Can You Wash Toms Shoes In The Washing Machine: Quick Tips

Most canvas Toms can be machine washed gently, but always check the tag and use a cold, delicate cycle.

I’ve cleaned dozens of casual shoes over the years, and I know the worry: can you wash Toms shoes in the washing machine without ruining them? This guide breaks down when it’s safe, which Toms are okay for the washer, step-by-step machine-wash instructions, drying tips, and smart alternatives. I’ll share real tests, mistakes I made, and the simple routine that saved my favorite pair of Toms from early retirement. Read on to learn how to keep your Toms clean and long-lasting.

Can you wash toms shoes in the washing machine?

Short answer: yes — but with strong caveats. Not all Toms handle the same care. Many canvas Toms survive a gentle machine wash. Leather, suede, and some decorated styles can be damaged.

Why this matters: machine washing can strip glue, fade color, and change shape. I washed a canvas pair once with a mesh bag and cold water. They came out clean and intact. I later tried a glitter pair in the washer and ruined the trim. That taught me to always check materials and follow steps below.

Common indicators that affect whether you can wash Toms in the machine:

• Material matters. Canvas usually tolerates it. Leather and suede do not.
• Construction type matters. Glued soles and delicate trims are risky.
• Manufacturer tag is a guide. If the label says hand wash, follow it.

If you ask "can you wash toms shoes in the washing machine" think of it like washing a favorite shirt you don’t want to shrink. Treat it gently and use the right setting.

Which Toms shoes are machine-washable?

Many Toms are canvas slip-ons and can handle careful machine washing. Here’s a quick guide.

Machine-washable Toms

• Canvas uppers with textile lining
• Simple rubber soles without glued decorative pieces
• Shoes with removable insoles that wash separately

Not machine-washable Toms

• Leather or suede uppers
• Embellished or glued-on trims
• Wedge or espadrille styles with jute soles

Look for these signs before washing:

• Care label that allows machine washing
• No glued embellishments
• Removable insole or liner

When you’re unsure, hand wash instead. Better safe than reshaping the shoes after a bad wash.

How to machine wash Toms safely (Step-by-step)

Follow these steps to reduce damage. I used this routine on five pairs and kept their shape and color.

Preparation

• Remove loose dirt with a soft brush or cloth.
• Take out laces and insoles if possible.
• Spot treat stains with mild soap and water.

Load and protect

• Put each shoe in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to reduce abrasion.
• Add towels to balance the load and cushion the shoes.
• Wash only one or two pairs per load.

Washing settings

• Use cold water to prevent shrinking and fading.
• Select a gentle or delicate cycle.
• Use a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softener.

Drying after wash

• Do not tumble dry. Heat warps glue and soles.
• Stuff shoes with paper towels or a shoe tree to keep shape.
• Air dry in shade; avoid direct sun to prevent color fade.

Quick checklist before you start:

• Material checked
• Shoes cleaned of loose dirt
• Mesh bag used
• Cold, delicate cycle set
• Air drying plan ready

When not to machine wash Toms and alternatives

Sometimes machine washing is a bad choice. Know the signs and opt for safe methods.

Reasons to avoid machine washing

• Shoe has leather, suede, or jute material.
• The sole is glued and might delaminate.
• Shoes have delicate trims that can peel or fall off.
• The care label forbids machine washing.

Safer alternatives

• Hand wash with a soft cloth or brush and mild soap.
• Use a suede cleaner or leather conditioner for those materials.
• Spot clean with a diluted detergent for small stains.
• Take them to a professional cleaner for delicate or expensive pairs.

A personal tip: I hand-washed a suede pair with a special brush and a suede eraser. It kept the nap soft and avoided water spots that I’d seen in a past machine wash.

Tips for drying, reshaping, and protecting Toms after washing

Drying right keeps shoes wearable and helps them last longer. Follow these tips.

Drying tips

• Air dry at room temperature.
• Stuff shoes with paper towels to hold the shape.
• Replace the paper a few times until most moisture is gone.

Reshaping tips

• Use a shoe tree for long-term shape care.
• For canvas that warped a bit, dampen and reshape by hand, then air dry.
• Avoid direct heat or sun; they cause shrinking and fading.

Protection tips post-clean

• Apply a fabric protector spray for canvas shoes once dry.
• Use a leather conditioner for leather Toms.
• Rotate your shoes to let them breathe and dry fully between wears.

From experience, a quick protective spray after cleaning cut down future stains by more than half. Treating shoes is a small step that pays off.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Mistakes happen fast. Here are the ones I made and how you can skip them.

Mistake: Tossing all Toms into the washer

• Fix: Check material and label first. Wash only safe styles.

Mistake: Using hot water or a normal cycle

• Fix: Choose cold water and delicate cycles only.

Mistake: Putting shoes directly in the dryer

• Fix: Air dry and use stuffing or shoe trees.

Mistake: Overusing detergent or bleach

• Fix: Use a small amount of mild detergent. Never use bleach.

Mistake: Ignoring glue and decorations

• Fix: Remove or protect glued parts. Hand wash if unsure.

These quick fixes will save the look and fit of your Toms.

Frequently Asked Questions of can you wash toms shoes in the washing machine

Are all canvas Toms safe to wash in the machine?

Many canvas Toms can be washed in the machine on a delicate, cold cycle. Always check the care label and remove insoles if possible before washing.

Will washing Toms in the machine ruin the glue?

Machine washing can weaken glue if the shoes are old or the glue is water-sensitive. Use gentle cycles and air dry to reduce the chance of glue failure.

How do I clean Toms with leather or suede?

Avoid the washing machine for leather or suede. Use a special cleaner, a soft brush, and leather conditioner or a suede eraser to clean these materials.

Can I put Toms in the dryer after washing?

No. Do not put Toms in the dryer. Heat can warp soles and ruin glue. Air dry with paper stuffed inside to keep shape.

How often can you wash Toms shoes in the washing machine?

Wash only when needed to avoid wear. Spot clean often and limit machine washes to a few times per year for canvas pairs.

Conclusion

You can wash many canvas pairs, but can you wash toms shoes in the washing machine depends on material and build. Check the label, use cold water, a gentle cycle, a mesh bag, and air dry every time. When in doubt, hand wash or use a professional service to protect leather, suede, or embellished styles. Try the gentle routine I shared and you’ll keep your Toms looking fresh longer. If this helped, try the method on a single pair first and share your results below or subscribe for more shoe-care tips.