How to Wash Shoes in Washing Machine in 6 Steps: Complete Guidance

How to wash shoes in washing machine? Some people may not like the idea of putting their shoes in the washing machine, but it can be a quick and easy way to make your shoes look a little cleaner! For those who aren’t opposed to the idea, I’m here to help you wash your shoes in the washing machine the right way!

What Kind of Shoes Can Go in Washing Machine?

Before you learn how to wash shoes in washing machine, you need to find out if your shoes can be washed by washing machine. Shoes that are made from materials that are more durable are usually okay to machine wash. These durable fabrics include common fabrics such as polyester, canvas, nylon, and cotton. Shoes that are made of leather, vinyl, rubber, and suede are not suitable for machine washing a require special care. Other materials that can also be delicate or contain embellishments such as beading should be taken to a professional. If these shoes are not taken care of properly, they can sustain irreversible damage.

If you’re questioning whether your shoes can be machine washed or not, check the care instructions for some guidance. Now, let me tell you how to wash shoes in washing machine.

Don’t worry if you can’t wash your shoes in washing machine. You can also clean and whiten them by other ways to do less damage to your shoes

A Guidance for How to Wash Shoes in Washing Machine

Here are the steps in detail to show you how to wash shoes in washing machine.

Step 1

Make sure that you have all the necessary materials to do this the right way and ensure you’ll get the best results. You’ll need either a rag or a soft toothbrush, some old towels, a sponge, shoe cleaner, baking soda, liquid laundry detergent, and a mesh garment bag. Also, make sure you have some time set aside as the washing will take approximately an hour and then the shoes will need to air dry.

Step 2

Take the laces and the insoles out of your shoes. Clean your laces with some detergent and a soft brush before throwing them in a mesh garment bag and washing them. It’s important that your laces go in a mesh garment bag in order to avoid the laces getting tangled or stuck in any parts of the machine.

Then, you’ll want to wash the insoles which should be done by hand. You can use a rag or a soft brush with water that is mildly soapy to clean them. Take your sponge and let it do its job as it absorbs as much unnecessary moisture as possible. Next, use some baking soda and allow the insoles to sit overnight while moisture and odors are removed through the baking soda. Brush off the baking soda in the morning and all the insoles to finish drying before inserting them back into your shoes.

Step 3

Clean the soles of your shoes with a soft brush. For tighter areas, you can use a toothpick or a toothbrush, but be gentle. Once that is done, take some shoe cleaner and a rag so you can get to work on removing those scuff marks. Gently work the cleaner onto the scuff marks and then dampen a separate rag and use it to wipe the cleaner away.

Step 4

Toss your shoes into a mesh garment bag so that their tumbling in the machine isn’t as forceful. When putting the shoes into the washing machine, you may want to add in some old towels that you’re sure won’t bleed. The addition of the old towels is to help balance the washing machine during the cycle.

Step 5

The use of liquid detergent rather than a laundry pod or powder will help prevent anything that hasn’t dissolved from sticking to your shoes. Start a delicate cycle on your machine, using cold water and as gentle of a spin cycle as possible. If your machine has an option for no spin, you may want to use that.

Step 6

Remove your shoes and laces from the machine and set them out to air dry. If you can put the shoes somewhere where they will be exposed to sunlight, this will help the drying process along. Try to avoid using a dryer of any kind. You can stuff your shoes with towels or paper so that they absorb moisture a little faster. So long as all parts of your shoes are dry, you can go ahead and reinsert your insoles and laces.

How to Wash Shoes in Washing Machine FAQs

Is it okay to put shoes in the dryer?

Although it can work if needed in a pinch, it’s recommended that you avoid using a dryer to dry your shoes. Putting your shoes in a dryer can lead to them being damaged or their shape can be warped.