At least not to spoil it: how and on what mode should you wash shoes in a machine?

Washing sneakers and sneakers by hand is time-consuming and labor-intensive, so you can use household appliances. Of course, you need to wash your shoes in a washing machine in a suitable mode and in compliance with a number of rules - only in this case can you count on a good result.

Types of shoes that can withstand washing

Not every pair of shoes can withstand machine washing. If you decide to update your winter boots, patent leather shoes or Ugg boots in this way, then after removing them from the drum, all you have to do is throw them away.

Shoes with textile uppers can be machine washed:

• sneakers and sneakers;
• moccasins;
• slip-ons;
• ballet shoes;
• slippers.

It is strictly forbidden to immerse in water, much less machine wash:

• shoes, shoes, boots made of artificial or natural leather;
• any models made of suede, patent leather and nubuck;
• uggs, boots made of natural sheepskin;
• felt boots.

It is easier to wash plastic and rubber slippers in a basin or under a tap; it is better not to put them in the washing machine.

Before you put your shoes in the wash, you should pay attention to how the soles are secured. If it is stitched or well glued, then you can safely put a pair in the drum. But if the quality of the sizing is low, the sole may fly off.

Models decorated with glued rhinestones, reflectors and other details should not be machine washed. The decor will most likely come off, and small parts may get into the pump and cause the machine to break down.

Metal parts (rivets, locks, eyelets for laces) made of ordinary steel can leave indelible rust stains on the fabric. They will be especially noticeable if the shoes are light-colored.

Detergents

Regular sneakers and slippers can be safely washed using the usual means. But if membrane materials were used for sewing, then the use of powders is not recommended. Their abrasive particles can negatively affect the protective properties of the membrane and ruin its appearance.

To wash the membrane, it is better to use gels or capsules; they do not contain abrasives.

Preparation

Before you put your shoes in the drum, you need to do a number of things:

1. wash the sole thoroughly - there should be no dirt on it, otherwise the washing machine filter will quickly become clogged;
2. remove the laces and insoles;
3. inspect the shoes for stains - if there are any, they must be removed before washing;
4. Internal surfaces must also be inspected. If a seam on the lining of a sports shoe breaks, then during the washing process the filler may come out through the hole, and this will lead to deformation of the product.

The prepared pair must be placed in a mesh washing bag and closed with a lock. This is necessary to reduce friction against the walls and ribs of the drum.

After this, the shoes can be placed in the washing machine.

It is not recommended to wash more than one pair per cycle. If these are children's shoes, you can fit two pairs, but no more. There have been cases when, when several pairs of shoes were simultaneously placed in the drum, the glass of the loading hatch was knocked out while the machine was operating. Therefore, it is not worth the risk.

What mode should I use to wash sports and textile shoes?

After the steam prepared for washing is loaded into the drum, detergent is added to the tray and the machine is turned on. Here the question arises: in what mode should you wash?

Most modern units have a special program designed for shoe care. In this case, you need to choose it.

If such a program is not available, you can use the “Delicate Fabrics” or “Silk” option.

If the machine allows you to select washing parameters manually, then the most suitable values ​​will be:

• temperature – 30 degrees;
• drum rotation speed – 600 rpm;
• cycle duration is 30 minutes.

Automatic spinning must be disabled using the “Drain without spin” function.

Under no circumstances do you use the “Spin” mode when washing your shoes! This is harmful for both the car and the shoes.

It is strictly forbidden to use the “Drying” mode. High rotation speed and intense vibration will lead to damage to the sneakers.

Drying rules

Since spinning and drying in a machine cannot be used, sneakers or sneakers are removed from the machine wet. They need to be dried properly:

• It is better to air dry or dry in a room with good ventilation.
• You need to stuff crumpled paper inside the sneakers or slippers, trying to give the pair the correct shape. The paper will help dry the internal surfaces faster by “pulling out” moisture, so it needs to be changed periodically.
• It is strictly not recommended to dry any models with a hairdryer or near heating devices. Direct sunlight should also be avoided, especially if the textiles are colored. Paints may fade when dried in the sun. Insoles and laces are dried separately - they should be inserted when the pair is completely dry.
• Special electric shoe dryers can be used, but only when the pair is no longer wet, but slightly damp.

So, properly washed textile shoes will not lose their functional qualities and will retain their appearance. If the rules are violated, the item may be irretrievably damaged.