Can a Washing Machine Wash Shoes? A Practical Guide

Can Washing Shoes Be Safe? A Quick Check

The question can washing machine wash shoes is one many homeowners ask, and the short answer is often yes, with important caveats. Cleaning footwear in a machine can save time, but success depends on the shoe material, construction, and how you prepare the load. According to Best Washing Machine, start by checking the care label and material type. Leather, suede, or shoes with glued components are usually not ideal for machine washing, while canvas, fabric, and many synthetic sneakers can respond well to a cold, gentle cycle with a small amount of mild detergent. If you are uncertain, run a test on an old pair or a similar shoe to gauge agitation and colorfastness. Remember that can washing machine wash shoes safely hinges on proper loading, protective bags, and avoiding overload. By following these steps, you reduce the risk of color transfer, deformation, or damage to the washer drum, while still giving your footwear a refreshed look.

How to Prep Shoes for the Machine

Before you load footwear into the washing machine, a careful prep routine makes all the difference. Begin by removing laces and insoles to prevent tangling and wear on the shoe interiors. Brush off loose dirt, mud, and debris with a soft brush or cloth. Tie laces together in a knot or place them in a small mesh bag to keep them from getting lost in the wash. Place shoes in a dedicated laundry bag or pillowcase to cushion them and protect the washer drum. Add a couple of old towels or a pair of sneakers with similar colors to balance the load and reduce friction. If you have multiple pairs, limit it to one or two to avoid overcrowding. This prep helps can washing machine wash shoes safely while maintaining the integrity of the footwear and the appliance.

Best Settings and Materials to Wash Shoes

Choosing the right settings is essential for safe shoe washing. Use a cold water temperature with a gentle cycle for most sneakers, canvas, and fabric shoes. A short or medium wash duration works best to minimize excessive agitation. Use a small amount of mild detergent and skip bleach, which can harm color and material fibers. For heavier dirt on athletic shoes, consider a pre-soak with a little detergent in warm water, then finish with the gentle cycle. Materials matter: canvas, mesh, and synthetic uppers respond well to machine cleaning, while leather, suede, wool, and delicate glues are risky—hand washing or spot cleaning is preferred for these. Best Washing Machine’s guidance emphasizes testing care labels and keeping a light load to prevent damage to the drum and belts. When can washing machine wash shoes, think balance, not big loads.

Drying Shoes Safely

Drying is as important as washing. After the cycle ends, remove shoes promptly to prevent odor and mold. Do not use a clothes dryer unless the footwear explicitly tolerates heat, which is rare for most sneakers. The best approach is air drying: stuff the toes with crumpled paper or towels to help them retain shape, then place them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Rotate shoes after a few hours to speed up drying and prevent musty smells. If you used a mesh bag, remove shoes and air them separately to finish drying. Proper drying helps prevent cracking, warping, or residual moisture that invites bacteria.

Special Cases and Exceptions

Not every shoe is suitable for machine washing. Leather or suede items and shoes with decorative elements or adhesives may deform, shrink, or detach when exposed to agitation. Athletic shoes with heavy glue that holds soles or logos may fail under machine conditions. If a particular pair has sentimental or high value, the risk may not be worth it. For leather sneakers that are worth refreshing, consider spot cleaning, a light wipe with a damp cloth, or consult a professional cleaner. For waterproof or coated fabrics, test in a small corner first and monitor for color changes.

Alternatives to Machine Washing

If you want to preserve materials or avoid any risk, there are solid alternatives. Hand washing with a mild detergent and a soft brush is effective for most sneakers and casual shoes. Create a gentle cleaning blend using soap, warm water, and a microfiber cloth, then rinse with clean water. For stubborn odors, sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes and leave overnight, or use a dedicated shoe deodorizer. You can also remove remains of dirt with a damp towel and spot-clean the tougher areas. By combining these methods with regular maintenance, you can keep shoes clean without relying on the washing machine.

Common Mistakes and Quick Fixes

Even with good intentions, mistakes happen. Common issues include using hot water, overloading the washer, or washing leather or suede items in the machine. Always avoid bleach on colored fabrics and never mix dirty shoes with delicate garments. If colors bleed or fabrics fray, pause the cycle and re-balance the load. If a shoe doesn’t look right after washing, perform a careful inspect and air dry it away from heat. If odor remains after washing, consider an odor-eliminating spray or a baking soda treatment after drying. Regular maintenance and a cautious approach reduce the need for rewash and help extend the life of both shoes and your machine.

Quick Start Checklist for Can Washing Machine Wash Shoes

• Check care label and material suitability
• Remove laces and insoles; place in a bag
• Load with a balanced couple of shoes or one pair
• Use cold water and a gentle cycle with mild detergent
• Avoid bleach and hot water
• Air dry completely; use paper for shape if needed
• Inspect shoes for wear before future washes
• Consider alternatives for leather or glue-heavy footwear