Ever eyed your scuffed leather shoes and wondered, “Could I just toss these in the washing machine?” Many of us crave a simple cleaning solution, especially when time is tight and dirt is stubborn.
But with leather being both stylish and sensitive, making the right cleaning choice is essential to keep your footwear looking its best. In this article, we’ll answer whether machine-washing leather shoes is safe, and share the best methods to keep them clean and long-lasting.
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Can You Wash Leather Shoes in the Washing Machine?
Washing your shoes in the machine is a time-saving trick that works well for many types of footwear. However, when it comes to leather shoes, the answer is clear: you should not wash leather shoes in a washing machine. Leather is a natural material that requires special care to maintain its look, softness, and durability. The agitation, water exposure, and detergent used in a typical machine wash can cause irreversible damage to leather, leading to cracking, fading, and shape distortion.
Let’s break down why leather shoes should be treated differently, explore safe cleaning alternatives, and provide expert advice to keep your leather footwear looking sharp.
Why the Washing Machine Is Bad for Leather Shoes
Leather is not like canvas or synthetic materials. It’s made from animal hide and has its own set of quirks:
- Moisture Sensitivity: Leather absorbs water easily. Prolonged or harsh exposure to water can cause the leather to warp, stiffen, or even rot.
- Heat Sensitivity: The heat from a washing machine, combined with tumbling, can dry out the natural oils in leather, resulting in cracks and brittleness.
- Deformation Risk: The constant moving and banging inside the machine can cause leather shoes to lose their shape.
- Detergent Damage: Regular laundry detergents are too harsh for leather. They strip away natural oils, leaving the surface dull and dry.
Machine washing may seem like a quick fix, but it puts your investment at risk. Leather simply isn’t designed to withstand such rough treatment.
What Happens If You Wash Leather Shoes in a Washing Machine?
If you do put leather shoes in the machine, here are some potential consequences:
- Cracking and Peeling: The loss of natural oils makes the leather brittle.
- Loss of Shape: Shoes may come out distorted or sagging.
- Stains and Uneven Color: Water exposure can cause discolored patches or stains.
- Shrinking: Sudden water and heat can shrink leather, making shoes tight and uncomfortable.
- Weakened Soles: Glue used in shoe construction can break down, making shoes less durable.
In short, the machine will age your shoes years in just one cycle.
How to Clean Leather Shoes Safely
The good news: leather shoes can be cleaned effectively at home without a washing machine. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Dry Brushing
- Use a soft-bristled brush or dry cloth to remove surface dirt and debris.
- Brush lightly to avoid scratching the leather.
2. Spot Cleaning
- Prepare a mild soap solution (mix a few drops of gentle liquid soap with water).
- Dip a clean, soft cloth into the solution and wring it out so it’s damp, not wet.
- Gently wipe the affected area. Don’t soak the leather.
3. Wipe Down
- After spot cleaning, use another damp cloth (just water) to remove any soapy residue.
- Wipe gently, again taking care not to saturate the leather.
4. Dry Properly
- Let the shoes air-dry at room temperature.
- Stuff the toes with newspaper or clean rags to help maintain their shape and absorb excess moisture.
- Do not place leather shoes in direct sunlight or near direct heat (like a radiator). This causes drying and cracking.
5. Condition Regularly
- After cleaning and drying, apply a leather conditioner.
- This restores lost oils, keeping the leather flexible and protected.
- Use a soft cloth to buff the conditioner into the leather.
6. Polish for Shine (Optional)
- For extra shine, apply a wax-based shoe polish in a matching color.
- Buff with a clean, soft cloth.
Tips for Stubborn Stains
Some stains—like ink, salt, or grease—require special care:
- Ink Stains: Dab (don’t rub) with a cotton swab moistened with rubbing alcohol. Test in an inconspicuous area first.
- Salt Marks (Winter Grime): Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, apply with a cloth, and wipe gently.
- Oil or Grease: Sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch, let sit overnight, and brush off in the morning.
Always be gentle and patient; aggressive cleaning can permanently damage leather.
Mistakes to Avoid
When cleaning your leather shoes, don’t:
- Soak them in water or wash them under a faucet.
- Use strong detergents, bleach, or household cleaners.
- Scrub with abrasive brushes or rough sponges.
- Place in a dryer or use a hairdryer for fast drying.
- Skip conditioning after cleaning.
Each of these mistakes can ruin the appearance and longevity of your leather shoes.
Practical Care and Maintenance Tips
Want your leather shoes to last? Follow these best practices:
- Clean Regularly: Remove surface dirt often with a dry cloth or brush.
- Use Shoe Trees: Insert wooden or plastic shoe trees to help shoes retain their shape between wears.
- Rotate Your Shoes: Avoid wearing the same pair every day to let leather breathe and recover.
- Protect from Water: Apply a water-repellent spray made specifically for leather; this helps prevent stains and water damage.
- Store Properly: Keep shoes in a cool, dry place. Use dust bags for extra protection.
What About Faux Leather Shoes?
Synthetic leather (also known as PU leather or vegan leather) sometimes fares better with water, but washing machines are still risky:
- The agitation can cause the outer coating to crack or peel.
- Glue and stitching might not hold up.
- Always check the manufacturer’s care label; hand cleaning is generally safer.
Summary
To answer the original question: leather shoes should never be washed in the washing machine. While other materials like canvas or mesh might survive a gentle machine wash, leather requires special care to preserve its look and lifespan. Air on the side of patience—regular, gentle cleaning and proper maintenance will help your leather shoes stand the test of time.
Remember: with the right care, leather only gets better with age.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I ever put leather shoes in the washing machine if I use a gentle cycle?
No. Even the gentlest machine cycle exposes leather to excessive moisture, harsh movement, and detergents that can cause permanent damage. Always stick to hand cleaning.
2. What should I do if my leather shoes get soaked by accident?
Act fast. Stuff the shoes with dry newspaper, changing it frequently. Let them air-dry naturally, away from heat sources or sunlight. Once fully dry, use a leather conditioner to restore suppleness.
3. Is there any safe way to deodorize leather shoes?
Yes! Remove insoles and sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside. Leave overnight, then shake out the excess. For persistent odors, try specialized leather-safe shoe fresheners.
4. How often should I condition my leather shoes?
Conditioning frequency depends on wear and climate, but every 3-6 months is typical. If shoes are exposed to rain or get cleaned often, condition more frequently to prevent drying and cracking.
5. What if the care label on my leather shoes says machine washable?
Very rarely, some leather items are specially treated or have a machine-washable label. Always double-check with the manufacturer’s instructions. When in doubt, hand cleaning is the safest option.