Does Putting Shoes in the Washing Machine Damage Them?

Wondering if tossing your shoes in the washing machine could harm them or your washer? It’s a common question for anyone looking to save time on cleaning sneakers or everyday footwear. While machine-washing shoes sounds convenient, it’s important to know the potential risks involved.

You might damage the structure of your shoes or even affect your washing machine’s performance. But not all shoes react the same way to a spin cycle, and some machines handle the task better than others. Understanding when and how to wash shoes in your machine can save you from costly mistakes and keep both your shoes and washer in top shape.

Understanding Shoe Materials and Washing Machines

Knowing your shoe materials and how washing machines operate helps prevent damage during cleaning. Not all combinations handle machine washing well.

Common Shoe Materials and Their Durability

• Canvas: Canvas shoes handle machine washing well due to their sturdy cotton fabric. However, repeated cycles cause fading and fabric thinning.
• Leather: Leather shoes resist water poorly and deform easily. Machine washing leads to cracking and loss of finish.
• Suede: Suede is highly sensitive to moisture and agitation. Washing machines cause irreversible damage like stiffening and discoloration.
• Mesh and Synthetic Fabrics: These materials handle machine washing better but degrade over time with harsh detergents or high spin speeds.
• Rubber Soles: Rubber soles generally withstand machine washing but can detach if glue weakens from water exposure.

How Washing Machines Work and Potential Risks

• Agitation and Spin Cycles: Washing machines use vigorous movements to clean and extract water, causing wear on shoes’ structure and seams.
• Water Temperature: Hot water breaks down adhesives and causes material shrinkage or warping in sensitive shoes.
• Detergents and Chemicals: Strong detergents damage delicate shoe materials and fade colors. Use mild detergents to minimize harm.
• Load Balance: Unbalanced loads with hard shoes may damage the drum or shock absorbers, affecting the washing machine’s function.
• Extended Cycle Time: Long washing cycles expose shoes longer to damaging conditions, increasing risk of material breakdown.

Understanding these factors guides you to safer shoe cleaning choices and preserves your washing machine’s performance.

Potential Damage Caused by Washing Shoes in a Machine

Machine washing shoes carries risks for both the shoes and the washing machine. Understanding these risks helps you prevent damage and extend the lifespan of your footwear and washer.

Effects on Shoe Structure and Glue

Machine agitation can weaken shoe structure by loosening stitches and damaging seams. Glue bonds in many shoes, especially those with glued soles, degrade when exposed to hot water and detergent. This degradation results in sole separation or material peeling. Shoes with complex construction or multiple materials suffer more structural damage compared to simpler canvas sneakers.

Impact on Shoe Appearance and Color

Machine washing can fade shoe colors and cause fabric to shrink or warp. Harsh detergents and high temperatures accelerate color fading, especially in dyed fabrics and printed designs. Repeated washing cycles may promote fabric pilling or surface roughness. Materials like suede and leather absorb water differently and often lose their texture or finish in a washer.

Risks to Washing Machine Components

Washing shoes may damage the washer’s drum and internal parts due to shoe weight and hardness. Hard soles and metal eyelets can scratch or dent the drum, leading to costly repairs. Uneven shoe loads cause machine imbalance during spin cycles, increasing vibration and wearing down bearings and suspension systems. Frequent washing of shoes without protective measures shortens your machine’s lifespan and reduces efficiency.

Best Practices for Washing Shoes in a Machine

Machine washing shoes requires careful preparation, appropriate settings, and consideration of alternatives to protect both your shoes and washer.

Preparing Shoes for Machine Washing

Remove loose dirt and debris by brushing or wiping your shoes before washing. Detach laces and insoles to prevent tangling and uneven wear. Place shoes inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to cushion them and reduce impact on the washer drum. Use old towels alongside your shoes to balance the load and minimize noise or vibrations.

Choosing the Right Settings and Detergents

Select a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water, as hot water can weaken adhesives and cause materials to shrink or fade. Use a mild liquid detergent formulated for delicate fabrics to avoid harsh chemicals that damage shoe materials. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners since they degrade fabric fibers and color fidelity. Skip the spin cycle or use the lowest speed to reduce stress on shoes and machine components.

Alternatives to Machine Washing Shoes

Hand washing with mild soap and water suits delicate or leather shoes, preserving their structure and finish. Spot cleaning with brushes and specialized cleaners targets specific stains without soaking the entire shoe. Air drying at room temperature prevents material warping, unlike direct heat sources such as dryers or radiators. Consider these methods when shoes have suede, leather, or glued parts that risk damage in a washing machine.

Conclusion

You can wash some shoes in the washing machine without causing damage if you follow the right steps. Knowing your shoe materials and choosing gentle settings are key to preserving their shape and durability. Protecting both your shoes and washer means avoiding harsh cycles and using proper preparation techniques.

When in doubt, hand washing or spot cleaning is a safer option to keep your shoes looking great. Taking these precautions helps you extend the life of your footwear while keeping your washing machine running smoothly.