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Grimy and smelly shoes are such a turn-off when you are about to plan a perfect evening and want to style them with your ideal outfit. You can get rid of the smell and dirt by easily tossing your favorite sneakers in the washer to transform their look. Just like cleaning new balance shoes, you can wash your favorite shoes in the washer with minimal effort. However, you have to be aware of some tips, from pre-treatment to drying them correctly. So, instead of hand scrubbing your shoes, skip the laborious work and throw them in the washer. Here’s a guide on how to do it.
Guide to Wash Shoes in the Washer
It might seem a bit difficult to clean shoes, particularly if they are muddy or have stains from regular use. But washing machine your shoes in the washer can be a quick and easy method to bring them back to life if you take the proper measures. We’ll lead you through the entire process of carefully washing your shoes in the washing machine in this guide, making sure they come out spotless and undamaged by the right wash settings and a delicate cycle.
Step 1: Preparation to Wash Shoes in the Washer
Eliminate Extra Debris and Dirt
This is the crucial step to wash and clean the insoles. Eliminate any extra dirt or debris before washing your shoes. To remove dirt and filth from the shoes’ surface, use a soft-bristled brush or a damp cloth. Particular attention should be given to the soles and any cracks where dirt likes to collect. This is the first step, after which you can put shoes in the washer.
Take off the laces
Before putting shoes in the washer and dryer, take out the laces if your shoes have any. By doing this, you can avoid them becoming tangled or broken during the wash cycle. Remove the laces and set them aside for cleaning. You are one step closer to putting shoes in the washing machine.
Verify the label of the manufacturer
Check the label inside your shoes for the maker. Important details about the materials your shoes are composed of and whether or not they are machine washable are included on this label. Certain fabrics, like leather or specific kinds of suede, could need extra attention and shouldn’t be machine-washed. You can wash their insoles by hand washing and cleaning.
Step 2: Pre-Treatment to Wash Shoes in the Washer
Recognize Difficult Stains
The next step to putting your Converse shoes in the washing machine is to check out your shoes for any lingering stains or spots that are really dirty and could need to be pre-treated. Mud, grass, oil, scuff marks, and food spills are common stains.
Apply a detergent or stain remover.
Now, apply just a little shoe cleaner or mild detergent directly to the affected areas to tackle stubborn stains. To release the filth, gently work the shoe cleaner into the fabric using a soft brush or cloth. Before moving on to the following step, give the stain remover a few minutes to fully penetrate the stain. Doing this, you can wash tennis shoes in the washer correctly.
Step 3: Select the Appropriate Detergent to Wash Shoes in the Washer
Opt for a Gentle Cleaner
Select a laundry detergent that is designed especially for delicate things or sportswear and that is easy on fabrics. However, keep in mind that bleach and other strong chemicals can harm the materials in your shoes. You should know that some people use baking soda to clean the stubborn stains.
Examine Specialized Cleaners
If the material of your shoes is specific, like canvas or mesh bag, use a detergent created specifically for that kind of material. These detergents are designed to clean well without deteriorating or discoloring surfaces.
Step 4: Fill the Washer
Make use of a pillowcase or Mesh Laundry Bag
To preserve your shoes during the wash cycle, place them inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase. This will shield them from being knocked around and possibly harmed by the washing machine’s agitator.
Distribute the Load
The next step after you have put your tennis or Converse shoes in the washer or washing machine is to evenly spread the balance. Try to add towels or other soft objects to balance the load if you’re washing several pairs of shoes. By doing this, the weight will be distributed more fairly, and the shoes won’t clunk on the washer drum.
Step 5: Set up the Wash Cycle to Wash Shoes in the Washer
Select a Moderate Cycle
To reduce the possibility of damaging your shoes, use a mild or delicate cycle on your washing machine. In addition, steer clear of heavy-duty cycles since they could be too harsh on sensitive materials. Ensuring this step will wash your Converse shoes in the washer without damaging them.
Make Use of Cold Water
To stop materials from shrinking and colors from bleed, set the water temperature to cold. Additionally, cold water is less likely to damage materials and is softer on them. When you are about to wash the shoes in the washing machine, keep in mind that using cold water is important.
Time to Add a Detergent
As instructed by the manufacturer, add the right amount of detergent. Make sure you’re using the appropriate amount of detergent for the size of your load by using a measuring cup.
Step 6: Allow the Shoes to Dry
Remove Shoes from Laundry
Take your shoes out of the washing machine when the wash cycle is finished. With particular attention to the toe box and any other parts that might have become distorted after washing, carefully reassemble them to their original form.
Soak Up Extra Moisture
For a quicker drying time and to help absorb extra moisture, stuff your shoes with newspaper or clean towels. Additionally, as they dry, this will assist your shoes in maintaining their shape.
Allow to Air Dry
To allow your shoes to air dry, place them in a well-ventilated area. Since too much heat can cause materials to deform or break, keep them away from direct heat sources like radiators or heaters. Additionally, keep in mind that drying them in the sun will fade the colors.
Step 7: Finishing Touches to Wash Shoes in the Washer
Replace the Laces
Put the laces back in your shoes if you took them off before washing them. Let them dry completely. Make sure they are dispersed equally and are not twisted as you carefully lace them up.
Remove Any Last Stains
After washing, if your shoes still have stains, you can spot-clean them with a soft brush and mild detergent. After lightly cleaning the soiled parts until the stains come off, rinse them with water and let them air dry.
Apply Deodorant or Shoe Spray
To keep your shoes smelling great, give them a last coat of shoe spray or deodorizer. This will keep your shoes smelling fresh and nice and help get rid of any leftover scents.
If done correctly, washing your shoes in the washer can be a simple operation. These thorough instructions and the appropriate methods will help you clean your shoes efficiently and damage-free. Thus, come out in style, and don’t allow your filthy shoes to hold you back. Give them a makeover.
Common Mistakes to Avoid to Wash Shoes in the Washer
Skipping the Preparation
- Not scraping away excessive dirt: Use a moist towel or a brush with gentle bristles.
- Ignoring to take out the insoles and laces: Take off the laces and give the insoles a separate hand wash.
Using Wrong Detergent
- Using strong chemicals or bleach: Use a gentle detergent or shoe cleaner.
Inaccurate Wash Settings
- Choosing the incorrect wash cycle: Select a delicate or mild cycle.
- Making use of hot water: Apply cold water.
Putting Too Much in the Washer
- Too many pairs being washed at once: Use towels to even out the load.
- Not using a Mesh Bag.
- Letting shoes roam freely: Put them in a mesh laundry bag.
Ineffective Drying Methods
- Dry your shoes by air using a dryer.
- Avoid exposing shoes to direct heat by letting them naturally air dry.
Disregarding Care Instructions Specific to a Material
- Examine care labels before washing non-machine washable fabrics.
Ignoring After-Wash Care
- Failure to spot-clean any leftover stains: Use baking soda or a mild detergent.
- Use a shoe spray or deodorizer instead of putting on deodorant.
However, you can check details on which shoes are machine washable in this article.
Conclusion
Summing up, the article covered a detailed guide on how to wash shoes in the washer. One who is looking for a less arduous way to make his shoes spotless should follow our guide and thank us later.
