Cleaning your shoes in the washing machine is easier and quicker to maintain your preferred sneakers in a neat and wearable condition. Are you wondering about the process? Use this guide as a step-by-step method to learn how to wash sneakers and other footwear so your family looks their best.
Which shoes are machine washable?
Footwear crafted from canvas, cotton, nylon, and polyester can generally be cleaned in a washing machine. These fabrics are tough and usually will not get ruined by washing powder. Learn what steps to take if your footwear or garments are stained with oil or grease. Always look at the cleaning guidelines for your shoes before you start washing them.
Some shoes are okay to wash in a machine, but many must be washed by hand or need special attention. Do not put shoes made from suede, leather, rubber, vinyl, or sports shoes featuring rubber or metal spikes in your washing machine.
If your shoes are made from a fragile fabric (like silk) or have decorations like beads, stitching, sequins, or other fancy details, it is best to take them to a professional who fixes and cleans shoes. This helps prevent any damage. Always check the cleaning instructions to confirm that your shoes can be safely washed in the machine.
How to wash sneakers in your washer
Cleaning your shoes in a washing machine is easy, but you need to get ready first. Before beginning, look at the washing and care guide for your shoes to ensure you can put them in the washer/dryer. Then, gather these tools and items:
Items you will need:
- A cloth or gentle scrubber, such as a used toothbrush
- A sponge
- Used towels
Things you will require:
- Liquid clothes soap
- Baking soda
- A netted laundry pouch
- Footwear cleaning product
Time estimate
Cleaning your shoes in the washing machine usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour on a gentle cycle. Remember, your shoes will need to be left out to dry completely, usually overnight.
Once you have got everything you need, follow these simple steps to wash your shoes. Always check the washing instructions for your shoes first.
- Start by taking out the insoles or laces from your shoes.
- Put the laces in a closed mesh laundry bag to wash them without getting them tangled inside the drum. If they’re really dirty, you might need to scrub them with some detergent and a soft brush.
- Unless the care label says otherwise, wash the insoles by hand. Washing them in the machine could make them very wet, and they might take a long time to dry. Put the insoles back in your shoes after they are dry.
- If there is a lot of mud or dirt on the soles, brush it off. For small, tight spots, you can use a toothbrush or toothpicks. To remove scuff marks, apply shoe cleaner with a cloth or brush, then wipe it off with a wet cloth.
- Put your shoes in a mesh laundry bag to stop them from banging around in the machine.
- Put the bag in the washing machine with some old towels to even out the load. Use old towels to avoid any dye transferring to your shoes.
- Choose a gentle, cold water cycle with little or no spinning. Use liquid soap or pods because powder soap might not dissolve well and get stuck in your shoes.
- After washing, take your shoes and laces out of the bags and leave them out to dry. Fill your shoes with clean cloths or paper towels to soak up water and maintain their shape while they dry. If you can, put them somewhere sunny to help them dry faster.
It might take a couple of days for your shoes to dry in the air. It is usually not a good idea to use a dryer because it could harm your shoes. However, if you have a drying rack for your dryer, you can use it in urgent situations.
This rack fits inside the dryer and does not move during the cycle. Wrap your shoes in old towels for protection, and use a gentle or no-heat setting on your dryer. Keep checking your shoes to make sure they are not getting hurt by the heat or movement.
Step 9. Putting everything back together When everything is dry, put the insoles back in your shoes and lace them up. Now you are ready to go out in your shoes that look as good as new.
How to wash sneakers without ruining them?
Washing your shoes without causing damage is straightforward if you follow these steps:
- Before starting, check your shoe’s care label to ensure they are suitable for washing. Remove laces and insoles if they’re washable.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to remove loose dirt from the outsole, midsole, and uppers.
- Mix warm water with a small amount of liquid laundry detergent or dish soap to create a mild cleaning solution.
- Clean the laces by hand with the mild solution, rinse, and then dry with a soft cloth.
- Use a brush or cloth to apply the cleaning solution to the soles, then dry them with a soft cloth.
- Gently brush the uppers with the solution and blot with a microfiber towel or soft cloth to remove as much moisture and dirt as possible.
- Let your shoes air dry at room temperature. Avoid direct heat or sunlight which can warp the shoes.
- If machine washing, place shoes in a mesh garment bag to protect them during the wash cycle.
- Use the shortest, gentlest cycle with cold water. Liquid detergent is preferable as powder may not dissolve properly.
- Add a few old towels to the washing machine to balance the load and provide cushioning for your shoes.
- If washing insoles, do so separately in a mesh bag. Pure foam insoles are usually machine washable, while others may require hand washing.
- If you must use a dryer, use a drying rack and set the dryer to a delicate or air fluff setting. Check frequently to ensure shoes are not damaged.
How to wash sneakers?
First, check the care instructions for your shoes to see if they can be washed in a machine. If they can, remove the laces and insoles and wash them separately. Then, put your machine-friendly shoes in a closed garment bag and wash them gently with cold water. After washing, let them air dry.
However, some shoes should only be brushed or washed by hand. These include:
- Leather
- Suede
- Vinyl
- Rubber
For fancier shoes with delicate materials like embroidery or sequins, it is best to take them to a shoe specialist or a repair shop to keep them looking great for special occasions.
What if my sneakers have mesh uppers?
If your sneakers have mesh uppers, you can still wash them in the washing machine, but you should take extra care to avoid damaging the delicate mesh fabric. Here is what you should do:
- Remove any excess dirt or debris from the mesh by gently brushing it with a soft brush.
- Place your mesh sneakers inside a mesh garment bag to prevent them from getting snagged or stretched during the wash cycle.
- Use a gentle, cold water cycle and a mild detergent to clean your shoes without harming the mesh.
- After washing, let your sneakers air dry. Do not use a dryer as the heat can damage the mesh material.
Some Questions
Can I wash my sneakers in a machine?
Yes, most sneakers can be washed in a machine. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and put them in a mesh bag.
What should I do before washing sneakers?
Remove laces and insoles, and brush off any loose dirt. Check the care label for specific instructions.
How do I dry my sneakers after washing?
Let them air dry. Do not put them in the dryer as it can damage them. Stuff them with paper to keep their shape.
Can I wash leather or suede sneakers in the machine?
No, leather and suede should be cleaned by hand or taken to a specialist.
What kind of detergent should I use?
Use a mild, enzyme-based laundry detergent. Avoid bleach unless they are white and very dirty.
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