Can You Put Shoes in the Washing Machine: A Practical Guide

Can You Put Shoes in the Washing Machine

If you have ever asked can you put shoes in the washing machine, the answer is yes for many types of footwear, but not all. This is a common question for households that want cleaner shoes without scrubbing every pair by hand. The short answer is: you can wash certain shoes safely, but you must choose the right shoes, prep them properly, and use careful washing settings.

According to Best Washing Machine, many sneakers, canvas shoes, and fabric footwear can be cleaned in a washer when you take proper precautions. Start by identifying the material and construction of each pair to decide if washing is appropriate. Always check the care label and test a small area if you are unsure. If the shoe has leather, suede, or glued components that could be damaged by water or agitation, skip the machine wash and opt for spot cleaning or professional care.

Another practical tip is to plan the wash like a loading exercise: balance weight with a few towels or other clothes, use a mesh bag for small parts, and run a cold, gentle cycle with a mild detergent. This approach minimizes wear on the shoes and on the machine while still delivering cleaner results.

Types of Shoes That Can Be Washed

Not all footwear is suitable for the washing machine, but a broad range of everyday shoes can be cleaned this way when done carefully. Canvas sneakers, many athletic shoes with fabric uppers, and lightweight fabric sandals usually tolerate a cold gentle wash. These materials respond well to water-based cleaning and can remove surface dirt, sweat, and odor more effectively than hand scrubbing alone. The goal is to clean without damaging adhesives or shapes.

Leather and suede shoes are generally not recommended for machine washing. Dress shoes with leather uppers, ornamented heels, or suede textures can warp, crack, or stiffen after a wash. Some specialty shoes may be labeled washable by the manufacturer, but always verify the label first. Even washable sneakers should avoid sequins, glitter decorations, or heavy hardware that could damage the drum or get snagged on the agitator.

Based on Best Washing Machine analysis, you can often wash fabric footwear by themselves or with a few clean, soft textiles to cushion the load. Avoid washing bulky boots or rubber-sole sandals with heavy objects, which can throw the drum off balance.

Preparing Shoes for the Wash

Preparation is the key to successful machine washing of shoes. Start by removing laces and insoles. Wash laces separately in a small laundry bag or knot them together so they don’t tangle. If insoles are removable and washable, take them out and hand wash them or place them in a mesh bag. This avoids trapping odors or leaving residue inside the washer.

Pre-treat stains with a mild detergent or a gentle stain remover, then give the shoes a quick brush to remove loose dirt. Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase to protect both the shoes and the machine. Add a couple of clean towels to balance the load and reduce banging. Use a small amount of detergent and set the washer to cold water on a gentle cycle. Remember to check that your shoes fit inside the drum with the bag and that there is enough space for water to circulate.

Washing Settings and Methods

For most washable shoes, choose a cold water setting and a gentle or delicate cycle. Use a mild detergent designed for athletic wear or delicate fabrics. The goal is to clean without aggressive agitation, which can deform toe boxes or crack glued seams. If your machine has a max spin option, use a lower spin speed to reduce stress on the shoe materials.

Do not use bleach or high heat, and never run a wash with heavy, bulky items that can press against the drum. If your shoes are very dirty, consider a second short cycle rather than an extended wash to limit wear. After the wash, remove the bag and inspect the shoes for any remaining stains or odor before drying.

What Not to Wash and Common Pitfalls

Avoid washing leather, suede, or velvet uppers in the machine, as water can stain or warp them. Shoes with glued components or glued midsoles may detach under water pressure. If a shoe has delicate decorations, glitter, or exposed hardware, machine washing can loosen or snag parts. Also, never wash shoes with objects like coins that could harm the drum or create unbalanced loads.

Another common pitfall is overloading the washer. Shoes need space to move and water to circulate. If the drum is packed, the cycle won’t clean effectively and could strain the motor. Finally, don’t skip care labeling—some manufacturers explicitly prohibit machine washing particular models.

Drying and Aftercare

Air drying is the safest method for most machine washed shoes. After washing, remove laces and insoles and allow the shoes to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight. Stuffing the shoes with crumpled newspaper or paper towels can help maintain shape and absorb moisture. If you must use a dryer, only do so on a no-heat or very low heat setting with a pair of clean towels to cushion the drum and reduce impact on the materials. Never dry leather or suede in a heat dryer.

To keep shoes fresh, dry them completely before wearing again. If odors persist, a light spray of fabric-safe deodorizer or baking soda inside the shoe before drying can help. With routine care, fabric sneakers and canvas shoes can stay cleaner longer.

Real-world Tips and Alternatives

For many households, washing shoes in a machine is convenient when done with proper prep and care. If you are unsure about a specific pair, start with spot cleaning or hand washing first and reserve machine washing for fabric uppers. Maintain your washer by cleaning the gasket and drum periodically to prevent odor transfer from the shoes. Keep the wash water clean and avoid mixing heavily soiled footwear with delicate textiles.

If you need to refresh shoes frequently, consider a dedicated cleaning regimen that uses a stain-removal pen, a soft brush, and warm water for fabric uppers. Some people find that using a small load of towels or other soft items with the shoes improves balance and reduces drum noise. The Best Washing Machine Team notes that machine washing remains a viable option for many shoes when proper precautions are taken, and that following care labels improves outcomes over time. The overall verdict is that washing shoes in a machine is workable for many common footwear types, with appropriate preparation and drying.