As a home care expert, I'm often asked about unconventional cleaning methods, and washing shoes in a washing machine is one of them. While it might seem like a quick and easy solution, there are several important considerations to keep in mind to ensure you don't damage your footwear.

First and foremost, not all shoes are created equal, and the materials they are made from can greatly affect how they fare in a washing machine. For instance, shoes made from synthetic materials like plastic or rubber can typically handle the machine washing process better than those made from natural materials such as leather or canvas. The latter can be damaged by the agitation and heat of the machine.

Step 1: Preparing the Shoes
Before you even think about putting your shoes in the washing machine, you should take some preparatory steps. Remove the laces and insoles if possible. Placing the laces inside a pillowcase or wash bag, as mentioned, is a great way to keep them contained and prevent them from getting tangled with other items in the wash.

Step 2: Cleaning the Exterior
Next, you'll want to clean off as much of the exterior dirt and debris as possible. Using a soft brush, gently scrub away mud and grime. This pre-cleaning step can help reduce the amount of dirt that gets stirred up during the washing process, which can be particularly important for maintaining the cleanliness of your washing machine.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Load
When you're ready to wash your shoes, add them to the washing machine along with a load of towels. The towels serve a dual purpose: they provide extra cushioning to protect the shoes from the agitation of the machine, and they help to absorb some of the water, which can prevent the shoes from becoming too waterlogged.

Step 4: Selecting the Right Settings
It's crucial to use a gentle cycle with cold water when washing shoes. The cold water helps to prevent any potential shrinking or warping of the materials, and the gentle cycle reduces the amount of agitation, which can be less damaging to the shoes.

Step 5: Air Drying
After the wash cycle is complete, it's best to air dry your shoes. Machine drying can be too harsh and may cause the soles to warp due to the heat. Find a well-ventilated area and let the shoes dry naturally. It can also be helpful to stuff the shoes with paper towels or newspaper to help them retain their shape as they dry.

Step 6: Post-Wash Care
Once your shoes are dry, you may need to do some post-wash care. This can include re-lacing the shoes, replacing the insoles if they were removed, and checking for any signs of damage or wear that may have occurred during the washing process.

In conclusion, while it is possible to wash certain types of shoes in a washing machine, it requires careful preparation, the right load, and proper post-wash care to ensure the shoes come out in good condition. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions before deciding to wash your shoes in a machine.

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Put the laces inside a pillowcase or wash bag and throw that in the washer. Next, wipe off as much mud and debris as possible with a soft brush. Add your shoes to the washer along with a load of towels. ... Be careful if you decide to machine dry your shoes, because the heat can warp the soles.read more >>