If you have very dirty or smelly shoes, washing them in the washing machine should help freshen them up. Canvas or imitation leather shoes can be easily washed on a delicate program, then left to air dry. Avoid putting leather shoes, formal shoes (such as heels) or boots in the washing machine. Instead, these shoes should be cleaned by hand.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Clean Shoes Before Washing
Step 1. Remove surface dirt residue with a damp rag
If your shoes have a lot of dirt, grass, or mud residue, wipe them off as much as possible with an old rag. It is not necessary to rub. Just pass it on the surface of the shoes to remove the bulk of the dirt.
You can also slam them together on the garbage can to remove some extra dirt
Step 2. Clean the soles of your shoes with a toothbrush and warm soapy water
To start, take a small bowl and fill it with water. Add a spoonful of dish soap. Dip a toothbrush in the solution and use it to scrub the soles of your shoes.
Make sure you clean them vigorously. By rubbing more vigorously, you will be able to remove more dirt
Step 3. Rinse your shoes
You need to get rid of all detergent residue, so rinse the soles with water in the bathtub or sink.
Step 4. Remove insoles and laces as needed
If the shoes have laces, you should wash them separately in the washing machine. Since large amounts of dirt can accumulate in the laces and around the eyelets, removing the laces will allow you to easily clean these parts of the shoes during the washing process.
Part 2 of 2: Wash and Dry Your Shoes
Step 1. Put the shoes in a mesh bag or pillow case
The bag will help protect them. Make sure you close it tightly before putting it in the washing machine.
If you use a pillowcase, put your shoes inside it, tie a knot to close it and secure it with some rubber bands
Step 2. Put other items in the washing machine to cushion any possible impact of the shoes against the drum
Wash your shoes with at least two large bath towels. Remember that you will wash them with dirty shoes, so don't choose white or delicate towels.
Step 3. Wash shoes, insoles and laces using a gentle cycle
Put your shoes, insoles and laces in the washing machine along with the towels you want to add to the load. Use cold or lukewarm water and turn off the spin cycle or reduce it to a minimum. Set an additional rinse cycle to be able to remove all detergent residues at the end of the wash.
- Using hot water may cause the glue on your shoes to weaken, crack or melt.
- Do not use shoe softener. It may leave residue that would attract additional dirt.
Step 4. Air dry your shoes
Remove shoes, laces and insoles from the washing machine. Leave them to dry outdoors for 24 hours before wearing.
- To speed up the drying process and make sure that the shoes keep their shape intact, ball up some newspaper and insert them inside.
- Do not put the shoes in the dryer, otherwise they will be damaged.
