Why Drying Shoes in a Top Load Washer Feels Like a Bad Idea
Let’s be real: shoes and top load washing machines have a complicated relationship. While these washing machines excel at scrubbing your clothes clean, using them to dry shoes can be more like hosting a wrestling match between your sneakers and the dreaded agitator in the middle. Top load washers usually have a central agitator that spins and tosses the contents. Cool for laundry, not so much for protecting your favorite kicks.
The agitator can damage shoe materials, distort their shape, or even break parts of your shoes if let loose to tumble wildly. So, stuffing them in there and hitting the “dry” button (yes, some washers have them) might end in horror rather than glory.
But before you give up on the machine method or swear off shoe cleaning forever, read on for clever, foolproof tips to handle drying your shoes right — without the treadmill-like tumbling agony.
Can You Dry Shoes in the Washer’s Spin Cycle?
Here’s the tea: top load washers don’t have a dedicated “dry” cycle. However, their spin cycle comes pretty close to drying by squeezing out excess water from shoes after washing. This is your best friend if you want to reduce drying time without exposing your shoes to dangerous heat or brutal agitation.
To spin-dry your shoes safely:
- Place your shoes inside a mesh laundry bag or a sturdy pillowcase. This prevents banging against the agitator and keeps shoes intact. According to Samsung’s expert advice, this step is a must-have for protection.
- Use the cold water wash cycle with a gentle detergent designed for delicate fabrics or sportswear.
- Once the washing completes, run an additional spin cycle to extract maximum water.
- Immediately remove the shoes from the machine to prevent odors and material warping.
Voilà — your shoes are much drier with minimal risk of damage! This is especially handy if you’re prepping shoes for air drying, which we’ll cover next.
The Best Way to Dry Shoes After Washing: Air Dry with a Twist
The gold standard for drying shoes still reigns supreme: air drying. Putting shoes in direct heat — be it a machine dryer or a heater — risks melting adhesives, cracking soles, shrinking uppers, or creating funky smells. Don’t be that person who “bakes” their shoes.
To air dry like a pro:
- Stuff your shoes with paper towels, clean cloths, or crumpled newspaper. This absorbs moisture inside, speeds drying, and helps maintain shape.
- Set them in a shaded, airy spot — no direct sun, no harsh heat sources.
- Switch stuffing materials regularly if those towels start getting damp.
- Consider standing shoes upright using a shoe rack or on their sole to let air circulate freely.
This method is not only gentler but also improves shoe longevity. The Maytag experts agree that air drying preserves shoe quality best, compared to any mechanical or heat method.
If You Must Use a Dryer: Tread Carefully
Sometimes life throws you soggy sneakers, and rapid drying is a must. Using a dryer is possible, but please don’t toss shoes in like laundry. Follow these savvy precautions targeting top load washer users who also have an electric dryer:
- Remove laces and insoles, washing these separately by hand to avoid damage and speeding up shoe drying.
- Use a dryer rack if your dryer offers one. This suspends shoes to avoid tumbling and reduces wear.
- Wrap each shoe in a thick towel to cushion impacts, especially if no rack is available.
- Choose the lowest heat or air fluff setting to minimize heat damage. No fire drills here.
- Check periodically to prevent overheating or deformation.
Many sources like Whirlpool and LG recommend avoiding heat drying unless you’re absolutely sure your shoe material tolerates it.
Additional Tips for Shoe Care in Top Load Washers
To keep your shoes fresh and intact through washing and drying cycles, consider these savvy habits:
- Use mesh bags for washing and spin-drying to minimize abrasion from agitator blades.
- Remove insoles and laces before washing, cleaning them separately to avoid tangles and uneven drying.
- Opt for cold water and gentle detergent — hot water can degrade materials and glue joints.
- Do not overload the washing machine to allow your shoes enough room to move gently.
Some people swear by throwing tennis balls or specially designed dryer balls (India / Global USA) to help soften and reduce banging noise during drying cycles — smart move if you’re brave enough to dry in the machine.
Say No to Common Shoe Drying Myths
Before you decide on your drying method, dodge these popular pitfalls:
- Myth: Putting shoes on a heater or radiator dries them faster and safely. Nope. This causes premature wear and cracking.
- Myth: Leaving shoes in direct sunlight speeds drying without risk. The sun’s UV rays degrade materials and colors.
- Myth: Any shoe can go straight into machine drying. Reality: only select materials like canvas tolerate dryers.
So, while shortcuts can be tempting, slow-and-steady air drying is the shoe whisperer’s secret weapon.
In Summary: Mastering Shoe Drying Around Top Load Washers
Drying shoes in a top load washing machine? Approach with caution, because spinners and agitators love to toss your shoes like a salad — not the care you want.
Use the wash cycle to clean and the spin cycle to drain excess water, but jump ship before the tumble. Then, embrace air drying, aided by stuffing and shaded airflow, ensuring your kicks live long and prosper.
Feeling a bit adventurous? If you must use a dryer, shield those shoes with towels and low heat — but keep an eye out for trouble.
For more clever laundry hacks, including how to dry shoes fast in a washing machine and a clever guide to drying in washing machines, check our easy guides.
Now go forth and treat those sneakers like royalty — your feet will thank you.