The short answer is yes, you can wash climbing shoes in a washing machine, but with caution. Climbing shoes are made of delicate materials that require special care to maintain their performance and extend their lifespan. In this article, we'll provide a step.
Climbing shoes get dirty and smelly after lots of use. Sweat, chalk, and dirt build up inside them over time. Many climbers wonder if tossing them in the washing machine is a safe way to clean them.
Most climbing shoe manufacturers do not recommend putting climbing shoes in the washing machine because it can damage the glue, rubber, and shape of the shoes. The machine's spinning and heat can. Machine Washing Climbing Shoes Although putting your shoes in the washing machine seems a lot easier than hand washing them, professionals strongly recommend against it.
Climbing shoes getting gross? Learn 2 easy methods (w/ step-by-step photos) to remove dirt and grime without compromising performance. That said, even if your shoes say they are suitable for a machine wash, don't use hot water, choose a lukewarm temperature setting, and never use detergent. For 99.99% of climbing shoe models, hand washing is the way to go.
There are two methods of cleaning climbing shoes, machine or hand wash. Follow the detailed steps below to clean your climbing shoes and get rid of stench and dirt. SCARPA's guide to climbing shoe care: clean gently, avoid washing machines, air dry, and store properly for long.
Properly washing climbing shoes is essential to maintain their performance, durability, and hygiene. The process involves gentle cleaning methods, such as hand washing with mild soap and lukewarm water, avoiding harsh chemicals or machine washing that can damage the materials. Synthetic climbing shoes are more suitable to be machine washed than leather ones.
But hand washing remains an easier and safer option than a machine wash overall. You can wash climbing shoes by hand. Use a soft brush and gentle soap for cleaning.
Avoid machine washing, especially for leather shoes. Focus on the footbed and uppers. Air dry for 2-3 days.
For odor removal, use disinfectant wipes. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for care.