How to wash shoes in a machine?

When buying a new pair of shoes, we want to preserve their original appearance for as long as possible. But after some time, stains still appear on the shoes that cannot be removed with a regular napkin. You have to look for cleaning methods that will help restore the presentable appearance of your loved ones sneakers, boots, shoes or other types of footwear.

One such method is to wash items in a washing machine. The solution is simple and at the same time ingenious, but it is not suitable for all types of shoes. To figure out which models this method can be used for and how to machine wash them correctly, you just need to read this article. 

Washing shoes in a machine - pros and cons

Only those who don’t know how to do it correctly are afraid to put shoes in a machine. Naturally, the procedure may have negative consequences, but they can be avoided. In addition, even the oldest stains can be easily washed out in the washing machine.

After this cleaning method, many models look like new. But there are cases when washing your favorite pair can result in damage to the shoes, or even breakdown of the machine. Therefore, you must understand that responsibility for the final result falls entirely on your shoulders. We can only give some useful tips to help avoid negative consequences.

What types of shoes cannot be machine washed?

Before we reveal all the nuances of machine washing shoes, we will deal with models that cannot be cleaned in this way. This category includes products whose material cannot withstand the strong temperature and mechanical effects of the machine.

These are mainly leather and suede shoes. Leather products shrink after washing and completely lose their original appearance. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s sneakers or sandals – in any case, the consequences will be the same.

The same effect will occur after machine washing suede products. The material is even more susceptible to moisture than leather, so after cleaning using this method, the shoes can be safely thrown away.  Another prohibition against machine washing concerns damaged pairs. If you see any damage on their surface, then the procedure will finish them off completely.

We should also consider shoes with various decorations. Any patches, reflective stripes or rhinestones may come off or fade during washing. If such consequences do not suit you, then you should refrain from such cleaning.

Low-quality shoes are also not suitable for machine washing. Chinese models of dubious quality, held together with cheap adhesives, will completely fall apart after such treatment. After that, there is only one way waiting for them - the trash can.

All other shoes tolerate washing well without any damage. Sports shoes (sneakers, sneakers, etc.) can be cleaned best in a washing machine.

How to properly wash shoes in a machine?

If you want the wash to be successful and your shoes to be clean and smelling, here are some helpful tips to follow. Here are a few of them:

• carefully inspect the models before placing them in the machine - they should not be damaged or come off;
• take away all the insoles and laces - they are cleaned separately;
• clean the sole from stuck pieces of dirt, twigs and stones - they can get stuck in the machine;
• if possible, use special laundry bags - you can replace them with a pillowcase;
• put a maximum of 2 pairs into the drum - there are many cases where a large number of models broke glass;
• set your shoes to a delicate mode or a special program - the water temperature should not exceed 40 degrees;
• powder powder in the usual amount or use one capsule - this is enough to remove dirt;
• turn off the spin cycle - this will protect the machine bearings from damage due to increased vibration;
• Also turn off the drying function - it leads to deformation of shoe elements due to increased temperature.

After all the necessary steps have been completed, all that remains is to wait for the washing to finish, after which the shoes should be dried thoroughly. This process requires no less attention and has its own characteristics. If you want your favorite models not to lose their shape after washing and not to fade inside, consider a few nuances.

How to properly dry shoes after machine washing?

Drying shoes is no less important than washing. Neglecting this fact often leads to damage to the shoes, or even to unsticking. To avoid such consequences, you should pay attention to several important nuances:

• You cannot dry shoes at high temperatures (in a steam room, in the sun, on a radiator);
• before drying, you need to fill the inside with lumps of white paper;
• after drying, water-repellent impregnation should be applied to the shoes.

As for high temperatures, their effect on wet shoes is extremely negative. Under their influence, the shape of the product is deformed, and the seams come unglued. Room temperature is considered optimal for drying shoes.

Another important nuance is paper. It is this that absorbs excess moisture inside and gives them the necessary shape. The paper must be white, since colored paper may stain the inside. It can be changed periodically if it becomes completely wet.

An important condition for drying any shoes is the ability to ventilate the room. But shoes should not be exposed to direct sunlight. After complete drying, the shoes must be treated with a water-repellent aerosol.  It is sold in almost every store.

To summarize the article, it is worth noting that washing shoes in a machine is an excellent way to get your items in order and clean them of dirt. But this cleaning method has features, without knowing which you can harm your favorite sneakers, shoes or sandals. To avoid adverse consequences, you should follow the recommendations given in the article. Only in this way will the washing process give the desired result, and your pair of shoes will become clean and smelling.