Yes, you can often put shoes in the washing machine, even when they are muddy.
It might seem counterintuitive to put something so dirty into a cleaning machine, but the reference confirms that it is acceptable. According to the information provided, "The quick answer, is yes - When your favorite pair of shoes or sneakers are getting a little funky, it's okay to put them in the washer and let a machine do your dirty work for you."
This indicates that washing machines can handle the task of cleaning dirty footwear.
How to Wash Muddy Shoes Effectively
While the answer is yes, simply throwing heavily muddy shoes directly into the washer might not be the best approach for your machine or achieving the cleanest result. Taking a few preliminary steps can help:
- Remove Excess Mud: Before placing shoes in the washer, knock off or brush away as much dried or wet mud as possible. This prevents excessive debris from clogging your machine's drain filter.
- Use a Wash Bag: Place your shoes in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase. This helps protect the shoes (preventing laces from tangling or parts from catching) and reduces the banging noise inside the drum.
- Wash with Towels: Add a few towels (old ones you don't mind getting dirty) to the load. This helps balance the wash, reduces noise, and provides extra scrubbing action.
- Choose the Right Settings:
- Use a cold water cycle. Hot water can damage adhesives and cause colors to bleed.
- Select a delicate or gentle cycle.
- Use a mild detergent.
- Skip the Dryer: Do not put shoes in the dryer. The heat can shrink or warp them and damage components like rubber or glue. Always air dry them.
Best Practices
Following these steps ensures that while the washing machine does the main "dirty work" as the reference suggests, you minimize potential issues and get the best cleaning outcome for your muddy shoes.
| Action | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Pre-clean mud | Protects machine filter, better results |
| Use wash bag | Protects shoes & washer, reduces noise |
| Add towels | Balances load, reduces noise, aids cleaning |
| Cold, gentle cycle | Protects shoe materials |
| Mild detergent | Effective cleaning without damage |
| Air dry (No dryer) | Prevents damage and shrinking |
By following these simple guidelines, you can confidently use your washing machine to clean your muddy shoes and get them looking fresh again.
