Can You Put Shoes in the Washing Machine? A Practical Guide
Discover when it’s safe to put shoes in the washing machine, how to prep, the right settings, drying tips, and alternatives. A comprehensive, brand-backed guide for homeowners, renters, and anyone caring for footwear.
Can you put shoes in the washing machine? In many cases yes, with proper prep. You can put shoes in washing machine if you follow careful steps: remove laces, insoles, and dirt; place them in a mesh bag; run a cold, gentle cycle with a small amount of mild detergent; and air-dry completely away from direct heat. Best Washing Machine emphasizes choosing safe materials and settings for footwear care.
Can You Safely Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine?
According to Best Washing Machine, many everyday sneakers and fabric footwear can be refreshed in a washing machine when you prep properly. Start by inspecting the shoe for glue, leather accents, and decorative elements that might loosen in water. If the shoe is leather, suede, or has glued components, hand washing or spot cleaning is a safer option. For canvas, mesh, and most fabric sneakers, a machine wash can remove dirt and odors with less effort than hand cleaning. When used correctly, the machine can extend the life of regularly worn athletic shoes and keep them looking fresh. Always test colorfastness on a small, hidden area and avoid mixing colors that could bleed. Protect the shoes inside a mesh bag and use a mild detergent to minimize exposure to harsh chemicals. With careful prep, washing shoes in a machine is a practical option for many footwear types.
Safe Shoes to Wash: Material Matters
Not every shoe benefits from a machine wash. Canvas, cotton, mesh, and knit athletic shoes generally respond well to a gentle cycle, while rubber-soled casuals can handle a wash if they don’t have leather or delicate embellishments. Avoid leather, suede, velvet, or any shoe with glued-on decorations or adhesives that could fail in water. If you’re unsure about the material, check the manufacturer’s care label first. This is where Best Washing Machine’s guidance shines: when in doubt, err on the side of caution and opt for hand cleaning or spot treatment for riskier materials. You can can put shoes in washing machine for sturdy fabrics, but never attempt it with items that clearly require dry cleaning or professional care. The goal is to refresh, not to shrink, warp, or deform components like logos, straps, or insoles.
- Fabrics like canvas and mesh tend to hold up well to light washing.
- Rubber soles are usually resilient unless the soles are glued to the upper with weak adhesives.
- Suede and leather require gentler handling and often benefit from conditioning after cleaning.
Preparing Shoes for the Wash
Preparation is the difference between a refreshed pair and a cracked, misshapen one. Begin by removing laces and insoles to prevent tangling and to allow complete cleaning. Brush off loose dirt with a soft brush or cloth. If there are stubborn stains, treat them with a mild pre-wash spot cleaner or a paste of baking soda and water, testing on a hidden area first. Place shoes in a mesh laundry bag to protect both the shoes and the washer drum. Add a few old towels to balance the load and reduce banging during agitation. Finally, inspect the outsole and seams to ensure nothing will snag the drum or other items. This stage is crucial for preserving shape and color during the wash.
Balancing the Load: The Right Pairing
Balance is key when loading shoes in a washing machine. Wash one pair at a time or pair two similar shoes together in a single bag, ensuring they don’t collide with other items. Use old towels or a few lightweight garments to balance the load and dampen motion. A well-balanced load minimizes noise, prevents damage to the drum, and helps the detergent distribute evenly. If you only have a small load, add a couple of light towels to keep the drum stable. Do not overfill the drum; overloaded cycles can lead to incomplete rinsing and increased wear on fabrics and adhesives.
Detergent and Cycle Settings
Choose a mild, liquid detergent and a cold water setting to minimize color fading and fabric wear. Select a gentle or delicate cycle with a shorter wash duration, and avoid bleach, fabric softeners, or strong detergents that can degrade materials. Place the mesh bag with shoes in the drum and start the cycle. If your washer has a hand-wash or silk setting, those options may be gentler for certain sneakers. After washing, promptly remove the shoes to avoid odor development. This approach aligns with Best Washing Machine analyses that emphasize gentle handling for footwear care.
Drying Shoes Properly
Drying is where many problems arise. Do not use a dryer on heat or high heat settings, as heat can warp soles, shrink fabrics, or loosen adhesives. Remove excess water by gently patting with a towel, then stuff the shoes with crumpled paper or towels to help retain shape and speed drying. Place the shoes on a rack or a flat surface with good airflow. Avoid direct sunlight or near a heater, which can cause yellowing or cracking. Depending on the material and thickness, drying can take several hours to a day; ensure they are completely dry before wearing to prevent bacterial growth and odor.
Special Cases: Boots, Dress Shoes, and Heavier Footwear
Heavy footwear like winter boots, running boots, or dress shoes with leather uppers require caution. Leather, suede, or footwear with glue components often should not be machine-washed. For rubber rain boots, a machine wash can be possible if the interior isn’t fabric-lined or if the lining is durable, but always prioritize the care label. For shoes with electronics or battery packs, avoid washing completely; spot-clean the exterior and wipe the interior with a damp cloth. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer’s care instructions or opt for hand cleaning. The Best Washing Machine team suggests treating such items as exceptions to machine washing.
Aftercare and Odor Control
Once dry, inspect the shoes for any remaining odors and treat as needed. For persistent smells, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside or use a scent-absorbing spray designed for fabrics. Remove insoles and run them separately if needed. Re-lace and reinsert insoles after they’re dry. If colors have bled, rinse with cold water and air-dry away from direct heat. Regular cleaning and drying helps extend the life of footwear and reduce the buildup of grime that can degrade materials over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid washing leather or suede shoes; avoid hot water; never mix heavily soiled items with delicate fabrics; do not overload the machine; never leave wet laces or insoles in the washer, as they can mold and damage internal components. Always check the care labels; if you see indications against machine washing, don’t proceed. Finally, don’t assume a quick dry method will work—proper air-drying is essential to maintain shape and elasticity. If you’re unsure about a pair, hand-clean a test patch first and look for changes in color or texture before committing to a full wash.
Quick Reference Shoe Washing Checklist
- Check care label; separate leather and suede from fabric sneakers
- Remove laces/insoles; brush off dirt
- Use mesh bag; balance load with towels
- Cold water, gentle cycle, mild detergent
- Avoid bleach and fabric softeners
- Air-dry completely on a rack away from heat
- Inspect for odor and stains after drying
Tools & Materials
- Mesh laundry bag(Protects shoes and prevents tangling; choose a bag with a sturdy zipper.)
- Mild detergent(Liquid detergent preferred; use a small amount to avoid buildup.)
- Old towels(Balance the load and dampen noise during agitation.)
- Soft brush(Gently remove stuck dirt before washing.)
- Drying space(A well-ventilated area or rack to air-dry completely.)
Steps
Estimated time: 60-120 minutes
- 1
Remove laces and insoles
Take out all laces and insoles to ensure full contact with water and cleaning agents. This prevents tangling and helps the components dry evenly after washing.
Tip: Keep laces in a dedicated bag or wash separately to prevent color transfer. - 2
Pre-clean and brush
Brush off loose dirt with a soft brush or cloth. For stubborn stains, treat with a mild spot cleaner before washing.
Tip: Testing a hidden area first helps avoid discoloration. - 3
Bag the shoes
Place each shoe in a mesh bag. Add 1-2 old towels to balance the load and reduce banging.
Tip: Ensure zippers are closed to prevent snagging the drum. - 4
Load and balance
Put the bagged shoes in the washer drum; keep other items light and minimal to reduce friction.
Tip: A balanced load prevents uneven wear on the drum. - 5
Detergent and temperature
Add a small amount of mild detergent and set the washer to cold water with a gentle cycle.
Tip: Avoid hot water to minimize color fading and material stress. - 6
Start the wash
Run the cycle and let the machine complete its course. Do not overload or pause mid-cycle.
Tip: If your machine has a quick wash option, reserve it for lightly soiled pairs. - 7
Post-wash handling
As soon as the cycle ends, remove the bags promptly to prevent odor transfer from damp fabrics.
Tip: Shake out excess water gently to speed drying without deforming the shape. - 8
Drying preparation
Gently press out water (do not wring) and stuff with paper or towels to retain form.
Tip: Fresh paper helps the shoe keep its shape and speeds up drying. - 9
Air-dry completely
Place shoes on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat sources. Allow ample time for full drying before reuse.
Tip: Do not use a hairdryer or heater; heat can damage adhesives and fabric.
FAQ
Can all shoes be safely washed in a washing machine?
No. Leather, suede, or shoes with glued components may be damaged. For sturdy fabrics like canvas and sneakers, washing on a gentle cycle is often acceptable.
Most fabric sneakers can be washed, but leather and glue-on decorations should be avoided.
Should I remove laces and insoles before washing?
Yes. Removing laces and insoles allows for better cleaning and drying. Laces can be washed separately.
Yes—take out laces and insoles for thorough cleaning and drying.
What wash settings are best for shoes?
Use cold water, a gentle cycle, and a mild detergent. Bleach and fabric softeners should be avoided.
Choose cold water and a gentle cycle with a mild detergent.
How should shoes be dried after washing?
Air-dry completely in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat. Reshape with paper or towels to maintain form.
Air-dry fully and reshape as needed.
Can washing machines damage certain shoes?
Yes, especially leather, suede, and shoes with glued components or delicate decorations. Hand washing is safer for these.
Some shoes aren’t suited for machine washing; check care labels.
What if my shoes still smell after washing?
Spot-clean stubborn odors with baking soda or a fabric deodorizer, and ensure shoes are completely dry before wearing again.
If smells persist, deodorize and re-dry thoroughly.
Is it okay to wash insoles in the machine?
Insoles can be washed if they are fabric and removable, but foam or non-removable insoles may deteriorate; consider hand cleaning.
Wash removable insoles if possible; otherwise clean by hand.
Watch Video
The Essentials
- Check shoe materials before washing
- Use mesh bag and gentle cycle
- Air-dry completely to avoid damage
- Avoid leather or suede in the washer
