How to Wash Hats, Shoes, and Backpacks

Our closets are full of items that we rarely think to wash and are never quite sure how to wash. We sometimes forget that these items need washing too. Some of the most commonly worn but most rarely laundered items are baseball caps, shoes, and backpacks. We use them almost daily, so it’s a good idea to wash them regularly, but only when you think they need a good wash. Sweaty shoes and caps have a way of letting us know when they should be washed because the smell nearly knocks us down! But you can take care of those odors and sweat stains by following these easy instructions.

One of the best parts of summer is going to a baseball game in the summer heat. With each swing of the bat, your forehead beads with sweat beneath your favorite baseball cap. Now as you’re packing away all of your summer clothing in preparation for fall, you’re probably starting to notice the yellow brims of your baseball caps and wondering how to wash them. It’s actually much easier than you might expect. The easiest and most reassuring method is to handwash your baseball caps. You can put your caps in the washing machine, but some hats with special stitching or logos could be damaged by the agitation of the machine. For this reason, it’s usually best to stick to handwashing. Fill your sink with cool or warm water and add one capful of Roux Maison Sport Detergent. Our sport detergent is specially formulated to remove odors and discoloration caused by sweat without damaging the fabric of your lucky cap. Rinse with cold water and place on some sort of form — a coffee can or your own head — to help maintain its shape as it dries.

Sneakers are some of the most awkward — and smelliest — items in your closet to wash. They’re clunky and sometimes too delicate to put in the washing machine. And when you can put them in the machine, you have to endure the incessant noise of them banging around during the cycle. The best choice is to handwash the shoes to avoid damaging the fabric and listening to their annoying clanging in the washer. Follow these steps to take your favorite sneakers from grimy and smelly to squeaky clean in just minutes.

Remove laces and wash separately.
Remove excess dirt or mud from soles with a wet cloth.
Fill a sink with warm water and add enough Roux Maison Sport Detergent to create suds
With a washcloth or sponge, scrub the body of the shoes to make the look good as new
Combat the smell by creating a paste of baking soda and a few drops of Roux Maison Sport Detergent. Generously apply to inside of shoes and rinse thoroughly.
Let dry in a warm spot away from direct sunlight

If you have children, you know how difficult it can be to keep their backpacks clean. Luckily, most backpacks are sturdy enough to be machine washed. If your children’s bags fall into this category, simply toss the backpack into a washable laundry bag and launder as usual with Roux Maison Essential Detergent in cool water. If you’re uneasy about washing the backpacks in a machine, fill your sink (or bathtub if your sink is not large enough) with lukewarm water and add one capful of Roux Maison Essential Detergent. Vigorously swish in the suds and rinse thoroughly. Always line dry.

These awkward items don’t have to be a pain to wash with Roux Maison detergents in your laundry arsenal. Keep them looking new with Roux Maison.