It's true that washing your sneakers in the washer can help you save time and energy in keeping your sneakers in good condition and ready to wear. Are you unsure of what to do? Learn how to clean sneakers and other footwear to ensure your family is dressed to make a statement.
What shoes can be machine washed?
The shoes made of materials such as nylon, canvas, and polyester are typically appropriate to be washed in a machine. These materials are tough and should not be damaged by washing detergent. Before you start cleaning, make sure to check the shoes's instructions on care for washing guidelines.
While there are some types of shoes which are suitable for machine washing, the majority of kinds of shoes require hand washing or special maintenance. Shoes made from materials such as suede, leather, and vinyl shouldn't be washed in the washer.
If your shoes are constructed of a delicate fabric (like silk) or have beading sequins, embroidery, sequins or other ornaments, you should take them to a repair and cleaning professional to ensure they aren't damaged. Be sure to check the cleaning instructions to make sure that it is safe to clean your shoes with the help of a washer.
How do you wash your shoes in your washer : a step-by-step instruction
The process of washing shoes in a machine isn't that difficult, but it will require some effort. Before beginning make sure you read the care and cleaning guidelines for your footwear to make sure they're safe for washing and drying. Make sure that you have the right tools and equipment available.
|
Tools Needed |
Supplies Needed |
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A rag or a soft brush, like a old toothbrush |
Liquid Laundry Detergent |
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A sponge |
Baking Soda |
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Old Towels |
A mesh garment bag & Shoe Cleaner |
Time estimate
Cleaning one's shoes with the washer can take anywhere from 45 minutes to one hour depending on the wash cycle. Remember that shoes must dry in the air for at least a night to ensure a perfect dry.
After you have all your items in order Once you have everything in place, you can begin cleaning your shoes following the instructions below. Make sure to follow the cleaning instructions for your shoes prior to washing them.
Step 1. Remove the laces and insoles
First, remove the laces and/or insoles from your shoes.
Step 2. Wash the laces
To keep laces from being tangled or wrapped around any parts in the drum, wash them in a mesh garment bag that’s securely closed. For stubborn messes, laundry detergent and a soft brush can be used to manually scrub the laces as well.
Step 3. Wash the insoles by hand
Wash your insoles by hand, unless otherwise stated in the care instructions. Machine washing your insoles could leave them waterlogged, which means they could take days to dry. If your insoles are not machine washable, you can clean and deodorise them by:
- Wiping them down with a soft brush or rag and slightly soapy water
- Using a sponge to soak up as much of the excess moisture as possible
- Sprinkling the insoles with baking soda and letting them sit overnight to deodorise and soak up remaining moisture
- Brushing off the baking soda in the morning
After the insoles have dried, you can place them back in your shoes.
Step 4. Clean the soles
If your shoes have excess mud or debris in the soles, use a soft brush to remove as much as possible. You can also use a toothbrush or toothpicks to carefully remove debris from tight areas. Once the dirt is removed, you can also clean away scuff marks by using a rag or soft brush to apply a shoe cleaner. Gently rub the cleaner onto the scuffs, then wipe away with a damp rag.
Step 5. Place the shoes in a mesh garment bag
After cleaning the soles, place your shoes in a mesh garment bag to keep them from forcefully tumbling around in your washer.
Step 6. Prepare the load
Place the bag into the washing machine, along with a few old towels to help balance the load. Make sure the towels are old—newer ones could leach excess dye that could stain your shoes.
Step 7. Wash the shoes
Set your washing machine on a delicate, cold water cycle with a slow or no-spin option. Use liquid detergent or laundry pods because powder detergent can get stuck in the shoes if it doesn’t dissolve properly.
Step 8. Drying the shoes
Once the wash cycle is complete, remove your shoes and laces from the mesh garment bags and let them air dry. You can stuff your shoes with clean rags or paper towels to absorb excess moisture and help keep their shape as they dry. If possible, place your shoes in an area where they’ll receive lots of sunlight. This can help speed up the drying process.
Your shoes may take a few days to air dry, and using a dryer is not recommended because the heat and tumbling can damage or warp shoes. But, if you have a dryer rack, you can use your appliance if you’re in a pinch. This rack attaches inside the drum and stays in one place throughout the cycle. To use, wrap your shoes in old towels to protect them, and set your dryer to a delicate or air fluff setting. Stop the cycle frequently to check on your shoes and make sure they don’t get damaged by the tumbling or warm air.
Step 9. Re-insert the insoles
Once everything is dry, place your insoles back in your shoes and restring the laces. The only thing left to do is head out with your like-new footwear!
How can I wash my shoes without ruining them?
Check your shoe’s care instructions to determine if their material is machine washable. If so, remove the laces and insoles to wash separately. Next, place your machine-washable shoes in a closed garment bag and wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. Let them air dry after this cycle.
Some types of shoes should only be washed or brushed by hand. To keep the out-of-the box look and prevent damage, these types of shoes should never be placed in a washing machine:
- Leather
- Suede
- Vinyl
- Rubber
For dressier shoes with delicate materials, embroideries or sequins, take your shoes to a shoe repair shop or specialist to maintain their condition for weddings and other formal events.
Will shoes break the washing machine?
Shoes are unlikely to damage the washing machine if they are washed in a mesh garment bag or pillowcase on a cold, gentle cycle. This helps to prevent them from forcefully tumbling throughout the drum and causing damage.
Do shoes shrink in the washing machine?
Shoes may shrink in the washing machine if they are washed on a hot water cycle. When washing your shoes, always follow the care instructions. Generally, shoes should be washed on a cold, gentle cycle to prevent shrinking and damage.
After washing, air dry your shoes overnight. Exposing your shoes to high heat in the dryer can cause them to shrink and become damaged.
Can I put sneakers in the washing machine with clothes?
It is recommended to add a few old towels or garments to the drum to help balance out the load when washing your shoes. Be mindful to use older towels and clothes to prevent dye transfers and stains that can occur with newer fabrics.
What setting should I use to wash shoes in the washing machine?
Wash your shoes in a gentle, cold water cycle with a slow or no-spin setting. Remember to place them in a closed mesh bag with the laces and insoles removed. This helps preserve the condition of your favourite sneakers and protect your washer from damage. When in doubt, check the care tag for specific washing instructions.