Why you shouldn't put sneakers in the washing machine

Your sneakers are dirty and you would like to clean them: how do you do it? As tempting as it may seem, it isn’t wise to put them in the washing machine because there is a high risk of ruining them. They may be clean, but unfortunately no longer wearable or much, much less pretty. We asked some experts and gathered five risks of shoes in the washing machine

Washing shoes in the washing machine: don't do it!

Bosch, a well-known producer of washing machines, among others states that it is important not to wash shoes in the washing machine. There is a high risk that the shoes will break down in the washing machine. Moreover, (too) heavy shoes are dangerous for the drum in the washing machine. During washing and spinning, the power can become too great, which can even damage the inside of the washing machine. Rather wash them by hand.

5 risks in the washing machine

Are you curious what exactly all the risks are of washing shoes in the washing machine? We collected the biggest reasons not to do it:

1. The glue comes off (which causes the soles of the shoes to come off)

Sneakers contain glue, which holds the different parts together like the sole. You won't normally notice, but you will after washing them in the washing machine for an extended period of time. Especially at higher temperatures, the glue will come off easily. The result is a shoe whose sole hangs loose when you take it out of the washing machine, or whose sole will come loose the next time you walk on it.

2. The shoes warp and shrink

The combination of heat and water can cause many types of shoes to warp or shrink. The materials are not suited to the influences of hot water over an extended period of time. That means they can warp in the washing machine which may cause them to become uncomfortable and/or unwearable.

3. The material of the shoes gets damaged (especially with suede or leather)

With fragile materials, there is a risk of the shoes becoming tarnished. This is especially true for suede and for leather. Those materials are not meant to be wet for long periods of time, especially with hot water. It means you might wash your shoes clean, but they will look totally different afterwards. The washing machine will ruin your shoes, which means you can throw them away immediately after washing them.

4. The colors of your shoes bleed and fade

Just like clothes you wash for the first time, colors of shoes can run out. Or they can fade. In either case, the shoes look very different the moment you take them out of the washing machine again. They may be clean, but the colors might have faded into each other or no longer have the vibrancy they had. Therefore, it is a much better idea to simply wash the shoes by hand, in soapy water and with a limited amount of water.

5. The shoelaces get stuck in the washing machine

Finally, the shoelaces can easily get stuck in the washing machine. The laces get tangled, either in the drum or in other parts. It can be very difficult to get them unstuck again. What's more, if a mechanic has to come in, you incur high costs.

Buying sneakers and keeping them clean

Do you want to buy new sneakers and keep them looking nice for as long as possible? Treat them in advance with a nano spray, for example. And are they stained or dirty? Use a clean cloth and a little water. That is, on leather and plastic. Be careful with suede, leather and, for example, nubuck. Use a special brush for that, which will prevent you from just smearing the stain.

Read more

Curious about more fashion tips? Check out our other blogs!

• The history of sneakers
• How to care for your jeans
• Ankle boots for women for every day
• How to polish your shoes the right way
• How to combine flat shoes with a dress of skirt
• How to pair boots with a dress
• 10 helpful tips against sweating

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