Washing shoes in the washing machine - A guide

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what you are looking for:

• Why should I wash my shoes in the washing machine?
• Which shoes can I wash in the washing machine?
• How do I prepare my shoes?
• What do I need to consider when washing in the washing machine?
• What can I do if the shoes cannot be put in the washing machine?
• Conclusion

Why should I wash my shoes in the washing machine?

Washing your shoes in the washing machine is a simple and effective way to clean them. Especially with heavily soiled shoes, washing in the machine can remove stubborn dirt . It's also a great way to eliminate unpleasant odors . And, done correctly, washing can help extend the life of your shoes .

But be careful: Not all materials are suitable for washing machines. Before throwing your shoes in the washing machine, be sure to check whether they are machine washable.

Which shoes can be washed in the washing machine?

Always check the care label on your shoes . It will tell you whether they're machine washable.

Canvas and fabric shoes can often be washed without any problems . The same applies to shoes made of mesh or synthetic materials . This includes shoes made of synthetic leather.

However, shoes made of genuine leather or suede should not be washed in the washing machine, as they can be damaged by the water and mechanical stress. We also advise against washing shoes with glued joints, delicate decorations (e.g., sequins or rhinestones), and wooden or cork soles.

Here's how to clean your shoes if they can't be put in the washing machine. It's better to play it safe than sorry before your favorite shoes get ruined in the washing machine.

Can Gore-Tex shoes be washed in the washing machine?

No , GORE-TEX shoes cannot be machine washed. The material consists of a membrane with extremely small pores. Putting GORE-TEX shoes in the washing machine risks damaging this membrane. This could cause the shoe to lose its waterproofness and may no longer be protected from moisture after the wash cycle.

OurBactador Odor and Stain Remover is ideal for cleaning GORE-TEX shoes. Here's what to do if your shoes can't be washed in the washing machine .

Before washing: How to prepare your shoes

Important: First check the care label of your shoes to see if they are suitable for machine washing.

Before you put your shoes in the washing machine, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, remove any coarse dirt and stones to protect your washing machine.

Then remove the laces from the eyelets ; you can wash these separately. If possible, remove the insoles as well. Generally, you should remove all loose parts from the shoe before washing.

Finally, place your shoes in a laundry bag or an old pillowcase to protect them and the drum. You can simply tuck the laces into a sock to prevent them from getting tangled. Now you're ready for the next step: the washing machine!

What you should consider when washing in the washing machine

Detergents and additives

Detergent and additives are important for washing your shoes properly in the washing machine. Harsh detergents can damage the material of your shoes. Also avoid bleach or chlorine, as they will fade the colors.

When choosing a detergent, make sure it contains mild ingredients . It's best to choose a color-neutral detergent to avoid discoloration. This is especially important if the shoes have different colors or patterns.

To truly and permanently remove typical shoe odors and even extreme sweat odors , simply add our Bactador Laundry Conditioner Odor Remover to the fabric softener compartment . The natural enzymes produced by the Bactador microorganisms contained in the product have the ability to break down odor and dirt particles until the source of the odor is completely and deeply removed.

The washing program

You may be wondering which washing program is best for your shoes. Here's a quick tip: Use a gentle program like hand wash or delicates. These programs wash at low temperatures , preventing damage to your shoes. To preserve the shape of your shoes, you should reduce the spin speed to a minimum.

At what temperature can I wash shoes in the washing machine?

The right washing temperature is crucial when washing shoes in the washing machine. In most cases, a low temperature of no more than 30 degrees Celsius is ideal. Too high a temperature could damage your shoes, especially sneakers or athletic shoes. Especially at cold washing temperatures, odors are usually not sufficiently removed with regular detergent. With Bactador Laundry Rinse, you can remove even the strongest odors at any washing temperature.

Can you wash multiple pairs of shoes in the washing machine?

Of course, you can wash several pairs of shoes in the washing machine . But be careful! Make sure there's enough space in the drum and that the shoes aren't squashed together. It's also important not to overload the washing machine. Otherwise, it may not work properly.

After washing: Dry

After washing your shoes in the washing machine, they need to dry properly. To do this, place your shoes in a well-ventilated room and let them air dry . To speed up the drying process, you can put paper inside the shoes.

A dryer is generally not recommended for drying shoes. Even after using Bactador Laundry Conditioner Odor Remover, the heat-sensitive microorganisms should be allowed to air dry. Also, avoid drying your shoes in direct sunlight, as this can damage the material.

After drying, take time to care for your shoes. Use the right care products for the material of your shoes to ensure they last a long time.

What to do if the shoes cannot be put in the washing machine?

Are your shoes not machine washable or need a quick cleaning every now and then, especially if you're wearing them while jogging, hiking, or on a hot day? With Bactador, you can get them clean and, above all, odor-free without a washing machine.

First, remove the coarse dirt. Then, sprayBactador Odor and Stain Remover generously on and inside your shoes . The microorganisms contained in Bactador then produce natural enzymes that gradually break down the odor and dirt particles. This removes the source of the odor deep down into the pores.

After cleaning, let the Bactador microbiology work and let the shoes air dry . Avoid direct sunlight or heating. Heat can not only cause deformation but also damage the heat-sensitive microorganisms.