Are TOMS Shoes Machine Washable? The 7 Best Tips for Cleaning TOMS (2024)

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Co-authored byPenny Simmons

Last Updated: October 22, 2021References

1. The manufacturer doesn’t recommend it. While it’s technically possible to wash canvas TOMS in the washing machine, it can end up warping or fading your shoes. Your washing machine can also cause delicate materials (like sequins) to fall off the shoes, and will damage or discolor leather or suede. The manufacturer recommends hand-cleaning your TOMS instead.^[1]

   See Also

   How to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine (Without Damage)The 11 best machine-washable shoes for men and women — slippers, flats, boots and moreHow should I clean my SKECHERS shoes?How to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine | Whirlpool

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1. Most shoes can be gently cleaned with soap and water. With the exception of suede TOMS, pretty much all TOMS shoes can safely get wet. Wet a rag with cool water, take a small amount of soap or mild detergent, and wipe them down. Softly work it against any particularly dirty patches or stains. Once you’ve finished cleaning your shoes, you can wipe the soap or detergent off with the wet rag.^[2]

   • When cleaning canvas TOMS, gently brush or scrub your shoes with a toothbrush to clear off clumps or get into the nooks and crannies.^[3]
   • If your TOMS have fake fur on them, try using a hairbrush or comb on the fur to clean it. If that doesn’t remove the dirt, it’s okay to use soap and water, and then brush the fur with a hairbrush or comb after it’s dried.^[4]
   • Be gentle if your shoes are leather, or have glitter, sequins, or other fragile or delicate materials on them. Scrubbing harshly can scratch your shoes or rip the materials off!

1. A dry brush will safely get rid of most dirt. If your TOMS contain suede, you can’t put water or soap on them—it’ll discolor them. Instead, grab a suede brush, and run the brush over your shoes to clear the dirt off. Don’t apply too much force, so that you don’t damage the suede.^[5][6]

   • If you don't have a suede brush, a new, dry toothbrush will also work.^[7]
   • A suede brush is actually 2 brushes in 1—one side has rubber bristles, while the other side has brass bristles.^[8]

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1. Try sprinkling baking soda into your shoes. If you’re grossed out by the smell your TOMS have picked up, you can use baking soda in canvas shoes without concern. If you have separate insoles in your shoes, take them out first. Then, add enough baking soda to cover the bottom of your shoes, and set them aside. Shake out your shoes after a day or two has passed, and the stink will be gone!^[9]

   • It’s possible to use baking soda to deodorize leather TOMS, but be aware that the baking soda can leave small scrapes on the leather, especially if you scrub it.
   • You can also use a commercial powder to deodorize your shoes, but if you have canvas TOMS, it’s not really necessary.^[10]

1. You can spot-treat canvas TOMS with soap or detergent. When you have a tough-to-remove stain on your shoes, it can help to put some more soap or detergent on the stain, and gently but firmly scrub it with a toothbrush. This should help to work the stain out of the fabric. Afterward, you can wipe your shoes off with water.

   • You can also use a stain remover on the blotches that really aren’t coming out, but you’ll want to test the stain remover on a less-visible part of the canvas first—some stain removers will cause gross discolorations on your shoes.^[11]

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1. Yes, if you’re willing to take precautions. If you don’t have the time or patience to clean your TOMS by hand, you can technically put them in the wash—just make sure they’re canvas, and don’t have any leather or suede (including insoles).^[12] Place them in a delicates or lingerie bag to protect them from the tumbling. Use cold water and a mild detergent, set the cycle to “Gentle” or “Delicate”, and start the machine. Once they’ve finished, allow them to air-dry.^[13]

   • It's okay to wash your shoes on their own; you don't need to put anything else in the machine.

1. No—let them dry naturally. If you put your TOMS in the dryer, the heat can cause them to shrink or bend. Instead, allow your shoes to dry out in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Avoid drying them in direct sunlight or hot areas; it’ll make your shoes fade or shrink.^[14]

   • Skip drying them with a hairdryer or putting them near a vent or radiator, too—this has the same effect as putting them out in the heat!

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