How to Wash Shoes in Your Washing Machine: Easy Steps to Follow

Posted on 20th Feb 2025 How to

Washing shoes in a machine is a reliable way to keep them clean and fresh without the hassle of scrubbing them by hand. But, this method isn’t suitable for all types of shoes and could cause damage. 

However, Love2Laundry provides the finest dry cleaning service in Bahrain, ensuring that your clothes, shoes, and household items are consistently well cared for. With a free laundry pickup and delivery service, cleaning becomes effortless, allowing you to relax, knowing your belongings are in capable hands. 

Here’s how to wash shoes effectively and the essential tools to gather. 

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Preparing Your Shoes for the Washing Machine

To properly prepare shoes for machine washing, start by removing the laces and insoles. This prevents tangling and jamming and allows for a more thorough cleaning. Brush off any loose dirt or debris, and then pre-treat tough stains with a mild detergent. 

Place the shoes in a laundry mesh bag or pillowcase to protect them during the wash. Confirm that the shoes are machine washable using a gentle cycle with cold water to prevent damage. Here’s a thorough shoe washing guide to look at:

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Check the Material and Care Label

Even machine washing has its limits. Before putting the shoes in the washer, check the material and the care label specific to that shoe type. For example, some synthetic materials can withstand a gentle wash, while others need special cleaning methods, such as for leather, suede, or delicate fabrics. 

The care label provides the manufacturer’s guidelines on how to wash shoes and use heat settings so your shoes will remain in good shape. Without these instructions, your shoes may eventually fade, warp, or lose structural integrity. This verification ensures you can clean your shoes safely and effectively without compromising their quality.

Remove Laces and Insoles

By removing the laces and insoles before washing, you can avoid unnecessary wear and ensure your shoes are properly washed. The laces tangle and drag around in the machine, causing them to stretch. This allows better removal of dirt and grime inside the shoes. 

Insoles, mostly made from foam, absorb significant water and remain damp, breeding mildew and odor. Washing the insoles prevents them from drying properly and retaining their shape, which is necessary for maximal freshness and comfort in shoes. If you’ve ever struggled with how to wash shoes, these shoe preparation tips will make the process easier.

Essential Tools and Materials

Many wonder, can you wash shoes with regular laundry detergent, or do you need something special? Here’s how to wash shoes using essential tools.

Choose the appropriate materials to clean your shoes safely in a washing machine. A soft brush or an old toothbrush can help remove dirt before washing, and a mild detergent gives a gentle yet effective clean. 

The laundry bag or pillowcase prevents agitation, adding some old towels can also help balance the load and reduce impact.

List of Required Tools

Here’s a list of essential tools required for professional shoe cleaning:

• A soft brush or old toothbrush.
• Mild detergent.
• Laundry bag or pillowcase. 
• Old towels.
• Baking soda or vinegar.
• Absorbent cloths or paper towels.  
• Shoe tree or crumpled newspaper.
• Mesh bag for laces and insoles. 

List of Required Materials

Recommended detergents and protective items as shoe washing guide:

• Mild liquid detergent.
• Sportswear detergent.
• Eco-friendly detergent.
• Baby shampoo (for delicate shoes).
• Mesh laundry bag/pillowcase.
• Old towels.
• Microfiber cloths.

Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Your Shoes in the Machine

Following is the step-by-step procedure for how to wash shoes in the machine:  

1. Label Check: Only wash shoes that are machine-friendly. Avoid using this method for leather or suede items.    

2. Remove Laces & Insoles: Wash laces in a mesh bag with laundry and clean the insoles separately. 

3. Stain Pre-Treatment: Treat the soiled areas with a mild detergent or remover. 

4. Use Mesh Bag: Prevent shoe damage with these bags or a pillowcase.  

5. Add Towels: Wash with only a few towels to balance the load and reduce the noise.  

6. Gentle Cycle: Use cold water and mild detergent. Avoid high spin cycles.  

Pre-Treat Stains

Quick shoe washing guide to pre-treating stains:  

1. Remove dirt.

2. Pre-treat stains.

3. Use baking soda for tough stains.

4. Remove grease with dish soap.

5. Eliminate odors with vinegar.

6. Wipe clean. 

Secure Shoes in a Mesh Bag

Can you wash shoes using a mesh bag? Here’s how

1. Protect Shoes: Prevents tangling or twisting around another item or the machine agitator. 

2. Reduces Damage to the Washing Machine: Prevents shoes from banging against the drum, reducing noise and wearing.

3. Control Dirt and Debris: Holds loose dirt from spreading inside the machine. 

4. Enhances Cleaning Efficiency: Maintains shoe formation, allowing flow of water and detergent. 

Set the Washing Machine

How to wash shoes using the optimal machine settings?  

1. Minimize agitation and protect the shoes on a delicate or gentle cycle.  

2. Set in cold water to eliminate the possibility of shrinkage, fading, or damage to glue.

3. Set it to a low spin speed to reduce the impact and avoid possible damage.  

4. Use mild liquid detergent so it will not build up as a residue.  

5. Towels will help balance the load and reduce noise.  

Add Towels for Balance

Add a few towels and shoes to balance the load and reduce banging against the drum. This will protect the shoes and the washing machine while making the wash cycle smooth and quiet.

Drying Your Shoes After Washing

Excess water can be squeezed out by patting a towel against the shoes, and to maintain their shape, they should be stuffed with paper towels or dry cloths. Moreover, air dry shoes in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight or other heat sources.

Air Drying the Right Way

Effective shoe air-drying tips:  

1. Remove Excess Water: Pat the shoes with a towel to absorb moisture. 

2. Fill With Paper Towels or Cloth: Keep the shape and speed up drying with good absorbent material.  

3. Select A Place With Good Air Circulation: Shoes should be placed away from the sun in a cool, airy area to allow natural drying.  4. No Direct Sunlight & Heat: No shrinking, warping, and material damages. 

Why Choose Love2Laundry for Your Shoe and Laundry Needs?

Love2Laundry offers professional shoe and garment care, revitalizing and preserving your items. Our services include free laundry collection and delivery of specialized cleaning techniques that use high-quality detergents to protect your fabrics and footwear and deliver outstanding results. 

Rely on Love2Laundry shoe cleaning and reliable laundry services near you that cater to your needs.

Our Expertise and Convenience

Love2Laundry offers expert professional cleaning for all kinds of laundry, from delicate fabrics to shoes. Our skilled team is well-versed in applying advanced techniques to remove tough stains, revive fabrics, and maintain the longevity of all your clothing and footwear. 

With our laundry app Bahrain, you can enjoy clean, fresh laundry at your doorstep without hassle. We also offer convenient laundry services for students so they can focus on their studies.  

FAQs – Wash Shoes in Your Washing Machine

Wrap Up!

Learning how to wash shoes properly can extend their lifespan, and with Love2Laundry’s expert care, ease, and reliability, you can ensure they stay fresh and well-maintained. 

Our expert home and commercial laundry services make us the best laundry in Manama and Riffa. We handle all clothing and shoe cleaning and ensure hassle-free pickup and delivery. Trust us to keep your clothes and shoes effortlessly fresh, spotless, and well-maintained!