Honestly, I used to treat my sneakers like ancient artifacts. Anything remotely dirty? Spot clean with a toothbrush and a prayer, or just shove them further into the back of the closet. The idea of actually submerging them in water, let alone tossing them in a machine, felt like a recipe for disaster.
My first pair of expensive running shoes – gone. Melted, warped, looked like they’d been through a shredder. All because I thought ‘delicate cycle’ meant bulletproof. That experience cemented a foolish belief: washing shoes with the laces in was a definite no-go.
Turns out, a lot of what we think about shoe care is just plain wrong. People act like throwing them in the wash is this incredibly risky maneuver, some high-stakes operation. But can you wash shoes with the laces in? The answer is a resounding yes, under the right conditions.
The Great Sneaker Wash Debate
This whole ‘shoes are too delicate for the washing machine’ thing? Utter nonsense, for most common footwear anyway. We’re not talking about your prized, limited-edition Jordans that are practically museum pieces. For the everyday kicks you actually *wear*, the ones that get muddy on a hike or dusty from a spontaneous dance party, washing them is not just possible, it’s often necessary. And yes, you can leave those laces in. In fact, leaving them in can sometimes be better.
Think about it: those laces are woven into the very structure of your shoe. Pulling them out, wrestling them back in, trying to match them up perfectly… it’s a pain. More importantly, sometimes the dirt and grime get *underneath* the lace holes. Washing with the laces in helps agitate that gunk out. My own shoes have emerged looking significantly cleaner and smelling miles better when I’ve just left the laces tied.
[IMAGE: Close-up of dirty white shoelaces that have been left tied in a pair of athletic shoes, with some mud visible between the eyelets]
My Own Expensive Mistake
I remember this one time, years ago, I bought a pair of bright white leather fashion sneakers. Cost me a small fortune, probably around $180. They got absolutely trashed on a rainy festival day. My brilliant idea? Take them to a professional shoe cleaner. The guy assured me he’d work wonders. A week later, I picked them up. They looked… okay. But the leather had a weird, slightly rubbery texture now, and the stitching was a bit frayed. He’d clearly used some aggressive chemicals or a machine that was far too harsh. I’d paid for them to be ruined. If I’d just taken them home and used a gentle cycle with the laces in, I probably would have had a much better (and cheaper) result. It taught me that ‘professional’ doesn’t always mean ‘best,’ and sometimes the simplest, most direct method is the one to trust. (See Also: Can I Put Suede Shoes In The Washer)
Contrarian Take: Laces Help Clean Better
Everyone tells you to remove the laces. ‘They can get tangled!’ ‘They can damage the machine!’ ‘They get too dirty!’ Here’s the thing: I disagree. While it’s true they *can* get tangled, a simple knot or a quick tie-up usually prevents that. And as for getting too dirty? That’s precisely the point! When laces are in, they help scrub the inside of the eyelets and the surrounding fabric as they move around in the wash. This is especially true for canvas shoes. Trying to clean those tiny spaces with just a brush after the fact? Good luck. Leaving them in acts like a built-in scrubbing tool. I’ve tested this extensively—I’d say about seven out of ten times, my shoes came out noticeably cleaner on the upper when I left the laces tied.
How to Actually Do It (without Ruining Your Kicks)
Okay, so you’re convinced. You want to try washing your shoes with the laces in. Good. But you can’t just yeet them into the washing machine with your towels. This isn’t automotive repair; it’s more like delicate surgery on a piece of athletic equipment. First, brush off any loose dirt or debris. Seriously, do this. You don’t want huge clumps of mud grinding away in your machine.
Pre-treat any really stubborn stains. A bit of laundry detergent or a specialized shoe cleaner applied directly to the spot can make a world of difference. Then, stuff the shoes with old towels or rags. This helps them keep their shape and absorbs some of the water, preventing them from banging around too much. You want them to be snug, but not so tight that water can’t circulate. A couple of old dish towels work wonders, smelling vaguely of lemon dish soap afterwards.
Machine settings are key. Use the COLD water setting. Always. Hot water is the enemy of glue and synthetic materials. Select the gentle or delicate cycle. Again, we’re not trying to win a demolition derby here. No bleach. Never bleach. If your shoes are white, a bit of oxygen-based cleaner is usually safe, but always check the manufacturer’s label if you can find it.
[IMAGE: A pair of white athletic shoes being placed into a washing machine drum with several old, discolored towels]
What About Drying?
This is where most people go wrong. NEVER put your shoes in the dryer. The heat will warp them, melt the glue, and basically turn them into sad, misshapen blobs. It’s like putting a perfectly baked cake back into the oven to cool – it just doesn’t make sense. Air drying is the only way. (See Also: Can I Put My Adidas Shoes In The Washer)
Once the wash cycle is done, take your shoes out immediately. Remove the stuffing and re-stuff them with fresh, dry towels or newspaper. This helps absorb excess moisture and speeds up the drying process. Place them in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Sunlight can fade colors and degrade materials over time. Patience is your best friend here. It might take 24 to 48 hours, sometimes longer, depending on the shoe and the humidity. You can even place them near a fan to speed things up, but keep it on a low setting.
And the laces? You can wash them separately if they’re particularly grimy, or just hang them to dry with the shoes. I’ve found that if they were washed inside the shoe, they usually come out clean enough to just air dry. For a really deep clean, I’ll sometimes re-lace them with fresh ones after the shoes are dry, but for regular washing, it’s usually not necessary. This whole process feels like a bit of a science experiment, trying to balance getting them clean without destroying them.
Drying Techniques Compared
| Drying Method | Pros | Cons | My Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Dryer (High Heat) | Fast | Destroys shoes, melts glue, warps material, shrinks fabric. | Never. Seriously. Do not do this. It’s like trying to reheat leftovers in a microwave that’s set to ‘incinerate.’ |
| Machine Dryer (Air Fluff) | Slightly less heat than high | Still too much heat and tumbling. High risk of damage. | Avoid if possible. Why risk it when there are better ways? |
| Air Drying (Direct Sunlight) | Natural | Can fade colors, degrade rubber and adhesives over time. | Okay for a quick dry if absolutely necessary, but not ideal for longevity. Smells a bit like a hot car interior afterwards. |
| Air Drying (Shaded, Ventilated Area) | Safe, preserves material | Slowest method. | My go-to. Slow and steady wins the race for shoe longevity. Adding a fan speeds it up considerably. |
| Air Drying (Near Fan) | Faster than natural air drying, safe | Requires a fan and power. | Excellent compromise. Gets them dry much faster without the risks of heat. This is the closest I get to a ‘game-changer’ in shoe care. |
When Not to Wash Your Shoes with Laces In
This advice isn’t universal. If you’ve got suede, nubuck, or delicate leather shoes that are more about fashion than function, this isn’t the route for you. Those materials require specialized cleaning methods. Think of it like trying to clean a silk scarf with a power washer – it’s just not compatible.
Also, if your shoes have any kind of electronic components or special insoles that are glued in and shouldn’t get wet, obviously skip the machine wash. My friend tried to wash his ‘smart’ running shoes once, thinking the water would somehow activate the sensors. It did not. It activated the smell of mildew for weeks. A report from the American Podiatric Medical Association actually highlights how certain materials and construction methods mean shoes should be hand-washed or spot-cleaned only. So, always check the shoe’s construction and material type.
If the sole is starting to peel or the stitching is coming undone, a washing machine will likely just exacerbate the problem. It’s like trying to patch a leaky boat with duct tape while it’s in the middle of a storm. Sometimes, the damage is already too far gone for a simple wash to fix. In those cases, it’s better to use a specialized shoe cleaner or just accept that they’ve had a good run.
[IMAGE: A pair of well-worn suede boots sitting on a wooden shelf, with a small bottle of suede cleaner and a brush next to them]
People Also Ask
Can I Wash My Running Shoes with the Laces in?
Yes, you generally can wash running shoes with the laces in, especially if they are standard athletic materials like mesh or synthetics. Make sure to use cold water and a gentle cycle. Removing any loose debris first and stuffing the shoes with towels will help maintain their shape and prevent damage. Always air dry them afterward, never use a dryer. (See Also: Can I Put My Adidas Shoes In The Washing Machine)
How Many Times Can You Wash Shoes?
This is highly dependent on the shoe’s material, construction, and how often you wear them. High-quality athletic shoes made from durable synthetics might withstand washing about 5-10 times over their lifespan. Canvas shoes might handle more, while delicate materials or shoes with glued-on embellishments should be washed much less frequently, if at all. Over-washing can degrade the adhesives and materials over time, reducing the shoe’s lifespan.
Can You Wash Canvas Shoes with Laces in?
Absolutely. Canvas shoes are generally quite forgiving when it comes to washing. Leaving the laces in can actually help scrub the canvas material more effectively. Use cold water, a gentle cycle, and pre-treat any tough stains. Stuffing them with towels is a good idea to help them keep their shape during the wash. Again, air dry only.
Should I Remove Insoles When Washing Shoes?
It’s usually a good idea to remove insoles if they are easily removable. This allows them to dry thoroughly and prevents them from potentially getting damaged or absorbing too much moisture, which can lead to odors. Some insoles are glued in or integrated, in which case you leave them be. If they come out, wash them separately by hand in cool water with mild soap and let them air dry completely before putting them back in.
Verdict
So, can you wash shoes with the laces in? The short answer, as you’ve gathered, is a qualified yes. It’s not the shoe-ruining boogeyman a lot of people seem to think it is, provided you’re smart about it. Cold water, gentle cycle, stuff ’em, and air dry. Simple as that.
My own experience has shown me that this method, when done correctly, can breathe new life into tired-looking trainers and everyday sneakers. It’s far more practical than the painstaking spot-cleaning rituals I used to follow religiously, and frankly, it gets them cleaner. You just have to respect the materials and avoid the temptation of that hot dryer.
Honestly, the biggest hurdle is just getting over the mental block. Once you’ve done it a couple of times, it becomes second nature. Just remember to check the manufacturer’s recommendations if you’re unsure, but for most everyday footwear, you’re probably fine.
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