This article was co-authored by Penny Simmons. Penny Simmons is a Shoe Care Specialist and the Founder of Penny Loafers Shoe Shine Company Inc. in Toronto, Canada. With over 25 years of experience, Penny specializes in shoe cleaning and shining. Penny offers shoe shining at special events, kiosks in Toronto’s underground city, The PATH, and drop-off services. Penny Loafers Shoe Shine Company also operates the oldest shoeshine parlor in Canada. Penny Loafers Shoe Shine Company has been featured in Best of The City - Toronto Life, Saturday Night Magazine, National Post, Globe & Mail, and Toronto Star.
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If your shoes have become extra dirty or smelly, you may be able to refresh them in the washing machine. Canvas or pleather shoes can easily be washed on the gentle cycle and then air-dried. Don’t wash leather shoes, formal shoes (like heels), or boots in the machine. Instead, wash these by hand.
Steps
Pre-Cleaning the Shoes
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1Remove any surface debris with a damp rag. If your shoes have a lot of dirt, grass, or mud on them, brush off as much of it as possible with an old rag. There is no need to scrub. Simply wipe them down to get the worst of the dirt off.[1]
- You can also bang the shoes together over a trash can to dislodge a bit more of the dirt.
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2Clean the soles of the shoes with a toothbrush and warm soapy water. Start by getting a small cup and filling it with water. Add 1 spoonful of dish soap. Dip the toothbrush into the solution. Scrub the soles of the shoes with the toothbrush.[2]
- Make sure to apply a lot of force. The harder you scrub, the more dirt you’ll be able to get off.
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3Rinse the shoes. You need to get rid of any soap residue. To do this, hold your shoes over a bathtub or sink and rinse the soles of the shoes with water.[3]
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4
Washing and Drying
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1Place the shoes in a mesh bag or pillow case. The bag will help protect the shoes. Be sure it is securely sealed before you put it in the washing machine.[5]
- If you are using a pillow case, place the shoes into the pillowcase, tie the top closed, and use rubber bands to secure it.
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2Add extra padding in the washing machine to cushion the shoes. Wash your shoes along with at least 2 large bath towels. Remember that you are washing them with dirty shoes, so don’t choose white or delicate towels.[6]
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3Wash the shoes, insoles, and laces using the gentle cycle. Put your shoes, insoles, and laces in the washing machine, along with any towels you want to add to the load. Use cold or warm water and little to no spin. Use the extra rinse cycle option to help remove any soapy residue at the end of the wash.[7]
- Using hot water in the washing machine may cause the glue bonds in your shoes to weaken, crack, or melt.
- Don’t use fabric softener on your shoes. It may leave a residue that can attract more dirt.
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4Air dry the shoes. Take the shoes, laces, and insoles out of the washing machine. Place the shoes in an open-air area to dry for 24 hours before wearing.[8]
- To speed up the drying process and help the shoes keep their shape, ball up a few sheets of newspaper and stuff the shoes with it.[9]
- Do not put your shoes in the dryer because it will damage them.
Things You'll Need
- Rag
- Toothbrush
- Soapy water
- Laundry detergent
- Newspaper
Warnings
- Never put leather or suede shoes in the washing machine.[10]⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- ↑ https://www.esquire.com/style/advice/a47618/ask-a-clean-person-machine-wash-sneakersf
- ↑ https://www.esquire.com/style/advice/a47618/ask-a-clean-person-machine-wash-sneakersf
- ↑ https://www.esquire.com/style/advice/a47618/ask-a-clean-person-machine-wash-sneakersf
- ↑ https://www.esquire.com/style/advice/a47618/ask-a-clean-person-machine-wash-sneakersf
- ↑ https://www.esquire.com/style/advice/a47618/ask-a-clean-person-machine-wash-sneakersf
- ↑ https://www.esquire.com/style/advice/a47618/ask-a-clean-person-machine-wash-sneakersf
- ↑ https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-clean-shoes-in-the-washer-without-ruining-them/
- ↑ https://www.esquire.com/style/advice/a47618/ask-a-clean-person-machine-wash-sneakersf
- ↑ https://www.on-running.com/en-us/articles/how-to-wash-running-shoes
- ↑ Penny Simmons. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.
About This Article
If you want to wash your shoes in a washing machine, start by removing any surface debris from your shoes with a damp rag. For the best results, clean the soles of your shoes with a toothbrush and warm soapy water, then rinse away any remaining soap residue. Next, remove your insoles and laces, if necessary, since they will need to be washed separately. Place your shoes in a mesh bag or pillowcase, and put them in the washing machine. If you want to add extra padding, consider throwing in a couple of large bath towels. When you're ready, set your washing machine to run a gentle cycle with cold or warm water and little to no spin. Once your washing machine is done, remove your shoes and leave them out to air dry for 24 hours. For more advice, including how to speed up the drying process, keep reading!
