Is it possible to wash shoes in a washing machine?

Is it possible to wash shoes in a washing machine? Recently, there has been an opinion that the most effective way to clean shoes and eliminate odors is to put them in the drum of a washing machine. But are these shoes machine washable? Manufacturers answer unequivocally: washing shoes in a washing machine is strictly prohibited. The only exception to this rule can be sports shoes made from textiles. However, some housewives are sure: there is nothing wrong with cleaning leather, suede shoes or pairs of leatherette shoes using household appliances. What do they risk when they are too lazy to wash their products by hand?

No wonder the manufacturer prohibits this

Washing shoes in a machine can be compared to a lottery. Moreover, cleaning inexpensive pairs made from low-quality materials is less likely to promise a win. If the manufacturer did not make a special note on the box in which the shoes were sold about the possibility of machine washing, the risk that damaged items can be removed from the drum is high. Neglecting recommendations can have unpleasant consequences.

Peeled off soles. Due to prolonged exposure to water, the quality of gluing deteriorates.
Faded paint. The use of household chemicals when washing is fraught with color loss. Often, shoes made of genuine leather take on the brown color that they had before the factory dyeing.
Downsizing. Shoes do not withstand high temperatures, more than +40⁰ C. Materials may shrink under such conditions. As a result, the steam after washing becomes too small for the owner.
Tightening of suede and genuine leather. Under the influence of the powder, the materials from which the shoes are made become rougher.

If shoes or individual parts of them are made of textiles, detergents are difficult to rinse out. Such products often become rougher, rub the skin, and are no longer comfortable to wear after machine washing.

Important! High-heeled shoes, especially stilettos, should not be cleaned in the washing machine. This can damage equipment or damage shoes.

If you decide to use the machine

If the housewife decides to put her shoes in the drum of the washing machine, she needs to reduce the risk of equipment breakdown. To do this, you can use special recommendations. You should clean your shoes in the following way:

remove dirt from the sole using a brush. Wipe it with a damp cloth;
remove laces and decorative elements;
remove the insoles. They must be washed by hand with powder or laundry soap;
the laces are machine washable;
put the shoes in a special bag for washing or wrap them in a towel, an unnecessary piece of fabric;
On the control panel of the washing machine, turn on the “Delicate Wash” mode.

Note! Some models of equipment have special programs designed to clean shoes.

set the temperature within 30⁰C and turn off the spin.
Add liquid detergent to the powder receptacle.

You cannot put more than two pairs of shoes in the drum. This will lead to overload and equipment breakdown. To prevent shoes from hitting the wall of the drum, you need to put a rag in it.

Drying is very important

Leather and suede shoes are often damaged not only by machine washing, but also by improperly organized drying. Having taken the shoes out of the drum, they must be straightened and placed on a flat horizontal surface. To prevent it from losing its shape, you should put white paper inside.. You should not use newspaper sheets; they can stain the inside of the shoes.

It is recommended to dry shoes outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, away from heating devices or direct sunlight. Dried shoes made of genuine leather should be lubricated with cream and then polished. If the pair is made of nubuck or suede, it is treated with a special brush. Shoe manufacturers claim that their products cannot be washed in a machine. The only exception is textile shoes. It is better to clean shoes using wet brushes and special detergents.