Shoes in your Washing Machine?
When we think about what we should write about in these informative blog posts each month, we often consider questions that people have asked us over the years. One of those questions is whether or not it’s ok to wash shoes in your washing machine.
The short answer is “probably,” but there are a few things to consider:
It depends what your shoes are made of. Many shoes are made of materials that can be safely washed in a washing machine, such as canvas or synthetic fabrics. However, shoes made of leather, suede, or other delicate materials should not be placed in a washing machine as they may become damaged.
Second, is your washing machine a top-loading or a front-loading model? If it is a top-loading washer, it is generally safe to wash shoes as long as the shoes are placed in a mesh laundry bag. This will help to protect the shoes from any damage that could occur from the agitator. However, front-loading washers should not be used to clean shoes as the tumbling action of the drum could be too rough on the shoes.
Finally, just how dirty are the shoes? If the shoes are only lightly soiled, then a simple spot-cleaning with a damp cloth should do the trick. However, if the shoes are heavily soiled, then a gentle cycle in the washing machine may be necessary.
Here are a few tips to get the best results:
Be sure to use a delicate or gentle cycle setting.
Use a mild detergent.
Roll up a hand towel and place it in each shoe to help the shoe hold it’s structural integrity.
Leave the shoes out to air dry. Do not place shoes in the dryer or in direct sunlight as this may damage the glues holding them together.
We hope this helps to answer a practical question about cleaning your shoes in the washer.
Until next time,
Joe and Ginny Seeley