Can You Put Shoes in the Washing Machine (Suede, Canvas, Golf Shoes)

Lindsey, do you know if I can put Canvas, Suede, Golf, and Balenciaga shoes in the washing machine? This is one of the questions our readers ask a lot. Well, we´ve got you covered.

Whether you have stepped in a muddy puddle or had to take a detour through a dirty field, it can be easy to ruin a pair of shoes with a stain that won’t budge without a wash.

So you may be wondering, can you put shoes in the washing machine? Yes, you can put shoes in the washing machine. Shoes made of certain materials such as leather or suede should not be put in the washing machine, whereas shoes made of cotton or nylon are usually safe. Shoes should be placed into a laundry bag or pillowcase to avoid any damage to both the shoe and the washing machine. The washing machine should be placed on a cool temperature and a low spin cycle.

Read on for tips on which shoes can be put in the washing machine, and how to safely wash and dry shoes.

What Shoes Can You Put in the Washing Machine?

Before washing your shoes (Suede, Canvas, Golf, Balenciaga), check the label on the shoe to make sure it is safe to put into the washing machine.

Some shoes may specify that they need to be hand-washed. This label is usually on the tongue of the shoe or the inner heel.

Certain types of shoes should not be put in the washing machine as they can become damaged by laundry detergent, such as:

• Leather shoes
• Suede shoes
• High heels
• Hiking boots
• Shoes with metal, rhinestones, beads, or other ornamental features

Shoes made of certain synthetic fabrics such as nylon, cotton, linen, cloth, or polyester, are usually safe to be put in the washing machine. Including:

• Sneakers
• Tennis shoes
• Athletic shoes
• Canvas shoes
• Slippers
• Ballet flats

How Do You Prep Shoes for the Washing Machine?

Before putting your shoes in the washing machine you need to first clean off any dirt that could clog the washing machine.

1. Hit the shoes against each other to remove any large clumps of dirt.
2. Use an old toothbrush or another soft-bristled brush with warm soapy water to scrub off excess dirt on the edges and the soles of the shoes.
3. Then rinse off the shoes.

Remove the shoelaces and insoles. Either wash them by hand with warm soapy water, or place them into a mesh lingerie bag to put into the washing machine with the shoes.

How Do You Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine?

1. Put the shoes in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase and tie the top, to avoid the shoes damaging the washing machine or becoming damaged themselves.
2. To balance out the weight of the shoes, put a few towels into the machine with the shoes.
3. Then put in the amount of laundry detergent that you would normally use.
4. If the shoes are especially stained, you can add baking soda too.
5. Put the washing machine on a delicate setting if it has one, and if not on a cold-water cycle with a low spin cycle.

Can You Put Shoes in the Dryer?

Similar to a washing machine, only certain types of shoes can be put in a dryer. Some shoes are made of glue or other materials that will become damaged and melt or shrink in the dryer heat, warping the shape of the shoe.

Materials that can be put into a dryer are similar to those that can be put in a washer, such as nylon, cotton, canvas, or polyester shoes, including sneakers, athletic shoes, and canvas shoes.

Any shoes that have ornamental features such as sequins, beads, or metal, should not be placed in the dryer.

Before drying your shoes, check the tag which states whether or not it is safe to be put into the dryer. This care label will be on the inside tongue or heel of the shoe.

If there is a square with an X inside it, this means that the shoes are not suitable for machine drying and should be air dried.

If there is a square with a circle inside it, this means that the shoes can be dried at a low heat.

If you are unsure whether your shoes can be put into the dryer, leave them to air dry to be safe.

How Do You Dry Shoes in the Dryer?

1. Put the shoes into a laundry bag or pillowcase.
2. Place the shoes in the dryer with towels to pad out the area and avoid damage to either the shoes or the dryer.
3. Another option is to tie the shoes by the laces to the dryer door so that they cannot be thrown around in the dryer.
4. If the dryer has an air-dry setting this is best as it will have no heat, but if not turn the dryer to the lowest temperature setting.
5. Put the shoes in the dryer for around 15 to 20 minutes before checking on them. If they are not dry, put them on for an additional 5 to 10 minutes and continue to check them. They can then be air dried until they are fully dry.

Besides a dryer, shoes can be placed in a well-ventilated area to air dry. You can help with the drying process by stuffing the shoes with newspaper or small towels to soak up the moisture.

Avoid wearing shoes until they are completely dry as the moisture can cause bacteria. Ensure laces and insoles are completely dry before putting them back into the shoe.

References

https://www.ahs.com/home-matters/quick-tips/can-you-wash-shoes-in-washing-machine/

https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Shoes-in-a-Washing-Machine