Washing shoes in a machine is possible for certain types of footwear, but the process is not universal and requires specific techniques to protect both the shoes and the appliance. Safety depends entirely on the shoe’s construction materials and the precise method employed for the wash cycle. While many athletic and canvas shoes can withstand the mechanical action and water, improper preparation or settings can lead to irreversible damage. Following a strict protocol is mandatory to ensure the longevity of your footwear and the safe operation of your washing machine.
Assessing Shoe Materials for Safety
Identifying the materials used in your footwear is the foundational step before considering a machine wash. Shoes constructed from durable fabrics like canvas, nylon mesh, cotton, and certain synthetics are generally safe for the washing machine environment. These materials can handle water immersion and mild agitation of a gentle cycle without significant structural damage. Athletic shoes, particularly those with fabric or mesh uppers, are the most common candidates for this cleaning method.
Footwear made from delicate or temperature-sensitive materials should never be placed in a washing machine. This includes leather, suede, silk, and vinyl, which can become warped, cracked, or permanently damaged by water and tumbling agitation. Shoes with internal electronic components, rigid dress shoes, or those with delicate embellishments are also unsuitable. The risks are heat and excessive mechanical force, which can dissolve adhesives or cause the material to shrink and distort.
Prepping Shoes Before the Wash Cycle
Proper preparation of the shoes before they enter the machine is important for an effective clean and the protection of your washer. The first step involves removing the laces and insoles completely, as these items require separate attention. Insoles, which are highly absorbent, should be hand-cleaned to prevent them from becoming waterlogged. Waterlogged insoles can take days to dry and may promote odor if moisture is trapped.
Pre-clean any heavy dirt, mud, or debris from the outsoles to prevent clogging the washing machine’s filter and drain. Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the soles and remove any impacted dirt before the wash. After cleaning, the shoes should be placed inside a mesh laundry bag or a secured pillowcase. This protective measure contains the shoes, minimizes impact and noise from tumbling, and prevents them from catching on the drum or agitator.
Machine Settings and Washing Technique
Selecting the correct operational settings on your washing machine is the most important factor for a safe wash cycle. Use cold water exclusively, as hot water can weaken or dissolve the thermoplastic adhesives and glues that hold the shoe together, leading to delamination and structural failure. The cycle should be set to the gentle or delicate option, which utilizes the lowest agitation and spin speeds.
Liquid laundry detergent is preferred over powder formulations because powder may not dissolve completely in a cold, short cycle and can leave a chalky residue within the fabric. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as they can cause discoloration or leave a difficult-to-rinse residue. To prevent the shoes from banging forcefully against the drum, which can damage the machine and the footwear, the load must be balanced by adding a few old towels or blankets.
Safe Drying Methods
After the wash cycle concludes, the shoes must be dried without high heat, which poses a risk of structural damage. Machine drying is unsafe because intense heat can cause materials to shrink, warp the shoe’s shape, and compromise the integrity of the adhesives. The safest and most effective method is to air-dry the shoes in a location that offers ample airflow and ventilation.
To accelerate the drying process and help the footwear retain its intended shape, stuff the washed shoes with clean white paper towels or newspaper. This material acts as a wick, drawing moisture out of the interior fabric and foam. The stuffing provides internal support to prevent the upper from collapsing as it dries. Placing the shoes in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or artificial heat sources like radiators, is ideal. Depending on the shoe’s material and ambient humidity, air-drying can take 12 to 24 hours.