So, you’ve just had an epic adventure and now your sneakers look like they’ve fought a mud monster?
No sweat! Let’s talk about tossing those bad boys in the washing machine.
Yes, you read it right – washing shoes in the washing machine is a thing, and it’s a total game-changer.
Whether you’re rocking leather, canvas, or even a daring bit of suede, here’s how to wash your shoes without making a mess.
Before you start, remember to remove the laces and insoles; they need some special attention too.
Grab your front load washer, some quality detergent, and skip the dryer – air dry is the way to go.
Ready to give your kicks a spin in the washing machine? Let’s dive in!
Can You Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine?
Check the Care Label: Before tossing shoes in the washer, check if they’re safe. Canvas, nylon, cotton, and polyester are good. Skip leather, suede, vinyl, rubber, or fancy ones.
Remove Dirt and Debris: Brush off loose dirt and use a damp rag, toothbrush, and soapy water for the soles and crevices.
Remove Insoles and Laces: Take out the insoles and laces. Wash them separately and put the shoes in a mesh bag or pillowcase to wash sneakers effectively.
Use Gentle Cycle: Choose a gentle cycle with cold or warm water and mild detergent. Avoid hot water and fabric softener.
Air Dry Shoes: Skip the dryer. Air dry your shoes, stuffing them with newspaper to keep their shape.
Hand Wash Heavily Soiled Shoes: For super dirty shoes, do a hand pre-wash. Hand-wash or dry clean leather, suede, and formal shoes.
Can you put shoes in the washer?
Yeah, you can throw shoes in the washing machine, but it kinda depends on the type of shoes and what they’re made of.
Can you put shoes in the dryer?
Yeah, you can toss shoes in the dryer, but it kinda depends on what kind of shoes and the materials they’re made from.
What Type of Shoes Can Be Washed in a Washing Machine?
Not all shoes can be tossed into the washing machine, so make sure to check how your shoes are made. The material and construction matter big time.
Some shoes are fine for a wash, while others need a gentler touch.
Here’s a quick rundown of the types you can usually clean in your machine:
Canvas Shoes
Canvas shoes like Converse, Vans, and Keds? Yeah, they’re good for machine washing. The canvas holds up well, especially in a front load washing machine. Just remember to take out the laces and insoles, and use a gentle cycle with cold water. This helps prevent shrinkage or fading.
Sneakers
A lot of sneakers, especially those made from nylon, cotton, and polyester, are safe for the machine. But always check the care label first! Some might be too delicate, or older ones could get damaged. Take out laces and insoles, scrub off any visible dirt, and put them in a mesh bag or pillowcase. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. And avoid the dryer – air drying keeps them in shape. Also, don’t wash them too often to maintain their integrity.
Rubber Boots
Rubber rain boots and goloshes? No problem. They can handle a wash cycle. Just clean off any dirt from the soles first, and wash them on a gentle cycle with cold water. Air dry them to avoid any warping.
Flip Flops
Flip flops made from plastic, rubber, or EVA foam can usually go in the machine. Clean off dirt from straps and soles, put them in a mesh bag, and wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. Air dry to keep their shape.
Remember, not all shoes are machine-washable. Leather, suede, wool, and shoes with embellishments like beads or sequins should be hand-washed or taken to a pro. Always check the care label for the best washing instructions.
How to Prepare Shoes for Washing in a Washing Machine?
Washing shoes in a machine can be super convenient, especially if you’ve got a bunch that need cleaning. But, you’ve got to prep them right to make sure they come out nice and not messed up. Here’s what you should do:
- Take Out Laces and Insoles First thing, pull out the laces and insoles. These parts can get messed up or lost in the wash. Just take the laces out and set them aside before you place your shoes in the machine. For the insoles, either take them out too or cover them with a cloth to keep ’em safe.
- Brush Off Dirt Next, give the shoes a good brush to get rid of any dirt or junk on them. This stops the dirt from getting ground into the fabric when washing. Use a soft brush or a cloth to gently wipe away any loose dirt. Pay extra attention to the really dirty spots, like the soles and heels.
- Put in a Mesh Bag After you’ve taken out the laces and brushed off the dirt, stick your sneakers in the washing machine using a mesh bag. This is super important because it keeps the shoes from getting all tangled or damaged in the wash. Plus, the mesh bag helps keep the shoes clean by stopping dirt and debris from getting ground into the fabric.
Washing Shoes In Washing Machine LG – Step by Step Guide
We all love a good pair of shoes, don’t we? They’re our trusty companions, taking us everywhere we need to go, from early-morning jogs to late-night runs to the store.
But, like all good things, shoes can get pretty dirty. And let’s be honest, scrubbing them by hand isn’t the most fun activity.
So, why not let the lg washing machine do the heavy lifting? Yep, you heard that right! Washing your shoes in the machine can be a real game-changer.
Just follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll have those kicks looking brand new in no time.
Tools
Before we get started, here’s a quick rundown of the tools you’ll need:
- A washing machine (of course!), preferably a front load washing machine.
- A mesh garment bag (if you have one)
- A soft brush or an old toothbrush
- Towels (to help balance the load)
Supplies
You’ll also need a few supplies to get the job done right:
- Mild detergent
- Baking soda (optional, but great for odors)
- White vinegar (for stubborn stains)
- A small bowl or container
Time Estimate
Cleaning your shoes in the washer isn’t a quick task, but it’s definitely worth it. Here’s a rough time estimate:
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Washing: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Drying: 24 hours (air drying is best)
1. Remove Shoe Laces and Machine Wash
First things first, take out those laces! Laces can get tangled or damaged if left on during the wash.
Plus, they can be cleaned more effectively on their own. This is particularly true for running shoes.
Toss the laces into a small mesh bag or pillowcase to keep them from getting lost or tangled in the machine.
2. Wash the Insoles by Hand
Insoles are usually made of materials that might not hold up well in the washing machine, so it’s best to clean them by hand.
Fill a small bowl with warm water and a bit of mild detergent.
Use a soft brush or a cloth to gently scrub the insoles, paying extra attention to any particularly dirty areas.
Rinse them thoroughly with clean water and let them air dry.
3. Clean the Soles
Now, let’s tackle the soles of your shoes. These tend to collect a lot of dirt and grime. Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the soles.
You can dip the brush in some soapy water to help loosen any stubborn dirt.
If there are any particularly tough spots, a little baking soda can work wonders. Just sprinkle some on the brush and scrub away.
4. Place the Shoes in a Mesh Garment Bag
Once the soles are nice and clean, it’s time to prep your shoes for the washer. Place each shoe in a mesh garment bag.
This will help protect them during the wash cycle and prevent them from banging around too much.
If you don’t have a mesh bag, don’t worry! We’ll get to that in a minute.
Can You Wash Shoes Without a Mesh Bag?
If you don’t have a mesh garment bag, you can still wash your shoes in the machine.
Just make sure to balance the load with towels to minimize the impact and protect your shoes.
The towels will act as a cushion, preventing the shoes from hitting the sides of the lg washing machine too hard.
5. Put the Bag into the Washer with Towels
Now, add the bag with your shoes to the washing machine. Throw in a few towels to balance the load and protect your shoes.
Make sure the towels are old ones you don’t mind getting a bit dirty, as they will absorb some of the dirt from your shoes.
6. Wash the Shoes Using a Delicate Cycle
Select a delicate cycle on your washing machine. Use cold water and a small amount of mild detergent when washing sneakers.
Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, as these can damage your shoes.
If your shoes are particularly smelly, you can add a bit of white vinegar to the wash. This will help neutralize any odours.
7. Air Dry the Shoes and Re-insert the Insoles
Once the washing cycle is complete, remove your shoes and let them air dry. Avoid using a dryer, as the high heat can warp or damage the shoes.
Stuff the shoes with paper towels or newspaper to help them keep their shape and absorb any excess moisture.
Let them dry for about 24 hours. Once they’re completely dry, re-insert the insoles and laces.
And there you have it! With just a bit of effort, your shoes will look almost new again. This applies even when you wash sneakers in the washing machine.
Give this method a try next time your shoes need a good cleaning.
Happy washing!
FAQs
Can I wash shoes in the washing machine?
Yes, you can wash certain types of shoes in the washing machine. It’s best to wash sneakers and other shoes made from fabric. Avoid machine washing leather shoes or shoes with delicate detailing, as this could stain your shoes or damage them.
How do I prepare shoes for washing in an LG washing machine?
First, remove the laces from your shoes and any inserts. Use a brush to remove any loose dirt or debris from the shoes. If you want to wash them by hand, this might be a good time to do so for laces and inserts.
What setting should I use to wash shoes in an LG washing machine?
Set your washing machine to a gentle wash cycle with cold water. You should also add some old towels to the load to balance the drum and protect your shoes during the wash.
What detergent should I use to clean my shoes?
Use a mild laundry detergent to clean shoes. Avoid using bleach or strong detergents as they could stain your shoes or damage the material.
Can I use a dryer to dry my shoes?
It’s not recommended to use machine drying for shoes, as the heat can warp the material and soles. Instead, let them air dry naturally. You can stuff the shoes with paper towels or old towels to help the shoes keep their shape and speed up the drying process.
Should I put my shoes in a mesh bag before washing?
Yes, it’s a good idea to wash shoes in a mesh bag. This will help protect the shoes and the washing machine from potential damage, and it will also help keep smaller parts like laces and inserts together.
Are there any types of shoes I shouldn’t wash in the washing machine?
Avoid washing leather shoes, shoes with a lot of glue, or those made with delicate materials like suede in the washing machine. It’s best to clean shoes like these by hand or seek professional shoe repair services.
How often should I clean my shoes in the washing machine?
It depends on how often you wear them and the conditions they are exposed to. Washing them too frequently could wear out the material, so clean shoes in the washing machine only when they get noticeably dirty or start to smell.
Can I add bleach or fabric softener when washing sneakers using an LG washing machine?
No, it’s best to avoid adding bleach or fabric softener as these chemicals could damage the fabric and dye and stain your shoes. Stick to mild laundry detergent to be safe.
How do I keep my shoes clean and ready to wear after washing?
Once washed and dried, store your shoes in a cool, dry place to keep them from getting musty. Keeping a shoe brush handy will help remove dirt regularly, so they stay clean and ready to wear.