Can I Wash My Sneakers? Discover Japan’s Unique “Shoes Laundries”
Dirty Shoes from Exploring?
You’ve been walking 20,000 steps a day exploring temples in Kyoto and busy streets in Tokyo. Naturally, your sneakers are getting dirty and maybe a little smelly.
You might wonder: “Can I throw my shoes in the washing machine at the coin laundry?”
STOP! Never put shoes in a regular clothing washing machine. It is bad manners and can damage the machine.
However, Japan has a brilliant solution: specialized “Sneaker Laundries.”
What is a Sneaker Laundry?
Look inside a typical Japanese coin laundry. In a corner, you will often see a smaller, strange-looking machine stacked on top of another.
- The Washer (Bottom): Inside the drum, there are large, stiff nylon brushes. These brushes spin vigorously to scrub the dirt off your shoes.
- The Dryer (Top): It has poles designed to hold shoes open while blowing hot air inside them.
How to Use It
It’s very cheap and fast. It usually costs only 200 JPY to wash and 100 JPY for 20 minutes of drying.
- Remove mud from the soles before entering the shop.
- Take out laces and insoles for a better wash (optional).
- Place shoes inside the washer drum (usually up to 2 pairs of adult shoes).
- Insert coins. Detergent is usually added automatically.
- Once finished, move them to the dryer above. Fit shoes onto the dryer poles.
In about 40-60 minutes, your travel shoes will look brand new!
Important Notes
- Only wash sneakers or canvas shoes. Do not wash leather shoes, suede, or high-end boots, as they will be damaged.
Conclusion
This is one of the most useful “secret” features of Japanese coin laundries. Keep your feet fresh for more walking!