Look, I get it. You’ve stomped around in your Toms, probably tracked mud, maybe even stepped in something questionable. Now they look like they’ve seen better days, and the thought of a quick spin in the washing machine is incredibly tempting. Who has time for hand-washing when you’re just trying to get through the week?
Honestly, I’ve been there. I once tried shoving a pair of my favorite canvas sneakers—not Toms, but a similar vibe—into a hot wash cycle, convinced I was a genius. Spoiler alert: I was not. The result was a sad, misshapen mess that looked like it had lost a wrestling match with a dryer sheet.
So, can I put Toms shoes in the washing machine? The short answer is… it’s complicated, and frankly, most advice out there is either too cautious or just plain wrong. It’s not a simple yes or no, and one wrong move can ruin them.
The Temptation vs. Reality of Machine Washing Toms
There’s a siren song to tossing your grubby Toms into the washing machine. You see them caked with dirt, maybe sporting a mysterious stain from that outdoor concert, and the appliance beckons. It feels like the easiest solution. But here’s the thing: Toms, especially the classic canvas ones, are not built like your average gym shoe designed for aggressive cleaning. They often have glued-in insoles, delicate stitching, and natural fiber uppers that can be unforgiving.
My first pair of Toms were a light grey canvas. I wore them everywhere. One particularly muddy festival weekend left them looking less like shoes and more like swamp artifacts. My roommate, bless her heart, “helped” by throwing them in the washer on a hot setting. The glue holding the sole to the upper melted, and the fabric shrunk unevenly. They were… memorable. For all the wrong reasons. I spent around $40 replacing them, a small price to pay for a lesson learned the hard way.
So, while the temptation is real, you need to understand what you’re risking. It’s not just about getting them clean; it’s about preserving their shape, their material integrity, and ultimately, their lifespan. The washing machine is a powerful tool, but it’s not always the right one for every shoe.
[IMAGE: A pair of dirty grey Toms canvas shoes sitting next to a washing machine, with a look of mild despair on someone’s face in the background.]
Is Your Washing Machine a Shoe Killer?
Let’s be blunt: your washing machine, if used incorrectly, can be a veritable shoe executioner. The tumbling action, the hot water, the aggressive detergents – it’s a lot for delicate materials. Think of it like this: would you put a hand-knitted wool sweater in with your jeans on a high-spin cycle? Probably not. The same principle applies here.
People often ask if they can put Toms shoes in the washing machine and expect a universal ‘yes’ because they’ve seen others do it with success. This is where the confusion starts. Everyone’s machine is different, and the condition of the shoes matters immensely. Those older, well-loved Toms might not survive what a brand-new pair could potentially endure, although even new ones aren’t immune. (See Also: How To Keep Your Shoes Clean)
The real danger isn’t just the cosmetic damage. It’s the structural compromise. Glue can weaken, seams can split, and the very shape of the shoe can warp. I’ve seen shoes come out of the wash looking like they’d been through a bread slicer, all crinkled and distorted. It’s genuinely disheartening.
[IMAGE: Close-up of a washing machine drum showing a pair of Toms shoes looking crumpled and distorted.]
The Safer Approach: Hand-Washing Your Toms
Alright, so machine washing is a gamble. What’s the alternative? Hand-washing. It sounds like a chore, I know. It feels so… 2005. But trust me, when you’ve dropped a decent chunk of change on a pair of shoes you actually like, taking an extra 15-20 minutes to clean them properly is worth it. It gives you control over the process.
Start by removing the insoles if possible – these can often be cleaned separately or even replaced if they’re beyond salvation. Gently brush off any loose dirt or mud with a dry brush. Then, get a bowl of cool water and a mild soap. I’m talking about a gentle dish soap or a dedicated shoe cleaner, not the industrial-strength stuff you use for your bedding. A soft brush, like an old toothbrush or a nail brush, is your best friend here. Work in gentle, circular motions, paying attention to stained areas.
Rinsing is key. You want to get all the soap residue out, otherwise, it can leave behind a slightly sticky film. For the drying part, this is NON-NEGOTIABLE: air dry only. Stuff them with paper towels or old rags to help them keep their shape and absorb moisture. Never, ever put them in a clothes dryer or directly in the sun for extended periods. The heat is your enemy here. I once put a pair of espadrilles on a radiator to dry quickly, and the espadrille rope started to fray. That’s the kind of mistake you only make once.
[IMAGE: Hands gently scrubbing a pair of Toms shoes with a soft brush in a basin of soapy water.]
When Machine Washing Might Be a *calculated* Risk
Okay, I’m going to go against the grain here a little. While I strongly advocate for hand-washing, there are specific circumstances where you *might* consider the washing machine. This isn’t a blanket recommendation, but a situational assessment. The key is preparation and selecting the right cycle.
Contrarian opinion time: Everyone says ‘NEVER machine wash Toms!’ I disagree, *if* you’re willing to be extremely careful and accept a higher risk. My reasoning? The materials are often more robust than people give them credit for, but only if you treat them like the delicate instruments they are, not like work boots. For instance, if your Toms are a darker, solid color (like black or navy canvas) and have no delicate embellishments, and the sole seems very securely attached, you *might* get away with it. (See Also: How To Clean Allbird Shoes)
Here’s how you’d even attempt it, and I’m talking maybe one time out of ten, you’ll get lucky. Use a mesh laundry bag. This is crucial for preventing them from banging around too much. Use COLD water, on a DELICATE cycle. No hot water, no permanent press, no heavy-duty. And for the love of all that is holy, NO fabric softener. It can degrade the glue and fibers. Use a tiny amount of mild detergent, like a teaspoon, and skip the fabric softener entirely. You’re looking for a gentle rinse and spin, not a deep clean. I’d also recommend placing them in a pillowcase inside the mesh bag for an extra layer of protection. Think of it as putting your shoes in a protective bubble bath.
[IMAGE: A pair of black Toms shoes inside a mesh laundry bag with a pillowcase.]
What About the Toms Outsole?
The outsole of your Toms is usually made of rubber or a similar composite material. This part is generally more durable than the canvas upper. However, aggressive cleaning methods can still affect it. If you’re hand-washing, a scrub brush can usually take care of dirt and grime on the sole without issue. The main concern with machine washing is how the constant friction and potential heat might affect the adhesive holding the sole to the rest of the shoe.
I’ve heard stories of people using magic erasers on the rubber soles, which can work for scuffs, but you have to be careful not to rub too hard on the canvas or stitching. For general cleaning, a damp cloth is often sufficient for the outsole after the main shoe is clean. If you’re machine washing and your Toms have a very thick, vulcanized rubber sole, it *might* withstand the cycle better than those with thinner, glued-on soles. It’s a gamble based on construction.
[IMAGE: Close-up of the rubber outsole of a Toms shoe, showing a bit of dirt.]
The Drying Process: Where Many Go Wrong
Even if you manage to get your Toms through a wash cycle relatively unscathed, the drying process is where many people truly sabotage their efforts. Heat is the enemy of most shoe materials, especially glues and natural fibers. Think about what happens to a rubber band left out in the sun for weeks. It gets brittle and snaps. Shoes can suffer a similar fate if exposed to harsh drying conditions.
My friend Sarah, bless her optimistic soul, decided to speed up the drying of her Toms by sticking them on the dashboard of her car on a sunny day. Within three hours, the glue holding the sole had softened so much that when she picked them up, the sole detached completely from the heel. She cried. It was dramatic. I offered her a ride, and we went shoe shopping. This was after her fourth attempt at washing them, which she did by hand, but then she rushed the drying.
Air drying is the gold standard. To speed it up slightly, pack the inside of the shoes tightly with plain white paper towels or newspaper (avoid colored ink as it can bleed). Change the paper out every few hours as it absorbs moisture. You can also place them in front of a fan, but again, no direct heat. You want a gentle circulation of cool air. The entire process can take 24-48 hours, sometimes longer, depending on humidity and how wet they got. Patience is your friend here. (See Also: How To Clean Adizero Shoes)
[IMAGE: Toms shoes stuffed with white paper towels, sitting on a shelf to air dry.]
Toms Shoe Care: A Comparison
| Method | Pros | Cons | Verdict (My Opinion) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Wash (Delicate Cycle, Cold) | Potentially fast, hands-off | High risk of damage: sole detachment, shrinking, material breakdown | Avoid unless desperate and prepared for loss. Not recommended for most cases. |
| Hand Wash (Cool Water, Mild Soap) | Gentle, controlled, preserves shoe integrity | Takes more time and effort | The absolute best method for preserving your Toms. Worth the time. |
| Spot Clean | Quick for minor marks, minimal risk | Ineffective for overall dirt or heavy stains | Good for quick touch-ups between deeper cleans. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Toms
Can I Put Toms Insoles in the Washing Machine?
Generally, no. Most Toms insoles are not designed for machine washing. They can lose their shape, cushioning, and support. It’s better to hand wash them with cool water and mild soap, then let them air dry completely before putting them back in the shoes. If they are very worn, consider replacing them with new insoles from Toms or a third-party brand.
What Is the Best Way to Clean Toms Canvas Shoes?
The best way is almost always hand washing with cool water and a mild detergent. Use a soft brush to gently scrub away dirt and stains. Always rinse thoroughly and air dry completely, stuffing them with paper towels to maintain shape. Avoid harsh chemicals and high heat, as these can damage the canvas and the adhesive holding the shoe together.
Can I Use Bleach on My Toms Shoes?
Absolutely not. Bleach is far too harsh for the materials used in Toms shoes, especially the canvas and any colored dyes. It can cause permanent discoloration, weaken the fabric, and damage the adhesive. Stick to mild soaps and cool water for cleaning. If you have a stubborn stain, look for a specific stain remover designed for fabric shoes, and always test it on an inconspicuous area first.
How Do I Dry Toms Shoes After Washing?
Air dry them completely, away from direct heat sources like radiators, clothes dryers, or prolonged direct sunlight. Stuff the shoes with plain white paper towels or newspaper to help them retain their shape and absorb moisture from the inside. Changing the paper every few hours will speed up the drying process. This can take 24-48 hours, depending on how damp they are and the environmental conditions.
Are Toms Espadrilles Machine Washable?
No, Toms espadrilles should definitely not go in the washing machine. The espadrille sole, made of braided jute, is particularly susceptible to damage from water and agitation. Machine washing will likely cause the jute to unravel, and the glue holding it to the shoe to disintegrate. Hand washing is the only safe method for espadrilles, and even then, you need to be very gentle with the sole.
Final Verdict
So, the big question: can I put Toms shoes in the washing machine? My honest take, after seeing and experiencing the aftermath more times than I care to admit, is to steer clear. The risks of irreparable damage—warped shapes, detached soles, shrunken fabric—far outweigh the convenience.
If you’re faced with a pair of Toms that look like they’ve survived a mud wrestling match, grab a bowl, some mild soap, and a soft brush. It’s the slower route, sure, but it’s the one that keeps your favorite shoes looking and feeling like they should. Remember, patience during the drying phase is just as vital as gentle cleaning.
If you absolutely must consider the machine, remember the delicate cycle, cold water, a mesh bag, and no fabric softener. But even then, you’re playing with fire. It’s probably best to stick to the tried-and-true hand-washing method for your Toms, especially if you want them to last beyond a single wash cycle.
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