Washing shoes in the washing machine can help to keep your favorite joggers and sneakers clean while saving you from a lot of hassle. However, this should be done with complete care and understanding of the whole process. If you do not know how to wash shoes in washing machine, worry not! In this blog post, we will provide complete guidance on which shoes are machine washable and how to do it carefully.
Which Shoes Are Machine Washable?
Not all shoes can be washed in a washing machine. Shoes that are made with materials like nylon, cotton, canvas, polyester, etc are usually safe to wash in a washing machine. These materials are durable and can be washed easily by a machine. However, many other types of footwear which include, suede, rubber, leather, and sports shoes require specialized care and hand cleaning.
If your shoes are made of more delicate materials like embroidery, feature beading, silk, satin, etc then it is wise to take them to a shoe-cleaning expert to avoid any damage.
How Often To Wash Shoes?
It usually depends on the type of shoes and the frequency of use.
- Casual sneakers can be washed after 1 to 2 months or when they appear dirty and develop odor.
- Athletic shoes, on the other hand, should be cleaned every 2-3 weeks, especially if they are used regularly.
- In the case of formal leather shoes, it is better to stick to wiping them clean and conditioning them to maintain shine.
- Outdoor (trail) shoes should be washed after every outing to prevent mud buildup.
How To Wash Shoes In Washing Machine: A Step-By-Step Guide
Learn how to wash shoes in washing machine with this simple step-by-step guide to keep them looking fresh and clean.
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Step 1: Prepare Your Shoes
Before washing your shoes, remove any loose dirt or debris by tapping them together or using a soft brush. Take out the laces and insoles, as these should be cleaned separately for better results. Check the care label inside the shoes to ensure they are machine washable.
For stubborn stains, spot-treat with a mild detergent and a damp cloth. Proper preparation not only protects your washing machine but also ensures your shoes come out clean and undamaged. Failing to prep your shoes might result in incomplete cleaning or excessive wear during the washing process.
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Step 2: Secure The Laces
Shoelaces can get tangled during the wash, potentially damaging both the shoes and the machine. To prevent this, place the laces in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase and secure it with a rubber band. This allows them to be thoroughly cleaned without causing entanglement. Use a mild detergent and wash them alongside the shoes to save time.
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Step 3: Hand Wash The Insoles
Insoles are usually made from synthetic materials like Rubber or Foam. That is why unless stated in the care instructions, it is wise to wash shoe insoles by hand.
You have two options:
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Laundry Detergent
Mix a small amount of laundry detergent in warm water to create a cleaning solution. Dip a stiff brush into this solution and gently scrub both sides of the insoles, paying extra attention to high-contact areas like the heel and toe, where dirt and odor tend to accumulate. After scrubbing, rinse the insoles thoroughly under running water to remove all soap residue.
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Baking Soda
If you are looking for a more effortless option then sprinkle some baking soda on your shoe insoles and let it sit overnight to absorb the foul stubborn smell. You can also consider placing them in a sealed container for more efficient results. Simply brush off baking soda the next day.
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Step 4: Scrub The OutSoles
The soles of your shoes are often the dirtiest part, collecting mud, rocks, and grime. Before placing your shoes in the washing machine, use an old toothbrush to pre-clean the outsoles, and then let your washing machine do some final touches.
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Step 5: Place Shoes In A WashBag
To protect your shoes and your washing machine, place the shoes inside a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase tied securely with a rubber band. This will prevent the shoes from banging against the drum, which can cause damage to both the shoes and the washing machine.
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Step 6: Choose The Right Machine Setting
Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the glue and material of the shoes. The gentle cycle minimizes agitation, ensuring a thorough yet safe clean. Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent, as powdered detergent may not dissolve completely and could leave a residue.
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Step 7: Air Dry The Shoes
When the wash cycle is complete, take out your shoes and let them air dry naturally. Stuff an old towel or a cloth inside the shoes to help them keep their shape and dry faster.
How To Get The Best Results?
Follow these simple easy tips on how to wash shoes in washing machine and get the best results.
- For a safe wash, wrap your shoes in an old white towel before putting them in the mesh bag. This will provide an extra layer of protection to your precious shoes.
- At first, avoid using powdered detergent but if you do, only a small dose will do the job. Too much detergent will leave your shoes stained and stiff.
- While drying, do not expose your shoes to high heat as it can cause shrinkage and damage to the shoe material.
- Wait until the insoles are completely dry before putting them back in the shoes, as any trapped moisture can cause bad odors.
- Avoid placing wet shoes under direct sunlight as the harsh head could fade the colors. Try to dry them in your dryer under a low setting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can You Put Shoes In The Dryer?
The best way to dry shoes is to Air Dry them. However, usually, it is considered safe to put shoes in the dryer. But it ultimately depends on the shoe type and fabric and whether the shoe company recommends using the dryer or not. Shoes that are made of materials like Polyester, Cotton, Nyon, and Canvas can handle the heat of a dryer.
Other shoes that are made of materials like Suede or Leather should only be air-dried because the heat of the dryer can cause them to crack and bend out of shape. So to avoid mistakes, it is better to first read the instructions carefully.
How To Get Scuff Marks off Shoes?
Getting scuff marks off shoes can be done via common household items like toothpaste, pencil eraser, or baking soda. To do so, gently scrub the scuff marks with the chosen item until they are removed, and then wipe the shoes clean with a damp cloth.
How To Remove Paint From Shoes?
If the paint is wet, you can use a clean towel or piece of cloth to gently blot the stain. But if the paint has dried then soak the shoes in warm water for about 12 to 15 minutes and use a toothbrush with the solution of dish detergent and warm water to scrub the paint.
What Is The Best Way To Wash Shoes?
The best way to wash shoes depends on the type of shoes you want to wash. Some shoes are made of durable materials like Nylon, Polyester, Cotton, and Canvas. The best way to wash these shoes is through the washing machine. However, some shoes are made of delicate materials like leather & suede and the best way to wash them is by hand.