Can You Put Clarks Shoes in the Washing Machine?

Clarks shoes have become a go-to brand for many shoe lovers thanks to their comfort and style. However, when it comes time to clean dirty Clarks, many people wonder if tossing them in the washing machine is okay or if it will ruin them. So, can you put Clarks shoes in the washing machine?

Can You Put Clarks Shoes in the Washing Machine?

No, not all Clarks shoes can be put in the washing machine. While some models, particularly certain kids’ shoes, may be machine washable, it is generally not recommended for many types, especially those made of leather or suede. Machine washing these materials can cause damage. It’s best to check the specific care instructions for your Clarks shoes and, for delicate materials, opt for hand cleaning with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Why You Shouldn’t Machine Wash Most Clarks

There are a few reasons why machine washing can damage many Clarks shoe styles:

• The intense water pressure and turbulence can warp glues and finishes. This can cause the shoes to lose structural integrity over time.
• Leather, suede, and other delicate materials often stain, shrink, lose shape, or develop cracks when machine-washed. The materials break down more easily compared to man-made fibers.
• Many Clarks have inner cushions and footbeds made of latex foam, OrthoLite, and other padding. These absorb water and can quickly grow mold without proper drying.
• The rough tumbling and collision with other laundry can scuff up the outer materials, especially smooth leather.

So unless the care instructions specifically state that machine washing is safe, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid the washing machine.

Caring for Your Clarks

The proper way to clean Clarks is by hand using a soft, damp cloth and mild detergent to spot clean dirt and stains. Make sure to stuff them with paper towels afterward so they hold their shape as they fully air dry.

For suede Clarks shoes, use a high-quality suede cleaner and brush to lift debris from the delicate surface fibers. This helps revitalize the material.

You can also add a protective shoe spray once they are clean and dried. These shield the materials from future dirt and moisture damage through daily wear.

Checking the exact materials and washing guidance per your Clarks model on the company’s website can give more tailored recommendations. You can also call their customer support line to ask cleaning questions about specific shoes.

With some tender loving care for your Clarks, they can maintain both their good looks and comfort for many years. Avoiding machine washing is the best way to safely clean most pairs while still removing dirt buildup.

Inspecting for Damage

Once your Clarks shoes are fully dry after hand washing and drying, inspect them closely. Check for any changes in color, texture, or shape. Also, look for cracks in the materials or the glue coming loose, especially around the soles. 

Catching damage early allows you to reinforce any weak points with shoe glue before they worsen through wear. If changes seem too advanced to repair, it’s best to replace them if possible to maximize longevity.

Extra Cleaning Tips

Here are some additional pointers for keeping Clarks shoes looking their best after handwashing:

• Use cedar shoe trees to help shoes retain the right shape if they get excessively wet. This absorbs moisture faster, too.
• Disinfect insoles by sprinkling baking soda inside the shoes overnight. The baking soda naturally deodorizes and absorbs lingering dampness.
• Once completely dry, apply leather conditioner or suede protector spray to refresh material finishes after cleaning.

Preventing Stains and Damage

The easiest way to keep Clarks shoes looking neat and tidy is to prevent stains and damage in the first place through these pro tips:

• Spray leather or suede Clarks with a protector spray coating that repels moisture, oil, and dirt so it doesn’t soak into the material. Reapply every few months.
• Consider treating your Clarks with a stain-repellant solution if you will wear them in messy conditions. This makes spilled liquids bead up for quick wiping instead of absorbing deeper.
• Install bottom taps or heel protectors onto dress heels and leather-soled Clarks to prevent excess wear and scuffing as you walk. These can be purchased affordably online or in shoe repair shops.
• Use shoe bags when traveling with Clarks shoes to shield them from picking up dirt in transit inside of suitcases or carry-on bags.

Seeking Professional Care

While handwashing at home works for routine Clarks cleaning between wears, over time, you may need a deeper cleaning. Consider getting them professionally cleaned every year or two to tackle:

• Tough salt stains after heavy winter wear
• Removal of old built-up polish or conditioner
• Thorough sanitizing in cases of foot odor
• Color restoration for badly faded suede or leather
• Structural repair for glue separation or sole lifting

Find a reputable local shoe repair shop for this expert care. Some dry cleaners also offer shoe cleaning using gentle detergents. This extends your favorite pair’s lifespan significantly.

Storing Clarks Properly

Don’t just kick off your Clarks anywhere once they’re clean – proper storage between wears prevents re-soiling and structural damage.

Use cedar shoe trees inside any Clarks not worn daily to wick moisture and maintain the form. Stuff with acid-free paper if needed.

When possible, store Clarks shoes in their original box to prevent crushing or creasing. If you don’t have the box, slot them side-by-side on a shoe rack or closet shelf.

Leather Clarks prone to slouching can be stuffed with socks and wrapped gently with twine to hold their structure between wears.

Suede Clarks should be kept covered in breathable cotton or muslin bags so the nap doesn’t pick up dust and fibers while in storage.

Cleaning Different Parts

While most focus is paid to cleaning the upper, don’t neglect the soles, laces, and inner lining of Clarks shoes either for total care.

• Scrub dirt off of rubber soles gently with an old toothbrush, soap, and water. Rinse cleanly.
• Remove laces before washing so they don’t stain the upper material. Wash in a lingerie bag on the gentle cycle or by hand. Air dry. 
• Sodium bicarbonate crystals dissolved in water make an excellent soak for breaking down foot odor and sweat stains inside shoes overnight. Rinse out completely before drying. Replace insoles monthly.

When to Discard Clarks

With gentle cleaning and care, Clarks shoes can last for years. But at a certain point, they may simply reach the end of their lifespan if the materials degrade substantially.

Signs it’s time to retire well-worn Clarks include:

• Insole and midsole cushioning are packed flat and offer no support.
• Heels worn lopsided, making them uncomfortable.
• Outsoles bald with no traction left
• Uppers misshapen permanently, even with shoe trees
• Proliferating cracks in leather are unable to be conditioned.
• Mold growth that risks spreading to other shoes is not eliminated by cleaning.
• The odor persists intensely even after repeated deep cleaning.

Rather than force more wear, discard Clarks displaying multiple advanced signs of aging for both foot health and hygiene.

Eco-Friendly Disposal

Once Clarks shoes reach the point for retirement, dispose of them in an environmentally responsible way.

If sections remain in decent condition, donate wearable pairs to charity shops and collection drives so someone else can enjoy an extended life in them.

Well-worn soles and rubber can often be recycled as ground turf filler or remolded into other materials. Check for local drop-off options.

When pieces are too far gone for reuse or recycling, look for footwear recycling programs in your community that break down and scientifically separate materials like leather and foam to repurpose what they can. This keeps shoes out of overflowing landfills.

Conclusion:

In conclusion no, most Clarks shoes should not be put in the washing machine as it risks damage over time. To clean, handwash with a damp cloth and mild detergent instead. Check your shoes’ exact materials first to confirm if gentle machine washing is approved.

To extend your Clarks lifespan, prevent stains when possible, and get periodic professional cleanings for tough buildup. With some TLC, your Clarks can stay comfortable and stylish for seasons.

We hope you found this breakdown on safely cleaning Clarks informative. Share with other Clarks lovers so they know the best care tips, too!