Keeping your favorite pairs of shoes clean and looking new can be achieved by using a washing machine. Regular cleaning is necessary to preserve hygiene and prolong the life of our shoes because they accumulate dirt, perspiration, and odors over time.

 

You’re not the only person who has ever questioned whether you can throw your sneakers or casual shoes in the washing machine. We’ll show you how to safely and successfully wash shoes in a washing machine so they come out looking (and smelling) brand new in this in-depth guide.

 

Can Shoes Be Laundered in a Washing Machine?

 

To put it briefly, not all shoes can be machine-washed, but yes. Generally speaking, fabric, canvas, nylon, and polyester shoes do well in the washing machine. However, delicate materials like suede, leather, or satin should never be machine-washed; instead, they require special hand cleaning.

 

Suitable for use in a washing machine:

 

• Sneakers made of canvas
• Mesh or cloth-topped running shoes
• Cloth shoes that are easy to put on
• Trainers made of fabric

 

Unsuitable for washing in the machine:

 

• Shoes made of leather, including imitation leather
• Shoes made of suede or nubuck
• Dress shoes or high heels
• Shoes adorned with delicate details

 

Why Use a Shoe Washing Machine?

 

• Time-saving: Saves hours of scrubbing by cleaning shoes all at once.
• Deep cleaning: More effective than hand washing at penetrating fabric fibers.
• Restoring freshness involves getting rid of bacteria and odors.
• Minimal effort: The majority of the work is done for you by the machine.

 

Step 1: Assemble the Proper Materials

 

Make sure you have the appropriate equipment before you begin to safeguard both your washing machine and your shoes.

 

You will require:

 

• An old toothbrush or a soft brush (for pre-cleaning)
• Use a gentle liquid detergent instead of strong bleach.
• A mesh pillowcase or laundry bag
• Used towels (to lessen noise and balance the load)
• Baking soda is optional; it removes odors.

 

Step 2: Get Your Shoes Ready for Cleaning

 

The key is preparation. Without preparation, shoe washing can result in damage or subpar cleaning.

 

1. Take off the insoles and laces

 

• If left inside, insoles may retain water and tangle laces.
• Laces can be hand-washed or placed in a small mesh bag.
• If the insoles are washable, wash them separately with a mild soap and water solution.

 

2. Remove any loose dirt with a brush

 

• A toothbrush or soft brush can be used to remove surface dirt, debris, and mud.
• This keeps the washing machine filter from becoming clogged with dirt.

 

3. Deodorize (optional)

 

• To absorb odors, sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes and let them sit overnight.
• Before washing, shake off the baking soda.

 

Step 3: Keep Your Shoes Safe While Being Laundered

 

To keep shoes from hitting the drum or bouncing around:

 

• Put them inside a pillowcase with the top tied or a mesh laundry bag.
• To cushion the shoes and balance the weight, add a few old towels.

 

Step 4: Select the Proper Washing Machine Configuration

 

How clean your shoes get and whether they come out of the wash undamaged will depend on the settings on your washing machine.

 

Settings that are suggested:

 

• Type of cycle: delicate or gentle
• Water temperature: cold (hot water can damage materials and warp glue).
• Low to medium spin speed (high speed could distort)

 

Step 5: Properly Drying Your Shoes

 

Shoes that aren’t specifically labeled “dryer safe” should never be placed in a dryer. Heat can shrink textiles, melt glue, and warp soles.

 

The best way to dry:

 

• After washing, take the dress shoes out of the mesh bag.
• To absorb extra moisture, use a towel to pat them dry.
• To keep them in shape, stuff them with paper towels or newspapers.
• Keep them away from heat sources and direct sunlight in a well-ventilated area.
• Allow them to air-dry for a full day or two.

 

Additional Advice for Machine-Washable Shoes

 

• Prior to machine washing, spot clean any stains with a mild soap or stain remover.

 

• Avoid overloading: Do not do a full load of heavy laundry, but rather wash shoes with towels.

 

• Examine the care instructions provided by the manufacturer: Examine the brand’s website or the inside of the shoe.

 

• Wash related materials together: Abrasion-prone heavy fabrics should not be mixed with shoes.

 

 

Avoid these common mistakes

 

     1. Using hot water damages adhesives and causes shrinking and warping.

 

     2. Ignoring the mesh bag could cause the drum to be damaged by shoes banging around.

 

     3. Shoes made of leather or suede need to be cleaned with extra care.

 

     4. Excessive detergent use can leave residue and stiffen shoes.

 

     5. Drying in the sun: Extended exposure can weaken materials and cause color fading.

 

How frequently should shoes be washed in a washing machine?

 

• Every three to four months for informal attire.
• following particularly sweaty or muddy activities, such as running or hiking.
• Avoid overwashing, as this can hasten the degradation of shoe materials due to repeated machine cycles.

 

 

Conclusion

 

If you follow the proper instructions, washing shoes in a washing machine is a convenient way to keep them clean and fresh. Verify the shoe label at all times, use mild settings, keep them safe in a mesh bag, and allow them to air dry fully. By doing this, you can prolong the life of your beloved sneakers and maintain their brand-new appearance without spending hours cleaning them.