After a party, a long walk or a sports session, our shoes can find themselves covered in stubborn stains and various dirt. And of course, unpleasant odors can end up developing there, especially when it comes to our favorite pair. Why not pop them in the washing machine to give them a clean then? You can indeed slip many unusual things into your washing machine, and shoes are no exception. This allows them to be refurbished and given a new look without having to spend hours scrubbing! However, to find them in good condition and avoid further damage or even shrinking, it is necessary to take some precautions.
Step 1: Check the material of the shoes before putting them in the machine
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to put all your pairs of shoes in your washing machine. Indeed, your pumps and other heeled shoes are not compatible with this cleaning method. As for boots and ankle boots made of suede, leather, nubuck, silk or satin, it is better to avoid machine cleaning as they may not withstand it. Also note that cork soles could crack or deteriorate from rolling and moisture. On the other hand, don’t deprive yourself of putting your canvas sneakers with a rubber sole.
Step 2: Prepare the shoes for machine washing
think about always remove the laces and remove any soles before putting the shoes in the washing machine. You can definitely consider washing it separately in a bowl of hot water and dishwashing liquid to clean the lacing. When it comes to restoring shine, you can use lemon juice or sodium percarbonate which adds whiteness, but also helps loosen and deodorize the fibers of the laces.
Step 3: Carry out a summary cleaning
You wouldn’t think of mopping the floor without first sweeping or vacuuming, would you? Well! here, it’s a bit the same. Before putting the shoes in the washing machine, scrape off the mud and as much dirt as possible with a brush and remove any chewing gum. This will allowoptimize washing in the washing machine and guarantee perfect cleanliness.
Step 4: Fill the machine
Whether to avoid damaging your precious pair of shoes or the drum of the machine, don’t just put one pair in it. Better to pack the shoes in a net for delicate laundry or a pillowcase. Next, add a few large towels or thick clothes to finish filling the drum. This will help absorb shock and secure the shoes.
Step 5: Program the machine correctly for optimal shoe washing
A program that is too hot could permanently damage your shoes. Spinning too hard risks causing your shoes to shrink, and therefore making them less comfortable. Also, be sure to schedule a wash at 30°C with light spin (between 400 and 800 rpm, no more!).
Once cleaning is finished, you can use the dryer, always choosing a gentle and suitable program. Otherwise, air drying will suffice. To do this, slide from newspaper in each shoe to absorb moisture and speed up drying. You can change it when it becomes too wet. Furthermore, place your shoes in a corner away from direct sunlight to avoid the risk of discoloring the textile part of the shoe.