Can you wash shoes in a washing machine?

It's been widely believed that the most effective way to clean shoes and eliminate odor is to put them in the washing machine. But is machine washing suitable for such shoes? Manufacturers are unequivocal: washing shoes in a washing machine is strictly prohibited. The only exception to this rule might be athletic shoes made of fabric. However, some homeowners are confident that there's nothing wrong with cleaning leather, suede, or faux leather shoes with household appliances. What are they risking by being too lazy to wash their shoes by hand?

It's no wonder the manufacturer prohibits this.

Machine washing shoes can be compared to playing the lottery. Moreover, cleaning inexpensive pairs made of low-quality materials is less likely to win. If the manufacturer did not specifically mark the shoe box as machine washable, there is a high risk of damaged items being removed from the drum. Neglecting recommendations can have unpleasant consequences.

1. Peeled soles. Prolonged exposure to water deteriorates the bond quality.
2. Faded paint. Using household chemicals during washing can cause color loss. Often, genuine leather shoes will take on the brown color they had before being dyed at the factory.
3. Size reduction. Shoes do not withstand high temperatures well, above +40⁰ C. Materials may shrink under these conditions. As a result, the pair becomes too small for the owner after washing.
4. Shrinking suede and genuine leather. Powder causes the materials from which shoes are made to become rougher.

If shoes or individual parts are made of textiles, detergents are difficult to rinse out. Such items often become rougher, chafe the skin, and become less comfortable to wear after machine washing.

Important! Do not wash high-heeled shoes, especially stilettos, in the washing machine. This may damage the appliance or the shoes.

If you decide to use the machine

If you decide to wash your shoes in the washing machine, you should reduce the risk of damage. To do this, you can follow these specific recommendations. Clean your shoes as follows:

• Remove dirt from the sole using a brush. Wipe it with a damp cloth;
• remove laces and decorative elements;
• Remove the insoles. They should be hand washed with washing powder or laundry soap;
• laces are machine washable;
• Place the shoes in a special washing bag or wrap them in a towel or an unnecessary piece of fabric;
• On the washing machine control panel, turn on the “Delicate wash” mode.

Please note! Some models have special programs designed for cleaning shoes.

• set the temperature within 30⁰C and turn off the spin.
• Add liquid detergent to the powder dispenser.

Do not load more than two pairs of shoes into the drum. This will overload the machine and cause damage. To prevent shoes from hitting the drum, place a rag in the drum.

Drying is very important

Leather and suede shoes are often damaged not only by machine washing but also by improper drying. After removing the shoes from the dryer, straighten them out and place them on a flat, horizontal surface. To prevent them from losing their shape, place some white paper inside.Avoid using newspaper sheets as they may stain the inside of your shoes.

Drying shoes is recommended outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, away from heating devices or direct sunlight. Dry genuine leather shoes should be polished with cream and then polished. Nubuck or suede shoes should be treated with a special brush. Shoe manufacturers advise against machine washing their products. The only exception is textile shoes. It's best to clean them with damp brushes and special detergents.

   

Readers' comments