Every dancer knows how important it is to keep their ballet shoes clean, but the thought of actually washing them may seem intimidating. These delicate shoes are made of soft materials that, if improperly cared for, are easily damaged. So, is it possible to wash ballet shoes in a washing machine?
Although many people might believe that washing by hand is the only option, using a washing machine is feasible with the appropriate technique. Although it saves time and effort, care must be taken to avoid any harm. Making the right adjustments and using the right techniques can really help.
This post will go over the dos and don’ts of machine-washing ballet shoes to make sure they come out looking brand-new and undamaged. These tips will help you maintain the best possible condition for your dancing shoes, whether you’re an experienced dancer or a parent trying to take care of your child’s equipment.
Is it acceptable to use a machine?
Examine the label of the ballet shoes you just purchased. The best way to clean the shoes and whether machine washing is permitted are indicated by the manufacturer. Examine the ballet shoes, determine their material composition, and assess the gluing quality if there isn’t a tag attached. For instance, dirt must be manually removed from natural suede products because prolonged exposure to water deteriorates the material.
Anyhow, there’s always a risk when washing dance ballet shoes in a washing machine. However, if you choose to give it a shot, remember the following advice:
- choose a special program "Shoes". If there is none, run a delicate wash or manual mode;
- make sure that the water heating temperature is no more than 30 ° C;
- turn off the automatic spin;
- use a special mesh bag for washing. If you don"t have one, take an unnecessary pillowcase and place the ballet shoes in it;
- give preference to liquid detergents for delicate fabrics. It is better to refuse powders, they do not completely dissolve in cool water, and are difficult to rinse out of the fabric;
- load a couple of unnecessary towels into the machine along with the ballet shoes. This will protect the shoes from hard impacts against the walls of the drum.
You can only put complete ballet shoes in the washing machine; anything that is ripped or unglued will get ruined even more.
The ballet shoes are removed, and the insoles are cleaned separately. Using a gentle brush and regular baby soap, cleaning them by hand is simple.
Traditional care
The type of fabric and the quality of the tailoring on a pair of dance ballet shoes determine the proper methods for shoe care. These days, leather, textile, rubber, suede ballet shoes, and leatherette items can be found in stores. It is preferable to review the guidelines for cleaning a particular kind of material. Hand cleaning is thought to be a kinder, more sparing approach.
The following is the algorithm for hand-washing ballet shoes:
- fill a basin with cool water, dilute the detergent in it;
- soak the ballet shoes for 10-20 minutes;
- use a toothbrush to clean off the stains on the material;
- rinse the pair several times.
Ballet shoes should not be twisted violently after being rinsed to prevent deformation. All that needs to be done is pat the pair dry with a terry towel and set it aside to dry further.
It is preferable to avoid wetting leather ballet shoes and natural suede products. Investing in a specific cleaner for them is advised. Shoe stores carry professional compounds. Typically, this is a foam that needs to be rubbed into the material with a clean, dry cloth after being applied to the surface with a soft sponge.
Although it may seem convenient to throw ballet shoes in the washing machine, it’s crucial to take the shoes’ materials and construction into account. Numerous ballet shoes are constructed from delicate materials like leather or canvas, which can get ruined in a washing machine. Hand washing is frequently a safer option, using gentle methods to clean without harming them, to preserve their shape and lifespan.
Get rid of moisture
Ballet shoes can occasionally sustain specific damage as a result of incorrect drying. Ballet shoes should only be dried naturally; it is not permitted to place them next to or on radiators. Paper can be used to stuff shoes because it will keep the shape and absorb extra moisture.
Ballet shoes made of leather that have been improperly dried may shrink, crack, and become extremely stiff. For leatherette models, the same holds true. It is even more forbidden to dry these ballet shoes at high temperatures. They cannot be set on heating pads, blown out with a hot hair dryer, or left out in the sun’s blistering rays.
It is not permitted to machine dry ballet shoes used for dancing.
The ballet shoes need a day or so to dry. It is important to consider this time. Ballet shoes that are wet cannot be worn to training. This is dangerous in addition to being unpleasant. Bacteria and fungi thrive best in humid environments. As a result, it’s crucial that the shoes are totally dry before wearing.
| Type of Ballet Shoes | Can You Wash in a Machine? |
| Canvas Ballet Shoes | Yes, use a gentle cycle and put them in a laundry bag. |
| Leather Ballet Shoes | No, hand wash only to avoid damage. |
| Satin Ballet Shoes | No, they can get damaged; spot clean instead. |
| Pointe Shoes | No, they are too delicate and will lose their shape. |
Despite the temptation to quickly clean ballet shoes in the washing machine, it’s vital to keep in mind how delicate these shoes are. The majority of ballet shoes are constructed from delicate materials like leather or canvas, which is easily harmed by washing.
Ballet shoes are generally safer to wash by hand if you want to keep their shape and integrity. It enables you to give the shoes a gentle cleaning without subjecting them to the agitation and high-speed spinning that come with a washing machine.
If you must use a washing machine, there are ways to reduce the chance of damage. One such way is to put the shoes in a mesh laundry bag and use cold water on a gentle cycle. But over time, the durability and aesthetics of ballet shoes might still be jeopardized despite these safety measures.
In the end, investing a little extra time in hand cleaning ballet shoes will guarantee their continued good condition and continue to offer dancers the support and comfort they require. A tiny amount of work can have a significant impact on the longevity and functionality of the shoes.
