Can I wash ballet shoes in a washing machine?

Ballet shoes are specialized footwear for certain types of dance. They're also essential in kindergarten, where children practice gymnastics daily. Even these seemingly simple items require special, careful care. Let's figure out how to properly wash a pair and whether they're safe to throw in the washing machine.

Is it worth using a machine?

Machine washing ballet shoes is possible, but it's important to understand that there's still a small risk of damaging them. Therefore, hand cleaning remains the best option. If you don't have time to mess with ballet shoes, try loading them in the drum. It's important to follow these guidelines:

• The insoles are washed separately, so they must be removed before loading into the machine;
• It is advisable to use liquid detergents. A gel detergent for delicate fabrics is ideal;
• You need to run a special shoe cleaning program. If this option isn't available, it's best to select the manual mode or the "Delicate Wash" option;
• the water temperature should not exceed 30°C;
• The spin cycle should be completely turned off. Otherwise, the ballet shoes may lose their shape.
• It's best to wash ballet shoes in a special mesh bag. You can also place them in an old pillowcase. This will prevent the shoes from constantly banging against the sides of the drum.

Machine washing ballet flats alone isn't possible—they're too small, and the drum will essentially be empty. Therefore, you should toss soft ballet flats in the washing machine with other clothes of a matching color.

Only whole shoes should be thrown into the drum; torn shoes will be damaged even more after the machine cycle.

So, if you decide to machine wash your ballet shoes, first remove the insoles and inspect them carefully. If you notice even the smallest hole, skip the machine wash and clean them by hand.

Traditional care

Shoes made from certain materials are best washed by hand. Textile ballet flats with well-stitched soles can be thrown into the washing machine, but ballet flats made of suede or genuine leather are best cleaned without the help of a washing machine. Hand washing also has its own nuances:

• the water temperature should not exceed 30°C;
• Czech shoes must first be soaked in a warm soapy solution for 10-15 minutes;
• You can clean dirt from the surface with a soft toothbrush;
• It's preferable to use liquid detergents; avoid powders. Dry granules get stuck in dense materials and aren't rinsed out completely.
• Don't twist your ballet flats when spinning. Wrap them in a towel to absorb excess moisture. Afterward, set them aside for further drying.
• Leather ballet shoes need to be cleaned using special products. For example, consider purchasing a foam cleaner designed specifically for genuine leather shoes.

To clean leather ballet shoes with cleaner, simply apply a small amount to a sponge and wipe the surface. Afterward, wipe the shoes with a dry, clean cloth. For suede shoes, it's best to avoid soaking them. Suede is sensitive to water, so it's best to use special sprays and foams.

Dry according to instructions.

Often training shoes become unusable due to improper drying. Ballet shoes can only be dried at room temperature; do not place them on radiators or near heating devices. The ideal option is to stuff your ballet flats with paper. The sheets will help absorb excess moisture and maintain their shape. Keep in mind that leather shoes shrink, so it's important not to overdry them. The same applies to faux leather shoes—the surface of these shoes may crack. Avoid using a hairdryer to dry them, as hot air can damage the material. Also, avoid placing shoes on radiators or in direct sunlight.

It will take about 24 hours for the shoes to dry at room temperature.

Avoid wearing damp ballet shoes. This creates an ideal environment for germs to thrive. Furthermore, wearing wet shoes will be very uncomfortable, especially during exercise.

How to wash less often?

Washing ballet shoes after every workout, even if you follow all the instructions, won't last long. Therefore, don't resort to a full-blown "wash" of your ballet shoes several times a week. It's better to take care of your shoes and follow these simple recommendations to delay the washing process.

• After each wear, dry and air your shoes. This will keep your dance shoes clean and eliminate the need for constant washing.
• As they get dirty, simply wipe the outer surface of the ballet shoes with a damp cloth. It's also a good idea to wash the insoles separately.
• Before wearing new white ballet shoes for the first time, it's recommended to rub them with clear soap. This will prevent them from getting dirty.
• It's best to polish newly purchased colored shoes with a wax candle. This protective layer will prevent them from getting dirty quickly.
• If your ballet shoes smell bad, place a cloth bag filled with baking soda inside them. After a couple of hours, the smell will be gone.

To keep ballet shoes in good condition for a long time, it's important to teach your child how to put them on and take them off correctly. These shoes usually have specific gripping points. Avoid trying to pull the shoes off by pulling the elastic band too hard or stepping on the heel counter with your other foot. Also, avoid walking with the shoes half-on. The heel counter will wear out, and the shoes will lose their shape for practice. Keeping these simple rules in mind will help you wear ballet shoes for a long time. Clean and comfortable shoes will not distract you from your training and will help you achieve significant progress.

   

Readers' comments