How to clean Karhu sneakers in the washing machine

Thinking about washing your Karhu sneakers in the washing machine? In short: don't. The combination of water, heat, and spinning can permanently damage cushioning, adhesives, and delicate upper materials like suede or mesh. To keep your Karhu models, such as the Karhu Fusion 2.0 , Karhu Legacy 96 , or Fusion XT, looking fresh for longer, we'll show you safe alternatives, clear dos and don'ts, and material tips for hand washing.

Quick answer: Why the washing machine is taboo

Karhu sneakers are constructed from various materials and often feature glued components. Washing them in a washing machine can soften the adhesives, cause cushioning and air or EVA padding to lose stability, lead to color bleeding, and make uppers like suede, nubuck, or delicate mesh rough or tear. Even a gentle cycle with cold water and a laundry bag doesn't reliably reduce these risks. The safer option is always hand washing with lukewarm water, a mild detergent or sneaker cleaner, and a soft brush. This allows you to precisely control the moisture, pressure, and drying process, preserving the shape, color, and performance of your Karhu sneakers. You can find more information about models, background, and fit on the Karhu Sneakers page.

Gentle hand cleaning in 6 steps

1. Remove insoles and shoelaces, brush off coarse dirt with a dry brush.
2. Mix the cleaning solution: lukewarm water + a few drops of mild detergent or special sneaker cleaner.
3. Clean the upper material in small circles using a soft brush or microfiber cloth. Do not soak.
4. Clean the midsole and outsole separately with a slightly firmer brush.
5. Remove foam and cleaning residue with a slightly damp cloth.
6. Stuff with paper and let dry in the air away from heat sources.

How to properly clean shoelaces

Clean shoelaces instantly make your Karhu look well-maintained. Because they collect sweat, dirt, and road grime, a separate mini-cleaning is worthwhile. Here's how to do it:

• Preparation - Unthread the laces, comb out any coarse dirt. Check the material and color to choose the appropriate method.
• Gentle hand washing – Soak in lukewarm water with a little mild detergent, then gently pull through between your hands or with a soft brush. For white shoelaces, half a teaspoon of baking soda in the water helps to remove any graying.
• Spot treatment – ​​treat stains precisely with a drop of mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush. Do not scrub too hard to avoid roughening the fibers.
• Optional wash bag - If you're in a hurry: Wash shoelaces in a wash bag in cold water without spinning. Only for sturdy fabric shoelaces and at your own risk.
• Rinse and dry - Rinse thoroughly with clean water, press into a towel and allow to air dry. Do not use a heater or dryer.
• Rethread – Only put back in the shoe when everything is completely dry. This preserves its shape and tensile strength.

Tip: Replace badly worn or discolored shoelaces. New laces are a quick and inexpensive way to freshen up Karhu models like the Fusion 2.0 or Legacy 96.

Material guide for Karhu sneakers

Tip: You can get a quick overview of materials, colorways and releases in the Karhu Collection .

Upper material	washing machine	Hand cleaning
Textile/Mesh	Risky, can wear out and loosen adhesive	Lukewarm water, mild cleaner, soft brush, dry gently
synthetic	Spin cycles damage coatings	Microfiber cloth, mild cleaner, do not soak.
Smooth leather	Not suitable, leather can harden.	Moisten, clean, dry, then condition with leather care products.
Suede/Nubuck	Taboo, high risk of discoloration and structural damage	Dry brush, special rubber brush, use suede cleaner for spot cleaning.

Textile and mesh

First, brush off any dust and dirt with a dry brush. Then, using a soft brush and a light suds made from lukewarm water and mild detergent, work in small circles. Do not soak the paper, so that the adhesive and lining remain intact. Remove the suds with a damp cloth. Insert the paper and let it air dry. Work carefully on white mesh areas to avoid streaks.

synthetic

Synthetic overlays and panels are sensitive to heat and harsh cleaners. Use a microfiber cloth with a mild solution and wipe gently. Only lightly dampen edges and seams to prevent delamination. Wipe dry afterward. A synthetic waterproofing spray can reduce re-soiling.

Smooth leather

Remove dust with a soft brush or a dry cloth. A slightly damp cloth with a little mild cleaner is sufficient to remove stains. After drying, apply a thin layer of leather conditioner to keep the material supple and prevent cracking. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources.

Suede and nubuck

Dry clean only: Brush with a suede or crepe brush in the direction of the grain. Gently roughen shiny areas with a suede rubber brush. For stains, apply a special suede cleaner to the affected area, always testing on an inconspicuous area first. After drying, protect with a suede waterproofing spray.

Dry properly and keep shape

After cleaning, remove excess moisture with a cloth. Loosely stuff the shoes with clean paper to stabilize their shape and absorb moisture. Change the paper after 1 to 2 hours. Always dry at room temperature, away from radiators, fireplaces, direct sunlight, and never in a dryer. This will prevent warping, softening of the glue, and discoloration.

Prevention and care in everyday life

• Impregnate before first use and regularly thereafter, using a suitable waterproofing spray for the material.
• Brush off dirt promptly with a dry brush to prevent it from sticking.
• Alternate between several pairs to allow cushioning and lining to regenerate.
• Use shoe trees or paper while drying to avoid creases.
• Store sneakers in a dry place, away from light and not in damp rooms.

Do you run a lot or train regularly? Discover our Karhu running shoes for breathable, quick-drying performance models.

Looking for new Karhu styles like Fusion 2.0, Legacy 96 or Fusion XT? Discover the selection of Karhu sneakers .

FAQ about Karhu sneakers in the washing machine

Can I wash Karhu sneakers in the washing machine?

It is not recommended. Water, heat, and spinning can damage adhesives, padding, and upper materials. The safe alternative is hand cleaning with a mild solution and a soft brush.

Does this also apply to textile or mesh models like Fusion 2.0?

Yes. Even with fabric or mesh, there's a risk of stretching, discoloration, and overlays coming loose. It's best to clean carefully by hand and dry gently.

What temperature is suitable for cleaning?

Use lukewarm water. Hot water softens adhesives and damping materials, while cold water is often less effective at removing dirt and soap residue.

Can I wash the insoles?

Remove the insoles and clean them separately by hand with a mild soap solution. Then allow them to air dry completely before reinserting them.

What can I do about stubborn odors?

Dry hands thoroughly after washing, change pads occasionally, and use activated charcoal pads or baking soda overnight in between. Always allow to air out well.

Can I wash the shoelaces in the washing machine?

Only in a laundry bag, cold and without spinning, with sturdy fabric laces, and at your own risk. Hand washing is safer and gentler on the material.

Where can I find official care instructions?

Since stickabush.com does not currently offer specific washing instructions, please check the label of your shoes and also consult the official Karhu website or contact customer service.