Toms are the most comfortable slip-on shoes and ideal to wear all day long, but keeping these shoes clean is a hassle. These shoes get dirty quickly, especially when worn regularly. You can easily notice the accumulated dirt on the sides of the shoes, especially if the fabric is light-coloured. Apart from this, the sweat collected over time leads to stinky shoes.
So, what are the best ways to wash your Tom shoes? Should you wash them in a washing machine or by using your hands? What type of soap or detergent should you use to clean your shoes? How to deodorize your Toms? These are some of the questions that we will be addressing in the article. Without any further ado, let’s get started!
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About Toms Shoes
Toms, in essence, is a USA-based for-profit organization, which specializes in creating comfortable footwear products. Their offerings have a wide variety of styling options for women, men, and offspring. Apart from shoes, the company also provides high-end yet affordable handbags, apparel, and eyewear.
The corporation was found in 2006 by Alejo Nitti and Blake Mycoskie with the idea of providing quality footwear in developing nations. After the initial success of their plan, the dynamic duo decided to wrap everything up and turn it into a conglomerate.
The most notable aspect about Toms is their “one for one” concept. If you buy one pair of shoes from them, then they will donate another pair to a child in need.
Washing Instructions for Toms Shoes
You can wash your Toms either with your hands or use a washing machine. Each of these options is quite unique in its own accord. So, be sure to go through everything meticulously to find a suitable alternative for you.
Hand Cleaning
Before you get into the cleaning procedure with this method, we would ask you to dust your toms first. You can employ a soft bristle brush in this aspect. Otherwise, the fabric of the footwear might get ruined grievously.
Next, you will need to pour a small amount of water into a bowl (around 240ml for one pair) and add detergent to it. Be sure to use something mild and bubbly to protect the shoes’ texture. Once you are done blending the water and detergent, be sure to dip the footwear in it. Keep it submerged in the same for at least 10 minutes.
Now, get it out of the bowl and gently scrub it with an unused toothbrush. If the model contains sequins, then you will need to brush it in the same direction as the module. Otherwise, the motion might pull a few of them off.
After you have completed the afore-mentioned steps, go for the drying process. It might take around two to three hours to get desiccated.
Washing Machine
Cleaning your toms in a washing machine can be a bit trickier than usual. In this case, you will have to begin by setting the washer to a gentle cycle (delicate) while filling it up with cold water.
Now, you will need to pour ¼th of your regular dose of detergent. Using a milder product can be ideal in this aspect. After you are done, let the washing machine fill around ¾th of its capacity and put it in your Toms shoes. And then, the washer will take care of the rest.
After the cleaning procedure is done, be sure to air-dry the models before wearing them.
How to De-odorize Toms Shoes?
You can efficiently deodorize your Toms shoes in four different yet efficient approaches. These are –
Baking Soda:
Baking soda, in essence, is considered to be an excellent deodorizing agent. But, how are you going to use it to clean the shoes? Well, you will need to add a small amount of baking soda to each of your shoes. After that, you will need to shake the footwear repeatedly. This way, the powder will spread evenly throughout the shoes. Now, you will have to wait for a few hours (potentially overnight) to sink it in properly. You can remove the same with a bristle brush in the morning to deodorize it.
DIY De-odorizing Powder:
If you want something more effective and efficient, then you can also create a de-odorizing powder on your own. In this case, you will require three different things, including baking powder, baking soda, and cornstarch. After gathering them, grab a bowl and add around ½ cup of cornstarch, ¼ cup of baking powder and soda to create the de-odorizer. You may also add a small amount of essential oil of your choice for a little bit of fragrance in it.
Tea Bags:
Tea, especially black tea, tends to contain a huge amount of tannins. These are quite effective in eliminating odor and make your shoes smell fresh in no time. So, how are you going to use it? Well, take a tea bag and keep it in boiling water for at least two minutes. And then, put the teabag in your shoes after it has cooled down. Now leave it in the shoes for around an hour. However, it might leave a small amount of residue depending on the size of the teabag.
Dryer Sheets:
If you do not want to make a mess with the baking powder or a tea bag, you can opt for the dryer sheets as well. Using these sheets is quite easy too; all you to do is to take a dryer sheet & keep it inside the shoe for a few hours. Once you wake up in the morning, you will find out that the shoe smells as good as new!
The bottom line
The procedure of cleaning Toms is, indeed, pretty easy and straightforward. However, we would still suggest you be cautious and not to overdo anything. For example, while using the DIY solution, you will need to include the same amount of baking powder as stated before. If you end up adding more than usual, then the shoes might get damaged. Just be sure to follow the afore-mentioned tips one-by-one, and you can make your shoes clean and fresh in no time!
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Brandon R. Katz is a registered professional nurse who has been instrumental in providing us with an informed opinion on the medical aspects of footwear. He graduated from NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and currently provides his services at a non-federal long-term care hospital in Brooklyn, NY.
Brandon proves to be the champion in the group of expert writers with his in-depth knowledge in foot health, how to take care of it adequately, and what shoes, socks, or insoles will be supreme for you. He has previously worked with hospitals where he has foreseen both inpatient and outpatient departments and has been a practicing nurse since 2009.
Brandon hails from Jersey City, NY, and has a loving family of four with a small popper called Rozo. His decision to become a nurse arises from the desire to be in the position of helping and rehabilitating people.
