Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Pre-cleaning shoes
• Part 2 of 2: Washing and drying
• Necessities

If your shoes are dirty or smelly, you may want to freshen them up in the washing machine. Shoes made of canvas or imitation leather can be easily washed on the gentle wash cycle and then air dried. Do not wash leather shoes, dress shoes (such as heels) or boots in the washing machine. Wash it by hand instead.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Pre-cleaning shoes

1. Remove the dirt on the outside with a damp cloth. If your shoes have a lot of dirt, grass, or mud on them, wipe off as much as possible with an old cloth. You don't have to scrub them. Just wipe them down to get the worst dirt off.
   • You can also bang the shoes together over a trash can to remove a bit more of the dirt.
2. Clean the soles of the shoes with a toothbrush and warm, soapy water. Start by taking a small cup and fill it with water. Add one tablespoon of dish soap. Dip the toothbrush in the solution. Scrub the soles of the shoes with the toothbrush.
   • Make sure to apply a lot of force. The harder you scrub, the more dirt you will get off.
3. Rinse the shoes. You must remove all soap residue. To do this, hold your shoes over a bathtub or sink and rinse the soles of the shoes with water.
4. If necessary, remove the insoles and laces. If your shoes have laces, you should put them in the washing machine separately. A lot of dirt can collect in the shoelaces and around the rings, so removing them will make cleaning them easier.

Part 2 of 2: Washing and drying

1. Place the shoes in a net bag or pillowcase. The bag helps to protect the shoes. Make sure it is properly sealed before putting it in the washing machine.
   • If you're using a pillowcase, put the shoes in the pillowcase, button the top, and use rubber bands to secure it.
2. Add extra padding in the washing machine to protect the shoes. Wash your shoes with at least two large bath towels. Remember to wash them with dirty shoes, so don't choose white or fine towels.
3. Wash the shoes, insoles and laces with the gentle wash cycle. Put your shoes, insoles, and laces in the washing machine, along with any towels you want to add to the load. Use cold or warm water and little to no spin. Use the extra rinse cycle to remove soap residue at the end of the wash cycle.
   • Using hot water in the washing machine can weaken, crack, or melt the adhesive bonds in your shoes.
   • Do not use fabric softener on your shoes. It can leave a residue that can attract more dirt.
4. Air dry the shoes. Remove the shoes, laces and insoles from the washing machine. Leave the shoes in the open air for 24 hours to dry before wearing them.
   • To speed up the drying process and help the shoes keep their shape, make newspaper balls and stuff the shoes with them.
   • Do not put the shoes in the dryer as this can damage them.

Necessities

• Cloth
• Toothbrush
• Soapy water
• Laundry detergent
• Newspaper