Can you wash boots in a washing machine?

Any footwear can get dirty. After wearing them in dry weather, you can simply brush off the dust with a damp cloth or brush, and the pair will be as good as new. However, if the dirt is heavy, a more drastic approach will be necessary. Let's find out whether it's safe to machine wash boots, or whether it's better to forgo the idea and clean them by hand.

You can't put boots in the washing machine

Everyone wants to make their life easier and task their “home assistant” with cleaning a couple. But not all boots can be washed in an automatic washing machine, even if it has a “Shoes” mode. After spinning in the drum, the shoes can simply come apart, making it impossible to wear them.

The most important rule is to study the care instructions provided on the boot label.

The manufacturer usually includes instructions on how to properly care for the shoes in the box. This depends on the materials the product is made of. Felt boots should definitely not be washed; prolonged contact with water can cause them to deform. Fabric or synthetic boots, on the other hand, are easily machine-cleaned.

You shouldn't throw the following into the washing machine:

• Boots with damage. If you notice a few loose threads, a seam, or a sole coming loose, don't risk throwing the item in the washing machine. First, take the pair in for repair, otherwise the damage will worsen.
• Shoes made using a special technology, such as Gore-tex. Machine-washing can cause significant loss of the product's unique properties.
• Boots with a lot of non-removable decorative elements. The embellishments may come off, damaging both the boot's surface and the washing machine;
• Leather goods. Genuine leather will deteriorate after washing and drying – it will dry out, crack, and shrink. In this case, the risk is completely unjustified;
• Low-quality shoes. Machine cleaning can result in the sole coming off. Therefore, if you have any doubts about the quality of an item, don't take any risks.

The same general rules apply to winter boots. Suede or leather boots should not be thrown into the washing machine, and it's also best to avoid washing felt boots. Certain styles are safe to put in the washing machine, such as shoes from the popular Kuoma brand or the well-known "dutik" boots, as long as they are well-stitched.

Housewives also want to know if rubber boots are machine washable. Most of these boots are perfectly machine washable. Washing them under the tap also takes little time—dirt is easily removed from the rubber with plain water.

Follow the basic rules

If the manufacturer doesn't prohibit machine washing, or you decide to put your boots in the washing machine at your own risk, follow these basic rules. First, check the condition of the shoes to ensure they are undamaged. Other recommendations:

• Before loading into the drum, be sure to wash the sole, clean off any dirt, and remove any stones stuck in the tread;
• remove the laces, take out the insoles, fasten the zippers and Velcro;
• wash no more than one pair at a time;
• Use special mesh laundry bags. This will prevent boots from flying around the drum and hitting the walls. You can also place each boot in a pillowcase and tie it tightly.
• Be sure to throw some old pants or a towel into the washing machine along with your shoes. This will act as a counterweight;
• Use the special "Shoes" cycle for cleaning. If such a program is not available, use a delicate or hand wash cycle;
• turn off the automatic spin;
• make sure that the water heating temperature does not exceed 30°C;
• Use special shoe washing gels. Avoid powder, as it can leave streaks and damage the water-repellent finish.

By following these simple rules, you can achieve maximum results from washing. Your boots won't be damaged and will look as good as new. Hand wash the insoles, as they are multi-layered and may fray in the washing machine.

Cleaning suede boots

Natural suede shouldn't be exposed to water for long periods of time. So, avoid throwing suede shoes in the washing machine. Moreover, boots made of this material are easy to clean by hand.

Suede cleaning products are sold in stores; these include special sprays and foams. You can also purchase a brush that has wire on one side and rubber on the other. Folk remedies that work well include steaming, a vinegar solution, or water with added alcohol. A washing machine should only be used to clean sneakers with suede inserts, and only as a last resort.

If the dirt is concentrated inside

After prolonged wear, shoes can develop an unpleasant odor. This is especially true for warm winter boots, which often make feet sweat, or non-breathable mid-season boots.

Machine washing helps eliminate the foul odor. If machine cleaning is not an option, you can treat the inner lining with soapy water and a few drops of essential oil: eucalyptus, lavender, orange, or tea tree. It's also recommended to wash the insoles in this solution.

The fur inside winter boots is cleaned with a fine brush. Wet the bristles with soapy water. Afterwards, it's important to dry the boots thoroughly.

How to quickly get rid of moisture?

Drying shoes also takes place according to certain rules. You cannot dry boots on radiators or near heaters. Moisture should evaporate naturally.

Stuff wet boots with white paper - this will help them dry much faster.

The sheets will absorb excess water. Change the sheets as they become wet. Avoid placing wet shoes in direct sunlight, as ultraviolet light is harmful to the material.

Dry boots should be treated with a special water- and dirt-repellent impregnation. This will help them become less soiled during wear. Stores sell products specifically for suede, leatherette, membranes, and leather goods.

   

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