It is with no doubt that a pair of high-quality racquetball shoes can withstand depreciation for the longest time and can prevent getting dirty. Besides giving your best in the game, looking good is also essential to boost your confidence in performing better.
Everything gets easier, from mastering the playing techniques to getting the right equipment. It is not until it narrows to how to wash racquetball shoes, which is still challenging for most racquetball players, That said, cleaning racquetball shoes is easy, and you can do it from time to time.
This article includes everything you need to know about washing and taking care of racquetball shoes.
Let’s get started!
Why Your Shoes Need Cleaning and Care Regularly
The primary use of your shoes is protecting your feet and then providing the required grip and traction on the racquetball court. Although racquetball is an indoor game, while you play, the shoes lose traction due to residual dirt and oils on the floor. Moreover, if you don’t clean the outsoles often, it starts compromising its characteristics.
Also, specks of dirt infiltrate through the upper mesh, making the inside uncomfortable and feel like sandpaper is scratching with your feet.
In short, clean your shoes after each game and wash them at least once a week if you are a frequent player. This is not a matter of overlooking but as significant as finding the best racquetball shoes.
How Often to Clean Racquetball Shoes
Did you step in the mud with your favorite pair? Did you just spill soup on your new racquetball shoes? Do not be late in cleaning the sole and upper. Otherwise, the shoe materials might lose their particular qualities.
There is no harm in cleaning your shoes more often, like once or twice a month. However, do not miss cleaning your racquetball shoes at least every three to four months. Ensure you know if the material is washable, especially if it’s a new one or expensive.
How to Wash Racquetball Shoes
To wash your racquetball shoes, you’ll need to
- Toothbrushes
- Laundry detergent
- Piece of cloth
- Bowl or sink
- Sponge
- Baking soda
- Warm water
The process is straightforward, like any common laundry. Apply the following step-to-step tips on how to wash racquetball shoes:
Pre-Works Before Wash
- Confirm the Care Label: The rule of thumb is to look for the manufacturer’s instructions and check for the laundry care. Find out if laundry is an option. Plus, read the laundry warnings and settings. It’s crucial to understand the instructions clearly to keep your shoes safe.
- Get rid of Surface Dirt: It’s common for your shoes to collect clay, grass, and mud from the racquetball court. Knock the soles’ bottoms against each other to force the loose ones out.
- Unlace the Shoes: A laced shoe can hinder complete washing, especially on the edges and the toe surface. The best thing is to remove the laces and wash them separately.
- Remove the Insoles: You will need to remove the insoles to access the inner parts of the shoes. Wipe the down surfaces with a piece of cloth, baking soda, and warm water. You can wipe or wash the insoles with the solution regularly without necessarily washing the shoes for smelly shoes.
- Work on the Stains: Scrub the stains with a toothbrush and warm water. If the stains get tougher, mix baking soda (two tablespoons) and a few drops of laundry detergent with warm water until it forms a paste. Apply the paste to the stains and scrub using the toothbrush. Let it wait for at least seven minutes, and wipe the stain off using a sponge.
How to Wash
Whether hand washing or machine washing, it’s recommended to wash using warm or cold water.
For hand washing-
- Fill your bowl or sink with warm water and add laundry detergent. Liquid detergent is recommended; it mixes well with water.
- Clean the sole with a bristle brush and scrape off the dust stuck in the shoe grips.
- Rub over the stains with a soft toothbrush and soapy water. Pour clean water to see the progress and continue till the area is clean.
- Rinse your shoes gently in running water until there is no more soapy residue.
- To dry, first, absorb the extra moisture with a dry towel. Then let them dry under the fan. Or put them in the dryer.
Be Aware of the Following:
- Avoid adding vinegar or bleach to water; it causes damage to the shoe soles.
- Do not mix fabric softener with water to avoid coating; it keeps the shoes smelling and attracts more dirt.
- Do not use powder detergents; they don’t dissolve properly or get trapped inside the shoes.
- Never let them dry in a non-ventilated indoor space.
- To avoid cracks in the leather, avoid exposing the shoes to direct sunlight when drying them.
Caution
- Avoid hot water during and after washing. It might damage the bondings between different shoe parts.
- You can use a washing machine. But if you have to, don’t include laces and insoles.
How to Take Care of Your Racquetball Shoes
You wish for a long life for your racquetballs, and you can only achieve this if you take good care of them. How to do that? Here are the tips:
- Clean your shoes regularly: Do not leave your shoes dirty for a long time. You have probably collected bacteria out there, and you wouldn’t want it to build up. Dirty shoes also reduce the quality of the shoes. If you participate in daily games, it is advisable not to clean your shoes deeply after every play. The chances of the shoes completely drying up for the next match are minimal. You can deep clean if you have another pair or days off without participating in a competition.
- Avoid washing machines: Washing machines are arguably not the best for cleaning racquetball shoes. It may loosen the glue attaching the shoe parts and tear them apart. It may also change its shape and reduce its support features.
- No place for lousy odor: Shoes smell when they absorb sweat from your feet. If you don’t allow the shoes to air out, you will notice some unpleasant odor. If the odor persists even after airing out, confirm whether the shoe’s material contributes to it. Some materials, like leather, don’t allow ventilation. Also, poor ventilation, fungus, and wearing shoes without socks may contribute to the smell.
- Improve your storage facility: Store your racquetball shoes at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. If you are not planning to wear them for a considerable period, you can pack them in a shoe bag, plastic tub, or shoebox. Remember to store clean shoes to avoid yellowing.
- Keep your shoes safe: Your racquetball shoes will need a protective barrier that keeps them away from UV rays, stains, and dirt. With dirt off whenever you use them, cleaning gets easier.
How to Remove Stain and Scuff Marks from Racquetball Shoes
Have you ever received shoes with scuff marks? Or did a careless step get you a stubborn stain on your favorite pair? Don’t panic! You can avoid such debacles with everyday household items.
- Baking soda: It is the most common product with many applications. Mix two tablespoons (depending on how extreme the damage is) of baking soda with warm water until it forms a paste. Use a piece of cloth to apply it to the stain and scuff marks.
- Nail polish remover: Apply a small amount of the liquid with a sponge and apply it to the scuffs in a circular motion. Ensure you are using this method on patent leather.
- Rubber eraser: Brush out any dirt before using the eraser. polish gently on the spot in circles. Erasers in pink tend to be more effective than those in other colors.
- Petroleum jelly: Apply petroleum jelly gently to the affected parts in a circular motion. You will let it sit for a while before wiping it off.
Bottom Line
Shoes getting dirty is normal; knowing how and when to clean them is what to work on. So, you now know how to wash racquetball shoes and take care of them. If you’re not interested in the cleaning process or don’t have enough time for proper cleaning, there is always an option for cleaning services.