Clean shoes are a must for any sneaker lover. Sometimes we get tired of cleaning them by hand and think about throwing them in the washing machine. Then the question that comes to mind is whether it’s even safe and won’t damage our shoes? In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how to properly clean your shoes so they can last you as long as possible.
Can we wash the shoes in the washing machine?
We, as well as shoe manufacturers, do not recommend washing shoes in a washing machine. They can easily get damaged in it by banging against the drum of the washing machine.
Shoes washed in a washing machine are exposed to high temperatures by which they can become deformed. Some washing machines have a mode for washing sneakers, but this does not give us a 100% guarantee of safety.
By washing your shoes in the washing machine you take the risk of voiding the manufacturer’s warranty. If the shoe manufacturer does not provide instructions on how to wash a particular model in the washing machine, it probably means that you are not supposed to do it at all.
However, if you don’t care about these shoes and want to give them some more life, you can do so at own responsibility. Keep in mind, however, that they may unfold under the influence of heat and destroy even more. Wash your shoes in the washing machine only if it’s a last resort and a brush can’t wash away the accumulated dirt.
Do not wash suede and leather shoes in the washing machine
When it comes to washing shoes, it’s important to know the difference between suede and leather shoes. Suede shoes should never be washed in a washing machine, as this can cause irreparable damage.
The delicate nubuck texture of suede is easily damaged by the abrasive movements of a washing machine. And any water that gets through the surface can also cause permanent discoloration.
On the other hand, although leather shoes can handle getting wet, they should also never go into the washing machine. The agitator can actually tear and weaken the material, reducing its lifespan.
Cleaning leather shoes can be difficult, but there are several alternatives. For a simple and quick repair, you can use a damp cloth and mild soap to clean the outside of the shoe.
If your shoes need a deeper cleaning, you can use a combination of soap and mink oil, to nourish and protect them. In addition, you can use Vaseline or baby wipes to thoroughly remove dirt.
Another popular option is to use white vinegar diluted in warm water – This combination works wonders in removing deeply embedded dirt and pulls out trapped particles.
If all else fails, it is recommended that leather shoes be cleaned only by a professional cleaning company, as it will have the necessary products and techniques to make your shoes look like new again!
What kind of shoes are machine washable?
If you decide to wash your shoes in the washing machine, mesh shoes are best, as they withstand machine washing better than other types of shoes. If the sole of the shoe is glued to the shoe and not sewn on, forgo washing because it may fall off by dissolving the glue.
How to wash shoes in the washing machine?
One of the most important things when washing sneakers is to choose the right temperature and washing program. Wash the shoes at a lower temperature and slower than the clothes. The safest option would be to wash at 30°C at 400 rpm for the program.
Use washing powder or gel to clean. Do not add fabric softener, as this will soften the fabric. When washing white sneakers, apply a small amount of baking soda and water a few minutes beforehand to intensify the whitening effect.
Before putting shoes in the washing machine, remove any dirt that could clog it, for example, mud or sand. It is a good idea to put the shoes in a mesh laundry bag to reduce bouncing on the washing machine drum.
You can also wash them with a blanket or pillowcase for extra protection. The laces and insoles should be removed and washed separately.
How to dry shoes properly?
After washing your shoes, let them dry naturally. This may take a few hours, but it is the safest method of drying shoes. It is a good idea to put newspaper in the sneakers. It molds the shoes and speeds up drying by drawing out moisture.
If you want to speed up the process even more, use a hair dryer. Use only the lowest mode and cool airflow. However, this is a dangerous method that can damage shoes and overheat the dryer.
Don’t dry your shoes in the sun, as this can cause the colors to fade. Also, forget about drying sneakers under a radiator. This can cause the material to crack and become disheveled. Also, give up the tumble dryer. It can shrink the shoes or they may change shape.
The best practice will be to leave the shoes in a cool and shady place. This is a time-consuming method, but it guarantees the safety of the shoes.
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