To wash shoes in a washing machine safely and effectively, follow these expert steps:
- Check the Label
Confirm your shoes are machine washable by reading the care label. Avoid washing leather or suede shoes in the machine
- Prepare Your Shoes
- Remove the shoelaces and insoles (wash insoles separately by hand if possible)
* Brush off loose dirt and rinse off heavy mud or debris under running water
* Pretreat tough stains by rubbing a small amount of liquid detergent directly on them
- Protect Shoes and Washer
- Place shoes inside a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase to prevent damage and reduce noise
* Put a few old towels in the washer to balance the load and cushion the shoes
- Choose the Right Settings
- Use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold or cool water (around 30°C or below) to avoid damaging adhesives and colors
* Use liquid detergent or laundry pods; avoid powder detergent as it may not dissolve well inside shoes
* Select a slow or no-spin option if available to protect the shoes further
- Drying
- Remove shoes from the bag immediately after washing.
- Air dry shoes indoors or outside; avoid tumble drying as heat can damage glue and materials
* Let shoes dry completely, which may take overnight or longer.
- Washing Shoelaces
- Wash laces separately in a mesh bag or pillowcase in cold water or hand wash them
* Hang laces to air dry; do not put them in the dryer
By following these steps, you can safely clean canvas, cloth, or synthetic shoes in your washing machine while preserving their shape and integrity
