How to Wash Your Nursing Shoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Care instructions BALA Twelves how to wash nurse shoes
Dec 9, 2021
Delaney Larkin
CaviWipe didn't clean up the spill? Toss your Twelves in the washing machine and have them looking good as new in no time.


 

STEP ONE: Wipe your Twelves all over with a CaviWipe.
Try not to smear the spill if possible. If the spill has soaked into the ShiftShield textile (that's the outer layer of your shoe), try taking a clean CaviWipe and wiping the underside of the ShiftShield.


  
 
STEP TWO: Remove the insoles and set aside.
You can wash your Twelves with the insoles in, but it increases drying time. If your insoles need a wash, take them out and include them in the wash separately.


 
 
STEP THREE: Tie each pair of laces into a bow and tuck inside the shoes.
This step ensures that your laces don't get tangled or stuck in the washing drum!


 
 

STEP FOUR: Wash & Wipe 

    1. Apply a gentle stain remover to your Twelves as necessary and let sit. If your stain  has really set in, try applying the stain remover to the underside of the ShiftShield.
    2. Set your washing machine to a delicates cycle. Pro Tip: choose your water temperature based on the type of stain. Scroll to the bottom for more info! 
    3. Add just a smidge of laundry detergent.

    4. Toss your Twelves in and run the cycle! 

    5. Remove your Twelves from the washer. If there is still any debris stuck between the layers on top of the shoe, take a dry paper towel and wipe between the layers, from the front of the shoe to the back.


 
STEP FIVE: Dry your Twelves
Here are a few options that will ensure that your shoes dry all the way through, depending on how much time you have:

The quick route: Unlace your Twelves to encourage air circulation throughout the shoe. Place them in front of a heater or air vent, wait for approximately 12 hours. Do not put wet insoles into wet shoes! Insoles should be washed and dried separately.

 

 
The thorough route:
  1. Stuff newspaper into each shoe. Try using smaller, looser balls of newspaper in the front of the shoe and larger, tighter wads as you move toward the back of the shoe.

    1. Leave in a warm, dry place for approximately 3 to 4 hours.

    2. Swap out the newspaper (following the same steps as before) and leave for another 4 to 6 hours.

        The easiest route: Purchase a shoe or boot dryer and watch the magic happen. Here are a few recommendations from the BALA team: 
          1. Cheap: KOODER Boot Dryer, $16.99
          2. Middle of the road: Dr. Prepare Boot Dryer, $35.99
          3. For drying multiple pairs: PEET Advantage 4-Shoe Electric Express, $99.99
             
             

         

        Voila! Your Twelves should be fresh as daisies :)

         
         
         
        When using warm water, spot soak with hot water on stain area prior to washing, if possible. We don't recommend using a hot water cycle as it may damage your shoes.