Shoes in the washing machine? Here’s how!

Wondering if your shoes can go in the washing machine? Yes, they can! But not all shoes are suitable for machine washing. To avoid damaging your shoes, you need to pay attention to a few things.

Which shoes are machine washable?

Before putting your shoes in the washing machine, it is good to know which shoes are suitable. Sports shoes made of fabric, canvas or cotton can often be washed just fine. Think trainers or trainers. Some synthetic materials also survive washing without any problems.

Leather shoes, suede or shoes with lots of decorations, such as glitter or beads, should absolutely not be put in the washing machine. These materials are easily damaged by water and friction. Rather, clean these shoes by hand.

How to prepare shoes?

Before putting your shoes in the washing machine, make a few preparations. First, remove the laces from the shoes. Laces often get very dirty, so wash them separately for cleaner results. You can put them in a laundry bag, for example. Also remove the insoles if possible. These are best cleaned by hand to avoid warping.

Remove as much dirt and mud from your shoes as possible. Use a brush or a cloth to do this. This will prevent dirt from clogging up your washing machine or dirtying other clothes.

The right wash settings

Now that your shoes are ready for the washing machine, it’s time to choose the right settings. Always use a cold or maximum 30-degree programme. Hot water can deform the shoes or fade their colour. In addition, choose a short programme and set the spin mode to a low speed, maximum 600 rpm. Too high a speed can damage the shoes.

Use a mild detergent. Avoid harsh detergents or bleach, as they can damage the colour and material of your shoes. Do not add fabric softener. This can leave a film that reduces the breathability of some materials.

Put your shoes in a laundry bag or a pillowcase. This will protect both your shoes and your washing machine from damage. Also put a few old towels in the drum. These absorb shocks and prevent your shoes from banging hard against the drum.

After washing: dry well

After washing, it is important to dry your shoes properly. Never put your shoes in the dryer! The heat can shrink or deform your shoes. Let them dry at room temperature. Put some newspaper inside the shoes to absorb moisture and keep them in shape. Change the paper regularly.

Do not let your shoes dry in direct sunlight or near the heater. This can dry out the material and cause the colour to fade.

Extra tips for clean shoes

• Don’t wash your shoes too often. Each wash will affect the lifespan of your shoes. Try to remove stains by hand as soon as possible.
• Do you have unpleasant odours in your shoes? Sprinkle in some baking soda and leave it overnight. This will help neutralise the smell.
• Want to be extra careful? Then opt for a hand wash. Use a soft brush and a suds of lukewarm water and a mild detergent. This is the safest way to clean your shoes.

Also read our blog on the benefits of renting a washing machine.