Can We Wash Shoes in Washing Machine?

If you’re confident that your shoes can be washed in a machine, follow these steps to clean them without causing damage.

1. Take Out the Shoelaces and Insoles

Take out the shoelaces and the insoles of the shoes first. Cleaning them separately ensures that the laces do not get tangled during washing. You can wash the laces by hand or put them in a mesh laundry bag for machine cleaning. Brush cleaning the insoles with some detergent will certainly keep their structure intact. 

2. Clean the Shoes of Loose Dirt

Use an old toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush to clean any loose mud, dirt, and debris from the surface of the shoes and their soles. For particularly stubborn dirt, you can use a damp cloth or mild soap. Doing this will aid in avoiding any clogging in washing machines. 

3. Shoelaces and Insoles in a mesh bag or Pillowcase

To prevent  scuffing, scratching, or any other form of damage to the shoe or the washing machine, place the shoes in either an old pillowcase or a mesh laundry bag. Doing this will act as a buffer and minimize any friction experienced during the washing cycle.

4. Add Towels for Balance

Old towels may be utilized to not only cushion the shoes but balance the load. These should not be new as they have the tendency to bleed on color. In addition, this prevents the resonance of the shoes striking the insides of the machine.

5. Choose The Appropriate Wash Settings

Here is how best to clean shoes in the washing machine:

Water Temperature: Cold or lukewarm (hot is not recommended) 

Cycle Type: Gentle or delicate cycle 

Detergent: Mild liquid detergent only 

Spin Speed: Low 

Do not use bleach or fabric softeners as they will damage the shoes’ materials and colors.

6. Proper Air Drying

Shoes should never be placed in the dryer since high temperatures can distort their shape, and can dissolve adhesives utilized in their construction. This is how to properly air dry them: 

• Allow them to dry fully by placing them in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight, and flipping them periodically.
• Stuff them with newspaper or paper towels to maintain shape and absorb moisture.
• The shoes can take between 12 and 24 hours to fully dry depending on the type of shoes and weather conditions.