Step-by-Step: How Do You Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine

Washing your shoes in a washing machine is a great way to save time. It also helps your back by avoiding the need to scrub your sneakers by hand. But, you should know that not all types of shoes can go in the washer. This guide will help you understand how to clean your shoes safely and well, starting from how to prep them to making them look sparkling clean.

Understanding Shoe Washing Basics

We really put our shoes to the test. Whether we’re running on the street or doing errands, our shoes get dirty and they can smell bad. Spot cleaning is quick, but a deeper clean is often needed.

This is why it’s important to know how to wash shoes. Understanding which types of shoes you can wash in the machine and how to prepare them is key. It can make sure your shoes come out fresh and clean instead of becoming a mess.

Why It’s Important to Wash Shoes Correctly

Washing your shoes in the right way is important. It helps keep their quality, look, and lasts longer. If you don’t clean them properly, you might face some problems.

First, not every shoe can handle the movement of a washing machine. If you don’t follow the care instructions, you could harm the shoe’s material and shape.

Second, if you dry them poorly or use high heat, it can make them shrink or warp. It can also lead to excess moisture, which lets bacteria and mildew grow. By taking the right steps, you can avoid these issues and keep your shoes looking great.

Types of Shoes That Can Be Washed in a Machine

Before you start tossing footwear into the washing machine, check the labels and familiarize yourself with which materials can tolerate a machine wash. Here’s a quick guide:

Machine-Washable:

Not Machine-Washable:

Preparing Your Shoes for the Washing Machine

Doing a little prep work will help your shoes look great after the wash.

First, check your shoes quickly. Use a soft brush to remove any loose dirt or debris. You should also spot-clean any stains. Use a mild stain remover or a paste made from baking soda and water for this.

Checking Manufacturer’s Instructions

Before you start, always check the care instructions from the manufacturer. You can usually find these on a tag inside the shoe or on the box. These guidelines give helpful tips on how to clean your shoes, what water temperature to use, and how to dry them.

Think of the care instructions as the terms of use for your shoes. Following them will help you avoid losing any warranties or, even worse, damaging your favorite pair of shoes.

If the manufacturer tells you not to use machine washing, it’s best to follow that advice and use other cleaning methods instead.

Removing Laces and Insoles

Once you have read the care instructions, it’s time to get your shoes ready for washing. This step is important to stop tangling and to ensure a good clean.

Start by taking out the laces from your shoes. Put them in a mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase to keep them safe and to stop them from tangling with other things in the wash. If the laces are very dirty, you can treat them with a stain remover or some laundry detergent first.

Then, take out the insoles. Depending on the material and what the manufacturer says, you can either wash them by hand or put them in the wash too, using the mesh bag or pillowcase.

Gathering Necessary Supplies

Now that you have your shoes ready, it’s time to collect the cleaning supplies. Having everything close by makes washing much easier.

You likely have most items in your laundry room. Get your favorite liquid detergent, some baking soda for more odor control, and a few old towels.

What You’ll Need

Here is a helpful list of supplies for washing shoes:

• Mesh laundry bag or old pillowcase: A mesh bag keeps your shoes safe in the washing machine. It stops them from moving around too much, which can harm both your shoes and the machine.
• Old towels: Putting in old towels helps balance the load. They also cushion the shoes while they tumble during washing.
• Liquid detergent: Liquid detergent works better in cold water. It dissolves easily and doesn’t leave a residue on your shoes like powder can.

Avoid using strong chemicals, bleach, or fabric softeners. They can damage the shoes or affect their breathability.

Choosing the Right Detergent

It may be easy to grab your regular laundry detergent, but you should pick one made for delicate fabrics and gentle cycles.

Powder detergents are good for regular laundry, but they can leave a residue on shoes if they don’t dissolve well in cold water. Liquid detergents, however, are less likely to leave any residue and do well in cold temperatures.

Choose detergents that are free from strong chemicals, dyes, and perfumes. These can hurt sensitive skin and damage some shoe materials.

Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Your Shoes

With your shoes ready and your supplies in hand, it’s time to clean them in the washing machine. Don’t worry; it’s really easy! Just follow these simple steps to make your shoes fresh and clean without hurting them.

Keep in mind that cleaning your shoes the right way will help them last longer and always look their best.

Step 1: Pre-treat Stains and Odors

Before you put the shoes in the machine, you should deal with any stains or smells. A little pre-treating can help a lot!

For tough stains, make a paste with baking soda and a bit of water or white vinegar. Gently rub the paste on the stain. Use a soft brush to work it into the fabric.

To get rid of odors, sprinkle some baking soda inside your shoes. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before you wash them.

Step 2: Secure Shoes in a Mesh Bag

Protect your shoes and washing machine from wear by using a mesh laundry bag. These bags, also called mesh garment bags, are easy to find in most supermarkets and department stores.

Put each shoe into its own laundry bag. Make sure they are zipped or tied shut. This keeps the shoes from hitting the sides of the washing machine drum during the delicate cycle.

If you don’t have a mesh laundry bag, you can use an old pillowcase. Just secure it with a rubber band or a knot before putting it in the wash.

Step 3: Selecting the Appropriate Wash Cycle

Choosing the right wash cycle is important for your shoes and your washing machine. Use a gentle cycle, also known as a delicate cycle. This will keep the shoes from moving around too much.

Set the water temperature to cold. Hot water can shrink some materials or make glue weaker, which can cause damage.

Don’t choose a wash cycle with high spin speed. The strong spins can change how your shoes look.

Step 4: Adding the Right Amount of Detergent

If you often wash full loads of laundry, you need to change how much detergent you use for cleaning shoes. When washing just one or two pairs of shoes and some towels, you will need much less detergent than normal.

Put a small amount of liquid detergent into the detergent dispenser. Follow the tips for a small load size. Don’t use too much detergent. Too many bubbles can be hard to rinse away and could leave muddiness on your shoes.

Close the detergent dispenser. Make sure the washing machine door is fully shut before moving to the next step.

Step 5: Starting the Washing Machine

Take a moment to check that you’ve chosen a gentle cycle, cold water, and a low spin speed (or no spin if your machine allows it). Once you’ve made sure about those choices, you can close the lid (or door, depending on your machine) and start the wash cycle!

Try not to use warm water. It could hurt some materials or glues in your shoes.

Now, you can sit back and let the washing machine do its work.

Drying Your Shoes Properly

When the wash cycle is done, take your shoes out of the mesh bag or pillowcase gently. Drying your shoes well is as important as washing them. It helps keep their shape and quality.

Do not use the dryer. The high heat can harm your shoes. Instead, choose to air dry them.

Air Drying vs. Machine Drying

While it may be easy to put your shoes in the dryer for a quick dry, we do not recommend this. The high heat from the dryer can damage shoe materials. This can cause them to shrink, warp, or break down the glue used in them.

The best way to dry your shoes after washing is to let them air dry. Place your shoes in a spot with good airflow. Let them dry naturally.

Please be patient! It can take a few hours up to a couple of days for your shoes to dry fully. This depends on the type of material and the conditions around them.

Tips for Speeding Up the Drying Process

Air drying is the easiest way to dry shoes. However, there are some tips you can use to make it faster:

• Stuff with newspaper: Crumpled newspaper soaks up moisture. Fill the toes and insides of your shoes with it to help get rid of extra water.
• Maximize airflow: Place your shoes in a nice, breezy area. Don’t put them in direct sunlight because it can fade their colors or make them weak.
• Use a fan: A fan can move air around and help them dry quicker. Set a fan nearby to make a soft breeze.

Conclusion

Washing your shoes the right way can help them last longer and stay clean. Start by treating any stains and using the right detergent. Make sure to air dry your shoes or set the machine to low heat to prevent damage. If you have questions or need more tips about shoe cleaning, feel free to contact us. Happy cleaning!

How Often Should I Wash My Shoes?

The number of times you should wash your shoes depends on a few things. This includes the types of shoes and how often you wear them. As a general rule, try to wash your shoes every 8 to 12 times you wear them. Also, do it when they start to look or smell dirty. Check the care instructions for any tips from the manufacturer. Use your best judgment if you are not sure!

What Should I Do If My Shoes Have Bad Odors?

To remove odors, you can sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes and leave it overnight. This helps soak up the smells. Another method is to mix white vinegar and water in equal amounts. Spray this mix inside the shoes and let them air dry. Cleaning your shoes regularly can also help stop odors from forming in the first place.

Can Washing Shoes Damage the Washing Machine?

Washing shoes in a washing machine is usually safe when done right. Always put your shoes in a mesh bag or pillowcase to catch any debris. Check the care instructions for both your shoes and your washing machine to avoid problems. It’s also a good idea to clean the washer drum regularly.

Tips for Maintaining Shoe Shape Post-Wash

To keep your shoes in good shape while drying, fill them with crumpled paper towels, rags, or socks. This helps support the shoes and soak up extra moisture. Following care instructions for drying will help preserve the shape of your shoes even more.

How to wash shoes in washing machine without mesh bag?

If you need a quick solution and don’t have a mesh bag, you can use an old pillowcase instead. Just put your shoes inside the pillowcase. Then, tie it tightly with a rubber band or a knot. After that, put it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.