How to wash shoes in an automatic washing machine (in what mode, at what temperature), how many pairs at a time, how to do it by hand, how to get rid of stains

In the process of wearing, any shoes are not only subject to wear and tear, but also get dirty and lose their presentable appearance over time.

In addition, the inner side absorbs sweat and begins to emit an unpleasant odor. And the external one accumulates dust and dirt.

High-quality cleaning will help improve the condition of your shoes. But not every pair of shoes can be washed.

Is it possible and how to properly wash shoes (made of fabric, white, etc.) in an automatic washing machine and by hand? Read the article.

Is it washable?

Manufacturers do not recommend washing most types and models of shoes, especially in a washing machine. Intense mechanical stress and moisture can lead to damage and deformation.

Before you start hand washing, and even more so machine washing, you need to:

Clean off adhering dirt and dust.
Inspect for any defects requiring repair.
Pull out the laces and removable insoles.
If there are Velcro or zippers, they need to be fastened.
If there are stains, they should be removed before the main wash.

Not every pair is washable. The following are prohibited:

varnished;
model;
winter;
designer with complex decor, etc.

Washing allowed:

high-quality stitched sneakers made of leather and fabric;
house slippers;
sneakers;
fabric sandals;
fabric moccasins, etc.

More stringent requirements apply to shoes that are supposed to be machine washed. If you have doubts that sneakers or another pair will survive automatic washing, it is better to use manual cleaning.

Most manufacturers do not guarantee that shoes will be in good condition after washing, and do not provide recommendations for such treatment. All responsibility falls entirely on the user.

Tips to note

Let’s share a number of recommendations that housewives learned during the practice of washing shoes in a machine:

Is it possible to wash shoes in a washing machine - a pressing question

A product called “Persil” works well against severe stains: the gel is applied to particularly dirty areas. After 10 minutes, the shoes can be washed without rinsing off the product.
Is it possible to wash shoes in a machine more efficiently? For more effective cleaning, you need to add Calgon or an analogue to the special compartment. Ordinary soda will also successfully cope with this role. These products soften the water, which has a beneficial effect on the cleaning result.
As we said, machine washing is disastrous for suede shoes. But if the product has several such inserts, then it’s okay if it goes through a machine wash cycle.
If after washing there is an unpleasant odor inside a pair of shoes, then you should moisten a napkin or cloth in ordinary table vinegar (not essence!), and wipe the inside of the product with it. After this, you just need to ventilate the shoes a little to remove the unpleasant vinegar “aroma” - and they are ready to wear! Note that in the case of membrane shoes, this life hack will have to be abandoned.

Still, is it possible to wash shoes in a washing machine? We have found out that this is not a taboo for textile, soft house shoes, sneakers, uggs, sneakers, moccasins and fabric ballet shoes. However, when sending these items for washing, you should carefully consider preparing them for this process, selecting the correct washing mode and detergent. Proper drying is no less important - at this stage, shoes can also be irreparably damaged. We hope that our recommendations were useful to you!

Washing in an automatic washing machine

Washing shoes by hand is a labor-intensive process. Responding to the wishes of consumers, many manufacturers of automatic washing machines have introduced the “Shoe Washing” mode.

Its feature:

The washing process proceeds at low speed.
Water heating temperature is limited.
Drying and spinning are disabled.

But even with such a gentle effect, a negative result is possible. The following types are not subject to automatic washing:

from leatherette;
having fur inserts;
suede;
winter couples;
having glued reflectors;
things of very low quality;
with the presence of permanent decor.

Preliminary cleaning of shoes from dirt before loading them into the machine is very important. In this case, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the top and sole, trying to remove as much as possible even small pebbles and grains of sand stuck in the sole, as they can damage the drum of the washing machine and lead to clogging.

If the washing machine does not have a separate mode for shoes, you can manually set the settings to the “delicate wash” indicator.

At what temperature?

The optimal temperature for shoes . A higher temperature may damage the product, while a lower temperature will be ineffective.

If the manufacturer does not specify a heating limit, it is better to limit it to +30ºС.

In what mode, program?

It is best, if possible, to wash shoes in a specially designed mode. In this case, the temperature and duration of the wash will be automatically set.

If it is not available, you can select the most suitable option from those provided. The most suitable is delicate . It is adjusted in terms of temperature. And be sure to turn off the spin cycle.

Choosing a detergent

Shoes should be washed using detergent intended for automatic washing machines.

It is advisable to use products in gel rather than powder form . Liquid formulations dissolve better in water and do not form sediment.

The amount of detergent is determined in proportion to the machine load. If you are washing white sneakers, you can add oxygenated bleach without chlorine.

Do not add additional fabric softener as it may leave stains.

Why do you need a bag?

Sneakers or other shoes must be loaded into the drum in a special bag. Such mesh devices have compacted elements. They protect the drum from too intense impact, and the shoes from mechanical damage .

If you don't have a special bag, you can use an old non-fading pillowcase and tie the top. And in addition, you need to put a couple of old towels in the drum.

How many pairs at a time?

Each washing machine has a maximum load rating. But when washing shoes, this parameter does not matter, since more than two pairs cannot be washed at a time . This is a strict condition, violation of which can lead to equipment failure.

Correct washing mode for shoes

If you have a modern washing machine with the “Shoes” function, then use that. When using a conventional “automatic” machine, choose the following algorithm of actions:

The temperature is not set high, about 30 - 40C.
The additional rinse mode is activated, since foam is washed out of shoes worse than from laundry.
The “spin” function is turned off, since there is a high risk of damaging household appliances due to powerful impacts of the sole on the drum.
If there is a “drying” mode, it is also turned off - hot air deforms the product, it will lose its previous appearance.
After the end of the cycle, the shoes are pulled out.

How to properly clean by hand?

You can wash sneakers and other shoes by hand that require more delicate care than an automatic machine provides.

For general cleaning you will need:

the basin in which the washing will be carried out;
warm water;
brush for external cleaning;
a brush with a long handle for cleaning the inside;
rag or sponge;
detergent.

Work order:

Prepare shoes for washing.
Pour water into the basin.
Dilute detergent in water.
Place the pair in water.
Carry out sequential cleaning of the outer and inner parts.
Rinse.
Dry.

If the shoes are too dirty, the water needs to be changed during the washing process.

If the leather pair is not very dirty, you can limit yourself to shallow cleaning:

treat only the outside of the shoes;
wash insoles and laces.

Preparing for washing

The safety of the machine and the quality of cleaning products depends on the preparation for the procedure. Before washing my shoes, I do the following:

I take out the laces and insoles.
I use a brush to remove dirt, sand and debris.
I wipe with a damp cloth, removing the remaining particles.
If there are stains, I remove them. I choose the product according to its origin.

The cleaned pair is placed in a special bag for washing shoes.

When he wasn't there, I used an old pillowcase. If you wash without protection, this creates a strong load on the drum, increasing the risk of damage to the machine.

Getting rid of complex dirt and odors

In some cases, simply washing your shoes is not enough. If there are stains on the surface of the material from grease, cat urine, etc., additional treatment is required. It will help eliminate the contamination itself and remove the unpleasant odor.

Fat

These types of stains can remain on suede or fabric surfaces. Such problems do not arise with natural leather.

To remove stains you will need:

rags or napkin;
purified gasoline or soap solution with ammonia (1:1);
for suede – a special brush.

When removing stains, the following condition must be observed: do not over-wet the material, especially when it comes to suede.

Work order:

Moisten a napkin in the prepared solution.
Gently rub the stain.
Dry the surface.
After removing the stain, fabric shoes are washed, and suede shoes are cleaned with a special brush.

Biological and food stains

Food stains and biological stains (pet feces, blood) are quite difficult to remove. Leather shoes are the best to clean.

The affected area on natural leather is wiped with a cloth soaked in a concentrated soap solution. After such treatment, a mark may also remain, which can be removed with a special wax, cream or spray.

If the stain appeared as a result of the pranks of a pet, then in addition to eliminating the stain, you also need to neutralize the smell . For these purposes, an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide or vinegar is used. When mixing a solution of water, take 4 parts, and the active substance – 1 part.

Disinfectors from veterinary stores will help you cope with the smell from animal feces. But the use of products in this category can also leave stains. To prevent the spots from becoming even larger and more noticeable, before the first use, the new product should be tested on an inconspicuous area.

Reagents used by utilities in winter

In winter, utility workers sprinkle sidewalks and roads with special reagents, which help remove snow and ice. But for shoes, such substances often have a simply destructive effect.

Washing is not always able to remove unsightly stains from skin. The following processing will help:

Wipe the stains with ammonia (alternatively, vinegar diluted 1:3 with water).
Blot the surface until it is completely dry.
Lubricate with castor or other vegetable oil.
Leave for a quarter of an hour.
Use a soft cloth to remove excess treatment product.

Dye

You can remove paint stains by using solvent-based products. One option is to use ammonia solution. White alcohol or gasoline will have a similar effect.

Procedure:

prepare a solution of 3 parts water and 1 part alcohol;
Using a soft cloth soaked in the solution, carefully treat the surface.

When processing, it is important to take into account the material of the shoe itself and the durability of its coloring. If the surface of the pair is treated with an unstable dye, the solvent may damage it too.

Therefore, when using for the first time, it is recommended to carry out a test from the inside in an inconspicuous area.

Zelenka and iodine

Alcohol or hydrogen peroxide will help
remove stains of brilliant green or iodine from leather shoes .

You can try to remove such preparations from a textile pair using a stain remover or ammonia.

If a difficult stain cannot be removed at home, you can turn to the services of a specialized shoe dry cleaner.

What shoes can be washed in a machine?

The answer to the question of whether shoes can be washed in a washing machine is far from clear. But the housewives were able to find a solution through experience. The following items can be machine washed:

Any sports shoes, the manufacturer of which allows mechanical and thermal effects.
Durable sneakers, well stitched or at least glued.
High quality sneakers made of fabric material.

Classic shoes made of leatherette, the soles of which are stitched rather than glued.
High-quality textile moccasins, ballet flats, Ugg boots and house shoes.
Flip-flops and sandals.

Fabric shoes with a good adhesive base are best resistant to machine washing.

Processing depending on material and color

Taking into account the material from which the shoes are made, the approach to washing is determined. If there are 2 pairs in one load of the washing machine, they must be the same color .

White sneakers, sneakers and slippers can be washed with the addition of oxygen-containing bleach without chlorine. Black shoes can be washed using universal cleaning products or those designed for black items. In all cases, the liquid form, gel, is preferable.

From fabric

High-quality fabric shoes, for the most part, tolerate contact with water well . Cleaning with a dry brush will help remove dust.

It is important to use different brushes for fabric and leather shoes to avoid transfer of cream residue onto the fabric. Ignoring this recommendation may lead to the formation of difficult-to-remove stains on the fabric.

Despite the fact that the material tolerates washing well (both automatic and manual), fabric shoes, like other shoes, should not be soaked for a long time and exposed to aggressive household chemicals (for example, bleach).

There are no special nuances with textiles when organizing washing. Subsequent proper drying - with good ventilation - will be extremely important.

Genuine Leather

When natural leather gets wet, it becomes susceptible to external influences.

The washing process should not be lengthy or repetitive . The impact should be delicate, intense friction should be excluded.

The tops of leather sneakers and sneakers can be cleaned well with soapy water and a brush. Open air is suitable for drying; electric dryers can also be used.

After washing and drying, it is advisable to treat natural leather with a special impregnation. More information about washing leather shoes can be found here.

Artificial (leatherette)

The artificial material used for sewing shoes differs significantly from natural leather in its performance characteristics.

And requires specific care:

Leatherette cannot be washed in an automatic machine, even on the most gentle programs.
Do not use hot water.
Do not brush vigorously.
Do not use abrasive surfaces.

Leatherette shoes should be washed by hand only if they are heavily soiled and cannot be removed by dry cleaning.

Nubuck and suede

Materials such as suede and nubuck should not be over-wetted or washed vigorously.

If cleaning agents must be used, they should be in liquid form and in low concentrations. After drying, the suede upper should be treated with a special brush and water-repellent spray .

Nubuck is even more difficult to care for than suede. When cleaning such shoes, it is advisable to avoid washing, limiting yourself to removing stains, if any, and dry cleaning.

Read this article about how to wash suede shoes.

Drying

We have completely figured out how to wash shoes in a machine. Washing your shoes properly is half the battle. The product must be dried according to all the rules so as not to spoil it at this stage of care. We advise you to adhere to this series of recommendations:

You also need to know about proper drying

Do not dry your shoes at high temperatures! This applies to its location on radiators, pipes, other heating devices, and in high-temperature dryers. Even the hot air of a hair dryer and drying in direct sunlight will damage your shoes! Leather products are deformed from such influences; on others, the adhesive layer that connects the upper to the sole “melts”.
We would separately warn those who are planning to dry fabric sneakers on a radiator, thinking that such drying will not harm the material, especially if it is cotton. If the detergent is not completely washed out, then when it comes into contact with hot metal, it will quickly bake, turning into unsightly brown stains.
Ideal drying is at room temperature, in a well-ventilated area. This is either at home or on a shaded balcony.

Stuff with paper for quick drying

Stuff highly absorbent paper into your shoes. This will help it not lose shape during drying and will take away excess moisture. Change this “filler” as it becomes completely moistened. We do not recommend using newspapers, magazines and other printed materials - once wet, they can stain your shoes with their colors. The best option is plain white paper.
We advise you to treat your boots with a water-repellent impregnation after complete drying. This is a special aerosol that can easily be found in both shoe stores and household chemical stores. The product will help keep your feet from getting wet in bad weather for as long as possible, and keep your sneakers and sneakers looking presentable for a long time.

Work on mistakes

Mistakes made when washing and drying shoes very often lead to shoes becoming deformed and stains forming on them. Homemade recipes will help you cope with the problem.

Yellow spots

The following actions can lead to unsightly yellow spots and streaks:

sun drying;
poor rinsing, in which the detergent is not completely removed;
wash in hot water.

Fabric sneakers and slippers will have to be washed:

Pour cold water into the basin.
Place your shoes in the water.
Leave for 1 to 2 hours.
Rinse well.
Dry in a ventilated area or outside, but not in direct sunlight.

You can also remove yellow marks from fabric and skin by rubbing the stained areas with a lemon cut. Or treat the contaminated areas with a vinegar solution (1:3).

Loss of shape, formation of creases

If a fabric pair is deformed, the following actions will help restore its shape:

Pour water at room temperature into a basin.
Wet your shoes.
Remove from the basin.
Drain off any remaining water.
Blot the surface with rags or napkins.
Carefully stuff the inside with paper that absorbs moisture well.
As the paper becomes damp, replace it with dry paper.

To restore the shape of a leather pair, the following recipe will be useful:

stuff the shoes with paper, giving them the required shape;
lubricate the upper with shoe wax or cream;
wait until the cream is absorbed;
repeat the procedure 2 more times;
collect the remaining product with a napkin;
stand for a day without putting on shoes or removing paper.

You can eliminate serious deformations and creases in a leather pair by using the following recipe:

Carefully stuff the shoes with paper, trying to form the desired shape.
Wet the cloth and wring it out.
Cover the prepared pair with a cloth.
Wait until the skin is slightly moisturized.
Set the iron to minimum setting, turning off the steam function.
Carefully, working only through the fabric, iron the creases.
If the result is not satisfactory, the process is repeated.
Leave the shoes without removing the paper until completely dry and cool.

If you use wax for care while using leather shoes, the creases will be less pronounced.

Increase or decrease size

If after washing the shoes have stretched and become larger, then it will not be easy to radically reduce them. The following techniques will help improve the situation:

the use of additional silicone shoe inserts (they are sold in shoe departments of stores), as an option - a gel insole;
inserting small pieces of foam rubber into the toe area;
Suede or leather shoes become smaller if you wet them and dry them again, but do not stuff them tightly with paper.

Even a repairman cannot reduce the size of textile shoes, but in some situations he can help with leather ones.

If fabric shoes shrink after washing, you can try stretching them. To do this, the pair is again moistened with water and tightly stuffed with paper, forming a shape. Additionally, you can use spacers, which are sometimes included when purchasing shoes.

For a leather pair, you can use this approach:

Place inside a thick plastic bag without holes.
Pour water into it.
Place in the freezer.
When water freezes, it will stretch the skin.
Remove a couple from the freezer.
As the ice begins to melt, it will shrink and the bag will be easy to remove.
Dry the pair.

If you are unable to stretch your shrunken shoes, you can contact a shoe repair shop for help.

Scratches

If washed incorrectly, scratches may appear on the leather surface. If they are shallow, then they can be tinted. Shoe polish of the appropriate color is suitable for this.

For deep scratches, wax will help:

heat the wax (paraffin or beeswax);
fill the scratch with it;
wait until it cools completely;
remove excess product with a soft cloth.

Is it possible or not?

Almost all shoe manufacturers indicate on the labels of their products that they are subject to dry or manual wet cleaning only. Why should you not wash your shoes in a washing machine, according to manufacturers? The fact is that mechanical and thermal effects occur in the drum. Shoes are simply not designed for such tests. After machine washing, even branded, high-quality and expensive products can tear, fall apart or simply lose their presentation. But there are still shoes that do not need to be washed by hand.

Recommendations

The following tips will help you wash your shoes by hand or using a washing machine:

Without pre-treatment, shoes cannot be loaded into the drum of the machine.
You should not put clothes in the same load as sneakers and sneakers, as things may become unusable after such treatment.
After washing and drying, it is recommended to use shoe care products - use impregnations and creams for leather and suede, etc.
Shoes of different colors should not be washed at the same time due to the risk of color transfer.
It is advisable to wash insoles and laces more often than washing the entire pair.
Minor stains on the outside can be removed without a full wash.
It is recommended to avoid prolonged soaking and prolonged contact with water.

You will find maximum useful information about washing clothes and various fabric products here.

How to wash shoes by hand

Not all fabrics from which shoes or sneakers are made are equally resistant to even hand washing. Therefore, before hand washing, make sure that your pair of moccasins or shoes is made of thick synthetic fabric, leather or high-quality leatherette.

To wash boots, ballet flats or sneakers by hand without damaging their shape and appearance of the material, do the following:

Dissolve the detergent in warm water not hotter than 40˚.
Dip a pair of ballet shoes into the resulting soap (powder) solution for 15-20 minutes.
Then drain the dirty soap solution and immerse the items in a new one again.
Using an old toothbrush, clean the sole and other parts of the product.
Rinse under pressure with not hot water and remove to dry.

Sports and fabric shoes

To wash such products, you need to set certain characteristics in the program. The most optimal mode will be for sports shoes. If this is not the case, then you should not choose the shortest program. Microparticles of dirt simply do not have time to wash out of the material. You can choose the mode for membrane, sportswear or delicate washing.

The temperature should be no more than 40 degrees.

It is more difficult to remove detergent from shoes. Therefore, a rinse must be added, or even better, a double rinse. Otherwise, whitish streaks may remain. You will have to wash them again to get rid of them.

It is recommended to disable the spin function. Rotation, especially at high speeds, can damage your shoes. Or the sole will break the glass of the door. It will be enough to just drain the water from the machine drum.

The drying function must also be turned off. Exposure to high temperatures negatively affects the adhesive base, sole material and upper of the product.

Selecting a detergent

Is it possible to wash shoes in a washing machine with regular powder? In general, this is undesirable, since such a product leaves yellow spots on a light surface, stains and is difficult to wash out. Housewives recommend using liquid powder or soluble capsules, which are becoming increasingly popular today. To wash white shoes, you can add oxygen bleach, which is suitable for an automatic washing machine. For example, Vanish has such funds.

Dishwashing gel, shampoo and liquid soap are not suitable. They foam too much and are therefore not machine washable.

Next, we will consider in more detail how to wash shoes made of various materials in a washing machine.

Temperature

The temperature is selected according to the type of material. Washing in hot water is contraindicated if the sneakers are not stitched, but glued. The glue will melt at high temperature. Sneakers and other products are washed at a temperature of no more than 40 degrees. Installation of 60 degrees is allowed if the products are made of durable and high-quality material.

When rinsing, the temperature cannot be changed. The fabric shrinks due to temperature changes.