5 Simple Steps to Wash Your Toms Shoes

Your beloved Toms shoes have been through thick and thin with you, but they’re starting to show their wear. The once-pristine canvas is now covered in dirt, grass stains, and who knows what else. Don’t despair! You can restore your Toms to their former glory with a little bit of elbow grease and the right cleaning methods. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to wash Toms shoes, from choosing the right cleaning solution to drying them properly. so you can keep your favorite shoes looking their best for years to come.

Before you start washing your Toms, it’s important to check the care label. This will give you specific instructions on how to clean your shoes. Typically, Toms shoes can be machine-washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. However, if your shoes are particularly dirty, you may want to hand-wash them. To hand-wash your Toms, use a soft cloth or sponge and a mild soap solution. Gently scrub the shoes, taking care not to damage the fabric. Rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water and air dry them.

Once your Toms are clean, it’s important to dry them properly. The best way to dry Toms shoes is to air dry them. Do not put your Toms in the dryer, as this can damage the shoes. Instead, stuff the shoes with clean cloths or paper towels and place them in a well-ventilated area. Allow the shoes to dry completely before wearing them again. By following these simple steps, you can keep your Toms shoes looking their best for years to come.

Using a Washing Machine for Toms

If you prefer the convenience of a washing machine, follow these steps to clean your Toms without damaging them:

1. Remove Laces and Insoles

Before tossing your Toms in the washing machine, remove the laces and insoles. This will help prevent tangling and ensure a thorough cleaning.

2. Set to Cold Wash

Select the cold wash cycle on your washing machine. Hot water can damage the materials of your Toms, so it’s important to use cold water.

3. Choose Gentle Cycle

Select the gentle or delicate cycle to minimize the risk of damage. A regular cycle may be too harsh for delicate fabrics like canvas.

4. Add Laundry Detergent

Use a mild laundry detergent that is suitable for delicate fabrics. Avoid using bleach or harsh detergents, as these can damage the colors and materials of your Toms. Consider using a laundry bag or pillowcase to protect the shoes during the wash cycle.

Recommended Laundry Detergents for Toms
Woolite Delicates
Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent
Method Delicate Wash

5. Air Dry

After the wash cycle, remove your Toms from the washing machine and allow them to air dry. Do not put them in the dryer, as heat can damage the materials.

Hand-Washing Your Toms

Toms Shoes are known for their comfort and casual style. They’re also relatively easy to care for. If your Toms get dirty, you can easily wash them by hand. Here’s how:

What You’ll Need:

Item	Quantity
Mild liquid detergent	1 tablespoon
Soft cloth or sponge	1
Cold water	1 bowl

Instructions:

Remove the laces from your Toms.
Fill a bowl with cold water and add 1 tablespoon of mild liquid detergent.
Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the detergent solution and gently scrub the dirty areas of your Toms.
Rinse your Toms thoroughly with cold water until all of the detergent is removed.
Air-Dry Your Toms Thoroughly
- To ensure your Toms dry evenly and to prevent shrinkage, it’s crucial to air-dry them properly. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do so effectively:
  - Place your Toms in a well-ventilated area with plenty of airflow. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause fading or damage to the fabric.
  - Stuff your Toms with crumpled newspaper or paper towels to help absorb moisture and maintain their shape as they dry.
  - Change the stuffing every few hours or as it gets damp to ensure efficient absorption.
  - Allow your Toms to air-dry for at least 24 hours or until they are completely dry to the touch.
  - Avoid using artificial heat sources like hair dryers or radiators, as they can damage the material.

Drying Your Toms

Once you’ve thoroughly washed your Toms, it’s important to dry them properly to prevent damage and ensure their longevity.

1. Air Dry: The most effective and gentle way to dry your Toms is to air dry them. Place them in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

2. Use a Fan: If you need to dry your Toms faster, you can use a fan to circulate air around them. Place them on a towel in front of a fan, ensuring there is adequate space for airflow.

3. Avoid Heat: Never use a blow dryer or put your Toms in the dryer, as excessive heat can shrink or damage the fabric and glue.

4. Towel Dry: After air drying for several hours, you can gently use a clean towel to absorb any remaining moisture. Avoid rubbing too hard, as this can damage the fabric.

5. Shoe Dryer: If you have access to a shoe dryer, you can use it to expedite the drying process. However, it’s important to use the lowest heat setting and monitor your Toms to prevent damage.

6. Drying Time: The drying time for Toms varies depending on the humidity and temperature. In general, you can expect your Toms to take between 24 and 48 hours to dry completely. To be safe, it’s best to leave them to air dry for an additional day or two if they still feel damp.

Addressing Stains and Odors

Stains

Mud: Allow mud to dry before brushing it off. Use a damp cloth with a mild detergent solution to gently wipe the stain.
Grass: Pre-treat with a stain remover specifically designed for grass. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Oil: Use a degreaser or dish soap to blot the stain gently. Rinse with cold water.
Blood: Rinse immediately with cold water. Use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to soak the stain (1:1 ratio). Rinse thoroughly.

Odors

Baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes and leave for several hours to absorb odors. Vacuum or shake out excess.
Vinegar: Create a solution of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water. Spray inside the shoes and let air dry.
Essential oils: Add a few drops of lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil to a diffuser or humidifier to freshen the air and reduce odors.
Shoe deodorizer: Purchase a commercial shoe deodorizer and follow the instructions for use.

Deep Cleaning

For a thorough deep clean, follow these steps:

Step	Instructions
1	Remove the laces and insoles.
2	Hand-wash the laces in warm water with a mild detergent.
3	Clean the insoles separately using a cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer.
4	Wipe down the exterior of the shoes with a damp cloth and a mild detergent solution.
5	Use a toothbrush to gently scrub any stubborn stains.
6	Rinse the shoes thoroughly with cold water and allow them to air dry.
7	Reinsert the laces and insoles when completely dry.

Preventing Future Stains and Odors

To keep your Toms looking fresh and odor-free for longer, follow these preventative measures:

Use a protector spray: Apply a water and stain repellent spray before wearing your Toms to create a protective barrier against dirt and moisture.
Wear socks: Wearing socks can help absorb sweat and prevent bacteria from building up on the inside of your shoes.
Air your shoes out: After wearing, allow your Toms to air out in a well-ventilated area to prevent moisture buildup and odors.
Use shoe inserts: Odor-absorbing shoe inserts can help keep your shoes fresh and dry.
Wipe down regularly: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of your Toms to remove dirt and prevent stains.
Avoid excessive moisture: Keep your Toms away from excessive moisture, as prolonged exposure can damage the materials and promote odor development.
Store properly: When not in use, store your Toms in a dry, breathable place away from direct sunlight.
Refresh with baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda inside your Toms to absorb odors and freshen them up.
Consider professional cleaning: If your Toms have persistent stains or odors, consider taking them to a professional shoe cleaner for specialized treatment.
Rotate your shoes: Wearing the same pair of shoes every day can contribute to odor accumulation. Rotate your Toms with other shoes to give them time to air out and prevent excessive moisture buildup.

How to Wash Toms Shoes

Toms shoes are a popular type of casual footwear that is known for its comfort and versatility. They are made from a variety of materials, including canvas, suede, and leather. While Toms shoes are generally durable, they can still get dirty over time. If you want to keep your Toms shoes looking their best, it is important to clean them regularly.

The best way to wash Toms shoes depends on the material they are made from. Here are some general guidelines:

Canvas Toms shoes: Canvas Toms shoes can be machine-washed in cold water on the delicate cycle. Use a mild detergent and avoid using bleach. Air dry the shoes completely before wearing them.
Suede Toms shoes: Suede Toms shoes should be cleaned by hand using a soft brush and a suede cleaner. Avoid getting the shoes wet, as this can damage the suede. Allow the shoes to air dry completely before wearing them.
Leather Toms shoes: Leather Toms shoes should be cleaned by hand using a leather cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents, as these can damage the leather. Allow the shoes to air dry completely before wearing them.

Once you have washed your Toms shoes, it is important to store them properly to prevent them from getting damaged. Store the shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you are storing the shoes for a long period of time, it is a good idea to stuff them with tissue paper to help them keep their shape.