Dirty shoes definitely need a wash, but washing shoes can be messy, especially if they are all drenched in mud or grease. This calls for a washing machine to wash your shoes. But how? The answer is simple, and all are explained in this article below. Keep reading as we have got you all covered!
Washing Off The Stains From Shoes
Whether inexpensive or expensive, shoes require your attention when the question is about cleaning. The common reasons behind your dirty shoes are dust, dirt, spills, slips, and use over time. It is always recommended to keep a few tissue papers handy to wipe out some of the dust and dirt stains from the shoe surface as soon as you come across them. This prevents much of the stain from getting absorbed in the fabric and simplifies the washing process reasonably. But in case you forget to carry tissue paper and have stained your shoes with questions in your mind like how to wash shoes, all you should do now is ‘Relax’! The trick is to first treat the stains as early as possible. This will prevent the stain from becoming a permanent one. It is also important to wash your shoe from time to time to extend their lifespan and use. The incorporation of proper techniques for washing shoes should be followed. Remember, cleaning shoes not only removes the stains and dust but also the bad odor that is quite common, especially for sneakers and boots.
Whether your shoes can be washed in the washing machine or require hand wash depends entirely on the material used for their production. Athletic and canvas shoes are usually made from polyester or cotton, or nylon fabric, all of which are safe for washing machine. These fabrics are durable and are laundry detergent friendly. On the other hand, shoes that are made using leather, vinyl, or suede should not be washed in a washing machine. They should be hand washed with utmost care. Also, shoes with decors or some sequin work should be carefully handled and cleaned.
THINGS YOU WILL NEED TO WASH YOUR SHOES
Before washing shoes in the washing machine, do make sure to go through the wash care instructions from the manufacturer. Check out whether the shoes are marked safe for washing in a washing machine or require hand wash. Also, keep the water temperature and machine setting requirements in concern before the process. Here are some of the products you will require to keep handy before washing shoes.
Things to keep ready:
- Mesh Bags
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Old toothbrush
- Dishwashing Liquid
- Baking Soda
- Old Towel
- Toothpick
Now, it is time to read the step by step process carefully for better washing results:
Step 1- Check out the wash care instructions
It is always wise to check out the wash care label before washing your shoes- be it hand wash or using the washing machine. In case the wash care label is missing, do not panic about how to wash shoes. You can still wash your shoes without instructions from the care label, but it is a fair idea to wash carefully and by hand. Usually, shoes made of cotton, polyester, or nylon are not meant for washing machines. Only canvas and athletic shoes can be put in the washing machine. However, experts recommend putting the shoes in a mesh bag before putting them inside the machine. Also, use detergents free from any bleaching agent. Detergent liquids are always recommended over detergent powders.
Step 2- Take off the shoe laces
Before you put the shoes into the washing machine, make sure to take off the shoe laces. They should be washed separately since they tend to collect most of the dust and dirt. You may not be able to get away with this dirt if you wash the lace and the shoe together. Rather, it is recommended to take off the lace, soak them in a soap-water solution for 1 hour and then hand wash properly. The soap water solution should have 1 tablespoon of laundry detergent (liquid) and about 1 cup of warm water mixed well. Once they are washed, you can put them again with the shoe and allow a second wash together.
Step 3- Brush the shoes
Brushing your shoes is important to eliminate the loose dust and dirt residing on them. You can take a toothbrush and scrub the shoe carefully. For taking out dirt stuck inside the lace holes, use a toothpick.
Step 4- Clean Stains
As mentioned before, it is a must to clean the stains as soon as you notice them on your shoes. This prevents them from becoming a permanent mark. Soak a piece of cloth or a cotton swab with lemon juice or white vinegar and carefully wipe the stained region. Then with a nylon brush, scrub this portion gently. Make sure to wash or at least lighten the stains before washing shoes. To remove stains from leather shoes, take half cup of water and half cup of white vinegar and mix well. Soak a cotton ball in this solution, followed by cleaning the stain. In case of white sneakers, cleaning the stain is very easy with just baking soda. Take 2 tablespoons baking soda, 2 tablespoons liquid laundry detergent, and at least 5 tablespoons water and mix well. Apply this mixture over the stain with a brush and let it sit for 3 to 4 hours. Once done, scrub it using a nylon brush, and then wash the shoes!
Step 5- Removing and cleaning insoles
Take the insoles out and wipe them using a piece of damp sponge. Remember not to let the insoles go into the washing machine since they will take a long time to dry. If they are visibly dirty, mix water and dishwashing liquid in a bowl and wipe using a cloth. After that, dry the excess solution using a clean cloth. You can also sprinkle some baking soda on the insoles and let them rest overnight. Wondering why baking soda? The reason is baking soda helps with moisture absorption. Hence the insoles will get dry easily, and you can put them in the shoes once they are dry.
Step 6- Put the shoes in a mesh bag
If you are thinking of washing your shoes in a washing machine, get a mesh bag and put all the shoes without the lace inside it. This will prevent the shoes from hitting the wall of the washing machine when the wash cycle is on. You can also put in some old towels or clothes and the shoes to balance the machine's load and ensure proper washing. It is, however, important to make sure that the towels are white or color faded. Towels or clothes' bleeding color can ruin the shoes.
Step 7- Setting the wash cycle
Put the washing machine on 'The Gentle' wash cycle when washing shoes. This cycle makes use of cold water. Also, go ahead, selecting the no spin or slow spin setting. Put in liquid laundry detergent since its powdered counterpart can leave behind some residues on the shoes.
Step 8- Air drying the shoes
Once you are done with the wash cycle, it is time to take them out of the machine and the mesh bags. Place the shoes on old newspapers along with paper balls inside the shoes. The presence of paper balls helps with excess moisture absorption and allows easy and faster drying. If possible, put the shoes under bright sunlight. It is recommended to have spare shoes as the washed shoes might take longer to dry completely. If you want to put on these washed shoes the very next day, you can take a chance with the drying machine. But remember that the same is not at all recommended since the heat that is generated by the dryer can alter the shape and material of your shoes.
Wrapping Up
Answer to how to wash shoes is as simple as this! A proper consideration of all the information mentioned above can help you with a proper cleaning and drying process. An important tip to retain the shape of your shoes when washing them is placing crumbled paper balls inside the shoes.