Can You Put New Balance Shoes in the Washing Machine? A Deep Dive
Can you put New Balance shoes in the washing machine? The answer is a cautious yes, but with significant caveats. Washing New Balance shoes in a machine can be done correctly to extend their life or incorrectly, leading to irreversible damage.
Understanding the Risks and Rewards of Machine Washing New Balance Shoes
New Balance shoes, prized for their comfort and style, can become dirty quickly. While hand washing is often recommended, many wonder if the convenience of a washing machine is an option. Understanding the potential risks and rewards is crucial before tossing your sneakers in.
- Convenience: The primary draw of machine washing is the time and effort saved compared to hand washing.
- Thorough Cleaning: A machine can often penetrate deeper into the fabric and remove stubborn dirt.
- Potential Damage: Excessive heat, harsh detergents, and the machine’s agitation can damage materials like leather, suede, and adhesives.
- Reduced Lifespan: Frequent machine washing can degrade the shoe’s structure, leading to premature wear and tear.
Preparing Your New Balance Shoes for the Washing Machine
Proper preparation is key to minimizing the risks associated with machine washing.
- Remove Loose Dirt: Use a soft brush to remove any loose dirt or debris from the shoes.
- Remove Laces and Insoles: These should be washed separately, either by hand or in a laundry bag.
- Spot Clean Stains: Treat any stubborn stains with a mild stain remover before washing.
- Place Shoes in a Laundry Bag or Pillowcase: This protects the shoes from direct contact with the washing machine drum and prevents excessive wear.
The Gentle Cycle: Choosing the Right Settings
Selecting the correct washing machine settings is essential to protect your New Balance shoes.
- Use a Gentle Cycle: This minimizes agitation and reduces the risk of damage.
- Cold Water: Hot water can damage the adhesives and materials used in New Balance shoes. Always use cold water.
- Mild Detergent: Avoid harsh detergents or bleach, which can discolor or damage the shoes. A gentle, non-biological detergent is best.
- Skip the Spin Cycle (If Possible): The high-speed spin cycle can be very damaging. If your machine doesn’t allow you to skip the spin cycle, choose the lowest spin setting.
The Drying Dilemma: Air Drying is Essential
Drying your New Balance shoes correctly is just as important as washing them correctly.
- Never Use a Dryer: The heat from a dryer will damage the adhesives and materials, causing the shoes to shrink, warp, or fall apart.
- Air Dry in a Well-Ventilated Area: Stuff the shoes with paper towels to help them retain their shape and absorb moisture. Change the paper towels regularly.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Direct sunlight can fade the colors of your shoes.
- Allow Ample Drying Time: It can take several days for the shoes to dry completely.
Materials Matter: Which New Balance Shoes Should Never Be Machine Washed
Not all New Balance shoes are created equal. Certain materials are simply too delicate for machine washing.
| Material | Machine Washable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas | Generally Yes | Prepare thoroughly and use a gentle cycle. |
| Synthetic | Yes | Usually holds up well to machine washing, but still requires caution. |
| Leather | NO | Machine washing will damage leather. Clean only with specialized leather cleaners and conditioners. |
| Suede | NO | Machine washing will ruin suede. Use a suede brush and cleaner. |
| Mesh | Yes | Usually safe, but be sure to use a laundry bag to prevent tearing. |
| Nubuck | NO | Similar to suede; special cleaning methods are required. |
| Shoes with Intricate Details | NO | Shoes with lots of glued-on embellishments or delicate trim are too risky for the washing machine. Clean by hand. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing New Balance Shoes
Many people damage their shoes due to simple mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Using Hot Water: As mentioned above, hot water is a major culprit in damaging shoes.
- Using Harsh Detergents: These can strip the colors and damage the materials.
- Overloading the Washing Machine: This can damage both the shoes and the washing machine.
- Drying the Shoes in a Dryer: This is a guaranteed way to ruin your shoes.
- Ignoring the Material Type: Failing to identify the material and its cleaning requirements is a common error.
When is Hand Washing a Better Option?
While the convenience of a machine wash is tempting, hand washing is often the safest option, especially for delicate materials or valuable shoes. Hand washing offers more control and reduces the risk of damage. It’s particularly recommended for the first wash to observe how your shoes react to cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to wash all New Balance models in the washing machine?
No, it is not safe to wash all New Balance models in the washing machine. Shoes made of leather, suede, or nubuck should never be machine washed. Check the shoe’s label or New Balance’s website to determine the material composition before proceeding.
What type of detergent is best for washing New Balance shoes?
A mild, non-biological detergent is best for washing New Balance shoes. Avoid using harsh detergents, bleach, or detergents with strong enzymes, as these can damage the materials and fade the colors.
How often can I wash my New Balance shoes in the washing machine?
It’s generally recommended to avoid frequent machine washing of your New Balance shoes. Machine washing should only be done when necessary, perhaps once or twice a year for canvas or synthetic shoes. For regular cleaning, consider hand washing more frequently.
Can machine washing affect the shoe’s cushioning or support?
Yes, machine washing can potentially affect the shoe’s cushioning or support, especially if the shoes are exposed to high heat or harsh detergents. Repeated washing can degrade the foam and other cushioning materials.
What’s the best way to remove odors from New Balance shoes?
To remove odors from New Balance shoes, try sprinkling baking soda inside the shoes and letting it sit overnight. You can also use a shoe deodorizer spray or place dryer sheets inside the shoes. Proper air drying after washing helps to prevent odors.
What if my New Balance shoes have glued parts?
If your New Balance shoes have glued parts, exercise extra caution when washing them. The glue can weaken with heat and prolonged exposure to water. Hand washing is often a safer option, and avoid high-speed spin cycles in the washing machine.
How do I clean white New Balance shoes without yellowing them?
To clean white New Balance shoes without yellowing them, use a mild detergent and avoid bleach. You can also add a small amount of white vinegar to the wash cycle to help brighten the shoes. Air dry them in a shaded area to prevent discoloration from sunlight.
My New Balance shoes shrunk after washing. Can I fix them?
If your New Balance shoes shrunk after washing, especially after being in a dryer, it’s difficult to completely restore them to their original size. You can try stuffing them with damp paper towels and wearing them around the house to stretch them out. However, the results may be limited.
What should I do if my washing machine doesn’t have a “gentle” cycle?
If your washing machine doesn’t have a dedicated “gentle” cycle, choose the cycle with the lowest agitation and spin speed. You might also consider using a delicate garment bag for added protection.
How long should I air dry my New Balance shoes after washing?
It can take 24-72 hours to fully air dry New Balance shoes after washing. The drying time depends on the humidity and ventilation. Ensure the shoes are completely dry before wearing them to prevent mold or mildew growth.
Is it better to wash New Balance laces by hand or in the washing machine?
New Balance laces can be washed either by hand or in the washing machine. If washing them in the machine, place them in a laundry bag to prevent them from getting tangled or lost. Hand washing with mild soap is also effective.
Where can I find specific cleaning instructions for my particular New Balance shoe model?
The best place to find specific cleaning instructions for your New Balance shoe model is the official New Balance website or the shoe’s label. If specific instructions are not available, follow the general guidelines provided in this article, exercising caution and common sense. Ultimately, can you put New Balance shoes in the washing machine? only if the appropriate precautions are taken.