Are Skechers D’Lites Machine Washable?

Skechers D’Lites are a popular style of sneakers known for their lightweight and comfortable feel.

With their mesh fabric uppers and foam rubber soles, D’Lites make great casual shoes for daily wear.

However, keeping them looking clean can be a chore.

A common question wearers have is whether D’Lites are machine washable to make cleaning easier.

Are Skechers D’Lites Machine Washable

Skechers D’Lites sneakers are generally not recommended to be machine washed. The insoles may be removable and hand-washable, but putting the full shoe in a washing machine is not advisable and could damage them.

An Overview of Skechers D’Lites

D’Lites first launched in 1996 and quickly became one of Skechers’ most well-known silhouettes. Here are some key features of the shoes:

• Mesh fabric uppers – The uppers are made of lightweight mesh fabric with synthetic overlays for stability and structure. This allows good airflow to keep feet cool and comfortable.
• Foam rubber midsole – The midsole provides excellent cushioning thanks to the injection-molded foam rubber compound. This makes D’Lites comfortable for long periods of wear.
• Rubber outsole – Durable rubber outsoles give traction and wear resistance when walking. Flex grooves also promote natural foot movement.

The combination of soft, breathable uppers and cushioned soles make D’Lites a go-to choice for casual daily use. Their sporty style also suits relaxed weekend activities.

Are Skechers D’Lites Machine Washable?

Skechers does not recommend machine washing D’Lites. As the shoes have multiple materials like fabric, foam, and rubber, machine washing risks damaging certain components.

However, you can wash D’Lites by hand safely using cold water and gentle soap. Be sure to remove the laces and insoles first and allow the shoes to fully air dry before wearing them again. Harsher cleaning methods could compromise the structural integrity of the sneakers.

Why You Shouldn’t Machine Wash

Here are reasons to avoid machine washing Skechers D’Lites:

1. Heat and Agitation Can Damage Materials

The hot water, intense spinning motions, and drying heat that machines generate can break down D’Lites’ fabrics and glues. The mesh fabric uppers may shrink, deform, or develop holes. Adhesives may fail causing rubber soles to peel.

2. Soles Can Separate From Uppers

The force of machine spinning combined with water saturation causes extreme stress on the bonds between soles and uppers. This makes them prone to separating, especially where the materials intersect around the toe area.

3. Loss of Structural Stability

Machine washing risks loosening the lasting board under D’Lites’ insoles. This impairs the shoe’s form and structure leading to diminished comfort and proneness to further damage.

4. Fading and Distortion of Colors/Patterns

D’Lites feature all sorts of bright colors and patterns which are vulnerable to fading and bleeding when machine washed. Dryer heat can also cause thermal distortion of synthetic fabrics.

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Hand Washing Maintains Integrity

While machine washing D’Lites has risks, hand washing allows safe cleaning with minimal damage. Follow these steps for the best results:

Remove laces and insoles

Laces and insoles should always be taken out before washing shoes. This allows thorough cleaning inside the shoes.

Use cold water

Hot water from machines damages materials. But cold water is gentle for hand washing while still removing dirt and odors.

Use a soft brush and mild soap

Gently scrub shoes with a soft brush and mild/natural liquid soap to lift grime. Avoid harsh detergents.

Rinse thoroughly

Ensure all soap residues are fully rinsed off shoes to prevent damage to fabric and foam materials.

Stuff with paper

Stuff shoes with paper to hold the shape as they dry and absorb excess moisture quickly.

Air dry fully

Allow shoes to completely air dry for 24-48 hours before wearing them again. Never machine dry.

By hand washing Skechers D’Lites carefully using these tips, you can keep them clean while maintaining their integrity season after season.

Alternate Cleaning Tips for Skechers D’Lites

In addition to hand washing, you can minimize dirtying your D’Lites and remove stains using these helpful alternate cleaning methods:

1. Apply Protective Sprays

Protective sprays for D’Lites

Spray Type	Benefits
Waterproofing spray	Creates barrier resisting dirt and stains
Stain resistant spray	Protects against oil-based spills sinking into materials
Suede protector spray	Waterproofs suede overlays

Applying sprays before wearing shields your D’Lites’ mesh fabric and suede from absorbing spills. This allows you to simply wipe stains off the surface rather than deep cleaning being needed. Reapply sprays every few months for ongoing protection.

2. Wipe Down After Wearing

Simply wiping down your D’Lites using a microfiber cloth and soapy water allows you to remove surface dirt before it accumulates and stains. Target these key areas:

• Mesh fabric uppers
• Rubber foxing tape
• Rubber soles
• Any suede overlays

Be gentle when wiping suede to avoid roughing up the nap.

3. Spot Clean Stains

If you notice stains on your D’Lites, tackle them immediately using spot-cleaning techniques. This prevents them from setting and spreading.

Stain removal tips

Type of Stain	Removal Method
Dirt/Mud	Let dry fully then brush away loose dirt. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Food/Drink Spills	Blot away excess spill immediately (don’t rub). Use dish soap and cold water with a soft brush.
Oil/Grease	Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch over the spill to absorb. Let sit for 1-2 hours then brush away.
Ink	Dab with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol or lemon juice.
Blood	Rinse under cold water. Dab with hydrogen peroxide followed by lemon juice using a cotton ball.

When spot cleaning, gently dab the area and work from the edges inwards to prevent spreading the stain. Rinse and air dry after cleaning.

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Tips for Extending Your D’Lites’ Lifespan

Caring properly for your D’Lites helps minimize damage risk during cleaning while getting the longest wear from your shoes. Keep these usage and storage tips in mind:

1. Alternate Different Pairs

By alternating different pairs of D’Lites each day, you extend the intervals between washes required. Letting pairs rest allows materials to fully dry between uses reducing bacteria and odors accumulating.

2. Add Washable Insoles

Popping out the standard insoles and replacing them with affordable washable types means you can throw just the insoles into the machine as needed without harming your actual shoes.

3. Use Shoe Trees for Storage

Shoe tree inserts help your D’Lites hold their structural shape when not being worn. Cedarwood trees also absorb foot odor so shoes smell fresher too.

4. Store Properly Between Wears

Ensure your D’Lites fully air and dry out after wear before storing them away. Keep them in a cool, dry spot away from direct light or heat sources to prevent material breakdown over time.

Following these care tips while regularly hand washing can help ensure your trusty D’Lites last many seasons!

Other Methods to Clean D’Lites

If you are wary about getting your D’Lites wet at all, there are some other cleaning methods you can try to remove dirt and stains:

Cleaning Wipes

Keep a pack of sneaker cleaning wipes handy so you can wipe down your D’Lites after wear. The pre-moistened textured cloths lift away mud, grime, and surface marks without needing to use any liquids.

Magic Eraser

To remove stubborn scuffs or marks, gently rub a magic eraser sponge on the affected area. This lifts discoloration without abrasives. Be very gentle if using suede overlays to avoid damage.

Disinfectant Sprays

Special disinfectant sprays allow you to sanitize your D’Lites to kill germs and bacteria that cause odors without risking moisture damage. Spritz the insides and air dry fully afterward.

DIY Cleaning Solutions

For light cleaning, save money by making your solution. Mix 2 cups warm water, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tbsp baking soda, and 2 drops of dish soap. Dip a soft brush into the mixture and gently scrub marks on D’Lites then wipe clean.

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Preventing D’Lites From Getting Dirty

Aside from proper cleaning methods, stopping your D’Lites from getting overly grubby in the first place will minimize the cleaning needed. Follow these dirt-busting tips:

Weatherproof Before Wearing

Spray your D’Lites with a protective layer to shield them against rain, mud, and other wet conditions when wearing them outside. This prevents moisture and dirt from absorbing into materials.

Add Impermeable Protectors

Buy removable insoles or spacers made of impermeable materials like gel. These block sweat soaking into the insides of your D’Lites during wear which reduces odors and stains developing.

Change Out of D’Lites If Wet

If your D’Lites happen to get soaked in a rain downpour, change out of them ASAP rather than allowing them to air dry directly on your feet. This prevents prolonged dampness damage.

Store Properly After Wear

Stuff shoes with newspaper after taking them off to help wick moisture. Let them fully air out before storing them sealed in a box to prevent fabric breakdown over time.

By combining preventative steps along with gentle cleaning practices, your trusty D’Lites can stay looking fabulous season after season!

Conclusion

Skechers D’Lites are generally not recommended for machine washing. The chunky design with thick soles and materials can become misshapen or damaged in a washing machine’s tumbling action. The company advises against machine washing and instead suggests spot-cleaning the D’Lites with a soft brush, mild soap and water.

Putting them in the washing machine risks breaking down the cushioning, separating the soles, fading the colors, and potentially ruining the shoes entirely. While washing may seem convenient, it’s best to stick to hand washing or cleaning methods approved by Skechers to maintain the integrity and comfort of your D’Lite shoes. Machine drying should also be avoided to prevent further damage.

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