We all neatly put our clothes, jumpers, socks and pants that we have worn in the washing machine. But can you also put your shoes in the washing machine if they smell or are dirty? This is definitely not a good idea. It is always better to just clean shoes by hand! Shoes made of or leather should definitely not be put in the washing machine. If your shoes are made of cotton, canvas or synthetics, it will do less harm. But even here you run the risk of damaging your shoes considerably...any case, check the washing instructions of the shoes beforehand and the risks below;
What are the risks of cleaning shoes in the washing machine?
- The material of the shoes gets damaged (especially for leather).
- The glue loosens (and this causes the shoe soles to come off).
- The colours of your shoes bleed and fade.
- The shoes warp and shrink.
- The washing machine gets damaged or breaks down.
- The shoelaces get stuck in the washing machine.
Steps for cleaning shoes in the washing machine
Are you stubborn and want to clean your shoes in the washing machine anyway? Then follow the steps below to reduce the risks. If you want to get the smell out of your shoes, the Shoefresh shoe freshener is a good solution. This is a shoe dryer that also dries smelly shoes instantly.
1. Remove the loose soles and laces from your shoes. It is better to wash these separately with soapy water and a soft brush or cloth. If you leave the laces in your shoes, they will not be cleaned properly everywhere (and may become discoloured). If you leave the insoles in, the different layers of the soles may come off.
2. Clean the outside of your shoes first with soapy water and a soft brush. This prevents too much sand, stones or dirt from getting into the washing machine. This is something the washing machine can't handle very well.
3. Put your shoes in an (old) pillowcase. It is important that your shoes stay in the pillowcase and that water can flow in and out. Therefore, partially close the opening of the pillowcase. You can use an elastic band for this, for example.
4. Put your shoes in the washing machineand add some towels as well. This will prevent the shoes from swinging through the drum too much and breaking.
5. Start the washing machine.Add liquid detergent (washing powder can stay in your shoes). Absolutely do not add fabric softener. This will put you at extra risk of the glue coming off the soles. Choose a delicate wash cycle and a low temperature. Too hot water can warp your shoes.Never spin-dry your shoes. This too can easily damage your shoes.
6. Take your shoes out of the washing machine and let them dry. Do not put them in the dryer and definitely do not put them near the heating either. This can damage or warp your shoes. Also, do not put your shoes in direct sunlight, this is also very bad for your shoes. Drying your shoes can take 1-2 days.To dry your shoes quickly anyway, you can use the Shoefresh shoe dryer.
Which shoes can go in the washing machine?
Not all shoes are suitable for washing in the washing machine. There are do's and don'ts for each type of shoe. We list them for you!
Washing leather shoes
Want to give your leather shoes a good clean? Then the washing machine is a no go! Leather or suede shoes are absolutely not suitable for washing in the washing machine. Your leather shoes are best cleaned the old-fashioned way: with your hands! Remove the coarsest dirt with a shoe brush with horsehair. Are there any stubborn stains on your leather shoes? Then remove them with a cotton cloth and some shoe polish. Use a colourless shoe polish or one in the colour of your shoes. Rub the shoes well with a circular motion.
Washing trainers
We have all done it before: thrown our trainers in the washing machine. Trainers are often made of fabric and can basically withstand a round in the washing machine. Nevertheless, it is important to pay attention to a few things when you decide to wash your trainers:
- Remove all loose parts such as laces
- Wash them at low temperature, maximum 30 degrees
- Do not use fabric softener and not too much detergent
- Skip the spin cycle
- Don't dry your shoes on the heater! Let them air dry or use the Shoefresh opod
Washing canvas shoes
Canvas shoes like all stars, for example, can also be cleaned just fine in the washing machine. After all, like our clothes, they are made of fabric. However, the temperature of the water remains an important one here. Too high a temperature can damage your soles. And the same goes for drying the shoes.
Â