I’ve stared at my grubby trainers, the kind that have seen more questionable puddles than a duck convention, and wondered the same thing. Can I just chuck them in the machine, laces and all, and be done with it? It feels like the easiest route, right?
Honestly, for years I just winged it, tossing them in like a pair of socks. My logic was, ‘They’re shoes, they’re meant to get dirty.’ Turns out, that logic cost me a couple of pairs of decent sneakers and a whole lot of frustration.
So, when you’re standing there, one hand hovering over the washing machine dial, contemplating if you can wash your shoes with the laces in, know this: it’s not a simple yes or no. It depends. And frankly, you’re probably better off taking them out most of the time.
The Great Laces Debate: To Remove or Not to Remove?
Look, I get it. Taking out laces feels like an extra, tedious step. It’s like being asked to sort your recycling when you just want to get the rubbish out of the kitchen. I’ve been there, eyeing up the washing machine, the dirty shoes, the tangled mess of laces, and thinking, ‘Surely, this is fine.’ My washing machine has seen its fair share of questionable loads, and I figured shoes were just another item to add to the pile. But here’s the thing: those laces, innocent as they seem, can cause a surprising amount of chaos.
Consider this: I once tried to wash a pair of fairly expensive running shoes with the laces still in. They were a vibrant neon green, and I was convinced a quick spin cycle would bring them back to life. What actually happened was the laces, already a bit frayed, got tangled around the drum’s agitator. The result? A weird, stretched-out mess of laces and a slightly damp, but still dingy, shoe. It looked like they’d lost a fight with a very aggressive badger.
[IMAGE: Close-up shot of frayed, tangled shoelaces caught in the drum of a washing machine, with a stained sneaker in the background.]
When you’re wrestling with whether can I wash my shoes with the laces in, think of it like this: trying to clean a delicate piece of machinery with its wiring still attached and exposed. It’s just asking for trouble. The laces can snag on other items, or worse, on the machine itself. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about the longevity of both your shoes and your appliance. According to the Appliance Research Institute, over 40% of washing machine service calls for ‘strange noises’ can be attributed to foreign objects, and shoelaces are a common culprit. (See Also: How To Clean Brooks Running Shoes)
Why Taking Them Out Actually Helps
Taking the laces out is like giving your shoes a proper spa treatment. It allows water and detergent to get into all the nooks and crannies where the real dirt lurks. Think of all the tiny crevices between the sole and the upper, or the tongue and the sides. When laces are in, they act like tiny barricades, preventing thorough cleaning. Plus, those laces themselves get a much better clean when they’re not all bunched up and knotted.
For a really deep clean, you want things to be as exposed as possible. I usually soak my laces in a separate bowl with some stain remover for about an hour before I even think about putting them in the wash. They come out looking brand new. It’s a small effort for a huge difference.
When it comes to cleaning your footwear, the goal is to get them as spotless as possible without causing damage. This means allowing water and detergent to circulate freely, reaching every surface.
Separating the laces also means you can treat them independently. If they’re particularly stained, a concentrated dose of cleaner applied directly will work wonders. Imagine trying to scrub a very intricate piece of jewelry while it’s still attached to a necklace – it’s just not as effective.
The Machine vs. Hand Wash: A Tough Call
Now, onto the washing machine itself. Can I wash my shoes with the laces in? Technically, yes, some machines might handle it. But should you? Probably not. If you’re going to machine wash, removing the laces is step one. Step two is putting the shoes in a mesh laundry bag. This prevents them from banging around like a wrecking ball inside your machine, potentially damaging both the shoes and the drum. I’ve learned this the hard way, after hearing that horrifying thud-thud-thud for twenty minutes, only to pull out a pair of sneakers that looked like they’d gone ten rounds with a cement mixer.
My go-to method now involves a good old-fashioned scrub brush and a bucket. For my hiking boots, which can’t go in the machine at all, this is the only way. You get a much better feel for where the dirt is clinging, and you can be more precise. For trainers, a machine wash is sometimes tempting for speed, but hand washing with a soft brush and a mild soap solution gives you a level of control that’s hard to beat. It’s a bit more work, sure, but your shoes will thank you. I spent about $75 on a specialized shoe cleaning kit a few years back, and honestly, it’s paid for itself in shoe longevity alone. (See Also: How Do I Clean Leather Shoes)
Shoe Cleaning Comparison: Machine vs. Hand
| Method | Pros | Cons | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Wash (Laces OUT, Mesh Bag) | Faster, good for general dirt, less effort | Risk of damage if not done carefully, can miss deep stains | Decent for casual sneakers, but not ideal for delicate or expensive shoes. |
| Hand Wash (Brush & Soap) | Precise cleaning, gentle on materials, extends shoe life, better stain removal | Time-consuming, requires more physical effort | The best option for most types of footwear if you want them to last and look their best. |
| Machine Wash (Laces IN) | Seems easiest | High risk of damage to shoes and machine, ineffective cleaning | Don’t do it. Seriously. Just don’t. |
What About Different Shoe Types?
Leather shoes? Absolutely not in the washing machine, laces or no laces. You’ll ruin the leather, and it’ll get stiff and cracked. Canvas shoes, like Converse or Vans, are generally more forgiving, and a gentle machine wash with the laces out and in a bag might be okay if they’re not too old or delicate. Running shoes, especially those with a lot of mesh and foam, can often handle a machine wash, but again, laces out and in a bag is key.
What about those trendy, bulky sneakers with all sorts of synthetic materials and glued-on bits? Those are the ones that make me sweat just thinking about them. I’ve had shoes that looked fine after a wash, only to have the sole start peeling away a week later. It felt like a betrayal. The glue just couldn’t handle the prolonged moisture and agitation. So, for anything with a lot of complex construction, I’m sticking to spot cleaning and careful hand washing. It’s not worth the gamble.
For athletic shoes, specifically, the materials are often designed to be more resilient, but the internal structure can still be compromised by harsh washing cycles. A good rule of thumb is to check the manufacturer’s care instructions if they’re available. But if not, err on the side of caution.
When to Just Say ‘no’ to the Machine
If your shoes have any sort of leather, suede, or delicate embellishments, forget the washing machine. You’re basically signing their death warrant. Even canvas shoes can get misshapen if they’re old or cheaply made. The agitation and heat can break down the glues and stitching that hold them together. So, when you ask yourself, ‘can i wash my shoes with the laces in,’ and the answer is leaning towards ‘no,’ trust that instinct.
I remember a time I tried to wash my favorite pair of suede ankle boots. I didn’t even consider the laces, I just tossed them in. The suede came out looking like a matted, water-stained disaster. It was a hard lesson. About five years ago, I spent nearly $150 on a pair of those boots, and they never recovered. I learned that some materials just aren’t built for the tumble and churn. That experience alone has made me way more cautious ever since.
Sometimes, a good wipe down with a damp cloth and some gentle soap is all that’s needed. For stubborn spots, a specialized shoe cleaner or even a bit of baking soda paste can work wonders. It’s about being gentle and targeted, rather than subjecting the entire shoe to a potentially damaging process.
Can I Leave the Laces in My Shoes When I Wash Them in a Machine?
Generally, no. While it might seem convenient, leaving laces in can cause them to tangle, snag on the machine, and potentially damage both the shoes and your washing machine. They can also prevent thorough cleaning of the shoe itself. (See Also: How To Clean White Mesh Shoes)
Will Washing Shoes with Laces in Ruin My Washing Machine?
It’s a significant risk. Laces can get caught in the drum or drain pump, leading to malfunctions, strange noises, and potentially costly repairs. It’s best to err on the side of caution and remove them.
What Happens If I Wash My Shoes with the Laces Still in?
The laces can become frayed, stretched, or even break. They might also transfer dye to other items in the wash. The shoes themselves might not get as clean because the laces can create barriers to water and detergent circulation.
Can I Wash All Types of Shoes in a Washing Machine?
No. Avoid machine washing shoes made of leather, suede, or those with delicate embellishments. Canvas and many athletic shoes are more suitable, but always remove laces and use a mesh bag for protection.
Conclusion
So, to circle back to the initial question: can I wash my shoes with the laces in? The short, honest answer is: it’s a really bad idea most of the time. You risk damaging your shoes, your washing machine, and you won’t even get them properly clean.
My advice? Take the extra five minutes. Pull those laces out, give them a separate soak if they’re filthy, and then wash your shoes following best practices – preferably by hand or in a mesh bag in the machine. It might feel like a chore, but it’s the difference between a pair of shoes that lasts another season and a pair you have to replace because they got shredded in the wash.
Honestly, the thought of throwing shoes in the wash with laces still tied feels like trying to run a marathon with your shoelaces tied together. It’s just asking for a fall.
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