Our shoes take a lot of dirt from the streets, sweat from long walks mainly winters, and the occasional accidental spill on your favourite pairs. Over time, they start to look worn and smell a little funky and unbearable. If you’re looking for a quick way to freshen them up, you may surely have wondered: Can we wash shoes in the washing machine or not?
The answer is absolutely yes—but only if you do it in a proper way. Washing shoes in machine can be a real time-saver, but it also requires little bit of care to make sure that you don’t damage your shoes or your washing machine.
Shoesockin will guide you through the best steps for washing your shoes in the washing machine, and how to air dry them safely, and what would be the other alternatives that you can use if machine wash isn’t an option or you don’t have a machine and still want to wash your shoes.
Follow the steps for cleaning your shoes in washer machine
Before you put your shoes into the machine, it is very important to follow a step-by-step process to ensure that they come out clean—and stay in good shape. Here’s how to you it:
Remove the Shoe Laces
Start by removing the laces from your shoes. Washing laces separately prevents them from getting tangled in the machine holes. You can wash them by hands with some washing powder and rinse them.
If your laces are extremely dirty, than let them soak in a mixture of warm water and little detergent for 20 minutes before washing.
Wash the Insoles by Hand
Most insoles are not suitable for machine washing, as they may get soaked, lose their shape, or even tear apart. Instead of putting in washing machine, take them out and wash them gently by hand using warm water or normal water, a soft old brush or sponge, and a bit of washing powder. Rinse them thoroughly and leave them to dry inside home.
If your insoles are stinky, sprinkle a little baking soda on them and let it soak overnight before washing it off.
Clean the Soles
Before putting your shoes in the washing machine, take a few minutes to clean the soles. Use an old or unused toothbrush to remove mud, small rocks stucked, and loose dirt. This prevents dust particles from damaging the washing machine or scratching its interior.
Wiping the soles with a cloth you have available or wipes also helps in preventing the muddy water from spreading during the washing of shoes.
Place the Shoes in a Bag
After keeping your shoes in the drum , it’s preferable that you should keep them in a bag with towels. This adds a layer of protection between your shoes and the washer drum. It also helps to preserve the shape of your shoes and keep them from banging around too much or causing damage to the drum.
If you are washing more than one pair of shoes , use separate bags to avoid tangling among the shoes.
Put the Bag into the Machine with Towels
To balance the load and reduce the noise during the cycle, add a few old towels into the cycle along with the shoe bag. It will help in reducing the noise caused during the washing. The towels will act as cushions for preventing the shoes from slamming into the washer walls and helping distribute the weight more evenly.
Avoid washing shoes alone in the machine, as it can cause imbalance and damage the washer drum.
Wash the Shoes Using a Delicate Cycle
Set your washing machine to a slow cycle using normal water or might add cold water too only if you wish to. Hot water is strictly prohibited to put in machine. Hot water can damage the glue that holds shoes and the sole together or cause some of the fabrics to shrink or open up.
Use a liquid such as (surf-excel or ariel) rather than powder, which can catch and stick to your shoes. Make sure to skip any bleach or shoe whitener liquid to put inside the bag, as they may discolour or degrade some materials. After the cycle is complete ,let them dry or keep them for a day.
Air Dry the Shoes and Re-Insert the Insoles
Never put the shoes directly into a dryer. Instead, air dry them in a well-ventilated area. Remove them from the bag and stuff them with newspapers or stiff cloth to help absorb them moisture and maintain their original shape.
Avoid putting them in direct sunlight or placing them near heaters, as this can warp the soles or crack some materials. Once both the shoes and insoles are completely dry, re-insert the insoles and lace up your fresh, clean and new looking shoes.
Can You Put Shoes in the Dryer?
you can, but it is not recommended.
Dryers produce very high heat and intense tumbling, which can damage your shoes in several ways:
- Melt glue that holds parts of the shoe together,
- Shrink or deform fabric ,
- Crack rubber soles,
- Fade colours or cause warping.
If you are in a hurry, some dryers have a “no heat” or air dry setting, which can be used if the shoes are placed in a dryer rack. But for best results, always air dry your shoes to preserve their fit, structure, their form and longevity of your shoes.
What might be the Alternatives to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine?
If your shoes are made from delicate materials like leather, suede, or wool, or if they’re not labeled as machine washable, it’s better to clean them using alternative methods. Here are a few handful methods:
Hand Washing
- Fill a bucket or tub with warm water and mild detergent.
- Use a soft cloth or old-brush to clean the shoes gently.
- Rinse with a clean cloth and let them dry.
Spot Cleaning
For small stains or touch-ups:
- Mix baking soda and water into a paste or apply handful of toothpaste on brush.
- Apply the paste gently on the spots on the shoes.
- Wipe off with a clean cloth.
This method works just perfect for white canvas shoes or any canvas shoes, white sneakers and even for any light fabric footwear.
Suede or Leather Shoes
Use products designed specifically for these materials:
- A suede brush or magic eraser to lift dirt and stains.
- A shoe cleaner or leather soap with a clean cloth.
- Finish it up with a conditioner to keep the leather soft and shiny.
Avoid soaking these types of shoes in water, as it can ruin the texture and structure of the shoes. Even when we use hot water the glue tries to separate the sole from the shoes.
Shoe Cleaning Wipes or Sprays
There are specialized shoe cleaning kits and wipes available for everyday use. These are perfect for quick cleanups and help maintain the appearance of your shoes between deep cleannings.
Final Thoughts
So, can we wash shoes in the washing machine? Absolutely, yes —if only they are made from the right materials and cleaned and kept with care. The washing machine can save time and lot of efforts, especially for canvas and athletic shoes, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Always take time to check care labels, and prepare your shoes properly, avoid shortcuts like putting them in the dryer because it produces heat which damages the shoe material. When in doubt, there are plenty of effective alternatives to keep your kicks looking and smelling fresh always.
Your shoes carry you through every step of your journey—make sure you return the favour by keeping them cleaned the right way. Your ultimate guide shoesockin.