Is it possible to wash winter shoes in a washing machine?

It is very important to properly care for your shoes, following all the manufacturer's instructions. This will allow the products not to lose their original appearance, maintain their qualities, and not “fall apart” after a season. Usually, there are no problems with choosing a cleaning method for summer shoes, sneakers and light boots, but with insulated boots the situation is more complicated. Is it possible to wash winter boots in a machine? Will washing them do any harm? We’ll tell you further.

We take into account the manufacturer's recommendations

Washing in an automatic machine can damage any product, so before loading shoes into the drum, carefully read the manufacturer’s recommended care information. If winter boots are purchased at a large store, then comprehensive information can be obtained by studying the label on the product or the booklet included in the shoe box. As a last resort, all information with recommendations can be posted on the manufacturer’s website.

Be sure to pay attention to the material that served as the basis for the manufacture of shoes. Fabric products can be easily cleaned in a washing machine, while the machine will have an unpredictable effect on suede and leather shoes. Automatic washing is contraindicated in the following cases: if the boots require repair

if the products require repair (the sole has come off, part of the shoe has come off);
if the quality of the shoes is inadequate (low-quality models will show protruding threads, glue stains, cracks);
when you are dealing with membrane products;
if the surface is replete with various decorative inserts. If you rotate it too hard in the washing machine, part of the decor may come off.

Models with leatherette inserts require preparation before the automatic washing process. A number of simple rules will allow you to preserve elements from a leather substitute. You should be very careful when cleaning items decorated with fur; during the washing process, the fur trim may come out.

In the vast majority of cases, the manufacturer categorically prohibits washing shoes in a washing machine. The best way to care for winter boots is to manually dry or wet clean them. If you properly remove dirt from the surface and inside, the quality of cleaning will in many ways surpass washing in a machine.

Cleaning leather shoes

In fact, caring for leather products is quite simple. It is necessary to treat the outer surface with a cloth soaked in soapy water. To maintain the condition of the boots from the inside, you should use special deodorizing aerosols, an alcohol solution or water with the addition of potassium permanganate.

It is important to regularly impregnate leather shoes with creams intended for this purpose, then they will retain their original appearance and properties for a long time.

Is a washing machine suitable for cleaning leather boots? More likely no than yes, because washing in a machine can cause irreparable harm to the material. However, if the manufacturer allows this method of care, and you do not see any other cleaning methods, then you must follow the following recommendations: cleaning leather shoes

you can load leather products into the drum only after removing all the dirt accumulated on the soles;
be sure to remove laces and other elements that could damage the shoes and the washing machine itself;
Wash insoles and laces by hand, using special products or regular laundry soap;
choose the washing program wisely: the water temperature should not be higher than 30 °C, the spin function must be turned off. It is better to choose the delicate mode;
be sure to use a special washing bag, which will allow leather winter shoes to maintain their quality;
The detergent can be a washing gel or a proven powder that does not contain bleaching particles or fragrances.

Experienced housewives clean boots made of genuine leather with a soap solution with the addition of ammonia. Moisten a soft sponge or piece of cloth in the prepared liquid and gently wipe the entire surface. Afterwards, it is advisable to lubricate the outside of the shoes with castor oil.

To remove dirt from suede or nubuck shoes, you should first dry the products. After this, using a special brush for sensitive materials, you need to walk over the surface of the shoes, gradually brushing off all the adhered dust. Having an idea of how to clean leather and suede boots, you can easily return the shoes to their attractiveness without the risk of being left without boots.

Why is washing in a machine harmful?

the seams will unravel after machine washing In the vast majority of cases, winter boots should not be machine washed. Even a one-time cleaning procedure in a washing machine can lead to shoes losing their properties, losing their attractiveness, and reducing the quality of the material. Under the influence of a large amount of warm water with washing powder dissolved in it, leather shoes are likely to crack, and suede shoes will become covered with ugly stains.

Don't forget about the internal insulation. The fur, during automatic washing, will partially come out, and, as a result, the boots will not be able to retain heat fully.

Seams that are glued with adhesive and completely sealed may begin to leak water after machine cleaning.

Based on the above, one conclusion suggests itself - proper care of winter shoes involves periodic cleaning of the products, but not washing in an automatic machine. By carefully wiping and soaking the shoes by hand and treating the inner area with aerosols, you don’t have to worry about the safety of the shoes.