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While you generally get what you give for when it come to apparel , a serious brace of tennis shoe is likely go to cost you a pretty centime . Athletic brake shoe , particularly the tops - high - tech varieties , are pricey to manufacture , but many get their in high spirits price tag simply because they are status symbols or the products of celebrity collabs . sure athletic shoe are also highly collectible , with self - described sneakerheads plunking down hundreds , if not thousands , on the bang they covet .
Which shoes can go in the washing machine?
First affair first : Determine whether thestinky shoesin interrogation are machine - washable . Some types of shoes will survive a sudsy spin in the washer , no trouble — reckon sail kicks like Keds , classic Chucks , and Toms — and some will not .
Athletic shoes made from fabric ( ordinarily nylon or polyester ) , whether you wear off them for workouts or solely for the quilt factor , are generally fine to machine - wash as well .
frock shoes , cad , leather sandals , the boot , or any footwear with embellishment like beads or buckles are n’t automatic washer - friendly , nor are shoes with rubber or metal cleats .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Lastly , plastic shoes such as flip - flops , garden clogs , and Crocs can be machine - washed on the gentle cycle , but it ’s credibly comfortable to wash them in the cesspit . apply a tabloid and some gentle max , if necessary .
Tools & Materials
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Step 1: Pretreat and prepare the shoes for the wash.
shoe with scuff marks or stains should get a little personalized care . Tackle scuff marks and stain along the sole with an eraser - style cleanup launch area ( a melamine sponge like the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser ) , and scrub stain with meek soap and a easy brush . A nail thicket , or even a toothbrush , works well for this pace .
off any liners , insoles , orthotics , or laces . That said , shoelaces can go along for the ride , if you ’d like , as can cheap cloth insoles . Custom orthotics , gel cushion , or any inserts that are n’t made of fabric should be clean by handwriting . Always stick to the care educational activity that come with the inserts , but here are some oecumenical cleaning guidelines :
Step 2: Stash shoes and laces in a pillowcase or lingerie bag.
A mesh lingerie base that you would use for washing bandeau or other delicate items is also salutary for laundering shoes . If you do n’t have one of those , no worries — you may apply an old pillowcase , preferably one with a zipper . If the pillowcase lack a zipper , secure it with a rubber band or ravel the material loosely .
Place the shoe and lace inside the mesh bag or case , and then thrash the bag into the race . Do n’t stick your kick in with a regular load of dress or family washing , but do add a pair of former towels to the drum . A few bathroom or beach towels will help cushion the skid as they bounce around inside the machine , rationalise down on noise . They will also facilitate keep the washer balanced .
Step 3: Run a delicate wash cycle.
Select the shortest potential setting , which is generally the gentle cycle . add together detergent , but use much less than you would for a full load , and be certain to choose a liquid , not pulverisation , laundry easy lay .
Although you might be tempt to function a spicy wash , it ’s better to use cold water . Hot H2O can jump to cheapen the glue that bear shoe together . If your stalker are very ill-smelling , it ’s not a high-risk idea to use a laundry sanitizer as well as your usual detergent . Sanitizers take away bacteria and , by extension , odors ; they ’re typically added during the rinse cycle , but tally the instructions . To aid combat aroma , you may also sprinkle the insides of the shoes withbaking sodathe night before you wash them .
Step 4: Dry the shoes.
When the lavation cycle finish , remove your formerly repellent footwear from the bag or pillowcase , but do n’t toss your shoes in the drier . Because the high temporary worker and tumbling action of the drier can be spoiled news for your footwear ’s mucilage , soles , and other materials , it ’s generally urge that shoes be air - dry out .
To hasten the drying process and help your stoolie keep back their shape , stuff them with balled - up newspaper , washrag or tatter , or even a few pairs of socks . hold off until the shoe are thoroughly dry before replacing the laces or insoles . It might take a few hours or even overnight , so contrive out front to quash having to wear still - damp tennis shoe — never a nice feeling .
Using the dryer may not be totally out of the question , though . Several appliance manufacturers , includingLG , Whirlpool , andSamsung , give rise racks that fit inside the drum of certain dryer models . These racks , typically sold as optional accessories , remain stationary while the drum turns , so you’re able to utilize them to dry canary , fleece sweaters , and other point that should n’t be tumbled dry . dryer that can accommodate these rack may have a Rack Dry round , but if not , choose a low temperature setting .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
How to Clean Shoes Without a Washing Machine
peck of shoe ca n’t be tossed in thewashing machine , and even machine - washable shoes sometimes just need a little spiffing up , not a complete soaking . For these situations , here are some options beyond machine - lavation . ( Note : Always take lacing before cleaning , and do n’t forget to wash the laces too . )
Final Thoughts
Whether they ’re running shoes , canvas shift - ons , or casual fabric sneak , a good pair of sneakers is like a good friend . You rely on them week in and hebdomad out to fend for you . Knowing how to clean them the right way in a washing machine will not only keep them seem great but will also extend their life .
While the lavation machine can be a utile tool for this intent , be cautious . Do n’t machine wash shoes made of leather or suede or any skid with a hard fillet of sole . iron heel are also verboten in the lavation machine . ( The exception to this rule ? Already beat - up athletic shoes that you still opt for task like mowing the lawn or mess around in the muck . If you do n’t handle whether the leather whirl , go forwards and throw ’em in . )
This Is the class for a Kitchen Renovation
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . see why we consider this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
