Washing your favorite shoes in washer, machine is a quick and efficient way to give them a new lease on life.Shoes eventually pick up odors, perspiration, and dirt from regular use, exercise, and outdoor activities. Although hand washing can be beneficial, it is frequently less thorough and time-consuming. Thankfully, a lot of shoe types can be safely cleaned in a washing machine, which makes it a convenient option for people with hectic schedules. Everything you need to know about washing shoes in the washing machine will be covered in this article, from setup and setting selection to drying and upkeep advice.
Is it possible to wash shoes in washer?
Indeed, a lot of shoe types—especially those composed of canvas, synthetic materials, and certain kinds of athletic shoes in washer—can be cleaned in a washing machine. But rubber foam, suede, leather, and other delicate materials should never be machine washed.
The following popular shoe styles are usually safe to wash:
- Canvas footwear, such as Vans or Converse
- Mesh or synthetic-fabric athletic sneakers
- A pair of sneakers and running shoes
The following should not be machine washed:
- Shoes made of leather
- Nubuck or suede shoes
- Dress shoes
- Jute-soled shoes, such as espadrilles
- Shoes with decorations glued on
What You’ll Require
Prior to beginning, collect the following supplies:
- Gentle laundry soap
- In a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase
- Towels from the past (for padding)
- Old toothbrush or soft brush
- Optional baking soda for deodorizing
- Warm water
Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Shoes in Washer
1. Examine the material and label
Always refer to the care label provided by the manufacturer, which is typically located beneath the insole or inside the tongue. It might include detailed instructions regarding the safety of machine washing. Steer clear of the shoes in washer if it says “spot clean” or “hand wash only.”
Examine the material if there isn’t a label. Synthetic mesh and canvas are generally safe. Don’t use the washing machine to clean suede, leather, or foam.
2. Get the shoes ready
Make sure your shoes are ready before putting them in the machine:
- Take off the insoles and laces because they may become tangled or broken. Wash the laces separately in a mesh bag or pillowcase.To prevent warping, insoles should be hand-washed.
- Brush off loose dirt: To get rid of extra dirt, mud, or debris from the soles and uppers, use a soft brush or an old toothbrush.
- As an optional step, deodorize each shoe by applying a small amount of baking soda and letting it sit overnight to absorb smells. Before washing, give the powder a shake.
3. Use a pillowcase or laundry bag
To keep the shoes in washer safe throughout the washing cycle, place them inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase. This lessens the possibility that the shoes will bang around inside the drum, which could harm your machine as well as the running shoes.
To keep everything contained, put the laces in the same pillowcase or a different laundry bag.
4. Include towels for cushioning
Add your shoes in washer and two or three old towels. This lessens noise and impact during the cycle by balancing the load and cushioning the shoes in washer.
New colored towels may cause the dye to bleed onto the shoes in washer, so make sure they are either old or colorfast.
5. Pick the Proper Configuration
For optimal results, use the washer settings listed below:
- Type of cycle: gentle or delicate
- Temperature of water: lukewarm or cold (never hot)
- Speed of spin: low or slow
- Detergent: Gentle liquid laundry detergent (do not use fabric softeners or bleach).
6. Begin the Cleaning
Start the shoes in washer after everything is in its proper place and the settings have been chosen. Depending on the cycle length of your machine, it should run for about 30 to 40 minutes.
Drying Shoes After Cleaning
1. Only Air Dry
Shoes should never be dried in a dryer. Excessive heat can separate glued components, shrink fabric, or warp soles. Rather, allow your shoes in washer to naturally air dry.
Here’s how to accomplish it:
- Remove the shoes from the bag and shake off any remaining moisture.
- To help them retain their shape and absorb moisture, stuff them with newspaper or brand-new, clean paper towels.
- Keep them away from heat sources (such as radiators) and direct sunlight, which can deteriorate materials or fade colors.
Until the shoes are completely dry, replace the stuffing every few hours. Depending on the type of shoe and the humidity level, this could take 24 to 48 hours.
2. Separately dry the insoles
If the insoles were taken off, dry them separately using paper towels and set them somewhere dry. Steer clear of intense heat and direct sunlight.
3. Put the Shoes Back Together
After everything has dried completely, put the insoles back in and tie the shoes up. You will have clean, new shoes that are prepared for use.
Additional Advice Washing for Shoes in Washer
- Steer clear of overwashing: Too many machine washes can degrade materials and shorten shoe life. Wash them only when required.
- Spot clean whenever you can: You can prolong the life of your shoes without going through a full wash cycle by using a toothbrush and mild soap to remove minor stains.
- Use odor-prevention inserts: To prolong the freshness of your shoes after cleaning, insert silica packets or odor-control insoles.
- If you need your shoes the following day, washing them in the morning allows them to air dry for the entire day.
Common Errors to Stay Away From
- Unsuitable shoe washing: Leather or suede shoes can be permanently damaged by washing them in the washing machine.
- Using hot water: Heat can weaken glue, shrink fabric, and damage materials.
- Ignoring the bag: Your washer drum may get damaged or misshapen if you wear shoes without protection.
- Shoes that are intact will reward patience, so don’t rush the drying process in the machine.
When to Think About Hiring a Professional Cleaner
You might want to think about hiring a shoe cleaner if your shoes in washer are very dirty, made of delicate materials, or are expensive. To restore shoes without running the risk of machine damage, they use specific tools and cleaners.
Conclusion
If done properly, washing your shoes in the washing machine is an easy and efficient way to give them a new lease on life. You can prolong the life of your shoes in washer and maintain their best appearance (and scent) by selecting the appropriate shoes, properly cleaning them, using gentle settings, and letting them air dry with care.
This guide guarantees that your running shoes will come out of the washing in excellent condition, whether you’re cleaning them after a muddy hike, sprucing them up, or performing routine maintenance. Just keep in mind that not all shoes are made equal and that some need to be handled more gently.
A cleaner lifestyle combined with clean shoes and feet is a positive step.
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