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

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1Is it okay to put Merrell shoes in the washing machine?

2How do you clean Merrell shoes by hand?

3How do you dry Merrell shoes after cleaning them?

4How do you deodorize smelly shoes?

5How do you machine wash Merrells if you want to try anyway?

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Co-authored byPenny Simmonsand Kyle Hall

Last Updated: March 4, 2023References

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If your Merrell shoes are looking a little worse for wear lately (and maybe putting off some questionable odors), you might be tempted to toss them in the washing machine to clean them. But is machine washing your shoes actually a good idea? Before you grab the detergent, check out our tips below on safely cleaning Merrells so you can get your shoes looking clean and new again without damaging them.

Question 1 of 5:

Is it okay to put Merrell shoes in the washing machine?

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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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Question 2 of 5:

How do you clean Merrell shoes by hand?

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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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Question 3 of 5:

How do you dry Merrell shoes after cleaning 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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Question 4 of 5:

How do you deodorize smelly shoes?

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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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Question 5 of 5:

How do you machine wash Merrells if you want to try anyway?

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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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      Tips

      • Soapy water and a soft-bristled brush will work on all types of Merrell shoes, but Merrell does also sell shoe-specific cleaning products for their different types of shoes. You can find cleaning products for their leather sandals, canvas athletic shoes, and suede and nubuck shoes on their website.[12]

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      About This Article

      Machine Washable or Not? 5 Tips for Washing Merrell Shoes (18)

      Co-authored by:

      Penny Simmons

      Shoe Care Specialist

      This article was co-authored by Penny Simmons and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall. Penny Simmons is a Shoe Care Specialist and the Founder of Penny Loafers Shoe Shine Company Inc. in Toronto, Canada. With over 25 years of experience, Penny specializes in shoe cleaning and shining. Penny offers shoe shining at special events, kiosks in Toronto’s underground city, The PATH, and drop-off services. Penny Loafers Shoe Shine Company also operates the oldest shoeshine parlor in Canada. Penny Loafers Shoe Shine Company has been featured in Best of The City - Toronto Life, Saturday Night Magazine, National Post, Globe & Mail, and Toronto Star. This article has been viewed 25,445 times.

      4 votes - 100%

      Co-authors: 6

      Updated: March 4, 2023

      Views:25,445

      Categories: Cleaning Shoes

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 25,445 times.

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

      FAQs

      Machine Washable or Not? 5 Tips for Washing Merrell Shoes? ›

      Do not: Wash your Merrells in the washing machine or use bleach to clean them. Glue and other fastenings can be damaged in the wash. Disassemble your shoes. Remove the insole and laces for a thorough clean.

      What setting should I wash my shoes on in the washing machine? ›

      Wash the shoes

      Set your washing machine on a delicate, cold water cycle with a slow or no-spin option. Use liquid detergent or laundry pods because powder detergent can get stuck in the shoes if it doesn't dissolve properly.

      Can I put hiking shoes in the washing machine? ›

      Don't wash your shoes in the washing machine because it might damage them. Between each hike, store your shoes in the open air (not in a bag) in a dry place that is not exposed to the sun.

      Can you put Merrell boots in the dryer? ›

      AVOID putting shoes in the dryer, as the heat may warp them or damage the glue that keeps them together. When your Merrell shoes are looking a little dirty to wear lately (and maybe are smelling bad), you might be tempted to put them in the washing machine to clean them.

      What are the disadvantages of washing shoes in the washing machine? ›

      Never put fabrics like leather or suede in the washing machine. Do not use warm or hot water cycles. Hot water can warp your shoes, damage the fabric, and cause colors to run.

      How to wash shoes in washing machine without mesh bag? ›

      If you don't have a laundry bag, an empty pillowcase is a good alternative. If you've ever tried washing shoes before, you'll know that it can get a little noisy, so make up the rest of the wash load with towels. These will act as a buffer, helping to stop your shoes banging against the drum during the wash.

      Can you put Merrell hiking shoes in the washing machine? ›

      Do: Clean your Merrells ASAP if they get dirty or wet to prevent any long-term damage. Do not: Wash your Merrells in the washing machine or use bleach to clean them. Glue and other fastenings can be damaged in the wash.

      Can I put my trail running shoes in the washing machine? ›

      They'll usually be able to withstand one wash cycle, but this could bite you in the bum should you ever want to return the shoes or get them repaired, since most manufacturers explicitly advise customers against washing trail running shoes in the washing machine.

      Can I wash my GORE-TEX shoes in the washing machine? ›

      Don't put them in the washing machine.

      If you put a shoe with a GORE-TEX finish in the washing machine, it can be destroyed and the shoe will no longer be waterproof.

      Can Merrell hiking shoes get wet? ›

      The Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof is a comfortable hiking shoe made from quality materials, and that offers good midsole support. We enjoyed wearing these shoes right out of the box as they are soft and flexible, requiring little break-in time. They have decent waterproofing and protect from impacts with a beefy sole.

      Do you need to treat GORE-TEX? ›

      Care should include regularly washing, drying and when necessary, reapplying DWR (Durable water repellent).

      How do you clean Merrell Hydro mocs? ›

      BTW I asked Merrill how to clean them: you're not supposed to throw them in the washing machine. Instead, dip a cloth or toothbrush in water plus a drop of Dawn and you should be good to go.

      Is it sanitary to wash shoes in a washing machine? ›

      Generally speaking, shoes made of canvas, nylon, cotton and polyester can safely be washed in a washing machine; however, those made with leather, suede, rubber or vinyl should not be placed in the washer.

      How to wash hiking shoes in a washing machine? ›

      Do not use bar soap or detergents; many contain additives that can be harmful to leather or waterproof membranes. To clean mold, use a mixture of 80 percent water and 20 percent vinegar. Always rinse your boots thoroughly with clean water afterward. Never put boots in a washing machine because it can damage them.

      What cycle do you use to wash shoes? ›

      Step 3: Run a delicate wash cycle.

      Select the shortest possible setting, which is generally the gentle cycle. Add detergent, but use much less than you would for a full load, and be sure to choose a liquid, not powder, laundry soap. Although you might be tempted to run a hot wash, it's better to use cold water.

      Can you wash water shoes in the washing machine? ›

      It is recommended that you do not wash water shoes in the washing machine, no matter how dirty they are.

      Should you put shoes in washer and dryer? ›

      If you've noticed that your shoes are more noticeably smelly each time you put them on, you may be wondering, "Can you put shoes in the washer and dryer?" While there are some shoes that can be cleaned in your washing machine, you shouldn't put them in your clothes dryer afterward.

      How to wash Nike shoes in a washing machine? ›

      Nike does not recommend washing shoes in the washing machine. The best way to clean sneakers without damaging them is to brush them with a mild cleaning solution and let them air-dry. It's important to take special care when cleaning suede shoes.

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