How To Wash Shoes In Washer The Proper Way

It is natural for shoes to get dirty and stained. So, to continue sporting them, you need do some cleaning from time to time. Yes, you can do it manually, but why would you if you have a machine that you can utilize to ease the task? This article will teach you how to wash shoes in washer.

Can you machine wash shoes? Not all! Before we proceed, take note that the procedures below are only applicable to shoes made of fabrics like canvas shoes and athletic shoes. Suede and leather types must not be placed inside a washer. If your pair is qualified in the said requirement, then, let us begin.

Materials

1. Liquid detergent
2. Soft brush or toothbrush
3. Mesh laundry bags
4. Old towels
5. Distilled vinegar (optional)
6. Clean cloth (optional)

Procedure

You must disassemble the parts of your shoes before washing them. Untie and remove the laces and take-out the insoles. Your laces and shoes can go in the washer together. However, check the care instruction of your insoles. Most insoles are not recommended to be cleaned using a washer.

Washing the shoes

In learning how to wash shoes in washer, you can opt to do some pre-washer steps. But if you do not have much time to spare, proceed to the steps in using a washer right away.

1. Pre-washer 
   • Spread a nice amount of liquid detergent onto your shoes.
   • Damp a toothbrush using cold or tap water.
   • Use the toothbrush to brush the liquid detergent on your shoe fabric. Focus on areas with stubborn stains.
   • Leave it for a couple of minutes then proceed to the steps in using a washer.
2. Using a washer 
   • Put your shoes inside a mesh laundry bag.
   • Put the mesh bag inside your washer.
   • Throw in some towels to help the machine have a balance spin later. Tip: Use old or color-faded towels to make sure that it will not leach any dye that could ruin your shoes.
   • Fill the washer with enough tap/cold water. Can shoes be washed using hot water? No! Hot water weakens the adhesive bonds.
   • Add enough liquid detergent. Liquid is preferred because powder ones may not dissolve properly and get stuck in your shoes. If your shoes smell, add in some vinegar, too.
   • Configure your washer in this setting: delicate wash, cold water cycle, slow or no spin.
   • Start the wash cycle and wait.
   • Once cycle is complete, take-out your shoes from the mesh bag. You may opt to get a clean towel and tap it against the shoe fabric to help remove excess water.
   • Leave it on a well-ventilated area and let it air dry. Tip: heat can help speed-up the drying process. It is advisable to leave the shoes outdoors let it receive some heat from the sun. However, do not put it directly under sunlight. Excess heat can cause the rubber crisp and can weaken the glues parts of your shoes.

Washing the Shoelaces

You may opt to scrub your laces manually or put it in the washer as well. If you prefer the latter, here is how it is safely done:

1. Put the shoelaces inside another mesh bag (different bag from your shoes). It will prevent the strings from tangling up or wrapping around the washer’s mechanical parts.
   
2. Wash it together with your shoes and let it air dry. You may put it directly under sunlight to speed-up the process.

Washing the Insoles

We cannot complete the steps in how to wash shoes in washer without talking about the insoles. If the care instructions say that your insoles must be washed manually, then it is wise to just follow it. Spread a liquid detergent onto it and brush using a toothbrush.

Some insoles get to be overly wet when cleaned using a washer. You might end-up have to wait for days just to completely dry them.

On the other hand, if the care instructions say that it can be cleaned using a washer, then go ahead and put it inside the shoelaces’ mesh bag and wash them altogether.

Conclusion

Dirty shoes, no matter how expensive it was, does not make a good statement. Cleaning them is part of their maintenance. Learning how to wash shoes in washer correctly is important to let you clean your pairs easily without breaking them. The steps above will guide you in making your old dirty shoes spark like new again.