6 Fatal Mistakes We Make When Washing Shoes

We want to highlight the main idea of ​​this post right off the bat: shoes can be machine washed🇧🇷 Contrary to the concerns of many sneakerheads (sneaker fans), the chances that these shoes will come out clean and practically new from the device are much greater than the chances of leaving damaged. As long as you know how to do it the right way.

No wonder, however, that we warn that, in many cases, hand washing is safer. This way, you don’t run the risk of water loosening the sole or that drying will compromise the cushioning system. But if you don’t have time to dry-clean your sneakers, or if they’re so dirty they need drastic measures, it’s time to turn to the washing machine.

Therefore, the awesome.club prepared for you a list of the most common mistakes that are made when washing shoes in the machine.

There are some types of sneakers that, under no circumstances, should be put in the washing machine:

Leather: can deform.
Suede: just spoil.
With decorative elements: accessories can come loose, but that will be the lesser of evils. they can break the washer, damaging the mechanical elements or obstructing the drain.
With lights: they stop working.
With glued reflectors: they can also drop.
With problematic sole: for example, if the sole has loosened a little, after washing it is very likely that it will come off completely.
Light colored fabric sneakers with metallic hoops: the fabric may be stained with oxide.

First of all, we recommend that you read the product label: it will contain information about whether or not to wash the model.

This is not how it should be done. Before washing, you need to prepare the sneakers, or rather, “disassemble” them:

Removing the laces: if you don’t, your shoes may not be very clean. You can wash the laces by hand or put them in the machine along with the sneakers, but in a special bag.
take off the insoles (as long as they haven’t been glued together): So they don’t split into layers, it’s worth washing them by hand with soap and a brush.

If you don’t pay attention to this point, you risk getting clean sneakers but a broken washing machine. To care for your machine, be aware of the following:

Do not wash more than two pairs at the same time. Do not choose too strong spin mode. Wash your sneakers in a special bag or net. Remove dirt from the sole, sand and small stuck stones that can clog the machine’s mechanisms. For this, you can use a sharp object, flexible rods with cotton tips or wooden sticks, removing residues with the help of a strong jet of water.

Washing should be done at a temperature between 30 and 40 ºC. Colder water does not eliminate dirt, while hot water deforms the footwear.
Opt for delicate programs. Some washing machines have the option “Wash shoes”.
Minimum centrifugation. Your sneakers may not come out as dry, but that way you’ll avoid problems caused by too much movement.
Deactivate the drying function. She can also warp her shoes.

Soap powder is difficult to remove, so it can leave stains. the ideal is use liquid soap. If the sneakers were white, you can add some Vanish bleach.

How to dry sneakers correctly:

At room temperature, away from heat sources.

Use paper to fill in the interior and avoid warping. You can use paper towel rolls, napkins, cotton cloths, towels, but never newspapers, as the printing ink can stain the shoes while they are still wet. Using the electric dryer is only possible when the shoes are almost dry.

Do you have any other tips or experiences involving washing shoes? Leave your comment!