Can Minnetonka Moccasins be washed in the washing machine?

Minnetonka Moccasins are a type of footwear originally made from Deer skin, Cow Suede, moosehide, or soft fabric.

They are typically worn indoors and are a popular choice for those looking for comfortable shoes to wear when walking around their home or office.

However, if the climate and conditions allow, soft-sole moccasin loafers can be worn outside.

They are available in a variety of styles and fabrics, from casual shoes to formal boots.

With all that said, just like any other footwear Minnetonka Moccasins too get dirty and need regular cleaning.

A Minnetonka Moccasin should always be Hand-washed and Spot-Cleaned in order to retain the original look and feel of the shoes. However, the official Minnetonka site suggests we can machine wash suede moccasins in extreme cases.

Let’s take a deeper look at the washing process and best practices to avoid damage to the shoes.

Can you put moccasins in a washing machine?

Moccasins can be washed in the washing machine just like other types of shoes.

However, the official Minnetonka site suggests spot cleaning is the recommended way of cleaning the moccasins in order to keep them looking new (1).

Machine washing is also an option, but it should be done in extreme cases. For example, if your Minnetonka shoes have been covered in mud, or if they have become so dirty that spot cleaning won’t help.

So, if you decide to machine wash your moccasins, it’s best to set your washer on a delicate cycle and set the water temperature as cold.

How do you wash Minnetonka Moccasins?

Washing a Minnetonka Moccasin is easy and there are 3 ways to clean them.

• Spot Clean Moccasins
• Hand Wash Moccasins
• Machine Wash Moccasins

Let’s take a quick look at each of these washing methods in detail.

Spot Clean Minnetonka Moccasins

In order to spot cleaning your moccasins, you will need the below items.

• Minnetonka Suede & Leather Cleaner
• Soft Brush or Sponge (You can even use a toothbrush)
• Water
• Soft Microfiber cloth
• Wipes (optional)

Once you have the above items handy you can start the spot cleaning process.

Instructions to Spot Clean Moccasins

Step 1: Work on the Dirt

Using a toothbrush or any soft-brush work on the stains and dirt. The idea is to remove the loose and dry dirt.

Step 2: Dip the Brush in Water and Work on the stains

The next step is to the brush in water and then work on the stains to loosen them further.

Step 3: Wipe the Shoes

Once you are done with the initial pre-treatment, wipe the shoes with a soft microfiber cloth.

Step 4: Apply Leather Cleaner

Next, With the help of a damp soft cloth OR sponge apply Minnetonka Suede & Leather Cleaner to your shoes.

Step 5: Brush the Shoes

Allow the solution to settle for a few minutes and then brush the shoes with a soft brush and clean water.

Step 6: Wipe the shoes again

Now, wipe the shoes with a soft microfiber cloth and remove any excess moisture.

Once, you have wiped the external areas, you may wipe the inside part of your shoes with baby wipes.

If you don’t have wipes at home, you can dip a microfiber cloth in a disinfectant solution like Lysol or Dettol and wipe the inside area carefully.

Step 7: Air Dry the Shoes

As a best practice, it’s safe and good to dry your shoes naturally.

How to Hand-Wash Minnetonka Moccasins?

Hand-washing moccasins are similar to spot cleaning, the only extra step is to wash them in a Tub OR Sink.

Let’s take a quick look at the steps involved in hand-washing moccasins.

Instructions to Hand-Wash Moccasins

Step 1: Read the Care Label

The very first step is to read the care label of your moccasin as it will help you to know the best way to wash them.

Not all moccasins are the same and they may require different methods of washing.

Step 2: Pour water into a Tub or Sink

Once you have figured out the right approach is to hand wash your moccasins, it’s time to pour cold water into a tub.

Step 3: Soak the Moccasin in Water

Next, soak your shoes in the tub for a minute or two.

Step 4: Pour baby shampoo on your shoes

Now, pour baby shampoo on your shoes and work on the affected areas using a soft brush or toothbrush.

Make sure to work on the inside part as well.

Step 5: Rinse the Moccasins

Now, rinse the moccasins in cold water so that the soap residue is eliminated.

Step 6: Dry the Moccasins with a towel

Wipe your shoes with a towel and try to get rid of extra moisture.

Step 7: Air Dry the Shoes

Stuff some newspaper OR tissue inside your shoes and hang them to air dry naturally.

Illustration diagram that shows how to hand wash minnetonka moccasins effectively

How to Machine Wash Moccasins?

Machine washing is usually not a recommended method for washing moccasins.

This step should only be taken in extreme and exceptional scenarios.

Instructions to Machine Wash Moccasins

Step 1: Read the Care Label

Before even thinking about putting your moccasins in the washing machine it’s highly recommended to read the care label.

The official Minnetonka site clearly says “Machine washing should be done in extreme cases” so just be careful with this approach.

Step 2: Pre-treat Your Moccasins

Once you are confident that your shoes can be machine washed, start by pre-treating them by either using a Leather cleaner OR by simply using baby shampoo.

Just apply either one of them to the affected areas and brush it with a soft toothbrush or sponge.

Step 3: Apply Some baby shampoo to your shoes

The next step is to apply some baby shampoo to your shoes evenly on all the sides (Including the inside part).

Step 4: Put your Moccasins in the washer

Now, put the shoes in your washing machine and select the right settings

Step 5: Choose the right wash settings

Choosing the right settings is very important in order to clean your shoes safely.

Here are the ideal washing machine settings to wash your moccasins safely.

• Wash Type: Delicate
• Spin Speed: Low
• Soil Level: Normal
• Pre-Wash: Not required as you have already pre-treated.
• Water Temperature: Cold Water

Step 6: Run the Wash Cycle

Hit the start button and wait for the cycle to complete.

Step 7: Remove the shoes and dry them off using a towel

Now, take a soft towel and dry your shoes. The idea is to get rid of the excess moisture from the shoes in order to reduce the drying time.

Step 8: Air Dry Naturally

Simply, stuff tissue paper inside the shoes and hang them to air dry in a cool place.

Lastly, avoid direct exposure to sun post wash as that is not good for your Moccasins.

How to clean smelly Minnetonka Slippers?

Based on how heavily soiled the slippers are you may either choose to hand-wash or machine wash your Minnetonka Slippers.

Washing your Minnetonka Slippers is the best way to get rid of the smell.

However, washing may not be a convenient option all the time.

If you are unable to wash your Minnetonka Slippers for any reason, it’s best to try and sprinkle some foot powder or baking soda in the slippers.

Baking soda OR foot powder helps to neutralize the smell.

Here’s how you can use baking soda or foot powder to eliminate bad odors from your slippers.

Step 1: Sprinkle Baking soda OR foot powder thoroughly and allow them to settle for a few hours.

Step 2: Vacuum the powder thoroughly.

Step 3: Wipe them using baby wipes OR disinfectant.

How do you take care of moccasins?

To care for your Moccasins, you can follow the same steps as you would for your other shoes.

There is no special prep work required to keep your moccasins in good shape.

With some simple caring tips, your shoes should last for a long time.

Here are some common caring tips that you can follow to keep your moccasins in good condition.

• Always spot clean the dirt as soon as it builds up on the shoe.
• It’s best to avoid wearing your moccasins in the rainy season.
• Do not use harsh detergents to wash them, instead use baby shampoo.
• Make sure they are stored in a cool place and keep them away from direct sunlight.
• Do not use force to brush off the stains.
• Always Air-dry them and avoid dryers.
• Make limited use of machine washing.
• Do not Ignore the care labels as they will have all the necessary information related to maintenance.
• Don’t be shy about using suede spray to give the finishing touches.
• Do not ignore the inside part when cleaning your shoes.
• Use a good quality disinfectant when cleaning the inside part of your shoes.

Final Thoughts

Minnetonka moccasins are a great shoe for any occasion. They are comfortable to wear and are long-lasting if proper care is taken.

It’s highly recommended to wash your moccasins at least once a month if you wear them less frequently.

However, you may need to increase the cleaning frequency to maybe once a week if you wear them quite often.

Lastly, do not ignore the care label before choosing the approach to wash them.