Is It Safe to Wash Shoes or Rugs in Your Washing Machine?

 

Is It Safe to Wash Shoes or Rugs in Your Washing Machine?

Your washing machine cleans everything from stinky gym clothes to dirty jeans, but what about bulkier or weird things like shoes and rugs? Most people are not sure if tossing them in the washer is a genius cleaning trick or a guaranteed path to ruining both the object and the machine.

At our washing machine service center in Kozhikode, we've seen many machines come in with issues caused by improper washing habits, including damage from washing shoes and rugs the wrong way. So is it really safe? The short answer: it depends. Let's go over the dos, don'ts, and best practices to keep your washer and your items safe.

Can You Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine?

Yes, you can wash some kinds of shoes in the washing machine — particularly sneakers, canvas shoes, and some man-made materials. But leather, suede, and ornate shoes never come near a washer.

✔️ Shoes Safe to Wash:

• Canvas sneakers (such as Converse, Vans)
• Fabric or mesh running shoes
• Rubber flip-flops or bathroom slippers

❌ Shoes Not to Wash:

• Leather shoes
• Suede boots or shoes
• Shoes with glue-on soles or elaborate ornaments

How to Wash Shoes in Your Washing Machine Safely

1. Remove Laces and Insoles

Remove laces and insoles to wash them individually. This prevents tangling and enhances washing performance.

2. Use a Mesh Bag or Pillowcase

Place your shoes in a laundry bag or a used pillowcase to reduce the effect on the drum and noise.

3. Add Towels for Balance

Washing shoes by themselves can unbalance the drum. Include a couple of worn-out towels to spread the load and buffer the shoes through spin cycles.

4. Cold Water and Gentle Cycle

Heat can distort shoe materials. Use cold water only and a gentle detergent on a gentle cycle to save your shoes and the machine from damage.

5. Air-Dry Only

Never dry shoes. Let them air-dry in the shade, well-ventilated, to prevent damage to the glue or rubber soles.

Can You Wash Rugs in the Washing Machine?

Yes, but not all rugs can be washed in the washing machine. Lightweight, small rugs that are made of cotton or man-made fibers are typically okay. Heavy rugs, like wool or those with rubber backing, can produce disastrous problems.

✔️ Rugs That Can Be Washed:

• Small bathroom mats
• Lightweight cotton area rugs
• Machine-washable kitchen rugs

❌ Rugs You Must Not Wash:

• Large area rugs
• Wool rugs
• Rugs with rubber or foam backing
• Rugs with heavy embroidery or metallic threading

Risks of Washing Rugs in the Machine

At our Kozhikode washing machine service center, we've witnessed washing machine drums twisted or cracked from attempting to wash heavy rugs. The following are the things that can go wrong:

1. Overloading the Drum

Rugs soak up a significant amount of water and weigh an awful lot. They can cause undue stress to the motor, ruin drum bearings, or even shatter the drum support structure.

2. Plugging the Drain

Loose material or fibers from the rug can plug up your washer's drain, causing water not to drain at all or the machine to get hung up mid-cycle.

3. Unbalanced Load Problems

One heavy rug can make for an unbalanced spin cycle, resulting in violent shaking or sudden cycle stops. This can shorten your machine's lifespan.

How to Wash Rugs the Right Way (If Applicable)

If you possess a small, machine-friendly rug, here are some tips on how to clean your washer safely:

1. Shake Out Dirt First

Shake out dust, sand, and loose dirt outside before washing.

2. Use a Gentle Cycle

Choose cold water and a delicate cycle to prevent ruining rug fibers.

3. Wash With Similar Items

To equalize the load, it may be best to wash two rugs of comparable size or include towels to make weight distribution more even.

4. Don't Dry

Hot heat can cause the backing material to melt or shrink the rug. Air-dry flat for optimal results.

Signs Your Washer Was Damaged After Washing Shoes or Rugs

If you recently washed shoes or a rug and noticed issues afterward, your machine may have been affected. Look out for:

• Unusual noises during spin cycles
• Water is not draining completely
• The drum is not spinning properly
• Leaking from the bottom of the door
• Error codes on the display panel

If you're experiencing any of these, it's best to consult a professional before using the washer again.

When to Visit a Washing Machine Service Center

It is always safe than sorry. When you hear strange sounds, feel unbalanced movement, or your machine turns off in the middle of a cycle after washing heavy loads, it's time to have it checked. A trip to a reputable washing machine service center in Kozhikode can nip small issues in the bud and avoid costly repairs.

Technicians can:

• Check the drum, bearings, and motor
• Clean clogged drains or pumps
• Replace faulty parts if necessary
• Advise on safe washing practices

Conclusion

At Fixail, we are experts at diagnosing and fixing washing machine problems resulting from misuse, such as wear and tear from washing shoes, rugs, and other heavy loads. If your drum is out of balance, your pump is blocked, or your motor is overworked, our skilled technicians can assist.

We provide:

• Rapid home service bookings
• Expert repairs for all leading brands
• Competitive pricing
• Transparent, friendly support

So the next time you're thinking about whether it's okay to clean that pair of sneakers or little rug, remember: if in doubt, clean smart and call Fixail for professional guidance and service.