Safe to wash shoes?

I Win Swordfights

My shoes are super dirty, and save a toothbrush and a sink, I want them clean

I believe them to be suede or nubuck

Can I just wash and dry them in a washing machine and dryer?

Or should I just take the long route?

NightDragon

I don't think suede would hold up too well in the washer/dryer. Also, it will take FOREVER for them to dry out once you soak them like that, and they can get moldy in the meantime. I would absolutely suggest the toothbrush option.

I Win Swordfights

Gahhh, I better start now then, I suppose.

Thanks for the reply.

NightDragon

Ah, and also, check here:

http://www.ehow.com/how_3139_clean-suede.html

First result on google, but suggests white vinegar? Says "as a last resort for shoes" but I'm assuming it's valid if your other option was the washer and dryer.

I Win Swordfights

Holy HELL that seems like a lot of work for a pair of sneakers.

EggyToast

Yes, it's why people complain that shoes "aren't built like they used to be" and that people just throw them away. When a new pair is pretty cheap, it's easier to just buy new ones if they're too far gone.j

Of course, if your options boil down to "put in washing machine" or "buy new pair," can't hurt to wash 'em. Just stick them in with some towels so they don't clang around.

Blake T

It's suede, it will hurt to wash them.

See if your laundromat can wash them.

ihmmy

you want this stuff
http://www.tana.ca/index2.php?caID=2&ca2ID=20&width=1280&height=1024
specifically, http://www.tana.ca/index2.php?caID=2&ca2ID=20&proID=25&width=1280&height=1024 does good stuff to moderate dirtiness, it may take some elbow grease with it to get it super clean

and after you clean them SPRAY THEM with an all purpose protector to keep them from getting really dirty again! All protector for any suede/nubuck/leather shoes, always!
(walmart apparently carries this brand of stuff too, the two shoe stores I used to work for carried 'em and they always seemed to work good. No clue where I put my suede cleaner block though, dammit, I'm gonna have to find it now)

I Win Swordfights

Well, I'm not entirely sold on it being suede, there's a large possibility it's nubuck, but, seeing as it's highqualityrawhideleather, I dunno if the washing machine + dryer combo is such a good idea.

My problem is just that I can't get the brown COMPLETELY gone from the black, no matter what I do.

Mmmm... Cocks...

I wash my sneakers all the time...

Though I could give less of a shit on how they look.

Willeth

What ever you do, don't put them in the dryer.

Usually you can put generic sneakers in the washing machine, unless they're suede or some other material that you need to take care with. But if you put them in the dryer they'll be destroyed.