How to wash shoes
Washing shoes is a necessity for all types of shoes, but how you wash your shoes depends on the type of shoe. You wouldn't wash a sneaker the same way you'd wash a loafer. To wash your shoes without ruining them, you have to treat each pair separately and according to its type and constitution. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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How to Wash Your Shoes
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Separate the shoes you want to wash into categories: sneakers, outdoors shoes, work shoes, boots, formal shoes, loafers. Then further separate them into their fabric type: leather, canvas, synthetic.
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Remove all laces and any insoles. Brush off any mud or dirt or other stuff caked on the shoes.
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For sneakers and canvas shoes, you can simply throw them in the washing machine in a garment bag after you've removed a lot of the excess gunk.
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For leather and nubuck shoes, first gently wipe them down with a damp, soft cloth to remove any mud. Then buff them with the appropriate tools. For leather, a clean chamois cloth does wonders. For nubuck and suede, there is actually a type of "brush" you can get at a shoe store, as well as a specific cleaning solution. Both the chamois and the brush serve to remove any dust and particles that have accumulated in the grain of the fabric, and in the case of nubuck and suede, to "refresh" the look of the shoe.
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For leather shoes, break out the polish and go to work. Or head to the nearest shoe shine and let them work their magic for you. Leather shoes need to be treated to hold up longer, and with certain brands of shoes, you can have the pair refurbished every few years for a fee. It is worth it if the shoe is crafted well. Remember to wipe the excess polish off so it doesn't get on your clothes or furniture.
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Wash laces separately, and by hand. Otherwise they can get tangled in the washing machine and break. If, even with cleaning, your laces are still dingy, throw them out and buy a new pair. There is only so much you can do for old, white laces.
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Dry the shoes. For sneakers and canvas shoes, after washing, place them in the sun to dry. You don't want to put them in the dryer, lest they shrink, which does happen. For other types of shoes, place them on a piece of paper or a towel, so they don't come into contact with any surfaces and any polish you missed potentially rub off on anything.
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Re-lace, replace the insoles, and go.
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Tips & Warnings
Check every shoe before washing to make sure there aren't any "loose" parts, like a sole that's coming apart.
Do NOT put leather, suede or nubuck shoes in the washing machine.
