How to wash Toms shoes

I love Toms shoes and between Tom and I we have quite a few pairs. I got my first pair last year and I’ve never really had any problem getting them dirty or having them stink. However, that last time I wore them I got stuck in the rain and they were soaked. This not only got them dirty but also super stinky.

I did a quick search of how to clean them and most people recommend washing them by hand and even showering with them on to get them clean, the washing machine is usually advised against and if you do use it they advise to put them in the delicate cycle. I also didn’t really find anyone who posted before and after pictures and I found myself always wanting to see how they came out of the washing machine, especially since I was a bit nervous to wash them to begin with. So here’s what I did and I’m really happy with the result.

Put them in the Toms bag they came with.
If you don’t have this bag, any other clothing bag will do. It should be mesh or cloth.

Wash them on the delicate or knit cycle.
This is generally a short wash and it will do the job. I also put in a few drops of liquid detergent over them before I put them in to make sure they got soapy.

Air dry them.
You can also put them in the ‘air fluff’ setting if your dryer has it. This means no heat.

Important: DO NOT put them in the sun to dry, they will fade!

Here’s how they came out of the washing machine, all clean and holding their shape. Also, no fading!

Tip: If you have sweaty feet sprinkle baby powder and baking soda in them before you wear them, especially if you wear them daily. The baby powder will absorb any moisture and the baking soda will neutralize odor.

And you should have a nice clean pair of Toms.


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34 Comments

  1. Reply

    Monica

    June 5, 2012

    This is so handy! Thank you!

  2. Reply

    Camila Faria

    June 7, 2012

    I wish I had a pair of Toms to wash! :)
    I love them!

  3. Reply

    Whitney

    June 10, 2012

    This is super helpful, you have no idea! I was so scared to put them in the machine (I really think taking a shower with them is kind of strange, haha), so now I won’t be so worried.

    • Reply

      Melissa (Milo&Ben)

      June 10, 2012

      I agree, something about being naked in your shower wearing a pair of shoes is odd to me. haha

  4. Reply

    Sara W

    June 14, 2012

    MEL! Thanks for this!! Mine got caught in the rain and I JUST BOUGHT THEM … and they turned stinky… I’m going to try this!!

  5. Reply

    Jamie

    August 3, 2012

    Do you put them in the dryer in the Toms bag????

  6. Reply

    Darkie

    September 17, 2012

    hi guys my Toms is Orange one and i drop some tea on them so pls help me i realy need help T_T

  7. Reply

    Darkie

    September 23, 2012

    what is steps above ?

  8. Reply

    Darkie

    September 25, 2012

    i tryed them all but my mother said hard to remove the [ tea ] idk what i do

  9. Reply

    Maggie

    November 9, 2012

    Do you think it is safe to dry them with a hair dryer? I need to wash them but I also need them in a few hours… what do you suggest for a quick dry?

  10. Reply

    Vanesa

    November 10, 2012

    I’m gonna try this now, thank you :3

  11. Reply

    AEd

    November 22, 2012

    How did the lining on the bottom do – the footbed interior?

  12. Reply

    Jade

    January 13, 2013

    Yes! Exactly what I needed!!!! Thank you :)

  13. Reply

    Lucky

    February 28, 2013

    thanks!! this works!! My toms were getting super stinky so yeah thanks

  14. Reply

    Hannah

    March 19, 2013

    Can this work for corduroy Toms as well?

  15. Reply

    Catie

    March 26, 2013

    Would this work with the glitter toms??
    I recently got mud on mine by accident and I’ve been waiting to find out how to clean them without damaging the glitter!

  16. Reply

    Lindsay

    March 29, 2013

    I was also told when I bought mine if they start to smell to use some vinegar when you wash them!!

    • Reply

      Melissa (Milo&Ben)

      March 29, 2013

      Oh I’ve never tried that, does it work?

      • Reply

        HALEY

        March 30, 2013

        Do you put soap on them and how do you keep them from fading while drying. Another thing, does the shower thing work on the cords type of Toms?

        • Reply

          Melissa (Milo&Ben)

          March 30, 2013

          I didn’t. You can put a stain spray on them but I don’t know if it would bleach. I’m not sure about the shower. Never tried.

  17. Reply

    Leigh

    March 31, 2013

    Yes! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve washed mine. I’ve got a white pair that I just wash with my other white clothes with bleach. However, I don’t dry any of mine, at all. I just let them air dry over night. But unless they are super muddy nasty I just add them to what ever load of laundry I’m doing. I also wash everything on cold water.

  18. Reply

    Nina

    April 8, 2013

    This won’t damage the sole right?

  19. Reply

    Pauline

    April 14, 2013

    Im really scared to try this. My toms got pretty muddy!!

  20. Reply

    skylar

    April 24, 2013

    I just put mine in the wash because last night I went to the fair and they got brown and black stuff on them and my toms are blue and white zebra print solo this was spool helpfull

  21. Reply

    AUTUMNE

    May 21, 2013

    This is exactly what I need!!!! Thanks so so much. My toms aren’t super dirty but I am wearing them to a concert in June and don’t want them to look all dirty and stuff. Thanks!! Hope it works


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