How to clean Karhu sneakers in the washing machine

Are you considering washing your Karhu sneakers in the washing machine? Simply put: better not. The combination of water, heat, and spin-drying can permanently damage cushioning, adhesives, and delicate upper materials like suede or mesh. To keep your Karhu models, like the Karhu Fusion 2.0 , Karhu Legacy 96 , or Fusion XT, fresh for a long time, we'll show you safe alternatives, clear do's and don'ts, and material tips for hand-washing.

Quick answer: Why the washing machine is taboo

Karhu sneakers are constructed from a variety of materials and often feature glued elements. In the washing machine, adhesives soften, cushioning and air or EVA padding lose stability, colors can bleed, and upper materials like suede, nubuck, or delicate mesh become rough or tear. Even a gentle wash cycle with cold water and a wash bag doesn't reliably reduce this risk. Therefore, the safer option is always to hand wash with lukewarm water, a mild detergent or sneaker cleaner, and a soft brush. This allows you to precisely control moisture, pressure, and drying, preserving the shape, color, and performance of your Karhu sneakers. You can find out more about models, background, and fits on the Karhu Sneakers page.

Gentle hand cleaning in 6 steps

1. Remove insoles and laces, 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 with a soft brush or microfiber cloth. Do not soak it.
4. Clean the midsole and outsole separately with a slightly firmer brush.
5. Remove foam and cleaning residues with a slightly damp cloth.
6. Stuff with paper and let it air dry away from heat sources.

How to clean shoelaces properly

Clean laces make your Karhu look well-groomed right away. Because they collect sweat, dirt, and road grime, a personal mini-clean is worthwhile. Here's how:

• Preparation - Unthread the laces, comb out any coarse dirt. Check the material and color to choose the right method.
• Gentle hand washing - Soak in lukewarm water with a little mild detergent, then gently brush between your hands or with a soft brush. For white laces, adding half a teaspoon of baking soda to the water will help reduce the grayish cast.
• Spot treatment - Treat stains with a drop of mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush. Avoid scrubbing too hard to avoid roughening the fibers.
• Optional wash bag - If you're in a hurry: Wash laces in a wash bag in cold water without spinning. Only use sturdy textile laces and do so at your own risk.
• Rinse and dry - Rinse thoroughly with clean water, press in a towel, and let it air dry. Do not use a heater or dryer.
• Rethread the shoe – Only return it to the shoe once everything is completely dry. This preserves its shape and tensile strength.

Tip: Replace heavily worn or discolored laces. New laces are a quick, affordable freshen-up for 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, gentle drying
synthetic	Spinning damages coatings	Microfiber cloth, mild cleaner, do not soak
smooth leather	Not suitable, leather may harden	Moisten, clean, dry, then condition with leather care
Suede/Nubuck	Taboo, high risk of discoloration and structure	Dry brush, special rubber brush, work with Suede Cleaner selectively

Textile and mesh

First, dry-brush away dust and dirt. Then, using a soft brush and a light lather made from lukewarm water and mild detergent, work in small circles. Do not soak to preserve the adhesive and lining. Remove the lather with a damp cloth. Insert paper and allow to 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. Lightly dampen edges and seams to prevent delamination. Then wipe dry. A waterproofing spray for synthetics can reduce the risk of new soiling.

smooth leather

Remove dust with a soft brush or a dry cloth. A slightly damp cloth with a 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 heating.

Suede and nubuck

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

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 heaters, fireplaces, and direct sunlight, and never in a dryer. This prevents deformation, softening of the glue, and discoloration.

Prevention and care in everyday life

• Waterproof before first wear and regularly thereafter, depending on the material.
• Brush off dirt dry as soon as possible to prevent it from sticking.
• Alternate between several pairs to allow the cushioning and lining to recover.
• Use shoe trees or paper when drying to avoid creases.
• Store sneakers in a dry place away from light, 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 the 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's not recommended. Water, heat, and spin-drying can damage adhesives, cushioning, and outer 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 textile or mesh, there's a risk of stretching, discoloration, and loose overlays. It's best to clean carefully by hand and dry gently.

What temperature is suitable for cleaning?

Use lukewarm water. Hot water softens adhesive and damping, while cold water often has a harder time removing dirt and soap residue.

Can I wash the insoles?

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

What can I do about stubborn odors?

Dry thoroughly after cleaning your hands, replace insoles occasionally, and occasionally use activated charcoal insoles or baking soda overnight. Always air out thoroughly.

Can I machine wash the shoelaces?

Only wash in a wash bag, cold, and without spinning, with sturdy textile laces, and at your own risk. Hand washing is safer and more gentle on the material.

Where can I find official care instructions?

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