General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Washing bike shoes - why did I wait this long? Rss Feed  
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2013-09-16 12:08 PM

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Champion
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Subject: Washing bike shoes - why did I wait this long?

I've been washing my running shoes in the clothes washing machine for years with great success.   Yesterday, I decided to try my bike shoes since they were so nasty it was either wash or toss.

I pried out a few pebbles from the sole, took off the cleats and screws, and folded the velcro strap onto itself.  I put them in the lingerie bag.  The idea was to provide a little cushion between the hard plastic bottoms an my machine.  I also tossed in two large pieces of scrap fabric, although junk towels would do. I think this helps with balance and noise.  I was less worried about ruining the shoes than ruining my nice washer. Although I reasoned I have saved hundreds of dollars over the years by not having to buy as many shoes.

They came out AWESOME!  I wish I had taken a before picture.    I did pre-treat the fabric and all but some of the orangey stuff on the inside ankle area came out (from sand, I suppose). 

Warm wash, cold rinse, Normal cycle. 

I also put on new cleats; they are like brand new.

Go forth and wash, my friends!



2013-09-16 12:10 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

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Subject: RE: Washing bike shoes - why did I wait this long?

This would be a great reason for me to, somehow, acquire a lingerie bagWink

Do you know if this would work with an upright washing machine, or only a top loader?

Matt

2013-09-16 12:12 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

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Master
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Subject: RE: Washing bike shoes - why did I wait this long?
I prefer my shoes soiled. The stench helps deter drafters.
2013-09-16 12:13 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Washing bike shoes - why did I wait this long?
I rinse my biking shoes out with sweat on all my long rides.
2013-09-17 5:30 AM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

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Subject: RE: Washing bike shoes - why did I wait this long?
If I washed my shoes, I absolutely know they would disintegrate. The 12 years of schmerm is what holds them together.

As for removing the cleats... I changed my cleats once, in 2006. I don't think they'd come off if I wanted them to. Shoes and cleats have become one organic unit. :D
2013-09-17 5:39 AM
in reply to: #4856649


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Subject: RE: Washing bike shoes - why did I wait this long?
I use the dishwasher, pot them on the top rack and let it rip, come out as good as new (obviously take the insoles out).


2013-09-17 6:12 AM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

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Subject: RE: Washing bike shoes - why did I wait this long?
I hand wash my insoles about every other month

I spray down my shoes with one of those orange cleaners about once a year.

I also use anti-monkey butt powder in the shoes after each ride and put them on a Peet's shoe dryer and actually allow them to dry out overnight before I wear them again. That last bit is essential to keeping them from being stinky.



2013-09-17 12:27 PM
in reply to: mcmanusclan5

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Subject: RE: Washing bike shoes - why did I wait this long?
Originally posted by mcmanusclan5

This would be a great reason for me to, somehow, acquire a lingerie bagWink

Do you know if this would work with an upright washing machine, or only a top loader?

Matt

Sorry, I completely forgot about this thread. I was too busy admiring my shoes...

I used a front loader.

2013-09-17 12:28 PM
in reply to: mmrocker13

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Subject: RE: Washing bike shoes - why did I wait this long?

Originally posted by mmrocker13 If I washed my shoes, I absolutely know they would disintegrate. The 12 years of schmerm is what holds them together. As for removing the cleats... I changed my cleats once, in 2006. I don't think they'd come off if I wanted them to. Shoes and cleats have become one organic unit. :D

My cleats are plastic, so therefore must be replaced every once in a while.  I do not like having to buy them!

2013-09-17 12:29 PM
in reply to: djhuff7

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Subject: RE: Washing bike shoes - why did I wait this long?

Originally posted by djhuff7 I use the dishwasher, pot them on the top rack and let it rip, come out as good as new (obviously take the insoles out).

I tried this once, didn't have the same results.  It was one dishwasher ago, though, so it may work for me now.  But I like the clothes detergent smell better... 

2013-09-17 12:30 PM
in reply to: DanielG

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Washing bike shoes - why did I wait this long?

Originally posted by DanielG I hand wash my insoles about every other month I spray down my shoes with one of those orange cleaners about once a year. I also use anti-monkey butt powder in the shoes after each ride and put them on a Peet's shoe dryer and actually allow them to dry out overnight before I wear them again. That last bit is essential to keeping them from being stinky.

You can also put your insoles in the washer. I do this for my running and biking shoes, more regularly.   They aren't anything special, like orthodics, though.  Just what comes with the shoes.



2013-09-17 4:36 PM
in reply to: djhuff7

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Subject: RE: Washing bike shoes - why did I wait this long?
Originally posted by djhuff7

I use the dishwasher, pot them on the top rack and let it rip, come out as good as new (obviously take the insoles out).




OK - so if you run them through the dishwasher are you able to leave the cleats on?

I love the idea of washing my shoes , I might be able to allow them back inside the house then rather than being banished to the garage!
2013-09-17 5:55 PM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: Washing bike shoes - why did I wait this long?

I've been washing my bike shoes in my dishwasher for years.

Top shelf, inserts out, no dishes, yes use dish soap, no heat cycle, leave cleats on.

When done stuff newspaper, then put on a boot dryer something like this



Edited by KathyG 2013-09-17 5:57 PM
2013-09-17 7:43 PM
in reply to: slowbuthappy

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Subject: RE: Washing bike shoes - why did I wait this long?

Originally posted by slowbuthappy
Originally posted by djhuff7 I use the dishwasher, pot them on the top rack and let it rip, come out as good as new (obviously take the insoles out).
OK - so if you run them through the dishwasher are you able to leave the cleats on? I love the idea of washing my shoes , I might be able to allow them back inside the house then rather than being banished to the garage!

I would leave the cleats on in that case.  They are certainly water proof (I have amazing luck with rain on race day). The reason I took them off was 1) damage tumbling around the washer, 2) they needed to be replaced.

2013-09-18 5:49 AM
in reply to: KathyG

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Subject: RE: Washing bike shoes - why did I wait this long?
Originally posted by KathyG

I've been washing my bike shoes in my dishwasher for years.

Top shelf, inserts out, no dishes, yes use dish soap, no heat cycle, leave cleats on.

When done stuff newspaper, then put on a boot dryer something like this




Yeah, but triathletes use two different types of shoe and both need dried, so...

2013-09-18 4:02 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

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Subject: RE: Washing bike shoes - why did I wait this long?
I have pressure washed my bike shoes! Works great.
Gleaming white again.



2013-09-18 5:44 PM
in reply to: mmrocker13

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Master
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Subject: RE: Washing bike shoes - why did I wait this long?

Originally posted by mmrocker13 If I washed my shoes, I absolutely know they would disintegrate. The 12 years of schmerm is what holds them together. As for removing the cleats... I changed my cleats once, in 2006. I don't think they'd come off if I wanted them to. Shoes and cleats have become one organic unit. :D

The lingerie bag trick works great.  I planned to wash my shoes every time I saw my wife in lingerie when I bought my SIDIs a decade ago.  Glad I bought black shoes, because ten years of dirt barely shows.

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