Can You Wash TOMS in a Washing Machine? The Homeowner’s Guide to Smart Shoe Care and What It Teaches About Protecting Your Household Items

TOMS shoes are popular for their comfort, versatility, and mission-driven design. But when they get dirty—which they will—it’s natural to wonder whether tossing them in the washing machine is a good idea. If you’ve ever looked down at your well-worn canvas TOMS and debated a quick spin cycle, this article is for you. In truth, learning how to properly clean your shoes goes beyond footwear. It ties directly into how homeowners approach maintaining valuable items under their own roof, from appliances to larger home systems. Let’s take a deep dive into the nuances of caring for TOMS shoes, the mechanics of machine washing, and why the conversation is surprisingly relevant to long-term homeownership maintenance.

Understanding the Construction of TOMS Shoes

TOMS were originally designed with a simple canvas upper, elastic insert, and rubber or textile outsole. Over the years, the brand has expanded into vegan leather, wool, suede, and other materials, but the classic canvas slip-on remains the most common and recognizable version. The canvas is durable yet breathable, while the flexible sole offers lightweight support. Yet this simplicity can be deceiving—despite their casual look, TOMS shoes are carefully constructed, and tossing them into the wrong cleaning process can erode their structure. Understanding the materials helps inform safe care decisions, especially when using household appliances like a washing machine.

The Mechanics of the Washing Machine

Washing machines are designed to clean fabrics using a combination of mechanical agitation, water, and detergent. Front-loading machines use a tumbling motion, while top-loaders with agitators rely on more aggressive spinning. Both methods apply significant forces to whatever enters their drum. For cotton T-shirts or towels, that’s great. For glued seams or hand-stitched elements like those on TOMS, it’s a real gamble. Even on a gentle cycle, washing machines subject shoes to moisture and momentum that can cause warping, glue breakdown, and separation of materials. It’s important to understand that while washing machines handle washable textiles well, they are not designed to clean footwear unless explicitly marked machine-washable by the manufacturer.

Manufacturer Guidelines and Real-World Outcomes

TOMS itself discourages washing its shoes in machines. Official care recommendations suggest spot cleaning with a damp cloth and mild detergent. And for good reason. Many users who try washing TOMS in machines find that their shoes lose their fit, become misshapen, or even begin to fray at the seams. Some report success using cold water with a gentle cycle in a laundry bag—but most of those notes come with caveats. Drying is another risk. Air drying helps retain shape, but the temptation to speed-dry with heat can shrink the material or damage adhesives. Ignoring manufacturer instructions almost always increases the long-term wear on any product, especially when being exposed to machine-driven cleaning methods.

Alternative Cleaning Methods That Preserve Shoe Quality

Instead of throwing canvas shoes into a wash cycle, a safer method is thorough hand cleaning. Use mild soap mixed with warm water and a soft brush to scrub the exterior. For odors, baking soda left overnight inside the shoes can help absorb moisture and scent. Allow the shoes to air dry away from direct sunlight to maintain shape and color. These hands-on maintenance methods require more effort but ultimately extend the life of your shoes. Much like seasonal upkeep on household appliances or HVAC units, mindful care now prevents larger issues down the line.

Lessons for Homeowners: The Bigger Picture of Preventative Maintenance

Now, you might ask—what does washing TOMS have to do with home maintenance or warranties? It turns out, quite a bit. When you skip the recommended care process and head straight for convenience, you risk permanent damage. That same logic applies across your home. Consider your dishwasher, laundry equipment, water heater, or HVAC systems. When homeowners ignore user manuals, skip servicing schedules, or misuse equipment, long-term durability decreases. Systems break down, performance drops, and warranties can be voided due to neglect. Understanding how to maintain small items like shoes teaches a greater respect for long-term asset protection and intentional care.

The Cost of Convenience vs. The Value of Longevity

Whether it’s time or money, the temptation to choose convenience over care is universal. Running a load of laundry or skipping an appliance filter replacement feels easier in the short term. But these decisions compound. Shoes lose shape. Appliances fail prematurely. Service calls become more frequent. When homeowners treat individual assets—from TOMS shoes to expensive kitchen equipment—the same way, the real cost isn’t just repair. It’s a shortened lifespan for things that should’ve delivered long-term value. These scenarios underscore the importance of structured maintenance—and make the case for protective solutions like home warranties that back you when DIY care isn’t enough.

Is It Ever Okay to Use the Washing Machine for TOMS?

In very specific cases, machine washing may be acceptable—but only if you’re willing to risk the outcome. A delicate cycle with cold water, protective laundry bag, and air drying—no heat—offers the safest path if you ignore recommendations. Still, these best practices are a fallback, not the rule. Think of it as using duct tape for a leak. It might work today, but it’s not a long-term solution. When unsure, it is always better to consult manufacturer guidance or look for professional cleaning alternatives to protect the integrity of what you own. That measured approach translates directly to how you manage home systems—thoughtful care overrides shortcuts every time.

Protecting What You Invest in Starts at Home

There’s a thread that runs through it all. TOMS aren’t just shoes—they’re an example of how everyday products require intentional care to deliver long-term comfort and performance. The same logic applies to the heating, cooling, laundry, and plumbing systems you rely on in your home. Misuse them, skip maintenance, and you’re on the fast track to frustration. That’s where a home warranty from Armadillo comes in. We don’t just step in when something breaks—we help you protect your investments by encouraging proactive care on systems and appliances alike. With comprehensive coverage that aligns with real-world needs, Armadillo ensures your home thrives the way it should. Learn more about how we simplify protection at our homepage or take the next step and start building your plan with our custom plan builder.