Instructions on how to wash shoes in a washing machine safely and effectively

If you often face stubborn stains on your favorite shoes and don't have much time to wash them by hand, using a washing machine can be the perfect solution. However, not all types of shoes can be washed in a washing machine, and the wrong washing process can ruin the shape or reduce the life of the shoes. In the article below, Shondo will guide you on how to wash shoes in a washing machine effectively, safely and simply at home!

1. What kind of shoes can be washed in the washing machine?

Before using a washing machine to wash your shoes, you need to determine whether your shoes can be washed this way or not. Here are some types of shoes that you can safely wash in a washing machine:

• Sports shoes: Most sports shoes are made from canvas, nylon, polyester, etc. which are durable and water resistant, so they can be machine washed.
• Canvas Shoes: Similar to sneakers, canvas shoes can also be cleaned in the washing machine.

However, you should absolutely avoid washing the following types of shoes in the washing machine:

• Genuine leather shoes: Machine washing can cause the leather to peel, crack, and lose its shape.
• Faux leather shoes: Depending on the material and manufacturing technology, some types of faux leather shoes can be machine washed on a gentle cycle. However, to ensure safety, you should carefully consult the manufacturer's instructions or choose the hand washing method.
• Shoes with sequins, beads, and stones: These decorative details are easily peeled off and damaged when machine washed.
• Shoes made from fabrics that are prone to pilling and fading: For example, satin, silk,...

[caption id="attachment_5609" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Machine washable fabric shoes[/caption]

How to identify shoe material?

• Check the label: The label often provides information about the material and how to clean the shoe.
• Observation and feeling: Genuine leather shoes often have a characteristic smell, the leather surface has natural grain lines, is soft, and has good elasticity. Meanwhile, imitation leather shoes often have an even surface color, few grain lines, and when pressed, do not feel elastic like real leather.

2. Detailed instructions on how to wash shoes in a washing machine

Although it is easy to wash shoes in the washing machine, if not done properly, shoes can quickly become worn, worn out or even damaged. To keep your shoes looking good, refer to the instructions below for washing shoes in the washing machine properly:

2.1. Step 1: Clean shoes before putting them in the washing machine

Careful preparation will help the process of washing shoes in the washing machine go smoothly and achieve the best results:

• Remove dirt: Use a soft bristle brush or damp cloth to remove dirt from the shoe surface, especially in the grooves and crevices.
• Clean the sole of the shoe thoroughly: The sole of the shoe is in direct contact with the ground and is often covered with dirt, sand, and gravel. You can use an old brush to scrub the sole of the shoe under running water.
• Remove the laces and insoles: You can wash the laces and insoles separately from the shoes, but it's best to hand wash them with mild soap.

[caption id="attachment_5610" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Unlace your shoes[/caption]

2.2. Step 2: Put the shoes in the washing machine

• Put your shoes in a laundry bag or pillowcase: This will help protect your shoes from strong impacts during the washing process, and also avoid damaging the washing machine. You can add a few towels to reduce friction.
• Choose the right wash cycle: Use a gentle, hand-wash or sportswear cycle (if available) with cold water (water temperature below 30 degrees Celsius to avoid fading shoes) and a strong rinse cycle to completely remove soap.
• Spin mode: Choose a gentle spin mode or skip the spin step to avoid deforming the shoes.

[caption id="attachment_5611" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Put shoes in laundry bag[/caption]

2.3. Step 3: Dry shoes properly

• Dry shoes in a cool place: Avoid drying shoes directly in sunlight as this can cause the shoes to fade, become brittle, and crack.
• Keep the shape of the shoes: You can stuff newspaper inside the shoes to help them dry faster and keep their original shape.

[caption id="attachment_5612" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Dry shoes in a cool place[/caption]

3. Notes when washing shoes with washing machine

When washing shoes in a washing machine, you need to note the following to ensure your shoes are clean without being damaged:

• Check shoe material before washing

Not all shoes are machine washable. Fabric shoes like canvas and mesh are usually fine, while leather, suede, or shoes with lots of glued details are more likely to be damaged.

• Remove shoe laces and insoles before washing.

Insoles and laces should be washed separately for a more thorough cleaning. You can soak the laces in soapy water before putting them in the washing machine.

• Use laundry bags to protect shoes

Put shoes in a laundry bag or pillowcase to limit strong impacts, avoiding damage to shoes and washing machine.

• Use gentle cycle, cold water

Choose a delicate/gentle wash cycle and use cold water to avoid losing the shoe's shape or loosening the glue.

• Do not use strong detergents

Use only mild soap or detergent that does not contain harsh detergents to avoid fading or damaging the shoe material.

• Do not wash with old towels or clothes.

To reduce the impact of shoes on the washing machine drum, add a few towels or old clothes when washing.

• Do not dry shoes with a clothes dryer

Heat from the dryer can cause your shoes to shrink or deform. Dry your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their durability.

Following the above notes will help you wash shoes in the washing machine safely and effectively, keeping your shoes clean and beautiful without being damaged quickly.

>>> See more: Top 6 effective ways to wash shoes with baking soda at home.

4. Related questions

4.1. Should I wash my shoes in the washing machine regularly?

Although washing shoes in a washing machine is quite convenient, you should not abuse this method. Washing shoes in a washing machine too often, especially on a strong mode, can reduce the life of the shoes, causing them to wear out faster. Ideally, you should only wash shoes in a washing machine a maximum of 1-2 times/month. For shoes that are rarely used or made of fragile materials, you should prioritize hand washing for better preservation.

4.2. What should I do if my shoes fade after washing in the washing machine?

When shoes fade after washing in the washing machine, there are a few ways you can fix it:

• Use shoe dye: If your shoes are badly discolored, you can use a specialized shoe dye to restore their original color. Choose a dye that matches the original color of your shoes and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Use shoe paint: For small fades, you can use a pen or shoe paint to touch up the faded areas. This is a quick solution for shoes with small or noticeable fades.
• Use shoe conditioner: Some shoe conditioners not only help to refresh the color but also protect the shoes from environmental influences. Choose a conditioner that matches the color of the shoe to even out the color.
• Drying shoes properly: After washing, do not dry shoes directly under sunlight, because strong sunlight can cause the color of the shoes to fade faster. Instead, dry them in a cool, shady place.

If the problem is more serious, you may consider taking your shoes to a shoe care or maintenance store for professional treatment.

[caption id="attachment_5614" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Repaint shoes[/caption]

4.3. What kind of washing machine is good for washing shoes?

Most washing machines today can be used to wash shoes. However, to ensure shoe safety and optimal cleaning efficiency, you should prioritize the following types of washing machines:

• Front-loading washing machines: Front-loading washing machines typically have a gentler wash cycle than top-loading washing machines, which helps protect shoes better.
• Washing machine with gentle wash mode, sportswear wash mode: This washing mode uses slow spin speed, gentle spin force, suitable for washing clothes and shoes made from fragile, easily damaged materials.

5. Conclusion

Washing shoes in a washing machine is a convenient and effective solution, helping you save time and effort in cleaning shoes. However, not all shoes can be machine washed, you need to pay attention to choosing the right type of shoes, follow the instructions correctly and apply some of the tips shared in the article. Hopefully the useful information above will help you be more confident in caring for and preserving shoes, keeping them clean, beautiful, durable as new!