Washing New Balance Shoes: Can You Machine Wash Them?

So, you're wondering if you can toss your New Balance sneakers into the washing machine? It's a common question, guys! After all, who wouldn't want a quick and easy way to clean their favorite shoes? The answer isn't a straight yes or no, but more like a 'it depends'. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of washing your New Balance shoes and how to do it safely. Putting your New Balance shoes in the washing machine can be a convenient way to clean them, but it's crucial to take certain precautions to avoid damage. Before you even think about hitting that start button on your washing machine, you need to consider the material of your shoes. Are they mostly canvas and nylon, or do they have a lot of leather and suede? Leather and suede are generally a no-go for machine washing because water can damage the material, causing it to shrink, stiffen, or even crack. For canvas and nylon New Balance shoes, machine washing is usually okay, but you still need to be careful. It's recommended to remove the laces and insoles before washing, as these can get tangled or damaged in the machine. You should also place your shoes in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from banging around inside the washing machine. When it comes to detergent, less is more. Use a mild detergent and avoid using bleach, as this can discolor or damage your shoes. As for the washing cycle, opt for a cold water, delicate cycle to minimize the risk of damage. Once your shoes are washed, it's important to let them air dry. Avoid putting them in the dryer, as the heat can cause them to shrink or warp. Stuff your shoes with paper towels to help them maintain their shape and absorb moisture. With the right precautions, washing your New Balance shoes in the washing machine can be a safe and effective way to keep them clean. However, if you're unsure about the material of your shoes or if they have delicate embellishments, it's always best to err on the side of caution and hand wash them instead.

Identifying Your New Balance Material

Before you even think about tossing your New Balance kicks into the washing machine, you've gotta figure out what they're made of. Seriously, this is crucial. Not all materials are created equal when it comes to surviving a spin cycle. We're talking about canvas, nylon, leather, suede, and all sorts of synthetic blends. So, how do you tell what your shoes are made of? First, check the label inside the shoe. Manufacturers usually include information about the materials used in the construction of the shoe. Look for terms like "genuine leather," "synthetic leather," "canvas," "nylon," or "mesh." If you can't find a label, don't panic. Take a close look at the different parts of the shoe. Leather is usually smooth and has a natural grain pattern, while suede is soft and fuzzy. Canvas is a sturdy, woven fabric, and nylon is a lightweight, synthetic material. Mesh is typically used for ventilation and has a porous, net-like appearance. If your shoes are made of leather or suede, machine washing is generally not recommended. These materials can be damaged by water and detergent, causing them to shrink, stiffen, or crack. Canvas and nylon shoes, on the other hand, are usually more durable and can withstand machine washing, but you still need to take precautions. If your shoes are a combination of different materials, it's best to err on the side of caution and hand wash them. You can also consult the New Balance website or contact their customer service for specific cleaning instructions for your shoe model. Once you've identified the material of your shoes, you can decide whether machine washing is a safe option. If you're unsure, it's always better to hand wash them or take them to a professional shoe cleaner. Remember, a little bit of care can go a long way in preserving the life of your New Balance shoes. So, take the time to identify the material and choose the appropriate cleaning method. Your shoes will thank you for it!

Step-by-Step Guide to Machine Washing New Balance

Okay, so you've checked the label, you know your New Balance are mostly canvas or nylon, and you're ready to risk it for the biscuit and toss them in the washing machine. Hold your horses! There's still a right way and a wrong way to do this. Follow these steps to minimize the risk of damaging your precious sneakers. First, remove the laces and insoles. Laces can get tangled and the insoles can trap water and detergent, so it's best to take them out before washing. You can wash the laces separately in a mesh laundry bag or by hand. Next, protect your shoes. Place them in a mesh laundry bag to prevent them from banging around inside the washing machine. This will help to protect them from scratches and other damage. If you don't have a mesh laundry bag, you can use an old pillowcase. Just make sure to tie it securely to prevent the shoes from falling out. Use a mild detergent. Harsh detergents can damage the materials of your shoes, so it's important to use a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach, as this can discolor or damage your shoes. A small amount of detergent is all you need. Too much detergent can leave a residue on your shoes, making them stiff and uncomfortable. Choose the right cycle. Select a cold water, delicate cycle to minimize the risk of damage. Hot water can cause the materials of your shoes to shrink or warp, so it's important to use cold water. The delicate cycle is gentler on your shoes than a regular cycle, which can help to prevent damage. Let them air dry. Once your shoes are washed, it's important to let them air dry. Avoid putting them in the dryer, as the heat can cause them to shrink or warp. Stuff your shoes with paper towels to help them maintain their shape and absorb moisture. Replace the paper towels every few hours until the shoes are completely dry. Avoid direct sunlight or heat. Drying your shoes in direct sunlight or near a heat source can cause the materials to fade or crack. It's best to dry them in a cool, well-ventilated area. With these steps, you can safely wash your New Balance shoes in the washing machine. However, if you're ever in doubt, it's always best to hand wash them or take them to a professional shoe cleaner. Remember, a little bit of care can go a long way in preserving the life of your shoes.

Best Practices for Drying Your Shoes

Alright, your New Balance have survived the washing machine, but the battle isn't over yet! Drying them properly is just as important as washing them correctly. Mess this up, and you could end up with warped, smelly, or just plain ruined shoes. So, listen up! First things first: no dryers! I repeat, do not, under any circumstances, throw your New Balance shoes in the dryer. The high heat can cause the materials to shrink, warp, and even fall apart. Trust me, I've seen it happen. Instead, opt for air drying. This is the safest and most gentle way to dry your shoes. Before you start air drying, stuff your shoes with paper towels. This will help them maintain their shape and absorb excess moisture. Replace the paper towels every few hours until the shoes are completely dry. This can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, depending on the humidity and temperature. Find a well-ventilated area to dry your shoes. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause the colors to fade. A cool, shady spot is ideal. You can also use a fan to speed up the drying process. Just make sure to point the fan at the shoes from a distance to avoid overheating them. If you live in a humid climate, you can use a dehumidifier to help remove moisture from the air. This will help your shoes dry faster and prevent them from developing mold or mildew. Once your shoes are completely dry, remove the paper towels and replace the insoles and laces. Give them a good shake to fluff them up and get them ready to wear. And there you have it! Your New Balance shoes are clean, dry, and ready to hit the streets. With these tips, you can keep your shoes looking their best for years to come.

When to Hand Wash Instead

Okay, let's be real, sometimes the washing machine just isn't the answer. There are situations where hand washing your New Balance is the only way to go. When should you ditch the machine and grab a bucket of soapy water? First, if your shoes are made of leather or suede, hand washing is a must. These materials are delicate and can be easily damaged by the harshness of a washing machine. Water can cause leather to shrink, stiffen, or crack, while suede can become matted and discolored. Second, if your shoes have delicate embellishments, such as beads, sequins, or embroidery, hand washing is the safest option. These embellishments can be easily snagged or damaged in the washing machine. Third, if your shoes are heavily soiled or stained, hand washing may be more effective than machine washing. You can target specific areas with a brush or sponge and use a stronger cleaning solution if necessary. Fourth, if you're simply not sure whether your shoes can be machine washed, it's always better to err on the side of caution and hand wash them. It's better to spend a little extra time and effort hand washing your shoes than to risk damaging them in the washing machine. To hand wash your New Balance shoes, start by removing the laces and insoles. Then, mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water. Use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub the shoes, paying attention to any areas that are particularly dirty or stained. Rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water and stuff them with paper towels to help them maintain their shape. Let the shoes air dry in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat. With a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your New Balance shoes looking their best for years to come. So, don't be afraid to hand wash them when necessary. It's a small price to pay for preserving the life of your favorite shoes.