Not all shoes can be taken and put in the washing machine. However, washing can work wonders for some fabric shoes and they look new. When you’re trying in vain to scrub away stubborn dirt that still won’t come off, you can try something else: put them in the washing machine. But it is definitely not among the recommended methods. Even so, regular maintenance and possibly impregnation is required, the washing machine won’t do everything for you.
Take your shoes
Never put extremely dirty shoes in the washing machine. It is necessary to clean them from the largest deposits. If they are very dirty, you can soak them in water with dish soap before washing to partially dissolve the grease. Don’t forget the soles either.
Wash at a low temperature
Remove the laces and insoles from the shoes. Ideally, prepare a laundry bag to wash them in. A pillowcase can also be used. You should prefer liquid detergent to regular washing powder so that it doesn’t stick to your shoes. Set the washing machine to 30 ° C. There should be no wringing or drying to avoid warping. A lot of water remains in the shoes after washing, but they should be allowed to air dry. You can insert crumpled newspapers to speed up drying.
Don’t try to wash these shoes
They are not shoes like shoes. Canvas sneakers, trainers, or running shoes can handle this without a problem, as long as you proceed with caution. But don’t try to put leather, suede or rubber in the washing machine. So avoid washing decorated shoes and rhinestones or filters, you could lose them.
Clean the shoelaces and insoles separately
You can wash the laces with a normal load of laundry (depending on their color) or hand wash them in soapy water if you are concerned that they will slip into the opening of the washing machine drum. The insoles of the shoes should be cleaned separately, with an old brush on which detergent is applied. You can get rid of any odors from them by leaving them overnight in a bag with baking soda.
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