Do your shoes look like they have been dragged through the mud? Are you tired of the mess and tired of having to clean them by hand? If so, you may be wondering if it’s possible to put your shoes in the washing machine.
Luckily, you are able to! But, only if you follow the suggested steps. This blog post will discuss what is needed to safely put your shoes in the washing machine. Read on to learn more about how best to tackle those dirty shoe issues and make that old pair of sneakers look like new again!
Can You Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine?
Yes, as we have touched on in the previous section, you are able to wash your shoes in the washing machine. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when doing so. These things we will explain in more detail below.
Which Shoes Are Machine Washable?
First things first when it comes to washing your shoes, it is important to consider the materials they are made from. Generally speaking, shoes made of canvas, nylon, cotton and polyester can safely be washed in a washing machine; however, those made with leather, suede, rubber or vinyl should not be placed in the washer.
Additionally, delicate shoes with embellishments like beading or sequins may require special care, such as visiting a shoe repair specialist for cleaning. Therefore before washing any type of footwear in the washer, always make sure to check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you do not accidentally damage your shoes.
With proper care and attention to detail when it comes to selecting a washing method for your shoes, you can keep them looking great for years to come!
A Step-by-Step Guide To Wash Shoes in Your Washing Machine
Washing your shoes in the washing machine isn't as simple as you may think, and there are a lot of steps that you must follow before even putting the shoes into your washer. Read on and follow these tips and tricks that come into play when washing your shoes in the machine.
Check the Tags
Before doing anything else, check the labels in your shoes. Sometimes, by looking at the laundry symbols, you will be able to get a bit of an insight into your shoes and how best to learn them. These labels might say something like “machine wash in cold water” or “Dry clean only” which will only help you to make the right decisions moving forward in the washing process.
Remove the Laces and Wash Them
Next, you need to deconstruct your shoes! Removing the laces will be easier for you than washing the laces separately. Additionally, to keep laces from becoming a tangled mess, they should be washed in a mesh garment bag that is securely closed to ensure that they don't wrap around any parts of the drum.
For particularly dirty laces, it's recommended to use a soft brush and laundry detergent to give the laces a deeper clean. This method of cleaning is especially effective for getting rid of dirt, stains, and bacteria that may have built up on the laces over time. It also helps maintain the durability and longevity of the laces as well as ensuring that they remain tangle-free.
Remove the Insoles and Wash the Insoles by Hand
After this, you then must remove the shoe insoles and hand wash them. Cleaning and caring for your insoles is important to ensure they last as long as possible and don't get ruined in the cleaning process.
If the care instructions read that your insoles are not machine washable, then you should hand wash them with a soft brush or rag and slightly soapy water. Once you have wiped them down, use a sponge to soak up any remaining moisture.
To deodorize and further clean the insoles, sprinkle (yes, you've guessed it!), baking soda over the surface and let it sit overnight. In the morning, you can brush off the excess power and place the insoles back into your shoes if they are completely dried.
Clean the Soles
The next step that comes with washing your shoes is washing your soles. To properly clean your shoes, begin by removing the excess mud and debris from the soles. This can be done using a soft brush or toothbrush to get into tight areas, followed by a toothpick to carefully remove any remaining debris and dirt.
Once the dirt is removed, you can also use a rag or soft brush with shoe cleaner to remove any scuff marks from the sole of the shoe. Gently rub the cleaner onto the scuffs, then wipe away with a damp cloth. This way, when you put your shoes in the washing machine, it can focus on the fabric of your shoes, and not on your soles!
Place the Shoes in a Mesh Garment Bag
It's recommended that your shoes are placed in a mesh bag in order to mitigate damage. Sometimes washing machines are rough with shoes, and in order to eliminate this, placing them in a safe, washable bag can protect them.
Additionally, it's said that you should add towels or other clothing items to balance the load. However, it's important to make sure that the towels or clothes added don't have dyes that will stain your newly cleaned shoes!
Wash Your Shoes With the Proper Detergent
When washing shoes, your machine should be set to a delicate, cold water cycle with a slow or no-spin option. To ensure that the detergent gets properly dissolved and doesn't get stuck in the shoes, it is best to use liquid detergent or laundry pods instead of powder detergent. Or, for the best results, you can use laundry detergent products from Tru Earth.
Tru Earths' eco-friendly laundry detergent strips are pre-measured and will dissolve and thoroughly clean in any type of water, cold or hot. Also, checking the care label on your shoes before starting the wash cycle is important. Tru Earth's laundry detergent strips are the perfect option for your shoes and the environment.
Using only the best ingredients, free of dyes, chlorine, and paraben, these strips effectively seek out and fight dirt molecules and hard-to-reach stains. Not only are they the best option for washing your shoes, but they are also the better option for washing your clothing and household items.
Air-Dry Your Shoes
After the wash cycle is finished, your shoes need to be left to air dry. To help in this process, use clean rags or paper towels to absorb the moisture and maintain their shape. It would be best to put them in an area with lots of sunlight, as this will speed up the drying time.
Remember not to place them in a dryer as this could cause damage due to heat and tumbling. However, if necessary, you can use a dryer rack inside the appliance drum. Wrap them with old towels for protection and set them on a delicate or air-fluff setting, frequently checking while they dry.
Do Shoes Shrink in the Washing Machine?
When washing shoes, it is important to always follow the care instructions, as we have stated in the first step of this guide. Generally, this means washing them on a cold and gentle cycle to prevent any damage or shrinking. Additionally, air drying the shoes overnight is advised as exposing them to high heat from the dryer can cause them to shrink and become damaged.
To ensure that your shoes stay in pristine condition, invest in a good quality shoe washing detergent, such as Tru Earth's detergent strips, and stick to a cold water cycle. If you must use a dryer, turn it on its lowest heat setting for only a short period of time so as not to damage your shoes irreparably. It is important to remember that hot water and the dryer can be too harsh for delicate fabrics such as leather or suede and may do more harm than good in the long run.
Can You Put Your Shoes in the Washing Machine With Your Clothes?
As we have touched on before, yes, you are able to place your shoes in the washing machine while washing other clothes. However, as always, it's important not to overload your washing machine or add too much detergent for an attempt at a “better” clean.
This will only cause damage to your shoes, clothes, and your washing machine as a whole.
