How to Wash Shoes in a Machine: Mistakes That Will Make You Buy a New Pair

Any footwear is subject to contamination. This happens regardless of the quality of care. Traces of dirt appear on the outside of the shoe, and sweat particles remain inside.

To get rid of this, it is necessary to clean it in a timely manner. But can it be washed?

What shoes can be washed

Washing some types of shoes can lead to sad consequences. To avoid this, you need to know some rules:

1. Shoes made of textile fabric can be washed without any fear.
2. If the shoes are made of water-repellent fabric, they can be washed, but only using a liquid detergent.
3. Leather and suede shoes should not be washed, otherwise the material will lose its appearance. However, if the amount of suede is minimal, it will not be damaged.
4. If the shoes are of poor quality, then after washing there is a risk that they will come apart at the seams.
5. Shoes with fur also cannot be washed, as this will cause the fur to lose its qualities. Such shoes can be cleaned with a damp cloth.

You should pay attention to the material your favorite pair is made of. Clean shoes are a guarantee of attractiveness and neatness.

Preparatory stage

Immediately before washing, the shoes must be inspected. If any element is worn out, it must be restored.

If you neglect this procedure, the appearance of the shoe will be spoiled and the worn element will come off.

If the product has elements made of reflective fabric and they come off, then even after they have been sewn on, such shoes should not be washed, as the material may tear.

If the shoes have laces, it is best to remove them and wash them separately. If the product has various fasteners, buttons, zippers, etc., they must be fastened.

Before washing, you also need to prepare the sole. If it is very dirty, you should first rinse it with tap water, and then with a rag or sponge. Stones must be removed, otherwise the washing machine may become clogged.

If there is heavy dirt on the surface of the shoes, it is best to treat them with a stain remover. It should be applied for about half an hour, and then proceed to washing.

Insoles should be removed from shoes. It is not recommended to wash them together with the product, as they may delaminate. It is best to clean them with a rag or brush.

Useful tips

Some washing machines have a special mode for washing shoes. If there is none, then the delicate wash mode with the spin cycle turned off will do. The water temperature should not be higher than 30 degrees, otherwise the glue may lose its properties.

You shouldn't turn on the drying mode, as it can damage any shoes, even those made of high-quality materials. You shouldn't add less detergent than usual, otherwise the shoes won't be washed, but you shouldn't add too much either, as it can leave streaks on the fabric.

If the shoes look quite good, but there is still a fear that they will become unusable after machine washing, then it is best to remove the dirt manually. It is better to do this with a toothbrush and liquid detergent. After this, it will be necessary to rinse the shoes under running water.

Drying

After the shoes have been washed, they need to be dried. It is best to dry them in a ventilated room where sunlight does not penetrate, as the glue may delaminate.

You should not dry your shoes near the radiator. However, if you need to dry the product in an accelerated mode, you can lay a towel on the radiator, and then put the shoes on it. You can put paper inside the shoes for a short period of time. This way the product will dry faster.

You should not wash shoes if you are not sure of their quality, as no manufacturer will reimburse the cost of the product.

Before washing, it is best to place the shoes in a fabric bag. This will protect the product from possible defects during washing. Only 2 pairs of shoes can be placed in the washing machine. If you place more, there is a risk of the machine breaking down.

Shoes should not be washed as often as clothes, as the fabric structure may be damaged – no more than 2-3 times per season.

Previously, we talked about why housewives put aspirin when doing laundry .