How to wash sneakers in a topload washer?

[danmantn]

Seems like a silly question. But it seems modern day shoes don't do too well in topload washers. I literally destroyed a pair last year in my Whirlpool. That was expensive. Next I've purchased this garment bag thing that protects the shoes, but that seems to only allow the shoes to float on water.

Any suggestions?

 

[appnut]

Soaking with intermittant gentle agitation!! No wonder you ruined a pair in a shredpool, especially if you didn't wash them on gentle.

 

[qsd-dan]

No wonder you ruined a pair in a shredpool

Looks like a newer Speed Queen to me, but I could be wrong. I'm not familiar with the new stuff.

In the Maytag 712, I use the "gentle" agitation speed and start out with a lower level of water. Since I have an Infinite water level adjustment, I keep adding water until the shoes gently roll over. If the water level is too high, the shoes will float (usually upside down) and won't get very clean.

It's a delicate balance between agitation speed and proper water levels, which requires precision.

 

[danmantn]

The picture above is my new Speed Queen. I'm using the shoe "holder" that I bought for that purpose. I reduced the amount of water by 1/2...and it did much better--the power of the water kept them submerged...or at least turning over. I removed the towels that I was washing with them and that help create more waves.

I washed on large with the protective cover and that worked so far. I don't want to wash them without the protective case as that kepts the laces intact and scuf marks at bay. The guy at the store said they don't even recommend washing them...surface wash only. ICK!

 

[thor]

Two bags!

DanMan, buy another identical garment bag, place one sneaker per bag. That will help.

 

[aldspinboy]

Dan i just set them free in a medium water level on gentle then air dry outside weather permitting.
I use to wash them in a shredmore two pairs at a time then
take them out and rinse them in a bucket drain... and turn the sneakers where the water can escape air dry or in a hurry low heat on a drying rack.
I had a picture of a sneaker washer for sports teams maybe i can find it and post.

 

[tolivac]

When I had my KN DD washer-and had to have it serviced under warranty-was talking to the Sears tech and he advised AGAINST washing shoes in a DD washer-it could break the coupler if the shoes get wedged between the tub and the agitator blades.With a BD machine the belt "slips" momentarily causing no damage.The coupler of course don't slip and can break.At how cheaply made tennis shoes are made today-I WEAR them out before the time comes to clean them.