1. How often are shoes washed?
“It is a common stereotype that “shoes will only be clean if they are washed frequently”, but in fact, the frequency of shoe cleaning depends on factors such as the material of the shoe, the environment in which it is used, and the number of times it is worn, etc. In the case of fragile shoes, over-cleaning will result in loss of color and abrasion, which will shorten the life of the shoe. According to CARE GUYS
Shoe Cleaner brand experts suggest that it is better to wash shoes once a month, and if they are special treasured shoes, cleaning and maintenance can be carried out every 2 weeks.
2. Can I wash my shoes in the washing machine?
It is not recommended to wash shoes in the washing machine hastily because the agitation process will easily deform and damage the shoes, long time soaking may loosen the adhesive glue at the joints of the shoes, and the sand and dirt trapped in the shoes will also make the washing machine hygienic. However, some shoes made of more durable materials are labeled “machine washable” (e.g. canvas, nylon, polyester), in which case you can set the washer to soft-clean in cold water, with slow or no spin mode, and shorten the wash time. You can also use a thicker laundry bag or shoe bag to cover the shoes to avoid friction and collision, and add a couple of towels to balance out the weight of the machine.
3. Do I need to soak my shoes before washing them?
Soaking shoes in water is a big no-no! Since the edges, soles, heels and other joints are mostly glued with rubber, soaking in water for a long time may cause the shoes to peel off the rubber, loosen, open mouth and smile, so that the life of the shoes is greatly reduced. Leather and suede shoes, which have good water absorption, should be avoided to avoid soaking in water, so as not to cause deformation or discoloration of the shoes.
4. How should shoes be dried?
After washing shoes, it is recommended to put shoes in the shade and ventilation to dry naturally, and avoid the two major misunderstandings of “sun drying and hot air drying”! Many people think that air-drying shoes and clothes is the same as sun-drying to achieve the effect of disinfection and faster drying, but in fact the ultraviolet rays of the sun will accelerate the oxidation of moisture on the surface of the shoes, which will make the shoes easy to yellow. It is also not recommended to use a clothes dryer or hair dryer to dry shoes, because the high temperature of the hot air may make shoes hard and brittle, shrink and deform, or even fade and deteriorate.
