Washing your shoes in the washing machine can be a quick and easy way to get them clean, but it’s important to do it right to avoid damaging them. It can be a quick and easy way to get them clean and fresh again, but you need to do it right to avoid damaging your shoes or your machine.
In this article, we will show you how to wash shoes in a washing machine in simple steps, and what types of shoes are suitable for this method. We will also give you some tips on how to hand-wash your shoes if you prefer a gentler approach. Let’s get started!
How To Wash Shoes In a Washing Machine-Step By Step
Step 1: Gather the materials
Before you start washing your shoes, you will need the following materials:
- A washing machine
- A laundry bag or pillowcase
- A mild detergent
- Some old towels
- A brush or cloth
Make sure your washing machine has adequate area for your shoes and the towels. You will also need a sunny or well-ventilated area to dry your shoes after washing.
Step 2: Remove the laces and insoles
Remove your shoes’ insoles and laces as a first step. This will help you clean them better and prevent them from getting tangled or damaged in the machine. You can wash the laces and insoles separately in a mesh laundry bag or by hand in some warm, soapy water.
If your shoes have removable inserts or orthotics, you should also take them out and wash them by hand.
Step 3: Clean the soles
The next step of how to wash shoes in a washing machine is to clean the soles of your shoes with a brush or cloth and some mild detergent or stain remover. This will help you clean your items thoroughly and prevent them from getting stuck or destroyed in the machine.
Additionally, you can use a toothbrush to clean the soles’ ridges and crevices. Remove any remaining soap with water, and then pat them dry with a towel.
Step 4: Place your shoes in a laundry bag or pillowcase
To prevent damage and minimize the noise in the machine, put your shoes in a wash bag or pillowcase as the fourth step. You can use a zippered mesh bag or a cotton pillowcase with a knot at the end. Kindly ensure that the bag or pillowcase must have enough size to put your shoes in it.
Step 5: Gentle cycle of water
The fifth step is to gently cycle with cold or warm water to clean the footwear. You can also use a pinch of soap or any detergent. Avoid harmful things like bleach as it may damage the quality and color of your shoes. Avoid using high spin speeds or hot water as they can cause your shoes to shrink or deform.
Step 6: Air dry your shoes
The final step is to air dry your shoes after washing them by stuffing them with newspaper or rags to absorb moisture and odors. Place them in a high-temperature or well-ventilated room to make them dry completely before wearing them twice. To speed up the drying process, you can use a fan or a hairdryer on low heat.
Here we’ve completed all the steps of how to wash shoes in a washing machine.
Tips on how to hand-wash your shoes
If you prefer to hand-wash your shoes, you can follow these tips:
- Fill a bucket with hot water and put light soap in it.
- Soak your shoes in water and use a brush or towel to carefully clean them.
- Rinse them thoroughly with clean water and squeeze out any excess water.
- Wrap them in a towel and press down to remove more water.
- Air dries them as described above.
- Avoid washing shoes with other items that could damage them, such as sharp objects or heavy items.
- If your shoes have any metal parts, such as eyelets or zippers, make sure to close them before washing.
- If your shoes are still wet after air-drying, you can stuff them with newspaper to help absorb the moisture.
- Not all shoes are created equal, and some may not be safe to wash in the washing machine. Check the care tag on your shoes to see if they are machine-washable.
What kinds of shoes can be washed in a washing machine?
It’s important to note that not all shoe types can be washed in a washing machine. Some materials may be too delicate or sensitive to handle the agitation and heat of the machine. Here are some general guidelines on what types of shoes are safe and not safe for machine washing:
Safe
Shoes made of canvas, nylon, cotton, polyester, rubber, plastic, faux leather, or synthetic fabrics are usually safe for machine washing. These materials are durable and can withstand exposure to water and laundry detergent.
Not safe
Shoes made of leather, suede, nubuck, wool, silk, fur, cork, wood, metal, or embellished with beads, sequins, glitter, or embroidery are not safe for machine washing. These materials may be damaged, discolored, shrunk, warped, or detached by the machine.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here are some possible FAQs on how to clean shoes in the washing machine, based on the information from the search results:
Q: What cycle should I use to wash my shoes in the washing machine?
A: You should use a gentle or delicate cycle with low spin speed and cold or warm water to wash your shoes in the washing machine. This will help prevent damage to your shoes and your machine.
Q: How should I protect my shoes in the washing machine?
A: You should protect your shoes by placing them in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase before putting them in the washing machine. This will help reduce noise and prevent your shoes from banging around or getting snagged by other items in the load.
Q: How should I dry my shoes after washing them in the washing machine?
A: You should air dry your shoes after washing them in the washing machine by stuffing them with newspaper or rags to absorb moisture and odors. Avoid drying your shoes, as it can damage them and alter their shape. To ensure your shoes are fully dry before modeling them again, place them in a well-lit and well-ventilated room.
Conclusion
We’ve already discussed how to wash shoes in a washing machine to keep them clean and odor-free. You can clean your shoes and prolong their life by following the suggested instructions. Before machine washing shoes, always check the label and manufacturer’s recommendations for specific cleaning instructions.
You can take advantage of clean, refreshed shoes that are prepared for your upcoming excursion by taking the necessary precautions and paying attention.