Knowing how to wash your shoes can be quite a challenge, especially when you consider the variety of styles you have knocking around. Since they’re worn when you’re out and about, mud, dirt, and rainwater are unfortunately inescapable.
Whether you’re a sneaker-head or a stiletto fanatic, it’s essential to know the facts before throwing your favorite pair into the drum. Washing machine systems can be very aggressive and could damage your much-loved shoes if you fail to practice due diligence.
Which Shoes Should Be Cleaned by Hand?
While many shoes can be cleaned in the washing machine, some styles require a more gentle approach. Those created using animal products are usually a big no-no, as well as those made from more fragile materials.
As a general rule, we recommend avoiding the machine when cleaning shoes made from:
Taking these styles to a professional cleaner is a much safer option and will often achieve much more effective results. Visit your local laundromat or dry cleaning service to determine which method will work best for your specific needs.
Can I Wash My Shoes in the Washing Machine?
If you’re hoping to achieve a quick wash by cleaning your everyday shoes in the household machine, you’re in luck! While some styles are simply out of bounds for machine washing, most footwear styles can be refreshed up with a ride in the washer.
Trainers and children’s shoes are easily cleaned in the washing machine, as they’re usually made with easy-wash materials such as cotton, nylon and polyester. These fabrics are much more hardwearing and recover well from a vigorous machine wash, even after being drenched in mud or soaked in rainwater.
So how do you ensure a safe and effective machine wash for your shoes? Simply follow this method.
How to Wash Your Shoes in a Washing Machine
Step 1: Read the Label
The most crucial step of all is reading the washing instructions that come with your shoes. Usually imprinted onto the interior, these simple yet effective guides can make or break the results of your wash.
If your shoes can’t be machine washed, using a damp cloth and warm water can be a great alternative while you mull over investing in a professional laundry service.
Step 2: Prepare Your Shoes
To prepare your shoes for the washing machine, take a cloth or even an old toothbrush and scrub away any loose dirt from their surface. Make sure to pay close attention to smaller spaces, including between the eyelets and in the grooves of the sole. For more stubborn chunks of dirt, run your shoes under a warm tap and watch the dirt melt away.
Remember to remove your laces, too! And add these into the drum separately—preferably in a mesh laundry bag or sock to keep them from getting stuck in the drum.
Step 3: Begin Washing
To start washing your shoes, it’s important to key in the right settings on your washing machine. Rather than opting for the hottest option possible, set the temperature to cold to avoid shrinking or color fading.
Use one cap of your usual detergent, ideally one that’s designed for preserving colors.
Step 4: Air Dry
Air drying shoes is a must if you want to avoid dropping a size or carrying any nasty odors. Hang your shoes up to dry outside, or if it’s raining, dangle over a drying rack and wait. Giving your shoes plenty of time to dry is critical for the freshest smelling results.
So, that’s everything you need to know about machine washing your shoes. If you’re unsure of how your household machine will cope, why not pay a visit to your local laundromat instead?
At WaveMAX Laundry, we’re equipped with world-class machinery and top-notch advice from our cleaning professionals. Stop by today, or schedule a pick-up on our website to get your shoes looking brand new.
