How to Wash Bobs Shoes With Memory Foam: The Ultimate Guide

Bob’s shoes with memory foam are comfortable, stylish footwear. However, with repeated wear, they can start to look dirty and develop odors. Learning how to properly clean Bob’s memory foam shoes will help you keep them looking and smelling fresh.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn How to Wash Bobs Shoes With Memory Foam and the best practices for washing different types of Bob’s shoes. We’ll cover handwashing and machine washing methods, cleaning the insoles and laces, removing stains, and eliminating odors. Follow these tips and your Bob’s will feel good as new!

Why Should You Wash Your Bob’s Shoes?

There are a few key reasons you’ll want to wash your Bob’s shoes from time to time:

• Remove Dirt and Stains: Bob’s casual shoes can easily get dirty from everyday wear. Mud, food stains, dust, and more can accumulate and make them look dingy. Washing removes the dirt and stains.
• Eliminate Odors: Sweat, bacteria, and wear without socks can cause Bob’s shoes to develop unpleasant foot odor. Washing them helps kill bacteria and freshens them up.
• Extend Longevity: Built-up dirt, stains, and odors can degrade and break down shoe materials over time. Washing them helps maintain quality and extends how long you can wear them.

Determine If Your Bob’s Are Machine Washable

Not all Bob’s shoes can safely go in the washing machine. Check the care tag inside your Bob’s to see the cleaning method recommendation:

• Machine Washable: If the tag says you can “machine wash warm, gentle cycle” then you’re good to wash in the washing machine.
• Handwash Only: Some materials like suede and leather Bobs should only be hand-washed to prevent damage in the washing machine.
• Unspecified: If there are no care instructions shown, check the shoe materials. Shoes made of canvas or fabric blends may be machine-washed, while ones made of more delicate materials are best hand-washed.

When in doubt, opt to handwash to be gentle on your Bobs.

Prepare Your Bob’s for Washing

Before washing, you need to prep your Bob’s shoes:

• Remove Shoelaces and Inserts: Take out the shoelaces and removable shoe inserts if possible. This helps them get completely clean.
• Brush Off Dirt: Use a suede brush, toothbrush, or other soft brush to loosen and brush away any caked-on dirt or mud. This prevents it from getting further ground in during the wash.
• Protect Areas: Stuff the shoe with an old towel to help it hold the structure. Use painter’s tape to cover any logos vulnerable to damage from washing.
• Pre-treat Stains: Spot treat any tough stains by rubbing a few drops of laundry detergent or stain remover stick onto them before washing.

How to Handwash Bob’s Shoes

Handwashing is the most gentle cleaning method and works for all types of Bobs:

What You Need

• Mild laundry detergent or delicate/hand-washed laundry soap
• Several clean microfiber clothes
• Soft bristle brush (optional)
• Small bowl for sudsy water

Steps

1. Make Soapy Water: Fill a bowl with cool water and add a small dab of mild detergent. The solution should create suds when agitated.
2. Dampen Shoe: Dip a cloth in the soapy water then work up a light lather on the shoe exterior by rubbing the damp cloth around.
3. Clean Shoe: Use a fresh soap-wetted cloth to wipe the shoe clean. Pay extra attention to visibly dirty areas. Use a brush to gently scrub stains.
4. Rinse Shoe: Wipe the shoe down with a clean damp cloth to remove all suds and soil residue. Stuff with paper towels to absorb moisture.
5. Air Dry: Stuff the shoe with paper to hold form as it fully air dries. Change the paper if it gets too damp.

Be extra gentle when handwashing suede or leather Bobs to avoid scuffing or discoloration. With patience and care, you can safely hand wash even delicate shoes.

How to Wash Bobs Shoes With Memory Foam – Solution

Bobs shoes are known for their comfort and style, but with all that wear and tear, they can get a little funky. The good news is, that keeping your Bobs clean, even with memory foam insoles, is easier than you think! Here’s a breakdown of both machine and hand-washing methods, ensuring your favorite kicks stay fresh and fabulous.

Before You Begin:

• Check the Care Label: Every Bob’s shoe is different, so always check the care label for specific instructions. Some materials, like leather or suede, require special care.
• Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need lukewarm water, mild detergent (like Woolite or baby shampoo), a soft brush, a mesh laundry bag (optional), and clean towels.

Machine Washing:

1. Prep the Shoes: Remove the laces and insoles. Brush off any loose dirt or debris from the shoe’s exterior.
2. Mesh It Up: Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from snags and tangles. If you don’t have a mesh bag, simply toss them in the washer loose. Mesh laundry bag
3. Gentle Cycle: Choose a delicate cycle with cold water. Avoid using hot water or harsh detergents, which can damage the memory foam and fabric.
4. Skip the Spin: Opt for a low spin speed or skip the spin cycle altogether to prevent the shoes from getting deformed.
5. Air Dry is Key: Remove the shoes from the washer immediately and air dry them in a cool, well-ventilated space. Direct sunlight or heat can shrink the shoes and damage the memory foam.

Hand Washing:

1. Fill ‘Er Up: Grab a basin or sink and fill it with lukewarm water. Add a few squirts of mild detergent and mix to create a gentle sudsy solution.
2. Brush Away: Dip your soft brush into the soapy water and gently scrub the exterior of the shoes, focusing on areas like the soles and toe box.
3. Rinse Repeat: Rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue. Repeat if necessary.
4. Stuff and Dry: Stuff the shoes with clean towels to absorb excess moisture and help them retain their shape. Air-dry them in a cool, well-ventilated area.

Memory Foam TLC:

• Skip the Soak: Avoid soaking memory foam insoles in water, as this can cause them to lose their shape and support.
• Gentle Squeeze: When rinsing the insoles, simply squeeze them gently under running water. Don’t wring or twist them.
• Air Dry Only: Never put memory foam insoles in the dryer. Air-dry them flat on a clean towel in a cool, well-ventilated space.

Bonus Tips:

• Deodorize with Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes before washing to neutralize odors.
• Clean Laces and Insoles Separately: Wash the laces and insoles by hand with mild detergent and air dry them flat.
• Spot Clean Stains: For minor stains, use a damp cloth and mild detergent to gently dab the affected area.

With a little care and attention, your Bobs shoes with memory foam can stay comfortable and stylish for years to come. Remember, the key is to be gentle, use the right cleaning methods, and let them air dry. Happy washing!

How to Machine Wash Bob’s Shoes

For machine washing fabric Bob’s:

What You Need

• Mesh garment bag
• Mild powder laundry detergent
• Old towel

Steps

1. Check Washable: Verify your Bob’s are machine washable by checking the shoe tag.
2. Protect Shoe: Place each shoe in a mesh garment bag and seal the bag. Stuff the shoe with an old towel fill out the shape.
3. Wash on Gentle: Wash the protected shoes by themselves on a gentle or delicate cycle using cool water and a small amount of mild powder detergent.
4. Air Dry: Carefully remove shoes from the bag, take out the towel stuffing, and allow to fully air dry.

The garment bag protects the shoes from beating against the machine while the gentle cycle keeps them from getting damaged.

Be mindful that machine drying can damage glues and the memory foam insole. Always air dry wash Bob’s.

Cleaning Bob’s Shoelace and Insoles

Don’t forget to wash the Bob’s shoelaces and insoles too!

• Shoelaces: Handwash or toss in the washing machine then air dry the Bob’s shoelaces. Use an old toothbrush to scrub off any grime.
• Insoles: Remove insoles and gently handwash or spot clean by dabbing a mixture of warm water and mild soap with a sponge or brush. Blot dry with a towel.

Removing Stains on Your Bob’s

Accidents happen – your Bob’s are bound to wind up with a stain at some point. Here are handy tips for removing common stains from the different shoe materials:

For Fabric Bobs:

• Mud – Let dry then brush well before washing
• Food Grease – Dawn grease spray before washing
• Grass – Diluted white vinegar rinsed with water
• Makeup – Rub with baby wipes before full wash

For Leather Bobs:

• Oils – Cornstarch, let sit 1 hour then wipe away
• Food Grease – Vinegar damp cotton ball dab on a spot
• Scuffs – Rub w/ soft cloth + leather cleaner
• Salt Stains – Damp sponge with 50/50 vinegar & water

For Suede Bobs:

• Food Grease – Suede eraser gently rubbed on the spot
• Mud or dirt – Suede brush vigorously brushed once dry
• Scuffs – Fine grit sandpaper lightly buffed on the affected area

For Mesh Bobs:

• Mud – Nylon brush scrub once dried out
• Dirt – Toothbrush with dish soap, then rinse clean
• Grain debris – Tweezers to pick out caught grains

Eliminating Odor from Your Bob’s

Here are tips for removing those inevitable foot odors from your Bob’s:

• Baking Soda – Sprinkle baking soda in shoes, let sit overnight, and shake out excess.
• Freezer – Place shoes in a bag in the freezer overnight to kill odor bacteria.
• Tea Bags – Stuff damp tea bags in shoes & leave overnight, the tannins fight odor.
• Odor Sprays – Spritz shoes with specialized odor-eliminating shoe sprays.

You can also help prevent future odors by:

• Wearing socks to absorb sweat
• Using shoe powders and insoles
• Rotating pairs so each fully air dry between wears

Caring for Your Bob’s After Washing

After washing your Bob’s, a little extra care will keep them looking spiffy:

• Condition: Treat leather and suede Bobs with appropriate conditioner cream after washing. Massage into material with a cloth once the shoes are fully dry.
• Weatherproof: Waterproof sprays help protect suede and fabric Bobs from getting soaked in wet conditions which can stain or misshape them. Re-spray after a few wears.
• Add Protectants: Clear pastes help guard leather and suede from scuffs and stains during wear. Buffing into the material per product instructions.
• Stuff Shoes: Always stuff shoes with paper towels or shoe trees after each wear. It absorbs moisture, maintains the shape and prevents creasing.
• Store Properly: Keep Bob’s stored out of direct sunlight and extreme temps which can degrade materials.

FAQs: Bob’s Cleaning

Still, have some questions about getting your Bob’s shoes fresh and clean? Here are answers to some frequently asked Bob’s washing questions:

Can you put Bobs shoes in the dryer?

No, you should always air dry washed Bob’s shoes to prevent heat damage to glues and foam materials.

How do you clean white Bob’s shoes?

Mix baking soda and warm water into a paste, gently scrub onto white canvas Bob’s with a toothbrush, then rinse clean.

Should you wash Bob’s before first wear?

It’s not mandatory, but washing brand-new Bob’s can help remove excess dye and manufacturing chemicals that can initially cause foot irritation.

How often should you wash Bob’s?

Aim to wash casual fabric Bob’s every 2-3 weeks with wear. For leather or suede, wash every 2-3 months when they look dirty. Overwashing can degrade shoes.

Why do my Bob’s shoes smell so bad?

Bob’s easily retain odor from sweat when worn sockless plus have foam layers where smells get trapped. Follow our odor-removing tips to get them fresh.

Still have questions? The product detail page and customer experience team have additional cleaning details for your specific Bob’s shoe style.

Conclusion: Recap Best Tips for Washing Bob’s Shoes

To summarize, follow this checklist to clean Bob’s shoes the optimal way:

• Inspect the care tag and pick the handwash vs machine wash method
• Prep shoes by removing laces/inserts and brushing dirt off
• Protect logos with tape and pre-treat any set-in stains
• Handwash using gentle sudsy water, rinse, repeat and air dry away from direct heat

OR

• Check machine washable, place shoes in a garment bag with towel stuffing
• Wash alone on delicates cycle with mild detergent then air dry
• Spot clean laces and inserts separately
• Use odor eliminators and absorbents to keep shoes fresh
• Apply protective sprays or creams after washing leather or suede pairs