When it comes to cleaning shoes, there is a lot of advice floating around. Unfortunately, not all of this information is reliable and sometimes myths can spread faster than facts.
To help sort through the noise, this article will take a look at some of the most common shoe-cleaning misconceptions and debunk them once and for all. From false claims about which products work best to outdated techniques that do more harm than good – reexamining these age-old beliefs can make sure your shoes stay looking their best no matter what they encounter.
Washing Shoes in the Washing Machine: True or False?
Washing your shoes in the washing machine can be a tempting option when they are covered in dirt and mud. But is it true that you can safely wash your shoes in the washer? There are many misconceptions surrounding this topic, so lets dive into debunking some of these shoe cleaning myths.
The first thing to consider is that not all shoes are washing-machine friendly. Leather, suede, and canvas shoes should never be placed into a washing machine as their materials will break down from the agitation of the cycle or become misshapen due to water absorption.
However, most athletic footwear such as running or tennis shoes made from synthetic fabric are generally safe for a regular laundry cycle on cold settings with mild detergent. When considering whether or not to put your sneakers through a spin cycle, always check for manufacturer instructions first before assuming its okay.
If there isnt any guidance on how best to clean them just remember: no heat setting and use gentle detergent only! After placing them inside an empty load of laundry add one cup of white vinegar—this helps remove odors without damaging the material—then run them through one full cycle using cold water only; doing two cycles could damage rubber soles or tear seams apart if done repeatedly over time. So while it may be possible to machine wash certain types of footwear like athletic sneakers safely with careful precautions taken beforehand – proceed at your own risk! As long as you use caution and read up on specific care instructions for each pair you own then chances are good that youll get away with trying out this popular method for keeping your kicks looking fresh!
Can You Use a Hair Dryer to Remove Stains from Shoes?
One common myth about shoe cleaning is the notion that a hair dryer can be used to remove stains from shoes. Its easy to understand why this misconception exists; heat has been known to help dissolve certain substances, and since a hairdryer produces heat it could feasibly work on stain removal.
Unfortunately, this isnt the case—using a hair dryer for spot-cleaning of any kind is actually quite dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Not only does using a blow dryer risk damaging your shoe material with too much heat, but it also runs the risk of causing an electrical fire if youre not careful.
In addition, the air pressure produced by most hairdryers may push dirt particles further into fabric or leather uppers instead of removing them as one would hope. The best way to get rid of pesky stains on shoes is to use specialized cleaners in combination with gentle brushing and/or scrubbing depending on what type of surface you are dealing with.
Conclusion
Shoe cleaning can be a tricky process, but with the right information it doesnt have to be. Weve debunked some common myths about shoe care and repair that will help you take better care of your shoes and make them last longer.
There are many different ways to clean, protect and repair shoes so you dont need to worry if one method isnt working or available for your particular needs. With proper understanding of shoe cleaning techniques youll be able to keep your shoes looking great while also extending their life span.
Finally, there are professionals who specialize in shoe repair who can help when more difficult tasks arise – leaving you with perfect-looking shoes once again!
