During outdoor activities, children like splashing in muddy puddles and running around frantically. You can’t stop them, of course, because physical activity is necessary for their overall health. The mothers, on the other hand, are concerned about the clothes and shoes that have been damaged by food spills, mud, and other sticky and unpleasant messes. Clothing is simple to clean, but what about shoes? Not all of the shoes can be machine washed. Getting a new pair of shoes feels like a dream because your kid’s shoes are nearly as expensive as your own.

Cleaning and maintaining your kid’s shoes, whether they are made of canvas, sneakers, suede, or leather, is no longer a difficult process. This article will explain which shoes should be machine washed and which should not. To learn more, keep reading:

Should You Wash Your kid’s Shoes in a Machine? 

Most mothers question, “Should I wash my kids’ shoes in the washing machine?” The answer is dependent on the sort of material utilized in the shoe’s construction. If the shoes may be machine washed, look for directions on the care label.

In children’s shoes, fabrics including cotton, nylon, polyester, and imitation leather are commonly machine washable. Before washing, make sure to read the label again. However, it is not recommend putting your shoes in the washing machine too often. Because it will shorten the footwear’s lifespan. It’s a good idea to wash your hands as much as possible.

Kids’ Shoes That Can Be Machine-Washable 

  • Cotton Shoes: Canvas shoes made completely of cotton can be washed in the washer. Canvas shoes cannot be washed in all cases. Scrub them with a toothbrush and soapy water if they’re unclean. Then absorb as much moisture as possible using a towel. Finally, allow them to air dry.
  • Canvas sneakers: Canvas sneakers and cotton sneakers can both be laundered in the washing machine. Put them in a lingerie bag and wash in cold water with liquid detergent. It is not advisable to dry your clothes in a dryer. Place them near a vent or in the shade until they are completely dry. Shoes made of leather or mesh should not be laundered in a washing machine.
  • Indoor Noise Reducing Sleepers: If you live in an apartment, you must offer noise-cancelling sleepers for your children. If you don’t have them already, It is strongly suggested to get them, not only for your own comfort but also for the sake of your neighbours’ peace and quiet. The majority of the time, these sleepers aren’t so filthy. Mistakes such as food spills, dung, and pee, on the other hand, are inescapable in a household with children. You can always wash them in the machine.

How Do You Wash Kids’ Shoes in a Machine? 

Here’s how to wash your child’s shoes in the washing machine, step by step. Check the label to determine if the fabric of your shoes can be washed in the machine. If they aren’t washable, extra filth can be removed with an old toothbrush while the soles are held under running water.

  • To get rid of odours, sprinkle baking soda on damp shoes and leave them for a few minutes.
  • Remove the laces and insoles (if applicable). Your insoles may become mushy if you put them in the washing machine. Use soapy water and an old toothbrush to wash them by hand.
  • Using a sponge, soak up any extra water from the insoles.
  • Sprinkle them with baking soda and set them aside for the night. The next day, dust off the baking soda and let it dry completely.
  • All of the insoles are in place. Take them out of the equation.
  • To avoid damage, place the shoes in laundry bags or a pillowcase.
  • The shoes are now clean and ready to be washed. For extra protection, add two old towels to the wash cycle.

Fabric softener should not be used because it will leave residue in the shoes. They will become dirtier as a result of this. Use a liquid detergent with cool water and a slow or no spin cycle. Hot water can cause the adhesive bond to weaken, break, or melt.

To keep your shoes in shape, don’t stuff them with paper towels or old newspapers after they’ve been washed. If you want them to dry quickly, hang them on an air vent or dry them outside in a shady area.

What Kids’ Shoes Can’t Be Machine-Washed? 

These are the types of shoes that should never be washed.

Suede Shoes- Suede and leather shoes should not be washed in the machine. They should be kept away from water at all costs. Using a pencil eraser, remove any marks and scuffs from suede shoes. Treat these sneakers with waterproofing spray to avoid watermarks. Before applying shoe polish to your children’s leather shoes, clean them with a damp towel.

Fancy Shoes and sandals: Sandals and fancy shoes: Your little princess’s casual and fancy footwear may make her feel self-conscious. They’re also not machine washable. Use a damp cloth or baby wipes to clean the girl’s exquisite shoes.

Final Thoughts 

Every mother understands the effort that goes into planning an outdoor excursion. Children dressed neatly and wearing clean shoes are pretty attractive. Children do, in fact, exist in their world. In their naive minds, the terms “cleanliness” and “maintenance” have no meaning. So don’t spoil your kids’ fun by making them too clean-conscious. Keep an eye on your kids’ shoes and set aside some time to protect their collection. It will save you money and give you a sense of achievement for maintaining proper hygiene.