Can I Throw My Shoes in the Washer? It Depends!

You may be wondering if it's safe to throw your shoes in the washing machine. The answer is: it depends. Some shoes can be washed in the machine, while others should be hand-washed or spot-cleaned.

Here's a general rule of thumb: If your shoes are made of canvas, nylon, or mesh, they can probably be machine-washed. However, if your shoes are made of leather, suede, or nubuck, they should be hand-washed or spot-cleaned.

Here's a table to help you determine if your shoes are machine-washable:

Shoe Material	Machine-Washable?
Canvas	Yes
Nylon	Yes
Mesh	Yes
Leather	No
Suede	No
Nubuck	No

If you're not sure if your shoes are machine-washable, it's always best to err on the side of caution and hand-wash them or spot-clean them.

How to Machine-Wash Your Shoes

If you decide to machine-wash your shoes, follow these steps:

Remove the laces and insoles.

Place your shoes in a mesh laundry bag.

Add a mild detergent to the washing machine.

Select the gentle cycle and cold water setting.

Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help remove any detergent residue.

Allow your shoes to air dry completely.

How to Hand-Wash Your Shoes

If you need to hand-wash your shoes, follow these steps:

Remove the laces and insoles.

Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water.

Add a mild detergent to the water.

Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the water and gently scrub your shoes.

Rinse your shoes thoroughly with clean water.

Allow your shoes to air dry completely.

Spot-Cleaning Your Shoes

If your shoes only have a few small stains, you can spot-clean them. To do this, follow these steps:

Remove the laces and insoles.

Dip a cotton swab or soft cloth into a stain remover.

Gently dab the stain with the stain remover.

Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.

Allow your shoes to air dry completely.

Success Stories

Here are a few success stories from people who have machine-washed their shoes:

"I machine-washed my canvas sneakers all the time, and they've never been damaged." - Jenny, a college student

"I machine-washed my nylon running shoes, and they came out looking brand new." - Mike, a runner

"I machine-washed my mesh hiking shoes, and they were perfectly fine." - Sarah, a hiker

Conclusion

Throwing your shoes in the washing machine is a great way to clean them, but it's important to do it correctly. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can safely machine-wash your shoes and keep them looking their best.

Can I Throw My Shoes in the Washer? It Depends!