Can I wash shoes in the washing machine?

It is believed that if you wash the shoes in the washing machine, they are better cleaned and smell, as if only from the store. But is it possible to use automatic washing for shoes? Most manufacturers categorically prohibit it (with the exception of sports shoes made of fabric). Nevertheless, many housewives ignore the ban and wash a variety of pairs of shoes in a typewriter: leather, suede, and artificial materials.

Why not?

Washing shoes in the machine is a "lottery", especially for low-quality and cheap products. If the manufacturer does not indicate the possibility of machine wash, there is a big risk of getting the spoiled pair out of the drum.

What can happen?

• The sole comes off. Prolonged exposure to water adversely affects bonding sites.
• Shedding paint. Shoes can lose color due to chemicals and water. Reviews confirm that leather shoes after washing in the machine sometimes turn brown, which was before painting at the factory.
• Shoes will decrease in size. High water temperatures (40 degrees or more) can cause shrinkage.
• The top of the shoes will be coarsened. Laundry detergent dries and tightens natural leather and suede, and can be poorly rinsed out of the material. There is a risk that the shoes will become coarse and rub after washing.

Heels, especially stilettos, cannot be machine washed: this is dangerous both for equipment and for shoes.

How to wash shoes in the washing machine?

For washing textile shoes, there are certain rules. It is important to comply with them if you decide to use a machine for cleaning leather, suede and artificial shoes (at your own peril and risk).

Instruction:

1. Use a brush to clean the soles of dirt. Then rinse it under running water with a rag.
2. Remove insoles, laces, removable decor. Wash the insoles by hand in cool water using a brush and laundry soap or powder. Laces can be loaded into the drum with shoes.
3. Place the shoes in the laundry bag. Instead, you can use the old pillowcase.
4. Select Shoes or Delicate Wash. You can also set the heating temperature to 30 degrees and turn off the spin.
5. Use a liquid detergent to wash the shoes. Add as much as indicated on the package.

You can’t wash many pairs of shoes at once! They will overload the washing machine, which can lead to breakage. Wash 1-2 pairs in one run. It is advisable to add rags to the drum so that the shoes do not hit the drum of the machine.

How to dry?

Dry shoes need to be straightened on a horizontal surface. To maintain the shape you need to fill them with newspapers.

Ideally, drying should be done outdoors. But if this is not possible, drying is allowed at room temperature in a well-ventilated room. Drying shoes is forbidden near heating appliances: this will lead to material damage.

If the shoes are leather, then after drying it is recommended to apply cream and polish on them. Suede and nubuck are combed with a special brush.

So, shoes cannot be washed in a washing machine, unless they are textile. At least shoe manufacturers insist on it. They recommend limiting the contact of products with water and using wet brushes and rags for cleaning. For skin and suede, there are special shampoos and detergents in the form of foam. If you decide to neglect the prohibition, follow the washing rules and follow the instructions. This will help reduce the risk of damage to the product and the machine. Good luck