Discover How To Wash Shoes In Washing Machine Simply and Quickly with ReviewShopping – Effective Tips for Fresh and Clean Footwear.
Many people think that washing shoes in a washing machine will damage expensive pairs. However, you can use this handy trick for certain types of shoes to clean them without the need for handwashing. Let’s find out how!
1. Reasons to Wash Shoes in Washing Machine
Wash shoes in washing machine can quickly and conveniently clean your shoes without the time-consuming process of handwashing. Additionally, machine washing can help your shoes dry faster, saving you a significant amount of time, which is especially suitable for busy individuals.
2. Types of Shoes Suitable for Machine Washing
Typically, the types of shoes you can choose to wash in a machine include children’s shoes, Adidas sandals, athletic shoes like Nike running shoes and Vans, and shoes made from materials such as cotton, nylon, polyester, and some other fabrics.
However, if your shoes are made of leather (genuine leather or faux leather), satin, or silk, you should not use a washing machine to clean them, as the spinning action of the machine may damage the leather or expensive satin and silk layers.
Therefore, before attempting to wash any pair of shoes, you should carefully check the labels on the shoes to determine if they can be machine-washed, as well as the appropriate temperature and washing settings.
3. Steps to Wash Shoes in Washing Machine
Although shoes can be easily machine-washed, if not done correctly, they can quickly become worn out, old, or even damaged. You can refer to the correct steps to wash shoes in washing machine below:
Step 1: Start by removing any dirt from the shoes. You can tap the shoes together or tap them into a trash bin to remove dust and mud. Then, use a soft cloth to wipe the shoe’s surface. You don’t need to scrub vigorously, just clean gently.
Step 2: Clean the sole with a toothbrush and warm soapy water. Mix one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid with five tablespoons of warm water, stir well, and use a brush to scrub any dirt on the sole of the shoe.
Step 3: Rinse off any remaining soap on the shoes by holding them under running water.
Step 4: Remove the insoles and laces if necessary.
4. Washing and Drying the Shoes
Step 1: Place the shoes in a laundry bag or pillowcase to prevent them from banging around the washing machine drum, which could damage the shoe’s surface. To reduce noise during machine operation, you can wrap a towel around the shoes before putting them in the bag.
Step 2: Put the shoes in the washing machine and select the appropriate washing cycle and temperature. Choose a gentle wash cycle with cold water (below 30°C) to minimize color fading and select a strong spin to remove all the soap after washing. You can choose a gentle spin or no spin to avoid damaging the shoes.
Step 3: After completing the washing cycle, remove the shoes from the machine and let them air dry. To speed up the drying process and help maintain the shoe’s shape, you can place some old newspapers inside the shoes to absorb excess moisture.
5. Some Tips To Wash Shoes in Washing Machine
- Do not use too much detergent or strong cleaning agents, as they can cause the shoe fabric to wear out quickly.
- Avoid using hot water wash or high-temperature drying as it can cause the shoe’s glue to melt and reduce the shoe’s durability.
- You can use shoe trees or crumpled paper to help the shoes maintain their shape while drying and prevent them from becoming misshapen.
6. Other Ways to Solve Odor and Stains on Shoes
If you can’t or simply don’t want to put your shoes in the washing machine, fearing they might get damaged, you can apply other methods such as:
Shoe cleaner: If you don’t have a shoe cleaner readily available, you can make a solution by mixing 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid with 2 cups of warm water. To clean, simply scrub the shoes with the solution using a toothbrush, then wipe them dry with a paper towel. You can use this solution to clean the insoles as well.
Using vinegar on leather: If you’re dealing with leather shoes, you’ll want to use equal parts of cool water and distilled white vinegar. Dip a piece of cloth into the solution, then wipe your shoes down and let them dry.
Odor removal: There are also other easy ways to deal with shoe odors. For example, you can place baking soda inside your shoes overnight to eliminate odors.
