Can you wash winter shoes in a washing machine?

Proper shoe care is crucial, following all manufacturer instructions. This will ensure your shoes retain their original appearance, maintain their quality, and prevent them from falling apart after each season. Choosing the right cleaning method for summer shoes, sneakers, and lightweight boots is usually straightforward, but insulated boots are more challenging. We'll explain below whether you can machine wash winter boots and whether the washing machine will damage them.

We take into account the manufacturer's recommendations

Machine washing can damage any item, so carefully read the manufacturer's recommended care instructions before loading your shoes. If you're purchasing winter boots from a large retailer, you can obtain comprehensive information by reading the care label on the product or the brochure included in the shoe box. Alternatively, you can find all the recommended care information on the manufacturer's website.

Be sure to pay attention to the material used to make your shoes. Fabric items are easily machine-cleaned, but the washing machine will have unpredictable effects on suede and leather shoes. Machine washing is contraindicated in the following cases:

• if the product requires repair (the sole has come off, part of the shoe has come off);
• if the shoes are of poor quality (low-quality models will show protruding threads, glue stains, and cracks);
• when you are dealing with membrane products;
• If the surface is covered with various decorative inserts, some of the decorative inserts may come off during vigorous washing.

Models with faux leather inserts require preparation before machine washing. A few simple steps will help preserve the faux leather elements. Fur trimmed items should be cleaned very carefully, as the fur trim may come loose during the washing process.

In the vast majority of cases, the manufacturer strictly prohibits washing shoes in a washing machine. The best way to care for winter boots is by hand dry or wet cleaning. If you properly remove dirt from the surface and from the inside, the cleaning quality will be much better than machine washing.

Cleaning leather shoes

In fact, caring for leather goods is quite simple. Simply wipe the outer surface with a cloth soaked in soapy water. To maintain the inside of the boots, use special deodorizing sprays, an alcohol solution, or water with potassium permanganate added.

It is important to regularly treat leather shoes with creams designed for this purpose, then they will retain their original appearance and properties for a long time.

Is a washing machine suitable for cleaning leather boots? Probably not, as machine washing can cause irreparable damage to the material. However, if the manufacturer allows this method of care, and you see no other cleaning options, follow these recommendations:

• You can load leather goods into the drum only after removing all the dirt accumulated on the soles;
• Be sure to remove laces and other items that could damage your shoes and the washing machine itself;
• Wash the insoles and laces by hand using special detergents or regular laundry soap;
• Choose your washing program wisely: the water temperature should not exceed 30°C, and the spin function should be turned off. It's best to choose a delicate cycle;
• Be sure to use a special washing bag, which will allow leather winter shoes to retain their qualities;
• The detergent can be a washing gel or a proven powder that does not contain bleaching particles or fragrances.

Experienced housewives clean genuine leather boots with a soapy solution containing ammonia. Soak a soft sponge or cloth in the solution and gently wipe the entire surface. Afterward, it's a good idea to lubricate the outer surface of the shoe with castor oil.

To remove dirt from suede or nubuck shoes, first dry the items. Then, using a special brush for delicate materials, go over the surface of the shoes, gradually brushing off any stuck-on dust. Knowing how to clean leather and suede shoes will help you restore their appeal without the risk of losing your boots.

Why is machine washing harmful?

In the vast majority of cases, winter boots cannot be machine washed. Even a single cleaning procedure in a washing machine can lead to the loss of the shoes' properties, loss of attractiveness, and a decrease in the quality of the material. When exposed to large amounts of warm water with washing powder dissolved in it, leather shoes are likely to crack, and suede shoes will become covered with unsightly stains.

Don't forget about the inner insulation either. Some of the fur will come out during machine washing, and as a result, the boots won't retain their full warmth.

Seams sealed with adhesive and completely sealed may begin to leak water after machine cleaning.

Based on the above, one conclusion emerges: proper care of winter footwear requires periodic cleaning, not machine washing. By carefully wiping and soaking boots by hand and treating the inside with aerosols, you can be confident in their safety.

   

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