Can shoes be washed in a washing machine?

There is an opinion that if you wash your shoes in a washing machine, they clean better and smell like they came straight from the store. But is it possible to use an automatic shoe wash? Most manufacturers categorically prohibit it (with the exception of fabric sports shoes). However, many housewives ignore the ban and machine wash a variety of pairs of shoes: leather, suede, and made from artificial materials.

Why not?

Washing shoes in a machine is a “lottery”, especially for low-quality and cheap products. If the manufacturer does not indicate the possibility of machine washing, there is a high risk of getting a damaged pair out of the drum.

What can happen?

• The sole will come off. Prolonged exposure to water negatively affects the bonding areas.
• The paint is fading. Shoes may lose color from exposure to chemicals and water. Reviews confirm that leather shoes, after washing in a machine, sometimes become brown, as they were before they were painted at the factory.
• Shoes will shrink in size. High water temperatures (40 degrees or more) can cause shrinkage.
• The top of the shoes will become rough. Washing powder dries and tightens natural leather and suede, and can be difficult to rinse out of fabric. There is a risk that the shoes will become rough and chafe after washing.

Heeled shoes, especially stiletto heels, definitely cannot be washed in a machine: this is dangerous for both equipment and shoes.

How to wash shoes in a washing machine?

There are certain rules for washing textile shoes. It is important to follow them if you decide to use the machine to clean leather, suede and artificial shoes (at your own peril and risk).

Instructions:

1. Clean the sole from dirt with a brush. Then rinse it under running water with a cloth.
2. Remove insoles, laces, and removable decor. Wash the insoles by hand in cool water using a brush and laundry soap or powder. The laces can be loaded into the drum along with the shoes.
3. Place the shoes in a laundry bag. You can use an old pillowcase instead.
4. Select the "Shoes" or "Delicate" mode. You can also set the heating temperature to 30 degrees and turn off the spin.
5. Use liquid detergent to wash your shoes. Add as much as indicated on the package.

You can’t wash many pairs of shoes at once! They will overload the washing machine, which can lead to damage. You need to wash 1-2 pairs at a time. It is advisable to add rags to the drum so that the shoes do not hit the drum of the machine.

How to dry it properly?

Shoes should be dried flat on a horizontal surface. To maintain their shape, you need to stuff them with newspapers.

Ideally, drying should be done in fresh air. But if this is not possible, drying at room temperature in a well-ventilated area is allowed. Drying shoes near heating appliances is prohibited: this will lead to damage to the material.

If the shoes are leather, then after drying it is recommended to apply cream to them and polish them. Suede and nubuck are combed with a special brush.

So, you can’t wash your shoes in a washing machine, unless they are textile. At least that's what shoe manufacturers insist on.They recommend limiting contact of products with water and using damp brushes and cloths for cleaning. There are special shampoos and foam detergents for leather and suede. If you decide to ignore the ban, follow the washing rules and follow the instructions. This will help reduce the risk of damage to the product and machine. Good luck!