Scrub off excess dirt and grime with a soft-bristled brush. Over a trash can, tap the soles of your shoes together several times to shake off loose dirt and debris. Then, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any remaining dirt and grime. If your shoes are muddy, let them dry completely before cleaning them so the mud comes off easily in clumps.[2]
- For caked on mud and grime, use quick, circular motions to scrub off stubborn spots.
- If you don’t have an old toothbrush to clean your shoes, use a small towel that you don’t mind getting dirty.
- Wipe your shoes with a soapy mixture of water and detergent. Mix 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of mild laundry detergent into 1 cup (240 mL) of cold water in a small bowl. Dip a clean cloth into this solution, then work it into the dirty areas of your shoe until you see a lather. Use small, circular motions to clean the insoles and outer parts of the shoe, and periodically rinse the cloth in clean water to remove any dirty water from cleaning.
- Alternatively, use dish soap, hand soap, or dandruff shampoo if you’re out of detergent.
- If you only see small stains, dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into the cleaning solution to spot-clean your shoes.
- Remove any soapy residue with a clean towel. Dip a clean towel into cold, fresh water, then wring out the towel so it's not dripping wet. Rinse off the remaining soap lather from your shoes by patting them with the damp towel, then use a dry towel to remove any excess water.
- If your shoes are still dirty, repeat this process 2-3 more times until you’re satisfied.
- Let your shoes dry overnight, away from direct heat and sunlight. Stuff them with newspaper to help keep their shape, and leave them in a room with good air circulation so they dry as quickly as possible. When they’re fully dry, put the insoles and laces back in.
- Pro tip: Deodorize your shoes by adding a dryer sheet or a light dusting of baking powder along with the newspaper stuffing.
- Do not leave your shoes outside or use a blowdryer to speed up the drying process—direct heat and sunlight can damage the glue in your shoes and cause them to fall apart.
Expert Q&A
Tips
Things You’ll Need
- Mild detergent
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Small mesh laundry bag (optional)
- Clean towel
- Newspaper
- Dryer sheet (optional)
- Baking powder (optional)
- Microfiber cloth (for mesh HOKAs)
- Suede brush, white vinegar, suede and nubuck cleaning solution, and suede shampoo (for suede or nubuck HOKAs)
- Durable water repellent spray (for GORE-TEX® Product Technology HOKAs)
References
- ↑ https://www.hoka.com/help-center.html?a=Cleaning-HOKA-Footwear---id--ap28lxmxQbmApfEnyCsSGQ
- ↑ https://help.au.hoka.com/hc/en-us/articles/4912585342745-How-should-I-care-for-my-HOKA-s-
- ↑ https://help.au.hoka.com/hc/en-us/articles/4912585342745-How-should-I-care-for-my-HOKA-s-
- ↑ https://www.hoka.com/help-center.html?a=Cleaning-HOKA-Footwear---id--ap28lxmxQbmApfEnyCsSGQ
- ↑ https://www.hoka.com/help-center.html?a=Cleaning-HOKA-Footwear---id--ap28lxmxQbmApfEnyCsSGQ
- ↑ https://www.gore-tex.com/en_uk/blog/whats-the-best-way-to-care-for-gore-tex-footwear
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