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How to Wash Toms Shoes – Care Guide
December 9, 2023
-
By
Sophia Grant
Toms is a for-profit company that specializes in shoes. Based in California, the brand offers a variety of styles for men, women, and children. Aside from footwear, they also sell apparel, eyewear, and handbags.
Toms Shoes History
Toms was founded by Blake Mycoskie and Alejo Nitti in 2006. Allegedly, the former had come up with the idea after volunteering to deliver shoes to children.
Wanting to provide free shoes to those in developing countries, he eventually put together the company. Before long, he created his own type of canvas slip-on shoe, which proved to be a hit in North America.
What makes the company unique is that they have a “one for one” concept model. For every pair that’s purchased, they will donate a free pair to a child in need. The countries involved include South Africa, Mexico, Haiti, Argentina, Ethiopia, and Guatemala.
More About Tom Shoes
The brand sells various types of shoes including sandals, flats, boots, dress shoes, and sneakers. However, they are perhaps the best known for their canvas slip-ons.
Not only are they comfortable, but they’re fair-priced as well. To give you a better idea, you can get a pair for a little over $50. You’ll be able to get them for even cheaper if you find them on sale!
Taking Care of Your Canvas Toms Shoes
As with all footwear, their shoes will get dirty, especially if worn on a regular basis (and if you’re dealing with their white canvas shoes).
For example, dirt or mud might accumulate on the sides – that’s especially true if the fabric of the canvas shoes is light-colored. Remember, there’s the issue of sweat too. Over time, it will collect on the insoles, which can lead to an unpleasant odor.
Don’t want your shoes to look icky? Then be sure to clean them every once in a while – that’s especially true for their white canvas shoes.
Can you throw them in the washing machine? Or do you have to wash them by hand? What kind of soap should you use? These are some of the questions that we’ll be addressing in this post!
How to Wash Toms Shoes (Alpargatas)
Have your shoes seen better days? If so, it might be time to give them a good cleaning. Don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as it sounds—if anything, the washing profess is quite simple. Follow along and your slip-ons will look cleaner in no time!
Can You Machine Wash Canvas Toms Shoes?
Yes, their canvas shoes are machine washable; you can easily clean them with the press of a button.
Step 1: Put the Shoes In a Laundry Bag
To start, you’ll want to place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag – that will prevent them from being tossed around during the wash cycle.
Make sure the laundry bag is closed and put it in the machine. For the best results, wash them separately from your other items. However, you can add a few towels to help balance the load.
Step 2: Add Laundry Detergent
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent and run a gentle cycle with cold water. Do not use hot water; the heat will cause the shoes to warp.
Step 3: Let the Shoes Air Dry
After the cycle is finished, let your Toms air dry in a well-ventilated area. To speed up the process, you can stuff some paper towels or newspaper into the shoes.
Never place them in the dryer as harsh temperatures can cause the canvas fabric to shrink and rip.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bag
- Towels
We recommend spot-cleaning your shoes first if they are stained. Simply mix water with some mild dish soap and apply the solution onto the canvas material.
ACTIVE Detergent
Wash your Toms with ACTIVE to get rid of odors and make them last longer.
Hand Washing Your Toms Shoes
Consider cleaning your Tom shoes by hand if you don’t want to put them in the washer. Here’s how to do it:
Supplies:
- Soft bristle brush
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Rubbing alcohol
- Newspapers (optional)
Step 1:
Use a soft bristle brush to remove any dirt or debris from the canvas material. Start at the heel and gradually move towards the toe area.
Step 2:
Fill a bowl with cold water and add a bit of ACTIVE Detergent to create a soapy solution.
Step 3:
Dip your brush into the solution and use it to clean the surface of the shoe. Be gentle as to not damage the fabric.
If you have a pair with sequins, brush them in the same direction, otherwise, they can come off.
Step 4:
Wipe the insides with rubbing alcohol; that will help get rid of any odors.
For the best results, pour the rubbing alcohol onto a piece of cotton and use it to wipe the inside of the shoe. Pay extra attention to the toe and heel areas as they tend to be dirtier.
Step 5:
When you’re finished, let them air dry. Don’t put them in the dryer—the heat from the machine will cause the fabric to crack and break.
How to Deodorize Toms Shoes
Chances are, your Tom shoes will develop an odor after a while. Don’t fret; that’s normal—it just means that you’ve been wearing them for a while.
There are several things that you can do to get rid of the smell. We’ll be sharing these tips with you below:
Placing Baking Soda Inside Your Shoes
You’ve probably heard this before but baking soda is a great deodorizing agent. The best part of all—most of us already have it in the house.
Supplies:
- Baking soda
Step 1:
Simply add a liberal amount of baking soda to each of the shoes, then give them a good shake to distribute the powder evenly.
Step 2:
Let it sit for a few hours (overnight if your shoes are excessively stinky) before removing the baking soda.
You can use a soft bristle brush to get rid of any baking soda that might be stuck inside the shoes.
Make Your Own Deodorizing Powder
Another option is to create your own deodorizing powder. Here’s how to do it.
Supplies:
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Cornstarch
- Essential oil (optional)
Step 1:
In a large bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1/4 cup of baking powder.
If you want, you can also add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance.
Step 2:
Sprinkle the deodorizing powder into the shoes and let it sit for several hours (overnight if necessary).
Remove the powder in the morning.
Using Dryer Sheets
Don’t want to make a mess with powder? There’s an easier solution that involves something you probably have in the laundry room.
Supplies:
- Dryer sheets
Step 1:
Place one dryer sheet into each of your shoes.
Step 2:
Place one dryer sheet into each of the shoes and leave them inside for several hours before taking them out.
Not only will they neutralize odors but they’ll also freshen up your slip-ons.
Making Use of Tea Bags
Did you know that certain tea bags can be used as deodorizers? Take black tea, for instance—it contains tannins, which is effective at killing odor-causing contaminants.
Supplies:
- Tea bags
- Boiling water
Step 1:
Place two teabags into boiling water for a couple of minutes. Then, take them out and let them cool down.
Step 2:
Place one tea bag into each of the shoes and leave them in for an hour or two before taking them out.
Depending on how wet the tea bag is, it might leave a little bit of liquid residue. You can clean it up with a few paper towels.
Always Wear Socks
Always wear Toms shoes with socks – they will absorb the sweat from your feet and prevent them from going onto your shoes, which can cause an unpleasant odor. Also, socks are much easier to change and wash than the shoes themselves.
How to Wash Toms Shoes – FAQs
Can you machine wash leather shoes by Toms?
No, their leather shoes (and leather insoles) should never be put in the washing machine. The moisture will damage the material permanently. Consider wiping the outside with a soft cloth and leather conditioner instead.
Alternatively, you can take them to a shoe care specialist co.
Can you put their mesh shoes in the washing machine?
Yes, their mesh shoes (including lace Toms) are machine washable with cold water and mild laundry detergent. Just make sure to put them in a mesh bag and run a gentle cycle.
How can you get rid of tough stains?
Mix a bit of ACTIVE Detergent with water in a bowl. Using a soft bristle brush, gently scrub the stain on the surface of the shoe. Rinse with water afterwards.
Do you have to wash your Toms regularly?
It’s best to wash Toms regularly to prevent tough stains from setting in. You can also use white vinegar to deodorize the material.
Can I use a stain remover on my leather toms?
No, it’s not recommended that you use a stain remover on your leather shoes, unless they’re specifically designed for leather.
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Sophia Grant
Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.
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