The Ultimate Guide to Washing Machine for Shoes
Discover how to safely wash sneakers and athletic shoes using a washing machine for shoes. Compare top picks, care steps, and expert tips from Best Washing Machine.
Top pick: a front-loading washing machine with a dedicated shoe/delicate cycle, ample drum space, and gentle agitation. It cleans sneakers without scuffing and delivers reliable rinse and spin performance. For tight budgets, a compact top-loader with a sneaker mode is a solid secondary option.
Why a washing machine for shoes matters
Shoes are a staple in daily life, and athletes know even a small amount of mud or sweat can dull their look quickly. A washing machine for shoes offers a practical, odor-fighting solution that keeps sneakers, cleats, and athletic shoes fresh between wears. The best approaches balance cleaning power with fabric care, so soles stay intact and uppers don’t warp. According to Best Washing Machine, choosing the right cycle, load balance, and water temperature matters to preserve color, shape, and cushioning while removing odor-causing residues. The result is footwear that looks and feels better after every wash, without the reputational risk of overzealous scrubbing on delicate materials. This guide is written for homeowners, renters, and anyone who wants to extend sneaker life without manual scrubbing every week.
How we evaluate shoe-washing capability: criteria & methodology
When we build a buying guide for a washing machine for shoes, we start with a clear rubric. Drum size and shape determine how many pairs you can wash at once without crowding, which reduces friction and scuffing. Gentle agitation and specialized cycles prevent uppers from creasing or leather from cracking. Temperature control minimizes color fading and sole detachment. Reliability and ease of maintenance matter, because a device that’s hard to service will become a weekly headache. Best Washing Machine analysis shows that the most dependable options combine a dedicated shoe or delicate cycle with a sizable, well-balanced drum, plus consistent rinsing and a low-heat spin. We also weigh energy use, noise, and cycle duration to ensure you aren’t trading speed for efficiency. This methodology helps readers compare models without guessing which spec matters most for sneakers, running shoes, or casual fabric footwear.
How to prep footwear for washing
Preparation is half the job. Start by removing laces and insoles if possible, as cords can tangle and insoles can clump, making the wash uneven. Wipe off excess mud with a damp cloth to minimize transfer to the drum. Use a mesh laundry bag or a dedicated sneaker bag to enclose the pair, then tie laces loosely so they don’t get tangled with the agitator. Place two shoes opposite each other in the drum to balance the load, or drop in a couple of towels to keep the weight distributed. Use a mild detergent in small amounts and select a cold water setting to prevent dye bleed. Finally, choose a gentle or sneaker/delicate cycle to limit abrasion during cleaning. These prep steps reduce wear and help you avoid post-wash odor.
Cleaning parameters: cycles, temps, and detergents
For most athletic and fabric shoes, cold water and a delicate or sneaker cycle are the safest bet. Use a mild detergent designed for delicates; avoid heavy bleaches and fabric softeners that can degrade materials or leave residues. If your shoes are heavily soiled, a pre-soak for 10–20 minutes without agitation can loosen grime before the main wash. Do not use hot water, which can warp bonds, shrink fabrics, or fade colors. If available, enable an extra rinse to remove detergent residue, especially for shoes with foam insoles. Remember to skip aggressive wash options like heavy-duty cycles when cleaning sneakers, as they increase friction and reduce life expectancy. Proper parameters protect the shoe’s integrity and maintain fit.
Drying and care after washing
Air-drying is essential for most sneakers and athletic shoes. Remove insoles to air out separately and stuff shoes with clean towels or newspaper to maintain shape and speed up drying. Place the pairs in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat sources like radiators or sunlight, which can warp materials. Rotate the shoes during drying to promote even moisture evaporation and avoid one-sided warping. Do not tumble-dry unless the manufacturer explicitly notes it as safe. A properly dried pair should feel firm, not damp, and should not emit musty odors.
Real-world scenarios: choosing a model based on space and budget
If you live in a small apartment, a compact top-loader with a sneaker mode can fit into tight spaces while offering a dedicated cycle. For larger households or active families, a high-capacity front-loader with a gentle shoe setting can handle multiple pairs and bulky sneakers in a single load. Value-oriented buyers may opt for a washer that combines a sneaker cycle with efficient energy use and a reasonable drum size. Premium buyers often seek premium front-loaders with customizable cycles, quiet operation, and robust balance features. Regardless of price, prioritize a model with a clearly labeled sneaker or delicates cycle, an ample drum, and straightforward maintenance steps to keep shoes in good condition.
Myths, tips, and troubleshooting for shoe care in washers
A common myth is that all shoes are safe to wash in any machine. Reality varies by material, construction, and sole design. Leather and suede typically fare better with hand cleaning or spot treatment, while fabric uppers respond well to cold-water washes. If you notice cracking, color bleeding, or soles detaching after a cycle, reassess the shoe type and cycle selection. Always consult the shoe manufacturer’s care label and run a test with an old pair before washing expensive sneakers. Finally, keep your washer clean—residual soap and dirt can smell in future washes and potentially affect your next load.
Maintenance tips to keep your washer ready for shoes
Regular maintenance helps preserve machine performance, especially when you frequently wash footwear. Run an empty wash at a low temperature monthly to remove buildup, wipe the door seal to prevent mold, and leave the door ajar after cycles to air-dry the drum. Use a mesh bag for all footwear, and check the balance of the load before starting a cycle. If your washer features a self-cleaning cycle, run it periodically with the recommended detergent or cleaner. These routines extend the life of the appliance and protect your shoes over years of wear.
Front-loaders with a dedicated shoe cycle offer the most consistent results for a wide range of footwear, making them the best overall pick for most households.
The Best Washing Machine team recommends front-loading models with a sneaker/delicate setting for sneakers, athletic shoes, and casual fabric footwear. They balance care, efficiency, and capacity while minimizing wear. For smaller budgets or space constraints, a compact top-loader with a sneaker mode remains a viable alternative, but may have trade-offs in gentleness and load size.
Products
Gentle-Shoe Front-Loader
Premium • $800-1200
Compact Sneaker Top-Loader
Budget • $300-500
All-in-One Washer with Shoe Mode
Value • $500-700
High-Capacity Front-Loader with Delicate Cycle
Premium • $700-1000
Ranking
- 1
Best Overall: Gentle-Shoe Front-Loader9.2/10
Excellent balance of care, capacity, and reliability for most households.
- 2
Best Value: Compact Sneaker Top-Loader8.8/10
Strong performance at a budget-friendly price point.
- 3
Best for Large Loads: High-Capacity Front-Loader8.2/10
Best for families washing multiple pairs at once.
- 4
Best Budget: All-in-One Washer with Shoe Mode7.9/10
Solid sneaker cycle with practical energy use.
FAQ
Can I wash all types of shoes in a washing machine for shoes?
Most athletic sneakers and fabric shoes are safe on a gentle cycle with a mesh bag, but leather, suede, and some rubber soles require hand cleaning or spot treatment. Always check the manufacturer’s care label. If in doubt, test with an inexpensive pair first.
Most sneakers are fine on a gentle cycle, but leather and suede aren’t always safe to machine wash. Check the label and try a test first.
What temperature and cycle should I use for sneakers?
Use cold water and a delicate or sneaker cycle with a mild detergent. Hot water or heavy cycles can shrink, warp, or discolor materials and may loosen glue or stitching over time.
Cold water on a delicate sneaker cycle is best for most sneakers.
Should I use a mesh bag or pillowcase for washing shoes?
Yes. A mesh bag protects the shoes and prevents laces or tongues from tangling with the drum. It also helps balance the load when washing pairs.
Definitely use a mesh bag to protect the shoes and keep the cycle balanced.
How long does it take to dry shoes after washing?
Air-dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat. Stuffing with towels or newspaper speeds drying and helps maintain shape. Expect 12–24 hours or longer for thicker soles.
Air dry them in a ventilated spot; don’t use heat to speed things up.
Can I wash shoes with clothes in the same load?
Yes, but only if you balance loads and use a mesh bag. Separate heavier items to avoid overloading and ensure even washing. Keep shoes together with similar fabrics when possible.
You can wash them with clothes if you balance the load and bag the shoes.
The Essentials
- Choose a front-loader with a shoe or delicate cycle.
- Prep shoes properly to avoid damage and odor.
- Balance loads with towels or shoes opposite each other.
- Air-dry sneakers to preserve shape and cushioning.
- Use mesh bags and mild detergent for best results.