How to Clean UMYOGO Running Shoes

Umyogo is a footwear brand that you can find on Amazon. They’re mainly known for their running shoes, which are available in over 12 different colors. And for those who are wondering, they also have a kids’ collection.

The only drawback is that their products are only available on Amazon; they do not have their own official website.

More About UMYOGO Running Shoes

Their running shoes are made from a breathable mesh material and come with a knit upper, which is designed to conform to the shape of your feet. They also come with a cushiony rubber sole for maximal comfort.

They offer seven different sizes for their women’s shoes, nine different sizes for their men’s shoes, and seven different sizes for kids’ shoes. And they’re all very reasonably priced—you can easily get a pair for under $50. There are also coupons that you can use to bring down the total (they have 5% and 8% off coupons at the time of this writing). Shipping is also free.

Caring For Your UMYOGO Footwear

As with all shoes, their sneakers will get dirty over time, especially if you’re wearing them every day. The good news is that they can easily be washed so if anything happens, you can just clean them. If you want, you can also use a shoe protectant spray. That’ll add an invisible layer, which will help protect the shoes from stains, dirt, and dust.

Now you’re probably wondering, “what’s the best way to wash UMYOGO running shoes?”. Well, that’s what we’ll be going over below. Keep reading to learn more!

What Fabrics Are Their Running Shoes Made From?

Their running shoes are likely made from technical fabrics, which are more durable than natural fibers (it doesn’t actually say on the product listing what materials they use). Here are some of the ones that are most commonly used for footwear:

Polyester

Polyester is a plastic-based fiber that’s known for its durability. Not only is it resistant to stains, but it’s also resistant to water and chemicals. On top of that, it’s flexible—this makes it ideal for shoes and other apparel. The only disadvantage is that it’s not very breathable and that’s one of the reasons why it’s often blended with cotton.

Nylon

Nylon is a silk-like fiber that’s made from petrochemicals. Similar to polyester, it has exceptional strength. For one thing, it can stretch 30% of its original length while retaining its shape. It’s also resistant to wrinkles and shrinkage, which makes it easy to wash. Like most synthetic fibers, however, it tends to trap moisture against the skin.

Rubber

All of their running shoes come with a rubber sole. Not only is the material durable, but it’ll also give you a better grip so that you won’t slip when you’re walking on wet surfaces. It’s also easy to clean with water.

Two Easy Ways To Wash Your UMYOGO Running Shoes

You can wash the sneakers by hand or you can throw them in the washing machine—the former is more gentle on the fabric while the latter is more convenient. We’ll be going over both methods in detail below.

Washing Your UMYOGO Sneakers By Hand

Start by removing the dirt and debris from the soles. To do that, lightly clap them together. If necessary, you can also use a soft brush to help you with that. Consider brushing the top of the shoes as well if there’s noticeable dirt on the top.

Once you’ve done that, you can run your shoes under water (you can either do this in a sink or a tub). For the best results, use warm water as it’s more effective for cleaning. Next, create a soapy solution by dissolving ACTIVE detergent in a bowl of water. Dip a soft sponge in and use it to scrub your sneakers—pay extra attention to the front of the shoes as that area tends to be the dirtiest. When you’re finished, rinse the shoes off with water. There should be no visible soap leftover.

The final step is to let them dry. Do not put them in the dryer as the heat can affect the waterproof membrane. Allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated area instead.

Pro-tip: It’s a good idea to wash the insoles separately (yes, they’re removable!). Simply soak them in soapy water (the same solution that you used to clean the shoes is fine) and rinse them with water afterward. Wait for them to dry completely before re-inserting them back in the shoes. Similarly, you want to wash the laces separately. Take them out of the shoes and soak them in the same soapy solution before rinsing with water. Wait until they’re completely dry before re-lacing the sneakers.

Throwing Your UMYOGO Sneakers Into the Washing Machine

Start by removing the insoles and laces. Place them in a small laundry bag and put them in the machine. Alternatively, you can wash them by hand as described earlier. As for the shoes, you want to give them a quick wipe before throwing them in the washer. The goal is to remove all of the dirt and mud (including those on the sole).

Once you’ve done that, place the UMYOGO running shoes in their own mesh laundry bag and put them in the washing machine. This is super important; without a bag, they’ll be tossed around aggressively and that can damage the sneakers. Also, don’t wash the shoes with your clothes—give them their own cycle. However, you can put in a few towels to help balance the weight of the sneakers.

Measure one scoop of ACTIVE detergent and add it to the washer (either into the dispenser or directly into the drum- it depends on your machine). Choose a delicate/gentle setting and run a cold water wash (hot water can melt the adhesives on the shoes). Let the washer run and take the shoes out when it’s finished. Allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated room away from direct sunlight (the UV rays can cause the colors to fade over time).

Pro-tip: It’s a good idea to spot treat any stains before putting the shoes in the washer. Just soak the area with a detergent solution and clean with a soft brush.

Deodorizing Your UMYOGO Running Shoes

Their shoes are breathable by design, however, they can still develop a bit of odor with regular wear. Fortunately, it’s possible to deodorize them without having to wash the entire thing. In fact, there’s more than one way that you can do it:

Sprinkling Baking Soda Into Your Sneakers

Baking soda is one of the best natural deodorizing agents that you can use. The best of all? You probably already have a box lying around in the house. It’s easy—simply sprinkle the powder inside your knit sneakers (consider removing the insoles and washing them if your shoes are excessively smelly). Leave the baking soda in for several hours and it’ll absorb all the nasty smells so that your sneakers will smell fresh again.

Don’t want to dirty the inside of your sneakers with white powder? You can always put the baking soda in a sock and put that inside the shoes instead. It’ll work the same way and you won’t have a mess to deal with afterward.

Using White Vinegar 

White vinegar is a weak acid that’s capable of neutralizing most odors. You don’t have to dilute it either. Just dampen a clean cloth or towel with the solution and use it to clean or wipe the inside of the sneakers. Pay attention to the sides as well as the top—you want to wipe all of the surfaces.

Don’t worry, your shoes won’t smell like vinegar after. Once it dries, the vinegar scent will be gone as well. You’ll be left with a pair of fresh-smelling sneakers!

Using Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can be used similarly to white vinegar. Pour a bit of the liquid onto a cloth or towel and you can use it to wipe the inside of your sneakers—that’ll get rid of any smell that’s present. Alternatively, you can pour the rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle. That way, you can spray it directly onto the inside of the shoe.

Another benefit of using rubbing alcohol is that it dries super quickly so you won’t have to wait around for it to dry after cleaning.

Putting Your Sneakers In the Freezer 

It might sound a little crazy to put your shoes in the freezer but the below-zero temperatures can actually help get rid of odors. This has to do with the fact that odor-causing bacteria can’t survive in the cold. For the best results, leave the shoes in the freezer overnight. By morning, any odors should be gone.