Was leather or suede footwear washed in a washing machine? Don’t rush to throw it away

Probably, almost everyone has wondered at least once:"Is it possible to wash shoes in the washing machine?"

Some do it regularly and are satisfied with the result, while others end up with stiff suede, cracked leather, or shoes that look worse than before washing after just one wash.

So, can shoes be washed in a machine? - There is no clear answer.

It all depends on the material, quality of manufacture, washing settings, and even how the shoes were dried afterward. But one thing is certain —natural leather, suede, and nubuck do not tolerate machine washing well, and the consequences often don’t appear immediately.

Let's figure out what happens to the material during washing and whether shoes can be restored if they lose softness and appearance. Why is the washing machine dangerous for shoes? During washing, shoes are exposed to several factors at once:

• a large amount of water;
• detergents;
• constant mechanical stress;
• temperature fluctuations;
• improper drying after washing.

Each of these factors alone can affect the material, and together they significantly increase the risk of damage.

Fact or myth?If shoes survived one wash, it means you can wash them in the machine regularly. ❌ Myth.

Even if no noticeable changes happened after the first wash, natural materials gradually lose their properties. With each subsequent wash, leather and suede become less flexible, and the product’s lifespan shortens.

What happens to leather shoes?

Smooth leather is much more resistant to moisture than suede or nubuck. However, during machine washing, water and detergents gradually wash out the components that keep leather soft and elastic. As a result, you may notice:

• stiffness;
• loss of elasticity;
• creases;
• dull appearance;
• cracking of the protective coating.

In addition, high humidity can negatively affect adhesive bonds, internal shoe materials, and decorative elements.

What happens to suede and nubuck?

These materials suffer the most. After washing, many notice that the shoes become completely different. Suede stops being soft and velvety. The nap lays unevenly. Light spots or streaks appear. Yellow stains appear on light suede. The color looks more faded. Sometimes it seems like the shoes are simply ruined. In most cases, the cause is not water itself.

During washing, the material loses some of its natural oils, and detergents alter its condition. If shoes were dried near a radiator or in direct sunlight, the problem becomes even more noticeable.

That’s why many say after washing:

"The suede became like cardboard."

Fact or myth?If suede becomes stiff after washing, it cannot be restored. ❌ Myth.

In many cases, softness can be significantly restored. The key is not to try to cover up the problem immediately with dye or cream. You need to restore the material itself first.

The most common mistake after washing

When shoes dry, many notice that the color has faded. The first thought is to buy dye. But most often, the problem is not the color. After washing, the material becomes overdried and loses its elasticity. Applying dye immediately can lead to a much worse result than expected. It’s much better to restore the material’s condition first and then decide if coloring is needed.

How to properly restore shoes after washing?

If leather, suede, or nubuck become stiff after washing, don’t immediately consider the shoes ruined. In many cases, the right restoration process helps.

Step 1. Fully dry the shoes

Dry the item naturally. Do not use radiators, heaters, or hot air from a hairdryer.

Step 2. Clean the surface if necessary

If stains or detergent residue remain after washing, first remove them with a suitable cleaner.

Step 3. Restore the material's softness

This step is most often skipped. In professional restoration, it is called "fatting",Its purpose is to return softness, elasticity, and a more natural texture to the material after exposure to water and detergents.

Vlotho recommends

SAUERFETT SF10 — conditioning dressing (acidic fatting)

The product is specially formulated to restore suede, nubuck, and textiles after exposure to water, road salts, and improper washing.

SAUERFETT SF10 helps to:

• restore softness to the material;
• improve nap texture;
• reduce the effects of detergents;
• minimize the appearance of stains and streaks after washing;
• make the material more even and pleasant to the touch.

In terms of function, it can be compared to a fabric conditioner—but designed for footwear made from natural materials.

Step 4. Assess the appearance of the product

Only after restoring the material can you determine if the footwear truly needs color restoration or dyeing. Very often, the appearance improves significantly after fatting.

Is it really possible to wash shoes in a washing machine?

When it comes to textile sneakers, some manufacturers allow machine washing under certain conditions.

But footwear made from natural leather, suede, and nubuck requires more delicate care.

Therefore, shoe and care product manufacturers generally do not recommend using a washing machine for such items.

If washing has already occurred, it's important not to panic or immediately try to conceal the results with paint. It’s much more effective to first restore the condition of the material itself.

Expert tips

✔ Do not dry shoes on a radiator or near a heater.

✔ Do not use a hot hairdryer.

✔ Do not apply paint immediately after the shoes dry.

✔ After drying, be sure to lift the nap with a special brush (for suede and nubuck).

✔ If the material becomes stiff, first restore its softness, then assess the need for further care.

The most important thing to remember

Machine washing with powders and gels is one of the most aggressive care methods for natural leather, suede, and nubuck footwear.

Even if the item looks clean on the outside, changes can occur inside the material that cause loss of softness and elasticity.

If the shoes become stiff after washing, it doesn’t mean they are hopelessly damaged.

In many cases, proper restoration helps return softness to the material, improve its appearance, and significantly extend the life of your favorite pair of shoes.