Experts show how to clean shoes with a washing machine without worrying about damage

Similar to washing other types of clothing, the shoes that we often wear every day can also be cleaned in a washing machine.

In everyday life, shoes, like clothes, are an indispensable part of every person. However, unlike clothes, washing shoes is often more hesitant.

Instead of washing immediately after use, shoes are often cleaned only when they become too dirty or smell unpleasant. However, this can cause stains to adhere to the shoe over time, making cleaning more difficult.

Common cleaning methods often applied to shoes are using a brush, scrubbing, or washing by hand. Many people believe that washing machines are not suitable for washing shoes and can cause damage to them.

However, this is a wrong view. When shoes are heavily dirty or smelly, the best way to clean them is still to use a washing machine. Washing shoes with a machine not only cleans effectively but also saves your time and effort.

In addition, the washing machine also has a more effective drying mode, helping you save time drying clothes.

Shoes that can be machine washed

Most types of shoes can be washed in the washing machine, from adult shoes to children’s shoes, and from cotton, nylon, polyester to a number of other popular materials.

However, shoes made from leather, whether synthetic or genuine, or from satin or silk fabrics, are not suitable for washing in the washing machine. This is because during the spinning and spinning process, the system can cause scratches or damage to the fabric on the surface of the shoe.

Before deciding to wash shoes in a washing machine, it is important to carefully check their material. You should also review the symbols and instructions on the shoe label or box, to know whether the shoes are suitable for machine washing, and what temperature and washing mode are most appropriate.

Steps to wash with a washing machine

An expert and founder of a Canadian shoe company, with over 25 years of experience in shoe care, shares advice on how to clean shoes in the washing machine on WikiHow.

According to him, it’s not just a simple matter of putting shoes in the washing machine, choosing a mode and done. Before starting the washing process, we need to perform basic preparations.

Before putting shoes into the machine

First, you need to remove debris from the surface of the shoe. If your shoes have a lot of dirt, grit, grass or mud, use a brush or damp cloth to clean them. If these contaminants are large in size and are put directly into the washing machine, they can cause damage to the shoes and risk clogging the washing machine’s pipes.

If the shoe sole is very dirty, you can use a brush and warm soap solution to scrub. Finally, you can knock or hit the shoe on a hard surface to clean the dirt inside the shoe.

The next step is to remove the shoe laces and inner lining. These accessories should be washed separately or by hand. After completing these preparation steps, you can place your shoes in the washing machine to clean.

Put shoes into the machine

A small tip when washing shoes in a washing machine is to use a mesh bag to protect the shoes. If you don’t have a mesh bag, you can use a pillowcase instead. This helps prevent the shoes from being damaged during the washing process.

To reduce noise when the washing machine operates, you can also wrap a layer of towel around the shoes before placing them in the washing machine.

When putting shoes in the washing machine, choose a gentle wash mode with cold water (below 30 degrees Celsius). This helps minimize fabric fading and protects the print (if any). Hot water can damage the print and quickly fade the color of the shoe.

When washing shoes in a washing machine, only use specialized detergent and detergent. Avoid using fabric softener because it can leave residue on the shoe surface.

Regarding the spin mode, you should choose a light spin mode to ensure the shoes don’t get too wet. After completing the wash cycle, take your shoes out and dry them as usual.

To help your shoes dry faster and keep their shape, you can put some newspaper in your shoes. Dry your shoes in natural sunlight and air. Avoid drying your shoes in a clothes dryer, as this can damage the material and appearance of the shoe.

Cleaning shoes with a washing machine helps remove all dirt and bacteria from the inside out, making the shoes shiny and cleaner. Maintain a habit of cleaning your shoes about once a month, depending on frequency of use.

This habit not only protects your shoes but also keeps your feet healthy.