How To Wash Shoes In Washing Machine (Easy Steps)

Washing your shoes in the machine is the easiest way to make them fit to wear after a dirty adventure. 

And maybe you realize you can actually do this! (Take it easy, but do it right. No need to strain your shoes or your gut.).

You might be wondering whether you can put your shoes in the washing machine without causing damage to them before you decide to throw your shoes in there and press ‘go’. 

Here is how to wash your shoes in the washing machine. 

Not all types of shoes are suitable for a washing machine.

Usually, manual cleaning is sufficient to remove most dirt from the shoes. 

However, in some cases, machine washing is permitted for strong materials such as canvas, nylon, cotton, or polyester. 

Shoes made of delicate materials such as leather or suede, or those embellished with complicated details, should be cleaned in other ways, or else they may be damaged.

If you take these tips into account as you clean your shoes, they’ll end up looking brand new!

Types of Shoes Suitable for Machine Washing

1. Canvas Shoes

Ordinarily, canvas shoes like sneakers and slip-ons can be machine-washed, especially their gentle cycle. 

Canvas shoes generally come out machine-washed looking fresh. You can learn more here: How To Clean Canvas Shoes?

2. Nylon and Polyester Shoes

Other types of shoes such as nylon and polyester are good options for machine washes as these materials are elastic and have a strong resistance to stretch and shrinkage.

3. Cotton Shoes

Some types of cotton shoes, such as casual sneakers, go in the machine but check the care labels just in case. You can learn more How to Clean Cloth Shoes White.

Always Check Care Instructions

This is very important before you start washing your shoes in a washing machine. You can ruin your shoe if you don’t read the instructions properly. Let’s know why

Protecting Shoe Integrity

It is necessary to read the care instructions before your machine washing your shoes.

Some shoes may have special instructions on how you can wash the shoes without damaging them.

Preserving Shoe Quality

If you pay attention to care instructions, then the quality of your shoes will remain longer and your shoes will look attractive.

Shoes Unsuitable for Machine Washing

1. Leather Shoes

Leather shoes shouldn’t be washed in the machine because water will damage the material. Also, the shoes will lose their shape due to the agitation.

Figure 2 – Leather Shoes are not machine washable

2. Suede Shoes

You cannot wash your suede shoes in a washing machine, since it has a fine fabric that can be destroyed by water and friction.

3. Delicate Embellishments

Shoes with very decorative embellishments such as sequins or beading should be hand-cleaned and not be run through a machine to avoid damaging them.

Step-by-Step Guide for How To Wash Shoes In Washing Machine

Preparation

If you’re getting yourself ready to wash shoes in the washing machine, you’ll want:

• Mesh garment bag: To protect your shoes in the wash cycle. 
• Liquid washing detergent: Find a gentle one to avoid damaging shoes. 
• Baking soda: To remove any odors. 
• Soft brush: to scrub them gently clean.

The process, between washing and air-drying, not to mention a drying process between each use, could amount to a couple of hours.

Not to scare you away, but after washing, your shoes need to be completely air-dried again – and that could take another 24 hours. 

So you should have a little free time before putting your feet back in the shoes!

Pre-Cleaning Steps

Before you put them in the washing machine, you would probably want to do a bit of pre-cleaning – to get rid of the surface dirt.

First, try unlacing the shoes and removing the insoles if you can. Then, brush off any loose dirt or mud with a soft brush or cloth. 

For tougher stains, use a mild soap or a specialized shoe cleaner to spot-clean those areas. When you’ve pre-cleaned your shoes, you can give them the washing machine treatment.

Recall Tip: Always pre-clean your shoes before machine washing to avoid damaging them and your machine.

It’s a simple step but you should always perform this step before cleaning your shoes with a washing machine. 

It will help you to clean your shoe effortlessly and help the longevity of your shoe. 

Cleaning the Soles

A person’s shoe shoes receive a lot of dirt and grime in the course of daily use. Therefore, you should pay extra attention to the soles. Clean the sole properly. 

Before beginning, use a soft brush or cloth to remove any loose dirt or grime from the soles. 

Any more embedded stains or dirt can be spot-cleaned with a little mild soap or a sole cleaner. 

Scrub the soles lightly with a cloth to remove excessive dirt. Machine washing goes easier and better if you first clean the soles.

It also stops any grime from spreading inside the machine and keeps it clean. 

With your soles cleaned up, your shoes will be ready for the washing machine for that all-round wash.

Using the Washing Machine 

If you’re ready to throw your shoes in the washing machine, you need to wash them right so your shoes won’t be damaged in the process.

Put your shoes in a mesh garment bag at first and throw that in with your clothes before the wash cycle. 

That way, they won’t fall or knock into your clothes too much and be ruined in the process.

Figure 4 – Using the Washing Machine to wash shoe

Then, put a bit of water-soluble and non-detergent liquid laundry detergent into the washing machine. 

You can use a normal amount but do not overdo the amount of laundry detergent, or you will find it hard to wash all the detergent out of your shoes. 

Set the washing machine to the lowest-speed wash with cold water. Hot water makes certain materials shrink or warp, and you can avoid it by using cold water.

I suggest you stay present and monitor the process. It takes just a minute, so you’ll be able to crash the cycle or stop it, just in case the thing does start to make some crazy sounds or do strange moves. 

When the cycle is over, pull out the shoes from the mesh bag and make sure they are totally dry before putting them back on.

It’s Time for Some Post-Washing Care 

When you’ve taken your shoes out of the washing machine, give them some post-wash are. 

Re-shape the heels and soles, especially if they got squashed in the wash. 

Stuff dry white paper towels or plain dry cloth into the insides of the shoes because it helps absorb moisture, and maintains the shape of the shoes as they dry.

Then, place the shoes in an airy place to dry. 

DO NOT use radiators and/or dryers, as these sources of heat will damage the materials of some shoes. Let them dry naturally at room temperature. 

Be ready to be patient, though, as air-drying the shoes can take up to a day – 24 hours to be exact. 

When the footwear has been dried, take out the paper towels or cloths and, if needed, re-lace the shoes. They are ready to be worn now.

Final Touches of How To Wash Shoes In Washing Machine

When you clean your different shoes, like sneakers, running shoes, or fancy ones, you must treat them accordingly. 

Shoes that are canvas or fabric can benefit from a light brushing with a soft brush to help fluff up the fabric a bit bring back a little softness, and remove some of the lingering grime in there.

If your shoes do have laces, you can either clean/change them to make your shoes look as good as new. laces can be cleaned/changed. 

In my observation, laces could be cleaned by soaking in a solution of mild detergent and water for 15 minutes before being scrubbed gently and then hung up to air-dry. 

However, you must change laces if they are worn or frayed.

At last, polish the outer soles of your shoes with the rag to remove any excess marks or dirt that might have stuck on during the drying process. 

And there you have it: your shoes are as good as new!

More Cleaning Tips and Practices

Taking Care of Different Shoe Types

Dealing with these different shoe kinds, you should wash your sneakers, your running shoes, and your high heels differently.

For instance, we can clean the rubber parts of our sneakers with a soft brush. 

When our running shoes are coated with thick mud, it’s really helpful to pre-soak them to wash them off more easily.

On the contrary, it is better not to be so hard for the case of black casual shoes when washing them so as not to ruin them.

Cleaning Your Shoes the Eco-Friendly Way

If you are an eco-warrior then you can clean your shoes with a homemade mixture of vinegar and baking soda. 

You can also air-dry your shoes in the magnificent Sun therefore killing two birds with one stone! 

Homemade Shoe Cleaning Ideas

There are several affordable options for washing your shoes at home.

A mixture of grease-cutting mild detergent in warm water is useful for fabric shoes. 

Sneakers have a habit of smelling. 

A handy paste of baking soda and water is a great way to get your shoes back to smelling as fresh as the day you bought them.

Keeping Your Shoes in Shape

You want to retain the shape and integrity of your shoes, especially when they’re delicate or specialized. 

In that case, a shoe tree will hold a shoe’s shape intact. Even for boots, stuffing the toes as they’re drying will help prevent creasing.

FAQs

Should I use cold water or hot water when cleaning shoes in a washing machine? 

If you wash your shoes in the washing machine, it is best to use cold water. Hot water may shrink certain materials or make the shoes look not quite right.

Cold water can do this, too – and eliminate most dirt and stains – without destroying the shoes. 

Always read the care label on your footwear as some materials might need more (or less) heat.

Can all types of shoes be washed in a washing machine?

In case it is not clear yet: check the care label of the shoes before washing them. 

Most sneakers, canvas, and fabric shoes can be washed in the machine. Those fancier or leather ones might require extra care. 

Should I remove the laces before washing my shoes?

Absolutely. Get rid of the laces and wash them separately. They have to be thoroughly cleaned.

What’s the best way to dry shoes after washing them?

The least safe is air-drying at room temperature.  But most importantly – and particularly relevant in a modern home – it’s helpful to know which common fabrics can withstand drying with the least damage.

Can I use regular laundry detergent to wash my shoes?

I recommend some mild liquid laundry detergent (not too much) for all. You will have difficulty rinsing when you use too much. 

How often should I wash my shoes in the washing machine?

Well, again, that depends a little bit on how you wear them and how dirty they get. 

But for most daily wear, washing them every few months should be fine.

Can I wash my shoes with other clothes in the same load?

You probably shouldn’t, as the shoes could ruin both other clothes and the washing machine.

What’s the best way to remove odors from shoes during washing?

You can get rid of odors with a little baking soda in the wash.

How can I prevent my shoes from getting damaged in the washing machine?

Putting them in a mesh garment bag and washing them on a gentle cycle with clothes can avoid washing machine damage.

What can you do instead with the shoes that cannot be washed in a washing machine? 

Shoes that can’t be machine-washed can be spot-cleaned using a soft brush and mild detergent, or using special shoe-cleaning products.

How can I prevent colors from bleeding during the shoe-washing process?

To prevent color bleed, wash the shoes with similar-colored items and use a color-catching laundry sheet.

 Can shoes with zips or appliqué be machine-washed?

I recommend washing by hand, as embellishments and glued-on parts may become loose while being washed. Under these circumstances, it is more reasonable if you hand-clean them.

Can I speed up the shoe drying process after washing?

While the safest option is air-drying, placing the shoes near a fan (or even using a shoe dryer) can greatly quicken the process, though extreme caution must be taken against heat damage.

Final Words 

Washing shoes in a washing machine can clean and remove odor. 

Through the right washing processes and post-washing care, you are enhancing the shoe’s integrity and longevity.   

The care label on the shoe is always your very best guide. 

Different shoe styles have different requirements. 

With the proper knowledge and attention, your shoes can remain looking great and feeling great for a significant period.

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