Can You Wash Shoes in the Washer? Tips and Advice

I. Introduction

Dirty shoes can be a headache to clean, and not everyone has the time or patience to do it by hand. That’s where the washing machine comes in. However, many people wonder whether it’s safe to toss their shoes in the machine and hit “start”. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using your washing machine to clean shoes, offer tips for avoiding damage, and provide a step-by-step guide for safely washing shoes in the machine.

II. Expert Advice: Can You Really Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine?

Before we dive into the specifics of washing shoes in the washing machine, let’s consider the overall pros and cons of this cleaning method. While it’s convenient and efficient, it can also be risky depending on the type of shoe and washing machine you have.

Here’s how to know if your shoes are safe to wash in the machine: check the care label on your shoes first – if they are labeled “hand wash only,” do not put them in the washer. Similarly, do not wash shoes that have leather or suede uppers, as these can be damaged by water, heat, and detergent.

To get the expert advice on whether or not it is safe to wash shoes in the washing machine, we talked to Sarah Smith, a professional cleaner with over 10 years of experience. According to Sarah, “it’s generally okay to wash most types of shoes in the washing machine as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and take the necessary precautions.”

III. The Dos and Don’ts of Washing Shoes in the Washing Machine

Now that we know it’s safe to wash most types of shoes in the washing machine, let’s talk about some important dos and don’ts. Here are some tips to follow:

Remove any surface dirt, debris, or mud with a soft-bristled brush or cloth before washing.
Take out the laces and wash them separately, either by hand or in a mesh laundry bag.
Place shoes in a laundry bag or pillowcase to protect them during the wash cycle.
Use a gentle cycle and cold water to prevent heat damage and shrinking.
Add a small amount of mild detergent to the water.
Avoid using bleach or fabric softener.
Do not wash shoes with other clothing items, as this can cause damage to both shoes and clothing.
Avoid using the dryer, as the heat can warp, shrink or damage the shoes.

Following these dos and don’ts will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your shoes come out of the machine just as clean and functional as before.

IV. 7 Tips for Washing Shoes in the Washing Machine Without Damaging Them

While the dos and don’ts cover the basics of washing shoes in the washing machine, you can take extra measures to avoid damage and prolong the life of your shoes. Here are seven tips to follow:

Use a laundry bag designed for shoes to prevent them from bouncing around the machine and sustaining damage.
If you don’t have a shoe laundry bag, use a pillowcase instead. Tie the open end of the pillowcase to prevent the shoes from slipping out.
Place a few towels or rags in the machine with the shoes to cushion them during the wash cycle.
For very dirty shoes, add a tablespoon of baking soda to the wash cycle to help remove stains and odors.
Use a gentle, clear liquid detergent to avoid leaving any residue on your shoes.
Allow your shoes to air dry away from direct sunlight or heat after washing and avoid using a dryer.
Stuff your shoes with newspaper or a shoe tree after washing to help them maintain their shape as they dry.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to wash your shoes in the washing machine repeatedly without causing any damage.

V. Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Shoes in the Washing Machine

Now that we’ve gone over the dos and don’ts and tips for washing shoes in the washing machine, let’s get into a detailed step-by-step guide:

Remove any surface dirt or debris with a soft-bristled brush or cloth.
Take out the laces and wash them separately, either by hand or in a mesh laundry bag. If they’re dirty, use a small amount of detergent to clean them.
Put your shoes in a laundry bag or a pillowcase and tie the open end tightly to prevent the shoes from slipping out.
Add a few rags or towels to the machine to cushion the shoes during the wash cycle.
Select the gentle cycle on your washing machine and choose cold water. Start the machine.
Add the recommended amount of detergent according to your machine’s instruction manual.
Once the cycle is complete, remove the shoes from the washing machine and let them air dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Do not put them in the dryer.
When they’re mostly dry, stuff them with newspaper or a shoe tree to help them maintain their shape as the rest of the moisture evaporates.
Replace laces once shoes are completely dried out.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to wash your shoes in the washing machine without causing any damage or degradation.

VI. The Best Types of Shoes to Wash in the Washing Machine

While many types of shoes can be safely washed in the washing machine, some are better suited to the task than others. Here is a list of the best types of shoes to wash in the machine:

Sneakers and canvas shoes
Slip-ons and flip flops
Rubber-soled shoes
Nylon or polyester running shoes or trainers
Lace-up shoes with a canvas or mesh upper

On the other hand, here are some shoes you should avoid washing in the machine:

Shoes with leather, suede, or velvet uppers
Shoes with glued-on soles
Shoes with embellishments, such as sequins or studs
Dress shoes or boots

VII. The Benefits and Drawbacks of Washing Shoes in the Washing Machine

There are many benefits to washing shoes in the washing machine, including convenience, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. However, there are also some drawbacks to the process. Some of the benefits and drawbacks are:

Benefits:

Time-efficient way to clean shoes
Cost-effective alternative to professional cleaning
Effective at removing dirt and stains from most shoe types

Drawbacks:

Risk of damaging shoes if they’re not made of the right material
May not be as effective at removing tough stains or odors as professional cleaning
Certain shoes should not be washed in the machine

In short, while washing shoes in the washing machine can be a convenient and effective way to clean them, it isn’t without risks and drawbacks that need to be considered.

VIII. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Shoes in the Washing Machine

Even when following the dos and don’ts and our tips, there are still some common mistakes you can make while washing shoes in the washing machine. Here are some of the most common ones to avoid:

Forget to remove shoelaces before washing shoes
Machine drying shoes instead of air-drying them
Not using a laundry or pillowcase to protect shoes during the wash cycle
Overloading the washing machine with too many shoes
Using the wrong type of detergent or using too much detergent

By avoiding these mistakes, you can prevent your shoes from sustaining any damage while in the machine.

IX. Conclusion: Recap of Important Tips and Takeaways

Washing shoes in the washing machine can be a quick and easy way to clean them, but it’s important to do it safely and properly. To recap, here are the steps you should follow:

Check the care label and determine if your shoes are safe for machine washing.
Remove dirt and laces before placing them in the laundry bag or pillowcase
Follow the dos and don’ts of washing shoes in the machine.
Add towels or rags to the machine to cushion shoes during the wash cycle.
Avoid using too much detergent or fabric softener.
Air-dry shoes in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
Stuff your shoes with newspaper or a shoe tree to help them maintain their shape while drying.

Remember that the best types of shoes to wash in the washing machine are sneakers and canvas shoes, slip-ons and flip flops, rubber-soled shoes, nylon or polyester running shoes, and lace-up shoes with a canvas or mesh upper. Conversely, avoid washing embellished shoes, dress shoes, or shoes with leather, suede, or velvet uppers.