Shoe Types Fit for Washing Machines: Specific Cleaning Methods & Program Setup

Shoe cleaning has become one of the increasingly popular services in people’s daily lives. The traditional hand-cleaning method is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but also often fails to thoroughly clean the shoes and can easily cause the shoes to deform or be damaged. As people's pace of life accelerates, more and more people hope to complete tedious housework in a short time. In response, shoe washing with a water washing machine has emerged as a convenient and reliable solution. But how can shoes be washed effectively while keeping the process simple and safe?

Types of Shoes Suitable for Machine Washing

l Compared to conventional approaches, machine-based shoe washing is more thorough, convenient, and efficient. In order to efficiently remove surface debris, modern shoe washing equipment usually uses specialist materials and cutting-edge cleaning technologies. It also offers programs specifically designed for particular shoe materials to prevent damage. What kinds of shoes may be washed in a machine? The primary categories are:

• Canvas and fabric shoes
• Mesh and synthetic fiber sneakers
• Shoes made of artificial leather
• Sports shoes with colorfast leather accents
• Single-color leather shoes and suede shoes

Shoe Washing Process with a Washing Machine

Currently, some laundry equipment for washing shoes has adopted water-saving and energy-efficient technology to reduce the negative effects on the environment.

In reality, laundromats usually put shoes in special shoe-washing machines, choose a program, and then wait for the machine to finish cleaning. This ensures great results while saving a great deal of time and work.

Kingstar industrial washers and commercial washers (15/20/25/40/60/100/120KG) are fully compatible with shoe washing. They come preloaded with 50–79 washing programs, including specialized shoe-cleaning cycles.

(1) Pre-Wash Preparation

1. Test colorfastness with a damp cotton swab on the shoe surface and any leather panels.

2. Strictly sort by material, craftsmanship, and brand.

3. Carefully inspect the inside and outside of the shoes for defects, debonding, and signs of aging..

4. Place shoes in laundry bags. Loosen laces and tie knot ends for protection.

5. Pre-brush the soles to prevent dirt and sand buildup, which could affect the normal operation of the equipment..

6. For suede or heavily soiled insoles, apply pre-treatment agent and let sit 10 minutes before washing.

(2) Washing

1. It’s recommended to load shoes according to the capacity of the washing machine and put one sponge for each shoe. Place 2–3 pairs per laundry bag. For PU shoes, use a bag but skip the sponge.

2. Add 20g of powder-free to each pair of sports shoes.

3. Add 10 ml of wet detergent to each pair of suede shoes

4. Select the Corresponding washing program.

5. Remove light-colored laces from dark leather shoes and wash separately. Others can remain attached.

• Recommended Program for Fabric/Mesh Sneakers (20KG Washer)

• Recommended Program for UGG Suede Shoes, Nubuck Shoes, and Leather Shoes

Spin Speed: 30 RPM

Cycle ratio: Run 5 seconds / Pause 5 seconds

Note:

1. Espadrilles, hand-painted shoes, heat-transfer logo shoes, light fabric shoes with dark leather lining, luxury shoes, limited editions, and commemorative models are not suitable for machine washing.

2. When washing suede shoes, people should adjust the spin speed and cycle ratio. Use gentle mechanical action with wet cleaning agents, followed by a fatliquoring treatment during the rinsing stage.

(3) Post-Wash Treatment
1. Use a water jet to remove black marks on mesh creases.

2. Scrub any uncleaned areas with brushes or spot-cleaning agents.

3. Stuff and shape leather and suede shoes after washing.

4. Groom suede shoes to restore the nap.

5. Re-spin if moisture remains.

(4) Drying
1. Dry shoes in a vertical shoe dryer at 45°C for 2–4 hours.

2. For suede and white canvas shoes, let them air-dry halfway before using the dryer to prevent discoloration or yellowing.

(5) Package the fully dried shoes
1. Check shoes for any abnormalities after washing.

2. Remove remaining debris inside the shoes.

3. Re-clean laces if necessary; Repair loose glue if detected.

4. Wipe rubber, gum, or foam parts with alcohol.

5. Apply color restorer for faded suede; Use spray dye for severe fading.

(6) Important Reminder
1. Machine washing suede shoes requires a certain level of leather-care knowledge and hands-on experience.

The above process and programs are for reference only—Actual settings should be adjusted based on shoe material, condition, and level of dirt.