Did you know that you can easily wash your shoes in the washing machine? This is especially true if the shoes are made from natural or synthetic leather and will not be harmed by water.
If you have a pair of shoes that’s grimy from daily wear, or something you’re ready to discard, this simple guide will show you how to wash your shoes.
Washing shoes in the washing machine is much easier than most people think!
Even though it’s possible to clean sneakers and boots in an ordinary washing machine, we do not recommend doing so unless they are particularly dirty or old. To clean your shoes at home, follow these simple steps.
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How to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine
This guide should be used when cleaning all types of shoes, including sneakers, work boots and dress shoes. You can wash most types of shoes in the washing machine, though you’ll need to check that the soles are suitable for machine washing.
If your shoes have particularly thick soles or lots of stitching, it may be a good idea to take them to a shoe repair shop and have them professionally cleaned. And yes, shoe repair shops offer cleaning solutions for special shoe types.
If you’re cleaning high-end leather shoes, use a special cleaner, such as a leather conditioner.
This will help to keep the leather soft and will prevent the leather from drying out in the washer. If your shoes are particularly dirty, you may also want to soak them in a mixture of warm water and mild soap before washing.
This helps loosen any ground-in dirt and will make the washing process much easier. Finally, check that your shoes fit your washing machine.
Most machines are large enough to wash sneakers, but not all are big enough to fit larger boots. If in doubt, measure your machine before you start the wash.
What You’ll Need
- – Shoe cleaner – This helps break down dirt, stains, and oils and removes odors.
- Shoe brush – This will help you remove any stubborn dirt and grime from the soles and inside the shoes.
- Washing machine – Make sure your machine has enough room to fit your shoes. – Water – Warm water is best for leather shoes.
- Shoe bag or pillowcase – You’ll want to protect the rest of your clothes from excess water and dirt.
- – Hangers – You’ll want to lay your shoes out on a drying rack to keep their shape.
Step 1: Shake Out the Dust
Remove any loose dirt from the shoes with a brush and then shake them out to remove dust and other small particles.
You’ll want to do this before you put the shoes into a washing machine so that loose dirt doesn’t go straight into the washing machine.
You can then add the brush to the washing machine to help remove some of the dirt that may become trapped during washing.
Step 2: Add Shoe Detergent
Before you begin washing your shoes, add a small amount of shoe cleaner to the washing machine to break down any oils and stains that may be stuck in the shoes.
Be careful not to add too much, as this could make your shoes too soapy. You should only use about one tablespoon of cleaner for each shoe.
Then, add warm water to the machine and allow it to mix thoroughly with the soap. After this, add your shoes to the washing machine.
Washing machines are designed to clean clothes, so you can safely wash your shoes with your other clothes.
Just make sure that your shoes are at the bottom of the machine so that they don’t get caught in the agitator.
Step 3: Rinse and Drip Dry
Allow the shoes to wash for about five minutes and then pause the machine.
Wipe out any excess soap with a sponge and then add warm water to rinse out the soap completely.
You can choose the “Spin” setting to spin the shoes out without adding any more soap.
Once the shoes have finished rinsing, add them to a shoe bag or pillowcase and place them on a drying rack to drip dry.
Make sure you don’t put your shoes in the dryer, as this will damage the soles and could cause the leather to shrink.
Drying your shoes in the sun is another great option, as the UV rays will kill bacteria.
Conclusion
Shoes are an essential part of everyday life, but they can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and germs if you don’t clean them regularly.
Washing your shoes in the washing machine is an easy and efficient way to remove any dirt or stains. Washing shoes in the washing machine once every couple of months is a great way to keep your shoes looking and smelling like new.
Just remember to clean and dry them before storing them in the closet to prevent any mould or damage.
