There are many different approaches to washing shoes, but Skechers can pose a unique set of complications. You will need to have a specific plan for different styles of shoes depending on whether they are leather, cloth, mesh, etc.
In this article, we will explore the many options available in the quest for clean Skechers.
Products We Recommend for Washing Skechers:
- OxiClean Powder Laundry Enhancer
- Pre-treat Spray (Spray-n-Wash or Shout)
- Blue Dawn Dish Soap
- Soft Bristled Toothbrush
- Gentle Laundry Detergent (All Free-n-Clear)
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
- Microfiber Cloth
How to Wash Skechers “D’lites”
If you grew up in the’90s or early2000s, odds are, you had a pair of the chunky Skechers D’lites. This classic style is what many millennials picture when someone mentions Skechers’ shoes. Because of the multiple layers of fabric and differing materials combined to create this specific style, keeping them clean is no easy chore.
Step 1: Before washing your shoes, we recommend pretreating them with a laundry spray such as Shout or Spray-n-Wash. Saturate the fabric portions of the shoe as much as possible.
Step 2: Then, in a bowl, combine one-half scoop of laundry enhancer (we recommend OxiClean) with a teaspoon of blue Dawn dish soap. Slowly stir in warm water until you create a paste.
Step 3: Using a soft toothbrush, apply the paste to problem areas, and pay extra attention to sections of the shoe where different textures and fabrics overlap. We recommend that you give these areas a gentle scrub with your toothbrush to ensure they wash properly. Let your pretreatment sit for approximately 10 minutes.
Step 4: After pretreatment, it is safe to wash your Skechers in the washing machine on the gentle cycle. Avoid using the dryer, however, as it is rougher on the seams of the shoe.
Because D’lites have so many layered textures, there is a higher risk of stitches and glue coming undone when heat is applied and they are tossed around in the dryer drum.
How to Wash Skechers Foamies
Foamies differ in their recommendation of hand-washing vs machine washing depending on style, so we recommend you hand-wash all variations of Foamies to be safe. This style of Skechers does not have a fabric component, so there will be no need for pretreatment spray.
For light cleaning, we suggest using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Simply wet the product with warm water and scrub away minor scuffs and dirt.
For a deeper clean, create the paste mentioned above (half a cup of OxiClean Powder, a teaspoon of blue Dawn, and warm water slowly mixed in until a paste consistency is formed).
Using your soft-bristled toothbrush, apply the paste to the dirtier areas of your Foamies. Let it sit for several minutes, then rinse. Using a mild laundry detergent and your soft-bristled toothbrush, clean the entire surface of your shoes.
The most important thing to remember when washing your Foamies is that it is very important they do NOT go in the dryer and do NOT air dry in the sun.
Foamies are at risk of shrinking or losing their shape if they are left in the heat while wet. Let your Foamies air dry in a cool shaded area.
How to Wash Light-Up Skechers
Light-Up Skechers, such as Twinkle Toes, are not machine washable. They also cannot be submerged in water, so the hand-washing process for these shoes is a little more labor intensive.
You can use pretreatment spray on the fabric areas of your Light-Up shoes, and scrub them lightly with your soft-bristled toothbrush. We suggest lathering up some gentle laundry detergent and using your toothbrush to clean the shoes’ surfaces, especially the soles.
If the soles are particularly dirty, you can use our OxiClean paste to tackle the more stubborn areas.
When you are finished scrubbing, take a microfiber cloth and soak it in warm water. Wring out the excess water and gently wipe away any soap or cleaning material from the shoes’ surfaces.
How to Wash Skechers Bobs
Bobs are arguably the easiest to clean, as almost every style is machine washable.
If your shoes are particularly dirty, it is safe to use pretreatment spray on them before throwing them in your washing machine.
Leather Bobs are the only exception to this rule. Leather shoes should not be thrown in the washing machine and definitely not in the dryer.
To wash your leather Bobs, consider investing in a quality leather shoe cleaner and simply follow the instructions on the label.
Precautions for Machine Washable Skechers
While machine washable shoes sound low maintenance and easy to care for, it is important that you follow a few basic rules to ensure your shoes not only stay clean but have a long life as well:
- Always wash your shoes in cold water.
- Use gentle laundry detergent.
- NEVER put your shoes in the dryer.
- Air dry shoes in a shaded, cool environment.
- NEVER put your leather shoes in the washing machine.