How to wash shoes in the washing machine? A practical step-by-step guide

When you buy comfortable shoes that have caught your eye with their design, you want them to serve you for as long as possible. Unfortunately, they naturally get dirty during use. Mud, dust and sand are deposited on their surface. Sometimes spots appear due to contact with grass or leaves. Removal of dirt is not only a matter of taking care of the aesthetic value of sneakers, sneakers or flip-flops, it is also the basis of their care. Washing shoes in a washing machine is growing in popularity, as evidenced, for example, by special detergents developed for this purpose. Unfortunately, not every shoe tolerates this procedure well. We suggest how to wash shoes in the washing machine, so that they delight with impeccable appearance and retain their functional qualities!

Table of Contents:

• Can shoes be washed in the washing machine?
• How to wash shoes in the washing machine so as not to destroy them?
• Stains on shoes after washing - how to avoid them?
• What shoes cannot be washed in the washing machine?

Can shoes be washed in the washing machine?

Your favorites ladies' sneakers are no longer white, but yellowed? It is very difficult to get rid of some stains with a damp sponge and cloth, because they have penetrated deep into the fibers. Fortunately, this can be remedied using simple methods. However, you need to make sure beforehand whether the shoes can be washed in a washing machine - each model has different characteristics, so read the manufacturer's information on shoe care. By being mindful, you will avoid damaging your favorite shoes.

Washing shoes in a washing machine is generally possible when it comes to:

• ladies' sneakers, which are made of cotton and do not contain glued elements,
• women's sneakers made of mesh or synthetic fabrics stand up well to contact with water and detergents,
• ladies' flip-flops, if they are made of synthetic materials without glue, you can also throw them in the washing machine without worry,
• slippers, which are sewn rather than glued and consist of natural or synthetic fabrics, it is worthwhile to refresh from time to time in the washing machine.

No matter what kind of footwear you're dealing with, check the manufacturer's recommendations. Sometimes it seems that since the shoes are not glued and sewn from cotton, there is nothing to prevent you from putting them in the washing machine and thus recover their former color. However, the manufacturer advises against this form of care due to the special design features. Remember to follow his recommendations, because if damaged due to improper maintenance, the shoes are not subject to claims.

How to wash shoes in the washing machine so as not to destroy them?

Washing shoes in the washing machine is not complicated, but do not throw them into the drum right away, as this can damage the shoes. You must prepare your favorite tennis shoes, sneakers, flip-flops or slippers properly in advance. Don't skip any step, as this can result in under-cleaning your shoes or damaging them, or in extreme cases even damaging your washing machine. To avoid unforeseen expenses and refresh your footwear, use the following tips.

• get rid of larger dirt from shoes, using a brush for this purpose. Pre-cleaning is very important, as mud, soil and grass residue can cause stains on shoes. Remove dirt not only from the top of shoes, but also from their soles. Small stones and sand particles look harmless, but in reality they can damage the washing machine, generating additional repair costs or the purchase of new equipment,
• before your favorite sneakers and sneakers go into the washing machine, give them a thorough refresh. To do this, remove the shoelaces so that the detergent water reaches the holes of the laces. The insoles should also be pulled out of the shoes and washed separately.

On what program to wash shoes?

You don't know how to wash shoes because you've never done it? First of all, find the label, box or attached leaflet on which the manufacturer has described in detail the care of a particular shoe. Remember that two similar pairs of shoes may require completely different approaches. E.g. some mesh sneakers are allowed to be washed in the washing machine, while others are not, because they have a different construction that can be damaged.

On what program to wash shoes? If you have a modern model of washing machine, probably the manufacturer has provided a mode for washing shoes, which you just need to choose from the many options available. When, on the other hand, you are using an older appliance, opt for gentle washing at temperatures not exceeding 30-40 degrees Celsius. The maximum allowable centrifuge speed for footwear takes the value of 800. Washing should not take more than 30-40 minutes. After all, shoes are not served by long soaking.

In how many degrees to wash shoes? Check the safe temperature

You're probably wondering at what temperature to wash your shoes so that when you take them out of the washing machine they retain their aesthetic and functional qualities. Each material is different, making it react differently. You will reduce the risk of irreversible damage to your footwear if you read the manufacturer's recommendations before each wash.

In how many degrees to wash shoes, if you can't get information from the most reliable source, which is the label or leaflet attached to the box of shoes? It is assumed that it should not exceed 40 degrees Celsius. For safety, it is best to stick to 30 degrees Celsius, which reduces the risk of damaging the material and leaching the dye out of it.

In what to wash shoes in the washing machine so as not to destroy them?

Detail matters especially in shoe care. Overlooking a trifle can incur the cost of buying a new pair of sneakers or sneakers. In what to wash shoes in the washing machine? Use a mild detergent or special liquid for washing shoes. It is recommended to put the shoes in a laundry bag. Don't have one on hand? Nothing lost! Just put them in a vegetable bag, pillowcase, etc. To prevent shoes from rubbing too much against the drum, which increases the risk of mechanical damage, throw an old blanket or towel into the washing machine.

Remember to remove the shoes from the device at the end and let them dry naturally. Shoes must not be placed next to a radiator or on a windowsill that receives sunlight. This puts them at risk of serious damage.

Stains on shoes after washing - how to avoid them?

Many people complain about stains on shoes after washing, which look unsightly. They can be avoided by carrying out the cleaning process correctly. First of all, do not skip the initial removal of contaminants. You will get rid of the remains of soil, mud or sand by reaching for a special shoe brush. Don't forget the soles, in whose crevices dirt often accumulates. Then wipe the shoes with a clean, damp cloth. Remove the laces and insoles from it. If you are washing several pairs of shoes, make sure they are the same color or similar. Otherwise, darker ones can taint lighter ones. In addition, thoroughly clean each pair, as residual dirt can cause streaks on the other shoes. Pour a special liquid for washing shoes into the washing machine, set a low temperature and centrifuge speed not exceeding 800. Finally, once the shoes have dried naturally away from the radiator and sun, apply a waterproofing treatment that protects against moisture and dirt.

If you carefully carry out the above procedure, stains on shoes after washing should not appear. Wash your shoes in a vegetable bag or pillowcase? Ensure that the cover is clean and not dyed. Otherwise it can contribute to stains on sneakers, sneakers or slippers.

What shoes cannot be washed in the washing machine?

Washing shoes in the washing machine has become a fairly common practice, especially since today many devices are equipped with a special program that helps restore the freshness of footwear. However, it is worth exercising caution and checking whether the manufacturer provides for this form of care to avoid unpleasant surprises. There are also such shoes that, by design, do not wash in the washing machine. If you have to deal with the following footwear, do not use this method!

• Natural leather shoes badly tolerate contact with water and detergents. By throwing them in the washing machine, you risk damaging them. Natural leather is an extremely noble material that is demanding to care for. Under the influence of water and high temperatures, it shrinks and deforms, so clean and maintain it with special preparations available in shoe stores.
• Suede shoes are distinguished by their distinctive texture, making them extremely soft and comfortable to wear. As they are not served by rain and moisture, appropriate waterproofing agents are used. It also explains why they must not be washed in the washing machine if you want to enjoy their specific texture.
• Shoes decorated beads, studs, zircons, buckles, lace or appliqués look very impressive. They allow you to stand out from the crowd, as they catch the eye with their original design. Unfortunately, laundering can contribute to a situation where decorative elements fall off or become damaged. Therefore, clean them using another safe method.
• Heeled shoes are usually made of leather, which in itself precludes machine washing. On top of that, there is the risk of damage to the heel - its detachment or breakage.
• Bonded shoes they can become disintegrated during washing, so choose a different cleaning method for them. Put only sewn shoes into the washing machine.