Can you wash ballet shoes in the washing machine?

Dancing requires special footwear. Ballet flats are the most common choice. To ensure your shoes retain their softness, shape, and attractive appearance for a long time, it's important to understand how to properly care for them. Let's find out whether ballet flats can be machine washed and whether machine washing will harm them.

Is it acceptable to use a machine?

After purchasing ballet shoes, be sure to read the label. The manufacturer will indicate the best way to clean the shoes and whether they can be machine washed. If there is no tag, inspect the ballet shoes, figure out what material they are made of, and how well they are glued. For example, natural suede items will need to be cleaned manually, as the material will deteriorate after prolonged exposure to water.

In any case, using a washing machine to wash ballet shoes is always a risk. But if you decide to give it a try, be sure to consider the following recommendations:

• Select a special "Shoes" program. If there isn't one, use a delicate wash or hand wash cycle;
  
• make sure that the water heating temperature is no more than 30°C;
• turn off the automatic spin;
• Use a special mesh laundry bag. If you don't have one, take an old pillowcase and place the ballet shoes in it;
• Choose liquid detergents for delicate fabrics. Avoid powders, as they don't dissolve completely in cool water and are difficult to rinse out of fabrics.
• Add a couple of old towels to the washing machine along with your ballet shoes. This will protect them from being hit hard against the drum.

Only whole ballet shoes should be thrown into the washing machine – unstuck or torn items will be further damaged during the washing process.

The insoles are removable and washable separately from the ballet shoes. They are easily cleaned by hand using regular baby soap and a soft brush.

Traditional care

The correct care strategy for ballet shoes depends on the type of fabric and the quality of the tailoring. Today, you can find shoes made of leather, fabric, rubber, suede, and faux leather. It's best to check the washing instructions for your specific material. Hand cleaning is considered a more gentle and careful method.

The algorithm for hand washing Czech shoes is as follows:

• Fill a basin with cool water and dilute the detergent in it;
• soak ballet shoes for 10-20 minutes;
• Use a toothbrush to remove any stains from the material;
• Rinse the pair several times.

After rinsing, don't wring your ballet flats too hard, as this can cause them to become misshapen. Simply pat them dry with a terry towel and hang them out to dry.

It's best not to wet leather ballet shoes or genuine suede items. It's recommended to purchase a special cleaner for these items. Professional cleaners are available in shoe stores. These typically consist of a foam that should be applied to the surface with a soft sponge and then rubbed into the material with a clean, dry cloth.

Getting rid of moisture

Sometimes ballet shoes get damaged due to improper drying. Ballet shoes may only be dried naturally; placing them on radiators or near heaters is prohibited. You can stuff your shoes with paper – the sheets will maintain their shape and absorb excess moisture.

If leather ballet flats are dried incorrectly, they can shrink, crack, and become very stiff. The same applies to imitation leather models. Drying these flats at high temperatures is especially prohibited. They should not be blown with a hot hair dryer, placed on heating devices, or exposed to direct sunlight.

Machine drying of ballet dance shoes is prohibited.

It takes about a day for ballet shoes to dry. This time must be taken into account. Don't wear wet ballet shoes to practice. This is not only unpleasant but also unsafe. A damp environment is ideal for the growth of fungi and bacteria. Therefore, it is crucial to dry the shoes completely before wearing them.

Wash your ballet flats as little as possible.

Many manufacturers advise against fully washing ballet shoes. Therefore, this cleaning method should only be used in extreme cases, when no other methods can remove the stain.

By following these simple guidelines, you can avoid washing your ballet shoes in the washing machine for a long time. Here are some tips:

• After each workout, wipe your ballet shoes with a damp cloth and clean suede ballet flats with a special brush. Also, dry and air your shoes. Periodically, you can remove the insoles and rinse them with soapy water. With this care, you'll eliminate the need to wash them.
• It's best to rub newly purchased white ballet shoes with chalk immediately. Colored ballet shoes are best treated with a regular wax candle.
• It's important to learn how to put on and take off a pair of ballet shoes correctly. High-quality models have specially designated grip areas. Avoid stepping on the heel counter when trying to pull the shoe off or pulling the elastic. Wearing them half-shod is also prohibited. Otherwise, the shoes will quickly lose their shape and become unsuitable for practicing. Ideally, buy a special shoehorn to help you insert your feet into the shoes.
• Suede ballet shoes should never be completely wet. It's recommended to purchase a foam cleaner and a special suede brush. It's also advisable to purchase a special cleaner for genuine leather.
• To neutralize unpleasant odors, you can use a homemade bag filled with baking soda. Simply place the bag inside your ballet shoes for a few hours.
• To combat the stench, use vinegar—soak a cotton pad in the acid and place it inside your shoes. After a couple of hours, remove the cotton pad and air out your shoes.

Proper care will ensure the longevity of your dance shoes. If you lightly clean, air, and dry your shoes after each lesson, you won't need to machine wash them. Clean and comfortable ballet shoes won't distract you from your workout, but will actually contribute to your athletic achievements.

   

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