Can I wash ballet shoes in a washing machine?

Ballet shoes are necessary for dancers because they offer flexibility and comfort during practice and performances. They may become dirty with time and need to be cleaned in order to keep their appearance and feel. But many don’t know which method is best for washing them.

I’m often asked if it’s safe to wash ballet shoes in a machine. Although it may seem convenient to throw them in with your regular laundry, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks.

We’ll discuss whether ballet shoes can be washed in a machine and the safety measures to follow if you decide to do so.

Ballet shoes can be washed in a washing machine, but proceed with caution. Put them in a laundry bag, use cold water on a gentle cycle, and stay away from harsh detergents. They must air dry in order to maintain their shape and prevent damage. Though it’s possible, make sure the material is sturdy first because some ballet shoes might not survive well in the washing machine.

Is it worth using a machine?

Ballet shoes can be cleaned in a washing machine, but there is a slight chance that they could get ruined. Hand washing is still the best option as a result. Try loading the ballet shoes into the drum if you don’t have time to play around with them. It’s crucial to abide by the guidelines:

• insoles are washed separately, so they must be removed before loading into the machine;
• it is advisable to use liquid detergents. The ideal option would be a gel for washing delicate fabrics;
• you need to run a special program for cleaning shoes. If there is no such function, it is better to select the manual mode or the "Delicate wash" option;
• the water temperature should not exceed 30 ° C;
• the spin should be completely turned off. Otherwise, the ballet shoes may lose their shape;
• it is better to wash ballet shoes in a special mesh bag. You can also put them in an old pillowcase. Due to this, the shoes will not constantly hit the walls of the drum.

Because ballet shoes are too small to fit in an automatic washer, the drum will effectively be empty when you wash them. Consequently, you must wash delicate ballet shoes in the same laundry cycle as other items in the same color.

Torn shoes will deteriorate even more after the machine cycle, so only complete ballet shoes may be thrown into the drum.

So, after deciding to give your ballet shoes a machine wash, unscrew the insoles and give the shoes a thorough inspection. If you find even a tiny hole, refuse to have the shoes automatically cleaned and give them a hand cleaning.

Traditional care

Shoes made of specific materials are best cleaned by hand. Ballet shoes made of suede or real leather are best cleaned without a washing machine; however, textile shoes with well-stitched soles can be put in the washer. There are subtleties to hand washing as well:

• the water temperature should not exceed 30°C;
• the ballet shoes must first be soaked in a warm soapy solution for 10-15 minutes;
• you can brush dirt off the surface with a soft toothbrush;
• it is preferable to use liquid detergents, it is advisable to refuse powders. Dry granules get stuck in dense material and are not rinsed out completely;
• you cannot twist ballet shoes when spinning. You should wrap a pair in a towel, which will absorb excess moisture. Afterwards, the products are put away for further drying;
• leather ballet shoes must be cleaned using special products. For example, buy a foam cleaner designed specifically for shoes made of genuine leather.

Use a tiny ball of the cleaner on a sponge to treat the surface of the leather ballet shoes before washing them. After that, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the ballet shoes. Regarding suede shoes, it is preferable to avoid soaking them. Suede is water-phobic, so it’s important to use foams and sprays designed specifically for cleaning.

Dry according to the instructions

Often, training shoes become unusable precisely because of improper drying. Cheap shoes can only be dried at room temperature, do not put them on batteries or place them near heating devices. The ideal option is to stuff the ballet shoes with paper. The sheets will help absorb excess moisture and maintain the shape of the pair. It should be remembered that leather shoes shrink. Therefore, it is important not to overdry them. The same applies to models made of leatherette – the surface of such ballet shoes can crack. You cannot try to dry the ballet shoes with a hairdryer. Hot air can damage the material. It is also forbidden to place shoes on radiators or in direct sunlight.

Ballet shoes will take around a day to dry at room temperature.

Ballet shoes that are still wet should not be worn. The conditions are perfect for the growth of germs. Furthermore, it will be extremely uncomfortable to wear wet shoes, especially when training.

Although it might seem like a quick fix, washing ballet shoes in a washing machine isn’t always the best choice. The rough movements of a machine wash can easily damage these shoes because of their unique structure and delicate materials.

The safest method for keeping ballet shoes clean and extending their lifespan is usually hand washing. If you do choose to wash the shoes in a machine, though, be sure to use a gentle cycle and to put them in a laundry bag for protection.

In the end, proper maintenance will help your ballet shoes retain their shape and last longer, sparing you the trouble of having to buy new ones all the time.

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