How to Wash Shoes in Washing Machine? [6 Precautions]
 The Short Answer is: |
| To wash shoes in a washing machine, start by removing any excess dirt or debris from the shoes. Then, place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag to protect them during the wash cycle. Add a small amount of mild detergent, and set the washing machine to a gentle cycle with cold water. Once the cycle is complete, remove the shoes from the bag and allow them to air-dry completely before wearing them again. It's important to note that not all shoes are suitable for machine washing, so always check the manufacturer's instructions before attempting to wash them in the machine. |
Washing shoes in a washing machine can be a convenient and effective way to clean them, especially when dealing with tough stains or odors. However, it’s important to note that not all types of shoes can be safely washed in a washing machine.
Understanding the proper techniques and precautions is essential to avoid damaging the shoes. In this article, we will explore the topic, “How to Wash Shoes in Washing Machine”
Whether it’s sneakers, canvas shoes, or other washable footwear, this guide will provide valuable insights on how to effectively clean your shoes using a washing machine.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Shoes
Not all shoes are washing machine-friendly. Start by checking the care label or manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, canvas, sneakers, and some types of athletic shoes are machine-washable. However, leather, suede, or shoes with delicate embellishments might not fare well in a washing machine.
Washing Machine Preparation
To avoid potential damage to the washing machine or your shoes, there are a few precautions to take. Place your shoes in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase to prevent them from bouncing around the washer drum. Add some towels or other soft items to balance the load and prevent excessive banging during the wash.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine
Washing shoes in a washing machine can be an effective way to keep them clean. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wash shoes in the washing machine:
Step 1: Preparation
Before diving in, gather the necessary materials: a mesh laundry bag, mild detergent, a soft-bristled brush, and of course, the shoes you plan to clean.
Remove any excess dirt or debris from the shoes using the brush. It’s also advisable to remove laces and insoles if they’re removable.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Cycle
Select a gentle cycle on your washing machine. Using a regular cycle or high heat might damage the shoes or the machine itself. Also, opt for cold water to prevent colors from running or fading.
Step 3: Protect the Shoes
To prevent the shoes from slamming around in the machine, place them inside the mesh laundry bag. This step helps maintain the shape of the shoes while still allowing them to be thoroughly cleaned.
Step 4: Detergent Dosage
Less is more when it comes to detergent. Use a small amount of mild detergent, about half of what you’d typically use for a regular load of laundry. This prevents excess suds from forming, which could be hard to rinse out from the shoes.
Step 5: Machine Wash
Place the shoes, securely placed inside the mesh bag, into the washing machine. Close the lid and start the cycle. Keep an eye on the machine during the wash cycle to ensure everything is going smoothly.
Step 6: Drying Process
Once the cycle is complete, remove the shoes from the washing machine. Resist the urge to tumble dry them or place them in direct sunlight as this might cause damage.
Instead, let them air dry naturally. Stuff them with paper towels or cloth to help maintain their shape and speed up the drying process.
Step 7: Final Touches
Once the shoes are completely dry, reinsert the insoles and re-lace them if you removed the laces earlier. Give them a quick brush to restore the texture and remove any remaining dirt.
Precautions
When washing shoes in a washing machine, there are some precautions that should be taken to avoid damaging the shoes or the machine. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Check the label: Before washing your shoes, check the label to see if they are machine washable. Some shoes, such as those made of leather or suede, should not be washed in a machine.
- Remove laces and insoles: Take out the laces and insoles from your shoes before washing them. This will help to prevent tangling and ensure that the shoes are washed evenly.
- Use a gentle cycle: Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle to avoid damaging the shoes. If your machine has a delicate or hand wash cycle, use that instead.
- Use a mild detergent: Use a mild detergent to avoid damaging the shoes or the machine. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener, as these can be harsh on shoes.
- Protect the machine: To protect your washing machine, put your shoes in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase before washing them. This will help to prevent the shoes from banging around in the machine and causing damage.
- Air dry: After washing your shoes, let them air dry completely before wearing them again. Avoid putting them in the dryer, as this can cause damage to the shoes and the machine.
By following these precautions, you can safely wash your shoes in a washing machine and keep them looking clean and fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to the Topic:
Can you put shoes in the washer?
Yes, you can generally put shoes in the washer, but it depends on the material and construction of the shoes. It’s important to check the care label or the manufacturer’s instructions to see if the shoes are machine washable.
If they are, it’s recommended to remove any excess dirt and debris, place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag, and use a gentle cycle with cold water. After washing, it’s best to air dry the shoes away from direct heat.
However, for certain delicate or leather shoes, it’s advisable to clean them using a different method to avoid damaging the material.
How to wash sneakers in the washing machine?
Washing sneakers in the washing machine is possible, but it requires some preparation. First, remove the laces from the sneakers and wash them separately.
Then, fill the rest of the load with something like towels, blankets, or sweatshirts to protect the sneakers from getting too banged up in the washing machine. Use a gentle, cold water cycle with a slow or no-spin setting, and liquid laundry detergent or laundry pods.
Avoid using powder detergent, bleach, or softeners. When the sneakers come out of the washer, they’ll only be damp, and the final spin cycles will remove most of the wash water.
Finally, hang the sneakers upside down to let water drain for about an hour, and then let them air dry in a warm, sunny spot.
How to wash tennis shoes in the washer?
To wash tennis shoes in the washer, first, determine whether your shoes are machine washable. Shoes made with materials like canvas, nylon, cotton, and polyester are usually safe to wash in a washing machine.
Before washing, remove the laces and insoles, and treat any spots or stains with a stain-removing spray. Place the shoes and laces in a mesh laundry bag for delicates, and add a few old towels to help balance the load.
Wash your shoes in a gentle, cold water cycle with a slow or no-spin setting. Do not use hot water or a regular hot wash cycle, and avoid machine drying them entirely. Instead, air dry them in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
How to wash shoes in washing machine without mesh bag?
If you need to wash your shoes in the washing machine without a mesh bag, there are a few steps you can follow to protect your shoes and the washing machine. First, remove the laces and scrub any loose dirt from the surface of the shoes using an old toothbrush and a larger, stiff-bristled brush.
For more stubborn dirt, hold the shoes beneath a running tap to remove excess debris and stains. Then, place the shoes and laces in a closed mesh bag or an old pillowcase to contain them and lessen the noise during the wash cycle. Add a few old towels to the load to further buffer the tumbling motion.
Set your washing machine on a cool delicate cycle with a slow or no-spin action, and use liquid detergent or laundry pods to avoid powder products sticking to your shoes. After the wash cycle is complete, remove your shoes and laces from the mesh bag or pillowcase and let them air dry.
Conclusion on How to Wash Shoes in Washing Machine
In conclusion, washing shoes in a washing machine can be a convenient way to clean them, but it’s important to consider the material of the shoes before washing them.
Shoes made of materials like canvas, nylon, cotton, and polyester are usually safe to wash in a washing machine, while leather, suede, rubber, and vinyl shoes should be hand-washed with a sponge and some gentle soap.
Before washing shoes in a washing machine, it’s important to check the care instructions for washing recommendations. It’s also recommended to remove the laces and soles and wash the shoes with something else, like a towel, to prevent them from bouncing around and causing damage to the washing machine.
Finally, it’s important to use a front-loader washing machine if possible, as they tend to be gentler than most top-loaders.
