Machine Washable or Not? 5 Tips for Washing Merrell Shoes (2024)

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Co-authored byPenny Simmonsand Kyle Hall

Last Updated: March 4, 2023References

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1. It’s not recommended. Merrell officially recommends hand-washing all of their shoes.^[1] However, some people have had success machine-washing their Merrells even though it’s not officially recommended.^[2] When in doubt though, it’s usually best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid damaging your shoes.

   • If your shoes are so dirty or old that it’s either the washing machine or trash, then it’s worth a shot! But if you still love your shoes and don’t want to risk ruining them, hand-washing them is your best bet.

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1. 1

   Use a dry, soft-bristled brush to sweep off any surface dirt. Do this routinely to keep your Merrells looking clean.^[3] If you don’t have a soft-bristled brush, an old toothbrush works in a pinch!

2. 2

   Use warm water and mild dish soap if your shoes are especially dirty. Sometimes a soft-bristled brush doesn’t cut it. If you recently hiked a muddy trail or spent a long weekend in the woods, you may need to bring in the soap and water. Mix some mild soap with warm water and wipe down your shoes with the mixture using a clean cloth. Then, rinse the shoes with water to wash off all of the suds.^[4]

   • Rinse your shoes thoroughly! Leftover soap residue can actually attract more dirt, so make sure there are no suds on your shoes after you clean them.

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1. 1

   Remove the insoles and laces first. Set them aside to air dry. With the laces off, open up the shoes as much as possible for better airflow.^[5]

2. 2

   Let your shoes dry at room temperature. To help them dry faster, stuff them with crumpled-up newspaper. The newspaper will soak up some of the moisture.^[6]

   • Leave your shoes to dry overnight.
3. 3

   Don’t put them in the dryer. Merrell warns against exposing their shoes to any type of heat (even just the heat from a nearby radiator) since it can actually damage the material and adhesives in the shoes. To protect your shoes from damage, let them air dry at room temperature.^[7]

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1. 1

   Try baking soda. Baking soda absorbs moisture and bad odors, so it’s a win-win for smelly shoes. Just sprinkle baking soda into each of your shoes and leave them overnight. The next day, pour the baking soda out of your shoes and into the trash.^[8]

   • To give your shoes a nice scent, mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil into the baking soda before putting it in your shoes.
2. 2

   Spray the insoles with a disinfectant. Sometimes odor-causing bacteria are to blame for stinky shoes. To kill the bacteria, take the insoles out of your shoes and spray them with a disinfectant spray—any kind of all-purpose disinfectant that you’d use in your kitchen will work. Let the insoles dry for 24 hours before putting them back in your shoes.^[9]

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1. Machine wash them on a regular warm or cold water cycle. Toss your shoes into the machine with a load of clothes and add the usual amount of detergent. Choose a warm or cold water cycle. Once the cycle is done, let your shoes air dry overnight.^[10]

   • Don't worry about removing the laces or insoles—they'll still come out of the wash clean if you leave them as is.
   • Make sure you add clothes or even just a couple of towels to the machine so there's some cushioning for your shoes.^[11]
   • To speed up the drying process, prop your shoes up in front of a fan.
   • Buy good quality shoes. They will last longer.
   • Wear the shoes and get the ones that fit you properly.
   • Go to buy them towards the end of the day when you have walked for some time.

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