Should I wash shoes in the washing machine?
Types of Shoes
It’s important to identify the type of footwear before deciding whether to wash it in the washing machine. Fabric or synthetic athletic shoes, as well as canvas shoes, are often machine washable. Some flats without delicate embellishments can also be washed in this manner.
Preparation
Before washing, always refer to the manufacturer’s care label for precise instructions. Remove the laces and insoles to avoid tangling and ensure a thorough cleaning. Pre-treat any stains with a gentle detergent or stain remover. Place your shoes in a mesh laundry bag to protect them while they are being washed. Adding a couple towels to the weight helps to balance and cushion the shoes.
Washing Process
Choose a gentle cycle with cold water to avoid ruining the shoes when washing. To minimize residue accumulation, use a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid using fabric softener, which can create a film on the shoes.
Additional Tips
Check for any loose pieces that may fall off during the wash, and clean your shoes on a regular basis to avoid excessive dirt buildup. For delicate or uncertain cloth, hand washing is a safer option.
Washing Shoes in the Washing Machine: A step-by-step guide
Here’s your simple guide on how to wash shoes in the machine quickly and easily:
Step 1: Read the Label
Shoe labels always tell you if your shoes can be washed and what temperature they should be washed at. Most labels say that shoes should not go in the washing machine, but that’s only because it often shortens the lifespan of a shoe or damages it in some way.
If your shoes are made from fabric instead of leather, then there is no reason why you shouldn’t put them through a gentle wash now and again!
Just remember to take the laces out first so they don’t get tangled up with other items inside the drum. Also worth noting is that even though most athletic shoes can be washed, avoid putting foam-soled running and training shoes in the washing machine as this will destroy them.
Step 2: Prepare your Shoes
Before putting your shoes in the washing machine, make sure you’ve done these three things first: Take out any removable insoles or pouches (e.g. AirPods) that would not be able to survive a wash.
Tie up loose laces with secure knots so they don’t get caught on anything inside the drum. Remove bobby pins and hair grips/ties if necessary as these could either potentially damage the drum or get stuck inside it!
Step 3: Protect your Shoes (and your ears!)
Most people put their phone in a wash bag when they do their laundry, but you should also consider doing this for more delicate like watches and jewelry - or anything that has metal components. Not only will the washing powder damage them, but you also risk losing them altogether or breaking something if they get caught on the drum itself!
Step 4: Prepare your Machine
You need to make sure your machine is set up before you start this process. If it’s an older machine, make sure the door is unlocked and open before doing anything else. You can now put all of your shoes in there – it’s best to separate them so nothing gets stuck together and so that smaller items don’t get left behind at the top or bottom of the drum.
Make sure you close and lock the door! Then select a normal wash cycle (40 degrees C) with no added detergent… we’ll be doing that in step 5.
Step 5: Air Dry
Once the cycle is finished, take your shoes out and leave them to air dry. Do not put them in the tumble drier as this will cause the fabrics to shrink and could potentially damage the leather. If you live in a particularly hot or humid climate, leaving your shoes outside to air dry might not be the best idea as mold can form quickly – in which case you can use a fan or place them near a warm radiator instead.
Conclusion
There you have it: your personal guide to cleaning shoes in the washing machine. Following these instructions will ensure that your shoes come out clean and revitalized, with no harm. Just remember to take the necessary precautions to preserve your shoes and the washer, and you’ll be able to enjoy fresh, clean shoes each time.
Also Read: Best Boots for Golf Course Maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash shoes with other laundry items?
Yes, you can wash shoes alongside other items such as towels to help balance the load and keep the shoes from banging around excessively.
How do I dry shoes after washing them in the washing machine?
To keep the shoes in shape, air dry them and pack them with newspaper or cloth. Avoid using a dryer since the heat can deform or harm the shoes.
How often should I wash my shoes in the washing machine?
Limit machine washing to when absolutely essential, as repeated washing might cause the shoes to wear out more quickly. Spot cleaning is an effective alternative to regular maintenance.
Hi, I’m Regina. I’m a writer on Headphones, Shoes, for your unique needs. Regina is a self-professed Headphones, Shoes with a passion for experimenting with the latest Headphones, Shoe products, and trends. She helps create engaging content for smartliter.com’s audience.