If your go-to pair of Toms is looking more gray than chic and you have been asking yourself can I wash Toms shoes in the washer, you will be relieved to know that the answer is generally yes—provided you approach the process with care. That's why most classic canvas styles can survive a gentle machine cycle, but tossing them in without preparation risks warping the shape, loosening the glue, or fading the fabric. Knowing how to prep the shoes, which settings to choose, and how to dry them properly makes the difference between a fresh revival and a ruined favorite Practical, not theoretical..
The Short Answer: Yes, but Know Your Material
Before you even open the lid of your washing machine, take a close look at what your specific pair is made from. The traditional Toms Alpargata features a canvas upper, a rubber outsole, and a distinctive rope-wrapped midsole made of jute. Canvas Toms without leather trim, suede details, or embellishments are typically safe for a gentle machine wash. Alternatively, styles crafted from suede, leather, hemp, or those decorated with beads, sequins, or metallic finishes should never be submerged in a washer. Water and agitation can crack leather, mat suede, tear off decorations, and cause jute rope to fray or smell musty. When in doubt, check the care label inside the shoe or opt for hand cleaning to stay on the safe side.
Step-by-Step Guide to Machine Washing Toms
When you have confirmed that your pair is primarily canvas and rubber, a washing machine can save you significant scrubbing time. The key is treating the shoes like the delicate items they are rather than tossing them in with heavy jeans and bath towels.
Prep the Shoes First
Start by knocking the soles together outside to remove loose dirt and debris. Now, use a dry, soft-bristled brush—an old toothbrush works perfectly—to gently scrub away dried mud from the rubber sidewalls and the fabric upper. If you notice specific stains from grass, coffee, or road grime, apply a tiny dab of mild liquid laundry detergent directly onto the spot and let it sit for ten minutes That alone is useful..
Real talk — this step gets skipped all the time.
While many Toms models do not have traditional laces, if yours do, remove them and wash them separately in a small mesh bag, or simply replace them if they are frayed. Even so, if you do not have one, a cotton pillowcase tied securely with a rubber band is an excellent substitute. Place each shoe inside its own mesh laundry bag. Worth adding: because Toms insoles are usually glued directly to the footbed, you likely will not be able to remove them; that is fine, but be aware that the insole will take longer to dry. **The bag acts as a protective barrier that minimizes the abrasive rubbing that causes pilling and fabric wear Easy to understand, harder to ignore. Still holds up..
Choose the Right Washer Settings
Place your bagged shoes in the washing machine along with a few old towels or a small blanket. The towels serve as cushions that buffer the noise and reduce the violent banging that happens when rubber soles hit the drum. Set your machine to a cold water, delicate or gentle cycle. Even so, hot water is the enemy of adhesive; it can soften the glue that bonds the upper to the sole, leading to premature separation. Select a slow spin speed if your machine allows manual control.
Use a mild, liquid detergent—preferably one that is free of dyes and heavy fragrances. In real terms, **Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and chlorine-based stain removers altogether. In real terms, powders sometimes leave gritty residue in canvas weave, and bleach will almost certainly cause discoloration. ** Add the recommended dose of detergent and let the machine do the work But it adds up..
Dry Them the Smart Way
Here is the most critical rule: never put Toms in the dryer. The intense heat of a tumble dryer will almost certainly shrink the canvas, weaken the remaining adhesive, and can even melt or deform the rubber sole. Instead, as soon as the wash cycle ends, remove the shoes from the bag That's the whole idea..
Crumple up plain white paper towels, newspaper, or even white printer paper and stuff them firmly inside each shoe. The paper absorbs interior moisture and, just as importantly, helps the shoe retain its natural shape as it dries. Replace the paper every few hours if it becomes saturated. That said, direct sun can yellow the white rubber toe cap and fade colored canvas. On the flip side, depending on humidity, expect a full dry time of 24 to 48 hours. That's why position the shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and away from direct heat sources like radiators or heating vents. Patience here preserves the fit and prevents mold.
When Hand Washing Is the Better Choice
If your Toms have leather accents, decorative stitching you do not want to risk, or if you simply do not trust your washing machine, hand washing is a gentle and effective alternative. Wipe down the canvas upper in sections, focusing on heavily soiled areas. Now, fill a basin with cool water and mix in a teaspoon of mild liquid detergent. So use a soft brush for the rubber sole. Even so, rinse by wiping with a clean cloth dipped in plain water. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution and wring it out until it is damp, not dripping. This method keeps water exposure minimal and protects delicate components.
Tackling Stains and Odor Before the Wash
Sometimes a full wash is unnecessary, and a targeted pretreatment will do. Shake out the excess before dropping them into the machine. To address lingering foot odor, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda inside each shoe the night before washing. For organic stains like mud or grass, make a thick paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and let it dry for thirty minutes before brushing away the residue. If the insole is the main source of smell and you cannot remove it, a spray of equal parts white vinegar and water can neutralize bacteria odors once the shoe is fully dry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-meaning owners damage perfectly good Toms by cutting corners. Keep these pitfalls in mind:
- Using hot water. Heat breaks down the glue and can shrink canvas.
- Skipping the laundry bag. Unprotected shoes bang against the drum and tear fabric.
- Adding fabric softener. It leaves a coating that attracts dirt and reduces breathability.
- Drying in direct sunlight. UV rays degrade rubber and cause canvas to fade unevenly.
- Washing too often. Every wash introduces slight wear. Spot clean between full washes to extend the life of your shoes.
- Ignoring the care label. Manufacturers sometimes update materials, and the printed tag may contain specific warnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash Toms shoes that have a leather interior or trim? It is best to avoid machine washing any Toms that incorporate leather, suede, or hemp components. Water stains leather and can cause it to stiffen or crack once dry. Stick to surface cleaning with a damp cloth for these styles.
Will machine washing ruin the insoles? Because Toms insoles are generally thin and glued in place, they will get wet during a wash. A gentle cycle will not destroy them, but repeated vigorous washing may cause them to separate from the footbed. Always let the interior dry completely before wearing to prevent bacterial growth.
How often should I wash my Toms in the machine? Reserve machine washing for times when the shoes are genuinely dirty or have developed an odor that spot cleaning cannot fix. For many owners, this means only a few times per year if the shoes are worn regularly. Frequent machine exposure will gradually fade the color and stress the seams.
Can I use a pillowcase if I do not own a mesh laundry bag? Absolutely. A clean cotton pillowcase tied tightly works almost as well as a dedicated mesh bag. Just make sure the opening is secure so the shoes do not escape mid-cycle and clunk against the glass door.
Conclusion
So, **can I wash Toms shoes in the washer?Think about it: taking a few minutes to prep the shoes, bag them properly, and stuff them while drying protects both the structure and the color you loved when you first bought them. Now, ** For classic canvas pairs, the answer is a confident yes—as long as you stick to cold water, a gentle cycle, and air drying away from harsh heat. With the right approach, your Toms can look refreshed and ready for everything from casual Fridays to weekend walks, giving you many more miles in a pair that already feels like home.
