Is it possible to wash boots in a washing machine?

Any shoes tend to get dirty. After wearing in dry weather, you can wipe off the dust from the boots with a damp cloth or brush, and the pair will be as good as new again. When severe contamination occurs, a more radical approach will be required. Let's figure out whether it is permissible to wash boots in a washing machine, or whether it is better to abandon this idea and clean them by hand.

You can't put boots in the washing machine

Everyone wants to make their life easier and give a couple of “home assistants” the task of cleaning. But not all boots can be washed in an automatic machine, even if it has a “Shoes” mode. After spinning in the drum, boots may simply become unstuck, making them impossible to wear.

The most important rule is to study the care recommendations presented on the boot label.

The manufacturer usually puts a reminder in the box on how to properly care for your shoes. It all depends on the materials from which the product is made. Felt boots should definitely not be put in the washing machine; prolonged contact with water can lead to their deformation. And, for example, fabric or synthetic boots are easy to clean in a machine.

You should not throw it in the washing machine:

• boots that are damaged. If you notice a few loose threads, a seam coming apart, or a sole that is peeling off, don’t risk throwing the item into the machine. First you need to take the pair for repairs, otherwise the defects will become stronger;
• shoes made using special technology, for example Gore-tex. After scrolling in a machine, a significant part of the unique properties of the product may be lost;
• boots with a lot of non-removable decorative elements.Decorations can come off and damage both the surface of the boots and the washer;
• Leather Products. After washing and drying, natural leather will deteriorate - it will dry out, crack and become shriveled. In this case, the risk will not be justified at all;
• low quality shoes. Machine cleaning may result in the sole peeling off. Therefore, if there are doubts about the quality of the item, there is no need to take risks.

The same general rules apply to winter boots. You cannot throw a suede or leather pair into the machine; it is also better to refuse to wash felt items. Certain models are allowed to be placed in the machine, for example, shoes from the popular Kuoma brand or “dutics”, well-known to many, if they are well-stitched.

Housewives are also interested in the permissibility of washing rubber boots in a machine. Most of these products tolerate machine cleaning well. The process of washing them under the tap will also take a little time - dirt from the rubber is easily removed with ordinary water.

Follow the basic rules

If the manufacturer does not prohibit automatic washing, or you decide to put your boots in the drum at your own risk, follow the basic rules. First, check the condition of the shoes - it is important that they are undamaged. Other recommendations:

• Before loading into the drum, be sure to wash the sole, clean off pieces of dirt from it, and remove stones clogged in the tread;
• remove the laces, remove the insoles, fasten the zippers and Velcro;
• wash no more than one pair at a time;
• use special mesh bags for washing. Then the shoes will not “fly” over the drum and hit its walls. It is allowed to put each boot in a pillowcase and tie it tightly;
• Be sure to throw old trousers or a towel into the machine along with your shoes.The thing will play the role of a counterweight;
• Use the special “Shoes” mode for cleaning. If such a program is not provided, choose delicate or hand wash;
• turn off automatic spin;
• make sure that the water heating temperature does not exceed 30°C;
• use special gels for washing shoes. It is better to avoid the powder, it can leave streaks and destroy the water-repellent layer of the fabric.

By following simple rules, you can achieve maximum effect from washing. The boots will not be damaged and will look like new. The insoles are washed by hand, as they are multi-layered and can become frayed in the machine.

Cleaning suede boots

Natural suede is contraindicated for prolonged exposure to water. Therefore, immediately abandon the idea of ​​​​throwing suede shoes in the washing machine. Moreover, boots made of such material are easy to clean by hand.

Stores sell compositions for cleaning suede, these are special sprays and foams. You can also purchase a brush, one side of which is wired and the other is rubberized. Among the folk remedies, steaming, vinegar solution or water with the addition of alcohol help well. The washing machine can only be used to clean sneakers with suede inserts, and then only as a last resort.

If dirt is concentrated inside

After wearing for a long time, shoes may begin to smell unpleasant. This is especially true for warm winter boots, in which feet often sweat, or non-breathable demi-season boots.

Washing in a machine helps to get rid of the smelly “aroma”. If automatic cleaning is prohibited, you can treat the inner lining with soapy water and a couple of drops of essential oil: eucalyptus, lavender, orange or tea tree.It is recommended to wash the insoles in the same solution.

The fur inside winter boots is cleaned with a thin brush. The bristles should be wetted in a soapy solution. After this, it is important to dry the boots well.

How to quickly get rid of moisture?

Drying shoes also follows certain rules. Do not dry boots on radiators or near heaters. Moisture should evaporate naturally.

Stuff wet boots with white paper - this will make them dry much faster.

The sheets will absorb excess water. As soon as they get wet, the pieces of paper should be changed. Do not place wet shoes in direct sunlight - ultraviolet radiation is harmful to the material.

Dry boots should be treated with a special water- and dirt-repellent impregnation. This will help the shoes get less dirty during wear. Stores sell compounds for suede, leatherette, membranes, and leather products.

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