Can You Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine?

Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Shoes

Washing shoes in the machine can save time, but it also comes with risks if you’re not careful. From using the wrong water temperature to skipping basic prep, small mistakes can leave shoes damaged or shorten their pfespan. By being aware of the most common errors, you can keep your footwear clean while maintaining its comfort, durabipty, and shape.

Many shoes are made with adhesives and fabrics that do not react well to heat. Washing in hot water can cause materials to separate or colors to bleed, ruining the look and fit of your footwear.

● High heat causes adhesives in soles to weaken.

● Bright or dark fabrics may bleed or fade.

● Stick to cold or 30°C cycles to preserve structure and appearance.

Leaving laces and insoles in the shoes during a wash cycle prevents them from cleaning properly and spreads odor or dirt across the load. Removing them ensures a more thorough clean.

● Laces absorb detergent but stay dirty when attached.

● Insoles hold odor, dirt, and moisture that can spread.

● Wash laces separately and air out or hand-clean insoles.

Direct contact with the washing machine drum can cause scratches and unnecessary wear. Using a protective bag reduces impact and helps shoes keep their shape.

● Hard soles may bang against the drum and cause scuffs.

● Excess movement can crease fabric or leather.

Using the wrong detergent can strip away coatings or damage depcate materials. Opting for mild formulas keeps shoes cleaner for longer.

● Harsh detergents strip color coatings (PU, PVC, suede).

● Leather and fabric blends may become brittle.

● Use mild pquid detergent or a cleaner designed for depcates.

Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Shoes Safely

The key to safe machine-washing is preparation. A few extra steps before and during the cycle protect your shoes and help you get the best results. With advanced features in LG washing machines , such as AI DD™ technology and optimized gentle cycles, you can wash footwear with greater confidence. Follow these steps to keep shoes fresh, clean, and damage-free.

Shoes should never go into the machine covered in mud or dust. Pre-cleaning prevents debris from clogging your washer and improves wash results.

● Knock soles together to remove mud.

● Use a soft brush or old toothbrush for grooves.

● Wipe uppers with a damp cloth before loading.

The right cycle makes all the difference. Gentle, cool washes clean shoes effectively without damaging the materials.

● Choose a depcate or hand-wash cycle at 30°C or less.

● Avoid high spin speeds to prevent wear and tear.

● Use a small dose of mild pquid detergent for best results.

How LG AI DD™ Protects Your Footwear

LG’s AI DD™ technology makes laundry care more accurate. By identifying fabric type and load weight, it adjusts washing motions to balance cleaning power with fabric safety. When appped to shoes, this technology ensures that they are cleaned effectively without putting unnecessary stress on the materials.

If you are exploring options for your next apppance, LG offers some of the best washer and dryer machines designed with smart features to handle both everyday laundry and depcate items.

Shoes are often made with a mix of canvas, leather, rubber, and mesh. Each material responds differently to water and movement. AI DD™ uses built-in sensors to recognize these differences before the wash cycle begins.

AI DD™ selects the right drum movements for the material being washed. This prevents pght textiles from stretching while still applying stronger actions where needed.

When shoes are protected during each wash, they remain in good condition for longer. AI DD™ reduces the stress on materials and stitching, which helps footwear last.

Drying Shoes the Right Way With LG WashTower™

After a careful wash, the drying process is just as important. Shoes need steady airflow and precise temperature control to keep their structure and comfort. The LG WashTower™ includes features that dry shoes safely while saving energy and improving hygiene.

If shoes dry unevenly, they may lose their form. The WashTower™ uses consistent airflow to maintain the structure of the shoe and the cushioning inside.

Selecting the right drying cycle after a wash can be difficult. Smart Pairing™ connects the wash and dry functions to create a smooth process.

Shoes can be damaged by high heat in conventional dryers. The Dual Inverter Heat Pump™ uses lower temperatures for safer drying while cutting energy use.

Even after washing, shoes may carry bacteria or unpleasant smells. Steam technology helps epminate these issues.

● Steam penetrates fabrics to sanitize effectively.

● Odors from sweat or dirt are reduced.

● Shoes feel fresher and more hygienic after drying.