Many sneaker manufacturers do not recommend washing their products in a washing machine. But the prospect of tedious and not always successful manual cleaning will not please everyone, especially for many - these are the most popular shoes, which tend to quickly become dirty from frequent and prolonged wear. But we assure you - most of these products can be washed in a machine without fear! Of course, knowing how to wash sneakers in a washing machine correctly - which we will tell you about now.
Can sneakers be washed?
The answer to this question can be either “yes” or “no”. In an automatic machine, you can easily wash sports shoes made from synthetic fabrics. This does not mean that glued sneakers cannot be washed in the washing machine. To prevent shoes from coming off during washing, check the labels with the manufacturer's instructions.
But with such dirty soles, washing is contraindicated!
Don't forget to remove your laces
Let's list those types of sneakers that are contraindicated for machine washing:
- Cheap sneakers from little-known manufacturers, counterfeits of well-known brands. As a rule, the sole on such shoes is glued rather than stitched. Is it possible to wash sneakers in a washing machine in this case? Water, powder, and strong mechanical stress can cause them to remain with the sole peeled off by the end of the washing cycle.
- On the contrary, expensive shoes made of genuine leather . This material “does not like” water and detergents - under their influence, sneakers can easily lose their presentable appearance.
- Damaged shoes. Have you noticed that threads are sticking out of the sneaker, the sole is coming off a little, and there are abrasions and holes on the surface from which the “filling” can be seen? Machine washing will completely finish such a product.
- Shoes with glued decorative elements. These can include reflectors, rhinestones, emblems. Most likely, washing will result in them ending up in a miserable state or leaving the sneaker altogether. And this is fraught with a breakdown of the car - if this beauty clogs the drum.
- Sneakers with luminous elements in the sole.
Note! Not all shoes are machine washable. Before throwing them in the washing machine, it's worth reading the label first.
You need to be careful because if the shoes are damaged
the manufacturer may not accept the claim.
If the shoes are damaged during improper washing, the customer will be denied a warranty return.
Reanimation of the washing machine
- Proponents of strict hygiene are ready to protest against washing shoes in a drum. “What about the bed? Underwear? Kids' things?" – they are reasonably indignant. If this is the only reason, the “washing machine” can be easily revived after washing the shoes:
- First, clean your sneakers as much as possible, wash off the dirt, remove pebbles and other debris.
- After washing your shoes, rinse the machine by running it idle (without laundry) on the “Boiling” mode (90℃). At the same time, pour not only powder into the powder compartment, but also disinfectant. For example, quite affordable “Velvet”, “Vanish”, Belle, Synergetic. In special cases, use the powerful Multidez-Teflex for washing - this gel kills HIV, tuberculosis, polio, adenovirus, hepatitis B. At the same time, it is hypoallergenic and safe for animals and humans.
- After washing, rinse the filter.
Process from start to finish
We will go through with you the whole process of “How to wash sneakers in an automatic washing machine.”
Preparation
If your sneakers are not one of the prohibited types listed above, then it’s time to start preparing for washing:
- We advise you to purchase special bags made of durable fabric for washing shoes. They will help keep both your sneakers and your car drum in good condition. Many people successfully replace such bags with unnecessary light-colored socks. A good alternative would be an old pillowcase or a fabric potato bag. If none of the above was found, how to wash sneakers in a machine? Fill the drum with what you don't mind sacrificing - rags, rags, rugs, etc.
- Thoroughly clean the sole with a rag or brush - there should be no dirt, stuck sand and pebbles, or stuck chewing gum on it.
- If your shoes are heavily soiled, it is better to soak them in a soapy solution for a couple of hours before machine washing. By the way, this is an excellent opportunity to check its suitability for machine washing - if the sneakers have not become deformed, parts have not begun to peel off from them, then they are suitable for a machine wash cycle.
- Take out the insoles and laces - they will have to be washed separately and, alas, with your own hands.
Insoles are washed separately by hand
Advice! We warn you before washing your sneakers in an automatic washing machine that many “washers” make unusually loud sounds when cleaning heavy shoes - the soles knock on the metal drum and glass. Therefore, we do not recommend running such a wash when someone is already sleeping in the house.
How to wash sneakers in the washing machine - use only cold water!
Choosing a washing assistant
Laundry soap helps cope well with various types of stains. But you should not use it for bright fabric sneakers - it can discolor the textiles.
Give preference to liquid detergent or washing gel, as regular powder can leave streaks on the surface of the shoes. Dirty sneakers perform best in soft rather than hard water. You can soften it either with special means or with regular baking soda.
We also do not recommend using various rinses or conditioners - they can also leave streaks on the sneakers.
If there are no fabric bags, soften the wash with unnecessary fabric
Wash
What’s good here is that you are almost not involved in the process. You just need to set the necessary parameters for the machine. The table will tell you how to wash sneakers in a washing machine.
| Mode | Ideally, your washing machine has a “Shoe Washing” option. However, it is quite possible to do without it - set the “Delicate mode”. |
| Temperature | No higher than 40 degrees. Washing in hot water is fraught with deformation of shoes, a negative effect on the adhesive base, and “shedding” of bright colored inserts. |
| Rinsing | Detergents from thick shoes are much more difficult to wash out than from fabric. Therefore, so that unsightly white or yellow stains from the powder do not remain, o. This is especially true for those who are interested in learning how to wash white sneakers in the washing machine. |
| Spin | Such a strong mechanical impact is contraindicated even in branded shoes - there is a possibility that they will become deformed or even fall apart. Therefore, turn off the Spin function. |
| Drying | Drying in the washing machine drum should also not be activated - exposure to high temperatures will negatively affect the appearance of the sneakers. |
An incorrectly configured washing cycle can lead to disastrous consequences.
No matter how high-quality the sneakers are, still take pity on them - do not machine wash them more than twice a month. After a shoe washing cycle, it’s still a good idea to disinfect the drum - turn on the highest temperature mode, pour citric acid into the compartment instead of powder, and “run” one cycle without laundry.
Advice! Under no circumstances should you wash more than two pairs of sneakers at once in a washing machine! Ideally: one wash cycle = one pair of sneakers. Why is economical washing dangerous? The hard soles of several sneakers can easily damage the washer drum, or even break the glass on the door.
Washing sneakers in various washing machines
Depending on the brand of automatic machine, the mode used for washing sports or other shoes can vary dramatically. Let's look at some of the differences in the table:
| Automatic car brand | Washing mode | Features of the washing mode |
| Samsung | Washing mode: delicate or quick. | The duration of a quick wash is a quarter of an hour. Spin mode cannot be turned off. Delicate mode – duration 45 minutes. |
| LG | Delicate cycle or for washing woolen items. | Washing time is about an hour. Set the temperature within 30-400C. |
| Bosch | Delicate wash cycle. | Washing for half an hour. Temperature 300C. |
| Indesit | Mode for washing sports shoes. | Wash at speed – 500, temperature – 300C, time – 40 minutes. |
What to do if there is no special bag
How to wash sneakers in an automatic machine if we don’t have a special bag? An old towel is a great alternative. Simply throw two towels into the drum with your sneakers to absorb shock. It is not recommended to use emollients in the form of conditioner. For washing you only need a small amount of liquid powder.
All that remains is to set the appropriate temperature. It is recommended to wash at 30 degrees. For safety reasons, you should avoid spinning, which most often damages shoes. It may even damage them. So there's no point in taking risks.
Drying
Proper drying is no less important.
It’s easy to dry sneakers without the help of a washing machine:
- After you remove your shoes from the washing machine, stuff them tightly with absorbent paper. Polished, glossy, dense will not be suitable for these purposes. If the interior lining of the shoes is dark, then you can use newspapers, preferably black and white. For light upholstery, you need plain white paper - newspaper can leave annoying stains and streaks. An alternative is cotton or linen fabric.
- The optimal temperature for drying is room temperature. Under no circumstances should you place your sneakers on a radiator, heater, or under the scorching rays of the sun! This may cause deformation of their material.
An old toothbrush is a good alternative to machine washing
Quick drying
If you need to dry your sneakers urgently after you have washed your sneakers in an automatic machine, you can use one of these methods:
A hairdryer will speed up drying a little
“Grandma’s” drying method - using salt
Salt can be replaced with rice
You can try drying your sneakers with the fan on.
You can also try silica gel balls
The most effective assistant is a vacuum cleaner
- Hair dryer. Of course, hot air flows are contraindicated. But you will speed up the drying process if you blow the inside of your shoes with warm air currents. A miracle won’t happen—the sneakers won’t dry out in an hour, but things will still go faster.
- Table salt (some replace it with rice). Heat the required amount of salt in the frying pan until it becomes warm. Then pour it into old socks and put them on your wet sneakers. The process must be repeated when the salt has cooled.
- Vacuum cleaner. According to reviews from many experimenters, drying each shoe in a pair with a vacuum cleaner does not take more than 20 minutes! You need to remove the brush or attachment from the device tube, place it inside the sneaker and turn on the vacuum cleaner. It will draw in air along with moisture. The more powerful the mode, the faster the drying.
- Silica gel balls. Most suitable for suede shoes. Place them in each of the sneakers - after a couple of hours the shoes should dry in this way.
- Fan. Some people dry their sneakers next to this switched on device.
- Coals from a fire. Of course, this method is most suitable when you get your feet wet in nature. Wrap warm coals in cloth or newspaper and stuff them into your sneakers.
Selecting the right product
The most popular, proven over the years, universal remedy is laundry soap. It perfectly fights various types of dirt, eliminating old and problematic stains. However, it must be used carefully - laundry soap can discolor textiles, so it is better not to wash bright fabrics with it.
It is better to wash your sneakers using liquid detergent. The gel copes better with stains and does not leave behind streaks, unlike, for example, washing powder.
It is also better not to use conditioners when washing due to the high probability of streaks.
Important! It is better to wash shoes in soft water. To soften it, add 1 tablespoon of regular baking soda to the water.
Manual cleaning at home
If you are not sure that your favorite sneakers will withstand the washing cycle in an automatic machine, then there is an old, safe, proven method, namely hand washing, the cost of which is your physical effort:
- Prepare your shoes for washing - brush the soles to remove dirt, remove the laces, and remove the insoles.
- In warm water (no more than 40 degrees), dilute liquid detergent or grated laundry soap.
- Soak the shoes in the solution for half an hour.
- Drain the dirty liquid and immerse the sneakers or sneakers in a clean soap solution, “prepared” in the same way.
- Using a shoe brush (an alternative is an old toothbrush or the hard side of a dish sponge), clean the entire surface of the shoe, paying more attention to especially dirty places - as in the photo.
- For yellow stains, use lemon juice, and for stubborn stains, use white toothpaste. Hydrogen peroxide will rid sneakers of the most severe dirt.
- Rinse your shoes thoroughly under running cool water.
- Dry following the tips above.
Brush heavy dirt
You may find it useful when washing
At what temperature
The optimal temperature for washing sneakers is considered to be 30 degrees. Actually, this is what you need to set if there is no specialized program. In this case, you don’t have to worry about the product falling apart, losing its shape, or shrinking.
For membrane sneakers, the degree is reduced to 25. Only such conditions can preserve their original appearance.
Attention! No shoe, no matter how durable the material it is made of, can withstand temperatures that exceed 40 degrees.
Features of washing depending on the material
Before washing the sneakers in the washing machine, we must first check the symbols visible on the label. Only thanks to the manufacturer's recommendations can we choose the right cleaning method and prevent damage.
It is worth knowing that not all sports and textile shoes can be washed in an automatic machine, since this process is associated with certain risks.
Leather and leatherette
Unfortunately, leather shoes cannot be washed in a washing machine, regardless of whether they are covered with natural or artificial leather. With prolonged contact with water, the skin may begin to peel off or unsightly wrinkles may form.
The best way to clean such shoes is to follow these simple recommendations:
Leather sneakers require special care
- Cleaning should be done in warm or even cool water - hot water can deform the material.
- After you have washed your leather shoes, be sure to dry them - with a dry rag, napkin or a special rubberized brush.
- If the material is heavily soiled, try to remove it with the following solution – water + ammonia ( ratio 5:1 ). Do not allow your sneakers to become thoroughly wet as a result of this cleaning.
- Finally, don’t forget to dry them with a napkin.
Suede
Suede is a natural leather that does not tolerate contact with water, especially when completely immersed in water. Washing suede shoes in the washing machine will likely cause the material to warp and discolor.
If there is an urgent need to refresh such sneakers in the washing machine, they should be placed in a special mesh bag. So that the material does not wear off quickly, but resort to this type of cleaning last.
Nubuck
A material that is similar to suede, that is, leather framed, but polished to produce a suede-like texture. The external difference between nubuck and suede is really small.
If you haven't already purchased a brush specifically for this skin type, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove dry dirt and dust.
To clean nubuck, use classic school rubber, which also effectively removes dirt that has accumulated on the surface of the material during the day.
Note! If your nubuck pair gets wet, let it dry completely before cleaning. Crumpled newspapers inserted inside absorb moisture well. Never dry nubuck shoes under a radiator or in the sun!
Textile
It would be more correct to call sneakers made from this material sneakers. They are light, inexpensive, and your feet don’t get tired or sore in them. The textile surface holds up well to various prints and designs. However, there are two drawbacks: they are only suitable for warm weather and do not protect your feet from moisture at all.
Fabric sneakers are not afraid to flounder for 15-30 minutes in the washing machine. Even if the sneakers have thin leather stripes.
On a note! Sneakers can be machine washed with care - as long as there is no damage to the fabric and the sole is sewn to the outer surface rather than glued to it. The main thing is that the products do not fade.
Before putting them in the washing machine, thoroughly soap your fabric sneakers and turn on the gentle wash program. Add towels or a couple of old clothes to the drum.
Net
The easiest and most effective way to clean mesh models is by machine washing. However, the steps must be performed correctly so as not to damage the shoes.
Here's a quick guide to keeping your favorite sneakers looking great:
- Clean dry any sand or dried dirt. It is best to shake them on the balcony and lightly brush the soles. Thanks to this, we protect not only shoes, but also the washing machine.
- Remove the laces and wash them by hand. If their condition leaves much to be desired even after washing, replace them with new ones. It's low cost and the effect can be amazing!
- Place your sneakers in a laundry net.
- Place in the washing machine. Wash at 30 degrees or, if possible, turn on the cold water function.
- Use a good washing powder or detergent to get rid of dirt.
- It is important not to spin or set the washing machine to the minimum speed. Thanks to this, we reduce the likelihood of possible damage to the sneakers.
Warning! Shoes are not placed in an empty drum, but filled with other things that can be washed at low temperatures. This ensures shock absorption
When washed in these conditions, the mesh sneakers will be clean and will not be damaged. Increasing the wash temperature or spin speed may cause shrinkage or warping.
Sneakers with membrane
If your fall or winter running shoes or boots have a Gore-Tex membrane, any oil or silicone products may reduce their breathability.
Use preparations that impregnate shoes, but do not impair their technical properties. Impregnation maintains thermal insulation, protects against dirt, and prevents water absorption, which gives a feeling of comfort in any conditions.
To clean leather shoes with a membrane, just like suede ones, use warm water and a toothbrush. To clean leather in combination with textiles and other materials, it is better to use a sponge.
Led sneakers
LED brand sneakers should be handled with care. Pay special attention to luminous parts. It should be noted right away that backlit sneakers cannot be washed in an automatic machine. These models require more painstaking cleaning.
The main reasons why it is not recommended to wash LED sneakers in a machine:
- The design contains microcircuits and other parts that feed the LEDs. In direct contact with water, the backlight may be damaged.
- Luminous sneakers have a complex design and sole pattern, so it gets tightly clogged with street dirt, which can disrupt the functioning of the washing machine.
- In most cases, this type of shoe is equipped with a connector for recharging from electrical networks. Therefore, it is better to clean LED sneakers manually.
- Machine washing may damage the phosphorus coating.
From the above, it is clear that LED sneakers can be cleaned using chemical compounds in the form of dry foam or home remedies.
How to dry it properly?
The final stage will be drying the shoes . Moreover, it must be correct, otherwise all the work will be in vain and the damaged shoes will only have to be thrown away.
Sneakers should be dried naturally, preferably in a hanging state. It is optimal to place them on the balcony, but not under the scorching rays of the sun. Good ventilation is important.
To preserve the shape, immediately fill the shoes with crumpled paper and change it as it gets wet. You can use electric dryers when your sneakers are almost dry.
How to dry it is prohibited:
- in a drying cabinet;
- using a hairdryer;
- on the battery.
Do not wear wet shoes, as they will stretch and become too big.
Washing certain types of athletic shoes
Sports shoes are especially susceptible to stubborn stains.
You wear them during physical activity, when you work out for long hours and stay outside. You also often wear them in bad weather - consider rain, puddles and dirt the enemies of cleanliness! Sneakers are considered the most practical and comfortable sports shoes. They are suitable for daily wear. The more actively the sneakers are used, the more often they need to be put in order. In some cases, it is enough to clean with a brush, in others, wash in an automatic machine. In order not to spoil the appearance, it is better to clean them manually.
If the shoes have decorative elements - rhinestones, rivets or stripes, then you need to remember that when machine washed they can come off and clog the drain.
On a note! When washed in an automatic machine, the decorative decorations on the sneakers may subsequently rust due to mechanical stress, thereby ruining their appearance.
Summer light moccasins are freshened in the washing machine at your own risk. From intense contact with the walls of the drum, such shoes can become unstuck. The glue may not withstand high temperatures and excess moisture.
Preparatory stage
Before washing your sneakers you need to prepare:
- It is necessary to clean the sneakers from dirt, sand and debris. To do this, you can use a brush or rag. If the dirt has dried, you can rinse the sneakers under running water or soak them in soapy warm water for half an hour.
- Remove the laces and insoles. By the way, they can be washed together, but with separate elements. If the insoles are glued, then let them remain there, there is no need to tear them off.
- Before washing in the machine, place your shoes in a special bag. If you don’t have one, you can use an old pillowcase instead of a shoe bag. Place your sneakers in it and tie the knots tightly.
If you don’t have a bag or a pillowcase, you can put old clothes in the machine for softness, which you don’t mind throwing away.
This will make the washing process noticeably quieter, and the likelihood of damage to the machine will be minimized.
Processing nuances depending on color
It immediately comes to mind and seems like the easiest way to wash sneakers in the washing machine. The downside to this solution is that soaking your sneakers too often can cause them to gradually disintegrate, lose color vibrancy, and sag in the parts responsible for the shoe's rigidity. Therefore, for really serious stains, it is better to use other methods of cleaning shoes depending on the color.
White
A definitely more shoe-friendly option, although a little more time-consuming, is to clean your sneakers by hand in a bowl using a fine brush and a lather of traditional plain soap. Rubbing individual parts of your shoes is certainly safer from a design perspective than washing them in a washing machine, which you don't have complete control over.
You can use other detergents if desired, but plain soap is renowned for its effectiveness. Remember that you can effectively wash your shoes without completely submerging them in water.
On a note! When machine washing, you can add a chlorine-free product to the drum to help effectively whiten light-colored sneakers. To maintain a snow-white color, use special detergents for washing white items.
Only high-quality fabric shoes can be washed.
Colored
When the question arises about cleaning colored sports shoes or fabric sneakers, with the desire to save time, the solution comes - throw them in the washing machine. Set a washing program in the unit and instantly solve the problem of cleaning shoes.
Unfortunately, most shoe manufacturers do not recommend washing sneakers, sneakers, and moccasins for one simple reason - they may fall apart. Additionally, washing in a washing machine can cause color loss, yellowing, or worse, permanent deformation. The rubber soles of sneakers may crack.
In case of urgent need to refresh colored shoes, you first need to check whether the material is fading. After this, place the sneakers in a special bag and wash them in an automatic machine at low speeds at low temperatures.
Advice! If you are afraid that bright sneakers will fade when machine washed, then give them a short “test drive” - thoroughly rub the fabric surface with a damp cloth. If after these impacts there are no traces of paint on it, then the sneakers can be safely sent to the machine for washing.
Working on errors + TOP 5 most common ones
- If there are yellow spots on the sole after washing, paint them over with special paint. As a last resort, take it to a shoemaker and he will paint it.
- If, after washing and drying, suede shoes have shrunk and lost their pattern, hold them over steam and “comb” them with a brush in the direction of the pile.
- To prevent crosses from losing color, use a paint fixative. Add a tablespoon of 9% vinegar to 0.5 buckets of water, lower the “runners” for 20 minutes. And only after that put it in the washing machine.
- If the items turn yellow after washing, bleach them with lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, and then rinse.
- Are the reflective elements peeling off or falling off? Paint them with acrylic paint. True, after the next wash you will have to repeat it again and again. For a permanent effect, buy and glue new elements; they are sold in shoe, stationery or handicraft stores.
Cleaning the sole
Most white sneakers have a sole that is the same color as the upper. It accounts for even more pollution. The task of cleaning is complicated by the relief and porosity of the material. Simple recipes will help you restore your appearance.
Acetone with vinegar
To prepare the cleaning solution you will need the following components:
- acetone;
- vinegar.
Measure out both liquids in equal quantities and mix. The napkin should be moistened in the prepared solution and wipe the sole, paying more attention to heavily soiled areas. After treatment, rinse the sole.
Lemon acid
Dilute a tablespoon of citric acid in ½ glass of water . Wet a napkin in the prepared solution and treat the sole. After this, rinse the remaining product with water.
Oxygen bleach
For treatment, you can choose one of the oxygen-containing bleaches intended for washing clothes.
Operating procedure:
- The selected product is diluted in water in accordance with the instructions.
- So much prepared solution is poured into the basin so that when you place the sneakers in it, only the sole is in the water.
- Leave for a couple of hours.
- Clean the sole with a brush.
- Rinse with clean water.
Potato starch with milk
A product that requires the following components will help
clean stubborn stains on white natural leather sneakers
- milk;
- starch.
Both components are mixed in equal volume. Apply the mixture to the shoes with a brush. After cleaning, the sneakers are rinsed and dried.
How and with what to whiten the white sole of sneakers, video recipes:
