Can You Put Shoes in the Washer

Published December 5, 2024

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You are probably asking yourself; can I wash shoes in the washing machine and can I put shoes in the dryer? Read on to find out more!

Can You Wash Shoes in the Washer? 

Yes, sure! You can wash shoes in a washer.

Although the idea of your shoes clattering against your washer drum might not seem attractive, it's very possible to wash shoes in the washer.

However, it’s not merely about tossing them in. Gentle cleaning is crucial when relying on your washer for your shoes. 

How Can You Wash Shoes in a Washer?

Follow these steps to wash your shoes in the washer;

1. Remove Unwanted Materials 

Remove insoles, laces, and every other detachable component from your shoe.

Also, try to clean the gaps such as the eyelets with a tiny brush. Tough grime can be rinsed away under the faucet. 

This basic preparation will enhance your machine’s performance and speed up the entire procedure. 

2. Clean the Shoe's Laces

For laces that are deeply stained, you should clean them by hand using a gentle brush and laundry detergent.

3. Clean the Insoles

Except as indicated in a shoe's care guidelines, it is advised to clean insoles manually. 

They are typically constructed from synthetic substances such as foam and rubber, which may get destroyed in the washer. 

Start by combining either laundry detergent or dish soap with heated water. 

Then, begin to clean both surfaces of your shoe's insoles with a strong brush. 

Concentrate on the toe and heel sections where the majority of dirt accumulates and ensure you remove all the sweat and odors that the insoles have taken in. 

For an even easier solution, apply baking soda to the insoles and allow it to rest overnight to eliminate persistent odors. 

Remember to put them into a closed container and then wipe away the soda the following day. 

Also, don't forget to wash the shoe's soles because dirty soles will cause your shoes to appear older than they truly are. 

Then, after washing, give them a quick rinse and allow your machine to handle the finishing details. 

On the other hand, you can shake or remove accumulated dirt from the soles and employ shoe cleaners to scour away scuff marks.

4. Start Washing the Shoes

You wouldn't want your shoes striking your washer's drum, as this could possibly spoil it. Therefore, put them inside a mesh bag to hold them and reduce the noise. 

Add about five used towels to the load to enhance the cushioning during the tumbling action. Then, start washing.

Adjust your washer to a cool cycle with minimal spin and move at a slow and low pace. 

Consider shoes as fragile clothing items that could shrink, lose their color, or get harmed by rapid spinning and high temperature. 

Remember to only make use of liquid detergent since powder products might cling to your shoes when not adequately dissolved. 

5. Dry the Shoes

So, you are now done with washing your shoes but can you put shoes in a dryer and can you also put shoes in the tumble dryer? 

Yes, you put shoes in a dryer to dry up.

A lot of modern dryers come equipped with drying racks specifically for drying shoes without spinning or tumbling them, preventing any damage. 

This is particularly great for some shoe materials such as canvas or cotton, and performs optimally at a low heat setting, guaranteeing an even drying process for the entire shoe. 

What Shoes Can Be Washed in the Washer?

Shoes that are constructed from cotton, polyester, canvas, and nylon can be washed in the washer.

Similar to your regular laundry, shoes made from these fabrics are sturdy enough to endure the spinning action of a washing machine. 

However, formal footwear such as heels adorned with satin, beads, silk, or other decorations should be cleaned by a professional. 

Note that there isn't a single cleaning method suitable for all shoes. 

Therefore, always remember to examine the label of your shoe initially, as some shoes require special attention or hand washing, such as those crafted from vinyl, rubber, suede, and leather. 

Things to Note When Washing Shoes in the Washer

• Return the shoe insoles only after they are completely dry, otherwise, any trapped moisture may result in an unpleasant odor. 
• For certain insoles, it might require several days to dry. 
• To ensure a quieter ride in the washer, cover your shoe with towels before placing it inside a mesh bag. 
• If your shoe is a light color, the towels’ color should match that as well. 
• Avoid excess detergent because it will cause your shoes to become stained and rigid. 
• After washing, avoid putting your shoes in the sun in order to dry, as the intense heat may cause the colors to fade. 
• Always opt for a lower machine temperature setting and avoid subjecting your shoe to excessive heat to avoid shrinkage and harm. 
• Dry them in a soft heat setting while utilizing a dryer. 
• While drying, use a shoe drying rack to place your shoes in the dryer before setting them to a low temperature. 

Conclusion 

You can definitely use a washer to wash your shoes. Similar to their care for delicate items, they are designed to clean shoes by efficiently removing dirt while ensuring protection. 

Keeping shoes in good condition is crucial yet simple, particularly with washing machines helping you out.