The Simple Guide Explain Wash your Shoes on Washing Machine or Washing by wash if they are Tennis Shoes, White Shoes, or others.
Wearing clean shoes gives you the confidence to perform daily activities typically. Also, they style you up when you wear them with the appropriate outfit. Cleaning shoes would make your shoes last longer and protect your feet from smelling and attracting bacterial and fungal infections.
All types of shoes have different techniques for washing. You can manually wash them using your hands or automatically using the washing machine. This guide contains comprehensive procedures for cleaning different types of shoes if it’s manufactured by any brand like Nike, Puma, Adidas, etc.
How to Wash Shoes
Washing shoes includes cleaning the laces, soles, and the rest of the shoe entirely. It would cost you a little effort if you are cleaning them manually. You can also use the washing machine, although not all shoes can be cleaned in it. Different shoes use different products for cleaning. You should check out your shoes’ care labels before washing them to prevent damage.
How to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine
Most people think that a washing machine is only meant for washing clothes. You can wash your shoes in the washing machine and save time and effort. However, not all shoes are washable in the washing machine. Shoes made of canvas, polyester, cotton, and nylon can be washable in a washing machine since they are harmless to detergents.
Before placing your shoes in a washing machine, check your shoes’ care instructions. Some may need special care others require hand washing hence not washable in the washing machine—for example, shoes made of vinyl, rubber, leather, and suede. Follow the step-by-step guide below to ensure you clean your shoes efficiently in the washing machine.
Untie the Shoes and Remove the insoles.
Ensure you gather all materials needed for the cleaning process to work efficiently. Cover the working area with old magazines or cardboard to avoid dirtying it. Untie your shoes and remove the insoles.
Wash the laces and the insoles.
Hand wash shoes unless stated otherwise in the shoes’ care label to prevent waterlogged and laces from tangled. With the help of a soft laundry brush, use laundry detergent for laces and baking soda for the insole to wash them correctly. Dry them after washing.
Wash the Soles
Shoes with mud or debris in their soles need to be cleaned before placing them in the washing machine. Remove as much dirt and debris from your shoes using a soft brush. Use a toothbrush to remove debris stuck in tight areas. Using a rag or soft brush, remove the scuff marks by applying shoe cleaner. After the scuff marks disappear, wipe the soles with a damp rag.
Insert the Shoes into a Mesh Garment Bag.
The mesh garment bags prevent the shoes from tumbling around the washing machine. Insert the shoes in mesh garment bags and place them in a washing machine along with old towels to help maintain the balance.
Wash and Dry the Shoes.
Add some laundry pods or liquid detergents and set the machine in no-spin or slow motion. Remove the shoes and dry them in the sun if the wash cycle is complete. Stuffing paper towels and clean rags in the boots helps to absorb excess moisture and keeps them in good shape.
How to Wash Tennis Shoes
Cleaning sneakers leaves them with an appealing look, making them look like new ones. You need to follow some cleaning techniques and guidelines stated below;
Untie the shoes
Remove the laces from your shoes to clean them separately from the shoes. Replace the shoe laces if they are worn out. Place them in a mesh laundry to keep them untangled, and toss them a load of laundry.
Clean the Shoes and the Insoles.
Take out the insoles from your shoes. Prepare a mixture of 1 cup of warm water and one tablespoonful of baking soda. Dip a clean rag into the solution and wipe them carefully. For smelly insoles, spread some soda ash onto them to absorb the odor.
Remove any mud and debris on the soles of the shoes using a soft laundry brush. Apply shoe cleaner to remove the scuff marks. Remove loose dirt and stones inside the shoe using a brush attachment. Rinse the outer side of the shoe using cool water to remove soil and loose dirt. Insert the shoes in a mesh laundry bag and place them in the washing machine with some old towels to maintain balance. Toss them with warm water and heavy-duty detergents like Tide or Persil.
Dry the Shoes
Take off the shoes from the washer and let the residual water dry away. Stuff them with white cotton towels or tissue to maintain good posture. Place them on a rack and take them to a well-ventilated area to air-dry efficiently.
Polish the Shoes and Protect them.
Select a shoe polish that aligns with your shoes. Apply it on any scuffs on your leather shoes. To prevent cracking, apply a leather conditioner. Store them appropriately.
How to Wash White Whoes
Many people are discouraged from purchasing white shoes since they find cleaning and maintaining them hard. White shoes absorb stains quickly, acquiring stains and scuffs that make them look dingy. You can use simple instructions and techniques to clean your shoes without leaving a tiny spot. Follow the guidelines below to keep your white shoes clean using soap and water;
Prepare a mixture of soap and water.
Add about one teaspoon of liquid soap to 240 ml of warm water. Stir the mixture to mix evenly. Scrub the shoes in circular motions using a soft brush or clean rag. However, you can alternatively use white vinegar instead of dish soap.
Remove Stains using a Stiff-bristled toothbrush.
Dip a stiff-bristled brush into the mixture to wet the bristles. Using a slight amount of pressure, scrub in circular motions, mainly on the heavily stained areas, until the stains disappear.
Use a Magic Eraser to Clean the Rubber pieces and the Soles
Insert a magic eraser in the soap water and wring it out. Wipe the shoes’ plastic, rubber, or leather parts until the stains and scuffs disappear.
Dab Excess Water using a towel.
Pat the soapy water and dirt using a paper towel. Don’t wipe to prevent dirt from spreading. Air your shoes for 2 to 3 hours to make them dry completely. It is wise to clean your shoes at night to leave them dry overnight.
How to Hand Wash Shoes
You can manually wash your shoes if your washing machine fails. It is a long process, but it would still leave your shoes clean. Follow the guidelines below to hand wash your shoes;
Prepare a Cleaning Solution.
Add two teaspoons of liquid detergent to two quarts of warm water. Untie the shoes and place them in a bowl filled with the cleaning solution. Clear any mud and debris from your shoes. Treat visible stains with a dab of detergent and leave them to stay for 15 minutes.
Clean the Shoes
Dip the shoes into the soapy solution and allow it to stay for 15 minutes. Use microfiber clothing to scrub the entire shoe. Remember to scrub the soles as well. Use cool water to rinse the shoes. Ensure you change the water until no more surds are visible. Rinse the laces and dry the shoes and laces away from direct sunlight.
What is the proper way of drying shoes?
To dry shoes properly, stuff them with white cotton towels or tissue to maintain good posture. Place them on a rack and take them to a well-ventilated area for them to air-dry efficiently.
How can you remove odor from shoes?
The sole is usually the smelly culprit. Apply baking soda to the insoles and soak them for some time to absorb the odor.
What type of shoes can be washed in the washing machine?
Shoes made of nylon, canvas, and synthetic leather can be washed in a washing machine. Leather shoes would crack and fade away.