Washing shoes in the machine offers a quick, effective clean. However, mesh bags can be expensive and not always available. With care, many shoe types can be washed directly in the drum. Here are some tips for mesh bag-less washing:
Prepare Shoes for the Wash
Proper prep is key to prevent snags or damage:
- Remove shoelaces and extras like inserts for hand washing
- Turn shoes inside out to access interior surfaces
- Check for loose stitches, tears or leather areas prone to darkening
- Mend any wear before washing to avoid further deterioration
Getting shoes ready sets them up for a safe machine cycle.
Use Low Agitation Settings
Low spin speeds are less likely to deform or tear shoes:
- Select a gentle or delicate cycle
- Avoid extra spins which put excess stress on materials
- Opt for the shortest cycle to minimize abrasion time
Low agitation helps preserve the structure and integrity of shoes.
Load Shoes Carefully
How shoes are positioned impacts cleaning effectiveness:
- Load a single pair per wash to avoid shoes banging together
- Place shoes around the drum edges where agitation is less intense
- Make sure soles don’t get tangled or shoes don’t tie in knots
- Don’t overstuff – leave room for water circulation around shoes
Proper placement encourages soils to release without deforming shoes.
Add Cleaning Boosters as Needed
To target ground-in dirt or odors try:
- Adding 1⁄2 cup white vinegar or oxygen bleach to wash water
- Pretreating heavily soiled areas before washing overall
- Making a paste of 1⁄4 cup baking soda per shoe to scrub with
Boosters dissolve bond between dirt and materials for better cleaning power.
Check Results Before Drying
Inspect shoes after the spin cycle to assess:
- Completeness of cleaning both inside and out
- Damage, wear or deterioration to any part of shoes
- Residual stains needing spot treatment before drying
- Need for repeat wash if cleaning was insufficient
Pre-drying assessment ensures shoes are actually clean before putting away damp.
Air Dry Shoes Completely
Wet shoes left to mildew so proper drying is essential:
- Remove promptly after washing while still damp
- Stuff with paper or cloth to retain shape as they dry
- Place in a well-ventilated area to air dry 2-3 days
- Rotate positioning periodically for even drying throughout
Patience during air drying safeguards shoes’ condition.
Additional Tips for Specific Shoe Types
Different materials require tweaks:
For Mesh or Breathable Materials
- Use a gentle/delicate cycle and cold water only
- Check for stretching or damage post-wash
For Leather Shoes
- Wipe or hand wash leather areas to avoid darkening
- Allow extra drying time for thick leather sections
For Canvas or Fabric Shoes
- Wash alone to prevent color bleeding onto other shoes
- Consider a lingerie bag for extra protection
Replace When Washing Fails
If dirt is too embedded or materials compromised:
- It may be better to donate heavily worn pairs
- Replace with new shoes to maintain good foot health
- Relegate dirty shoes only for dirty work or exercise
Know when machine cleaning no longer suffices quality-wise.
In conclusion, with careful loading, low agitation settings and proper drying, many shoe types can be safely washed in the machine meshes. Gentle cleansers help dissolve dirt while minimizing stress on materials. Regular cleaning extends shoes’ lifespan versus neglecting dirt that further embeds over time. Always assess wear and ensure wash effectiveness to make the most of favorite pairs.