Cleaning shoes is a difficult process, especially when they are dirty or stubbornly stained. You can use your washing machine to get your shoes perfectly cleaned. Cleaning shoes requires some steps and precautions for the safety of the shoes and the washing machine.
Here are some tips on how to clean shoes in washing machine, such as how to clean white shoes in the washing machine and how to clean tennis shoes in washing machine. With these pieces of advice, rest assured that your shoes will look fresh when you put them out.
Table of Contents
Types of Shoes You Can Clean in a Washing Machine
The types of shoes that can be machine-washed are as follows:
- Fabric shoes: Athletic shoes, running shoes, or tennis shoes are made of fabric or mesh.
- Canvas shoes: Lightweight, soft, small canvas shoes are good for machine cleaning.
- White shoes: White shoes and boots can become antique again due to washing.
Do not machine-wash leather, suede, or delicate shoes. Doing so will damage these materials and cause them to lose their texture.
Preparing shoes before putting them in the washing machine
Before you put your shoes in the washer, take some time to prepare them to avoid damage and for the best results. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Clean off dirt and debris.
- Use a soft brush or cloth to remove loose dirt and debris from the surface and sole of the shoes.
- Stubborn mud can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth to remove excess dirt.
Step 2: Remove the laces and insoles:
- Remove the laces and insoles, as they can be washed separately and should be washed thoroughly.
- Wash the laces either in a mesh laundry bag or by hand.
- In the case of the insoles, they need to be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent, as they will lose their shape if machine-washed.
Step 3: Place in a Laundry Bag
- First, place your shoes inside a mesh laundry bag for the washing machine to prevent them from getting torn during the wash cycle.
- If you don’t have a laundry bag, you can use a pillow secured with a rubber band.
Step 4: Add padding;
- Add a few towels with the shoes to balance the washing machine and prevent noise.
- Do not overload the machine to ensure proper cleaning.
How to Clean Shoes in Washing Machine
Follow these steps for cleaning shoes well using a washing machine:
Step 1: Choose the Right Detergent
- Use a mild liquid detergent; avoid powdered detergent because it may leave residues on the shoes.
Step 2: Select the Appropriate Cycle
- Gentle or delicate cycle: Set the machine to run at this.
- This is because cold water helps prevent fading and shrinking of colors.
Step 3: Do not spin dry.
- Not appropriate for high spin cycles; they destroy the whole structure of your shoes.
- If possible, use low spin or no spin settings.
Step 4: Start the Wash
- Put the shoes in the washing machine bag along with towels.
- Pour a small amount of detergent into the washer to wash.
Drying Shoes After Washing
Proper drying ensures that shoes will not lose their shape and quality. Here’s how you do it:
Step 1: Air Dry
- Remove the shoes from the washing machine and remove the shoes from the laundry bag.
- Pack the shoes with towels or clean rags to absorb moisture and keep their shape.
- Leave the shoes in a well-ventilated area to air dry.
Step 2: Not Directly Heat
- No dryer at all, the heat deforms shoes and will ruin the bond of its parts.
- Avoid putting shoes under direct sunlight to prevent the fading color.
can you put shoes in dryer: The Safe Way to Do It
Benefits of Cleaning Shoes in a Washing Machine
Washing shoes in a washing machine has a lot of advantages.
- Saves Time: While hand-washing shoes can be tedious, a washing machine can do the work quickly.
- Deep Cleaning: Shoes get a deep clean inside the washing machine, especially shoes made of fabric like sneakers or tennis shoes.
- Convenience: This doesn’t require special tools or solutions; even household essentials work well.
How to Clean White Shoes in the Washing Machine
White shoes require a lot more care than their darker counterparts. Here’s how to clean white shoes in the washing machine:
- Treat stains with a mixture of baking soda and water before scrubbing with a toothbrush.
- Add a little extra oxygen bleach to the detergent to give it a little more whitening power.
- Use cold water and a delicate cycle to avoid yellowing.
How to Clean Tennis Shoes in Washing Machine
Tennis shoes are specifically designed for sports, which means they get dirty and sweaty. Here’s how to clean tennis shoes in washing machine:
- Use a few bristles to scrub away any mud and stuck-on dirt.
- Hand wash the insoles using soap and water; this will remove the odor.
- Place them in a mesh laundry bag and run a cycle on the delicate wash cycle of the machine.
- Dry them sufficiently considering ventilation to avoid any mold growth or odors.
Tips for Keeping Shoes Clean Longer
- Shield your shoes from stains by spraying them with a water-repelling spray.
- Wash dirt and stains as soon as they start to show up.
- Store shoes in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture from accumulating in them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Lack of Prepping: Dirt or insoles that are not cleaned properly will not give a clean result.
- Using Hot Water: Hot water would shrink or discolor any fabric shoes.
- Overloading the Machine: Putting too many items in the washing machine can make it not clean properly, and sometimes even damage the machine.
- Skipping Drying Steps: Odor and misshaped shoes can develop due to improper drying methods.
Learning how to clean shoes in the washing machine is easy and effective. You can use the steps above to clean white sneakers, tennis shoes, and any other type of shoe with a cloth without any hassle. Safety measures should be a top priority. Care will ensure that the shoes stay fresh for longer and avoid messes in washing machines.
