Common Mistakes to Avoid When Machine Washing Your Shoes

As we step into the familiar and comforting embrace of our homes after a long day, we often look down at our shoes and realize they need a good clean. It’s tempting to throw them right into the washing machine for a quick and easy fix. But beware — not all shoes are created equal when it comes to machine washing. In this article, we will walk you through some crucial errors to avoid in order to preserve your favorite footwear.

Understanding the Risks of Machine Washing Your Shoes

The Potential Harm Caused by the Washer

When you toss your shoes into the wash, they’re subjected to intense agitation which can cause serious damage, especially for delicate materials. Leather, suede, nubuck and others can be severely affected by such treatment, leading to irreversible warping or discoloration.

The Impact on Different Types of Shoes

Different types of shoes react differently to machine washing. For instance, sneakers might fare better than dress shoes or boots. However, even sneakers if adorned with embellishments such as beads, embroidery or sequins should never be put in the washer as these decorations could be damaged or dislodged.

Now that we have understood the risks associated with washing your shoes in a machine, let’s move on to how you can prepare your shoes before giving them a wash.

Preparing Your Shoes Before Tossing Them in The Machine

Cleaning Up Major Stains First

It’s essential to pretreat major stains before throwing your shoes into the wash. You can use a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt or mud that is adhered onto the surface. This pre-wash process ensures an efficient cleaning cycle later on.

Removing the Laces

Laces should always be removed before machine washing. They can become entangled, causing damage to both the shoes and the machine. Furthermore, laces can be washed separately for a more thorough clean.

Before you start your washing cycle, it is crucial to understand which settings are appropriate for your shoes.

Selecting the Right Washing Cycle and Settings for Your Shoes

The Ideal Machine Setting

Choosing the right setting on your washer can make a significant difference in preserving the quality of your shoes. A gentle cycle with cold water without any spin function is usually a safe bet for most shoe types.

Avoid Overloading Your Washer

It’s important not to overload your washing machine with too many pairs of shoes at once. This could hinder their proper cleaning and create imbalance during the wash cycle, potentially damaging both your footwear and the appliance.

Despite selecting suitable settings, certain common mistakes can still compromise the longevity of your shoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Shoes in The Machine

The Perils of Long Wash Cycles and High Spin Speeds

A long wash cycle or high spin speed might seem like a good idea to ensure squeaky-clean shoes, but these settings could deform your precious kicks instead. Always opt for quick cycles with minimal spinning.

Washing Delicate Materials

Certain materials simply aren’t meant for machine washing. Delicate fabrics such as silk or shoes adorned with embellishments will likely get damaged in the process. It’s best to hand-wash these varieties or use specialized cleaning products.

Speaking of cleaning products, let us delve into what you should use when washing shoes.

Choosing the Right Products for an Effective and Safe Shoe Wash

The Best Detergents for Shoes

It’s crucial to use a mild detergent when washing shoes in machine. Some sports shoe manufacturers also produce specific cleaners that are safe for machine washing.

Avoiding Bleach and Harsh Chemicals

Using bleach or harsh chemicals might seem like a good idea to clean stubborn stains, but these can actually cause discoloration and material breakdown. It’s best to stick with gentle cleaning agents.

After a successful wash, proper drying is equally important.

Tips on Drying Your Shoes After Machine Washing

Air-Drying Your Footwear

The best way to dry your shoes after machine washing is by air-drying them. This helps maintain their shape and prevents any potential heat damage that could be caused by using a dryer.

Lastly, it’s vital to properly maintain your washer after cleaning shoes in it.

Maintaining Your Washer after Cleaning Shoes

Cleaning the Drum

After washing shoes, it’s possible for dirt particles to linger in the drum of your machine. Running an empty cycle with a washing machine cleaner can help get rid of this residue, ensuring your next load of laundry comes out as clean as possible.

We hope this guide has helped you understand how best to clean your shoes while preserving their quality and longevity.

To wrap things up, remember always to respect the characteristics of your footwear. Avoid machine-washing delicate materials, pretreat major stains before tossing them into the wash and select an appropriate cycle without overloading the washer. Furthermore, always use mild detergents, allow shoes to air-dry post-wash, and don’t forget to clean your washing machine after the shoe-washing session. This way, you can keep both your shoes and washer in good shape for years to come.