Summer is officially here, which means you are probably spending a lot of time outdoors. While hikes, picnics, and days at the park mean enjoying tons of fun in the sun with friends and family, these outdoor activities can also result in muddy footwear.
And when it comes to cleaning shoes, many of us have no idea where to start!
The good news is, that just because your shoes are coated in mud and dirt doesn’t mean it’s time to toss them out. Chances are that you can quickly and easily clean your shoes in your washing machine!
So how do you wash your shoes in the washing machine? In this post, we detail everything you need to know about how to wash your shoes in the washing machine without damaging your shoes — or your washer.
How to wash your shoes in the washing machine
1. Read the label
Before you toss your favorite sneakers in the washing machine, be sure to read the care instructions. If your shoes are made of cotton, polyester, or nylon, chances are, they can be washed in your washing machine. However, certain materials like leather and suede should never be cleaned using a washing machine. Once you’ve determined whether or not your kicks are machine washable, it’s time for the good stuff!
2. Prep your shoes
One of the keys to successfully washing your shoes in the washing machine is pre-treating them. This means removing any excess dirt and mud and giving any stained areas a good scrub with a toothbrush or scrubby brush. We also suggest sprinkling your shoes with baking soda the night before you plan to wash them. Just be sure to remove the baking soda in the morning before you throw them into the wash.
3. Remove the laces + use a mesh bag
Before you fire up the washing machine, you should also remove the shoelaces, insoles, and any other hardware. This will ensure your shoes get the deepest clean possible. After doing this, place your shoes as well as laces in a mesh bag, which will keep them from getting snagged as they go through the spin cycle. If you don’t have a mesh laundry bag, a pillowcase is a great alternative!
4. Add in some padding
If you’ve ever washed your shoes before, you probably know that it can get a little bit noisy! We suggest tossing in some large towels to provide padding. Adding this extra padding will balance out the load, reducing the noise. Even better, it will also cushion your shoes as they go through the wash cycle.
5. Use the gentle cycle
Now it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. It’s time to pour in some detergent (we suggest a regular liquid laundry soap) and start the washing machine. You will want to choose a gentle cycle with a low-to-medium spin cycle. Be sure to stick with cold or warm water, since hot water can damage your shoes.
6. Always air dry.
Once your shoes have made it through the wash cycle, your almost done! The only thing left to do is remove the shoes and let them air dry. We suggest never drying shoes, as this can easily damage them. You may want to consider adding some balled up newspaper into your shoes as they dry. This will help your shoes hold their original shape and speed up the dry time!
So there you have it — six easy steps on how to wash your shoes in the washing machine.
Worried about damaging your shoes? Or even worse, your washer? Let our team of professionals help you out! Contact us today to learn more about our drop off laundry service, that will save you time, money, and maybe even your favorite pair of shoes!
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