Washing shoes: Instructions for the washing machine
You can easily wash many shoes in the washing machine. However, there are some models that do not survive washing in the machine.
Wash shoes - not all shoes are suitable for the washing machine
You should definitely not wash some shoes in the washing machine.
- For example, high-quality running shoes often contain a gel in the sole. This can be damaged by heat in the washing machine.
- A running shoe made of modern mesh fabric is also not allowed in the washing machine. Individual fibers can loosen here.
- In addition, the hot glue of the soles can be released not only by the heat during washing, but also by detergent and the rotating movement in the drum.
- Leather shoes are also generally not suitable for the washing machine. This makes the leather hard and brittle. The impregnation of the shoes is also lost.
- If you have been in the rain with Espandrillos in summer, you know that these shoes are not suitable for water. The natural sole dissolves quickly.
- You should also not put hiking shoes in the washing machine. Care tips and the best specimens can be found here.
How to clean sneakers etc. in the machine
You can easily clean fabric sneakers or sneakers in the washing machine.
- Remove coarse dirt with a brush before washing. You should always wash shoes separately and not with other sports clothing.
- The most gentle way to clean the shoes is to put them in a special shoe bag. Alternatively, an older pillow case is also suitable.
- Some washing machines have a special shoe washing program. If this is not the case for you, choose the gentle or wool program.
- Wash shoes with a maximum temperature of 30 degrees. You can use normal washing powder for this. Do not use fabric softener as the different uses of the shoes become porous.
- The best way to avoid the spin cycle is to wash your shoes. Shoes are also not suitable for the dryer due to the high temperatures.
- Let the freshly washed shoes air dry. To do this, stuff them thoroughly with newspaper. On the one hand, the paper keeps the shoe in shape, on the other hand it absorbs the moisture.
- Change the paper after three and after nine hours so that the new paper can absorb the remaining moisture.
- Tip: For shoes with a light lining, use kitchen paper or printer paper. These paper forms do not blacken the shoes.
- After a day at the latest, you should change the newspaper or kitchen paper again if the shoe is not yet dry.