Crowdfunding is at its best when it stops being a marketing gimmick for brands already backed by big corporations and returns to what it does best, helping budding entrepreneurs and fresh startups turn their ideas into reality. SwitchBot was a prime example of how a scrappy startup can grow into a full-blown corporation. But empowering startups is only part of the picture; it’s equally about supporting genuinely good ideas. Launbot and Fraction are strong cases in point, and the Midishi M1 shoe washer looks like it’s treading the same promising path.
Currently the subject of a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, the Midishi M1 is an all-in-one automatic shoe washer and dryer that lets people clean their shoes at home with minimal effort. It washes, spins, hot-air dries, and sanitizes shoes in one compact system, offering a cleaner, faster, and more convenient way to care for sneakers and everyday footwear.
According to the brand’s Kickstarter page, the Midishi M1 is designed for everyday footwear such as sneakers, sports shoes, canvas shoes, and other common washable shoe types. “For delicate materials such as suede, premium leather, or shoes with special finishes, we recommend extra care and checking the material before washing,” the brand notes.
That said, the M1 still cleans, spins, dries, and sanitizes footwear in under 30 minutes, which, on paper, is impressive. Cleaning shoes has always been one of the stubbornly tedious chores. Scrubbing them by hand takes forever, and throwing them in a standard washing machine is a gamble. They may come out clean, but damaged, too. And then there’s the drying time, which can stretch for hours or even weeks during a prolonged rainy season.
One may argue, why not invest in a dedicated shoe washer? Well, most shoe washers stop at the washing stage, leaving footwear sitting wet for hours. This is where the Midishi M1 sets itself apart. It not only washes but also spins, warms, dries, and sterilizes shoes.
Users can choose from four cleaning modes: Quick Wash, Standard, Deep Wash, or Self-Cleaning, depending on the dirtiness and the material of their shoes. The process is refreshingly simple: plug the machine in, add water, pick a mode, and walk away. In under 30 minutes, shoes come out both cleaned and dried.
So, what’s the science behind this? “MIDISHI M1 uses a multi-brush drum system to help clean the surface of shoes while the machine runs through the wash cycle. This helps reduce the manual effort normally needed for scrubbing,” the brand explains. Detergent or soap can be added for tougher stains, though the manufacturer notes that the brushing action alone is generally effective.
For drying, the machine features an external pull-out design that blows either cool or warm air, with both modes intended to help preserve the shape of the footwear. Another standout feature is built-in sanitization. The M1 uses UVC light combined with silver ions to kill bacteria and neutralize odors, so shoes emerge not just visually clean but genuinely hygienic.
Also Read: Cleaning Shoes Made Fun and Easy with Haier Shoe Washing Machine
The machine can handle up to two pairs of adult shoes or three pairs of children’s shoes per cycle. Its internal drum measures approximately 12.6 inches in length by 11 inches in width, accommodating most sneakers up to a men’s US size 14, though larger or high-top designs may need to be washed one pair at a time. The unit itself measures roughly 13.8 x 18.1 x 13 inches, weighs just under 19.8 lbs, and operates at around 55 dB, about the volume of a normal conversation, making it reasonably quiet and portable.
The M1 is compatible with a wide range of everyday materials, including leather, mesh, rubber, EVA foam, nylon, and cork. Delicate items such as heeled shoes, sandals with glued accessories, or structured leather boots are best kept out of the drum. The interested can pledge $300 to secure the Midishi M1, 40 percent off its retail price of $525.
