If your shoes have a label, check it to see if it provides washing instructions. If the label recommends hand washing, it’s best to do that instead.
Your shoes should have the material printed along the inside or on the bottom of the sole. When in doubt, play it safe by handwashing your shoes. Suede is another material you should never put in the washing machine. [4] X Expert Source Penny SimmonsShoe Care Specialist Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.
A magic eraser sponge works great for this! It’ll rub away all of the dirt and scuffs. Don’t leave caked-on dirt on the shoes if you can help it. If you do, dirt can mix into the water and make the shoes dirtier.
The towels can also help prevent your washer from becoming unbalanced during the spin cycle. If you wash the shoes alone, they can end up on the same side of the washer drum, which can make the washer lose balance.
If your shoes are soapy after you wash them, run them through an extra rinse cycle.
Re-dip the cloth or toothbrush into the soapy water as needed while you scrub the shoes.
If you’re worried about rinsing your shoes, soak a clean cloth in water and wipe away the soapy water.
If you don’t have newspaper, any paper will work.
For example, you might set them on your kitchen table or on a window sill. Don’t put them in a closet, since the air doesn’t circulate there.
Point a fan at your shoes to help them dry faster.
Salt and cat litter also work as deodorizers. [17] X Research source If you want to add a pleasant scent, add a few drops of essential oil onto the baking soda, salt, or cat litter.
Sprinkle a few drops of vanilla or essential oil onto the newspaper first if you want to add a pleasant scent to your shoes.
Don’t try to pry up the insoles if they’re not easy to pull up. It’s possible they’re glued down.
