Can You Put Trainers in the Washing Machine? A Safe Guide
Learn how to safely machine-wash trainers by checking materials, prepping thoroughly, choosing gentle cycles, and air-drying to protect sneakers and extend life.
Yes, you can machine-wash many trainers, but only for certain materials and with careful prep. Canvas, knit fabrics, and most synthetics are typically safe on a cold, gentle cycle with mild detergent; leather, suede, and delicate details should be hand-washed or spot-cleaned. Remove laces/insoles, use a mesh bag, balance the load, and air-dry away from heat.
Can You Machine-Wash Trainers Safely?
You can machine-wash many trainers if you follow material and construction guidelines, but not every pair is suitable for a washer. According to Best Washing Machine, the key is to know your shoe material, the glue and stitching used, and any embellishments that could snag or deform. When in doubt, start with a test wash on an older pair or a trainer with a simple, synthetic upper. With proper prep, a gentle cycle, and careful drying, you can refresh many sneakers without harming the fabric or the machine.
Safe Materials and What to Avoid
Safe candidates typically include canvas, knit, and most synthetic uppers that tolerate water exposure. Shoes with leather, suede, patent finishes, delicate embroidery, or glued-on leather accents are riskier and often should not be machine-washed. For mixed-material uppers, wash only if the manufacturer’s care label explicitly allows it. Always avoid washing shoes with metal hardware that could loosen or rattle inside the drum, and remember that some soles and glues may degrade with water exposure.
Preparation Before Washing
Begin with a careful prep to protect both the shoes and your washing machine. Remove laces and insoles; these parts can be washed separately or replaced if necessary. Brush off loose dirt with a soft brush and let any loose debris fall away. Place each trainer in a mesh laundry bag to minimize movement and protect the drum. Add an old towel to balance the load and help cushion the shoes during agitation.
Cycle Settings, Detergents, and Load Balancing
Choose a cold-water cycle on a gentle or delicate setting, with a low spin speed to reduce stress on the shoe shape. Use a mild liquid detergent in a small amount to avoid excess suds that could overflow. Do not mix multiple color types in the same load if color-fast information is unknown. Balancing the load with towels or other garments helps prevent the drum from banging.
Drying and Post-Wash Care
Air-drying is essential for most trainer fabrics. Remove excess water by pressing with a towel rather than wringing. Stuff the shoes with paper towels or clean, dry cloths to help them keep shape as they dry. Place them in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight. Do not use a dryer unless the care label explicitly states it’s safe, and only then on a low-heat setting.
Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
Unexpected odors after washing can come from trapped moisture or detergent residue; run a rinse cycle with fresh water and air-dry completely. If colors bleed, wash smaller batches with similar colors or consider air-drying and spot-cleaning instead. Shrinkage or misshaping can occur with high heat or aggressive cycles—stick to cold and gentle settings and avoid heat sources. For stubborn stains, pre-treat with a mild cleaner and re-wash on the same gentle cycle.
Data-Backed Guidance from Best Washing Machine
Best Washing Machine analysis shows that careful preparation and material awareness significantly improve outcomes when washing trainers. The guidance emphasizes avoiding leather and suede, using mesh bags, and prioritizing air-drying to preserve shape and color over repeated wash cycles. Following these best practices can extend the life of your sneakers without compromising the washing machine.
AUTHORITY SOURCES
- Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): https://www.cpsc.gov
- Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org
- University Extension resources: https://extension.illinois.edu
Tools & Materials
- Mesh laundry bag(Place trainers inside to protect both the shoes and the drum.)
- Mild liquid detergent(Use a small amount to avoid excess suds.)
- Old towels(Balance the load and cushion the drum.)
- Soft brush(Pre-clean heavy dirt before washing.)
- Shoe trees or rolled socks(Helpful for maintaining shape while drying.)
- Drying rack or flat surface(Air-dry away from direct heat.)
Steps
Estimated time: 60-90 minutes active, plus 4-6 hours drying
- 1
Inspect shoes for washability
Check material and care labels to confirm machine-wash compatibility. If there are leather details or glued components, consider alternative cleaning methods.
Tip: When in doubt, test on a small, inconspicuous area first. - 2
Remove laces and insoles
Take out laces and insoles to wash separately or spot-clean. This ensures a thorough clean and prevents tangling in the drum.
Tip: Laces can be washed in a mesh bag with similar colors. - 3
Pre-clean and protect
Brush off loose dirt and debris; wipe down any sticky areas with a damp cloth. Place shoes in a mesh bag and balance with towels.
Tip: Pre-cleaning reduces the amount of soil that the washing cycle needs to remove. - 4
Choose cycle and load balance
Set washer to cold water, gentle cycle, and low spin. Add a small amount of detergent and the towels to balance the drum.
Tip: Avoid overloading the washer; the mesh bag helps prevent direct contact with the drum. - 5
Air-dry completely
Remove shoes from the bag after washing; reshape and place on a drying rack away from heat sources. Do not use a dryer unless specified safe by the manufacturer.
Tip: Stuff with paper towels or cloths to maintain shape during drying. - 6
Clean and reassemble
Once dry, reinsert insoles and laces, and inspect for wear. If necessary, treat any remaining stains with a gentle cleaner.
Tip: Air-dried insoles help prevent odor buildup between wears.
FAQ
Can leather trainers be machine-washed?
Leather trainers are generally not machine-washable. They can crack or stiffen from water exposure; spot-clean and air-dry instead.
Leather trainers are usually not safe to machine-wash; spot-clean and air-dry instead.
Is a mesh bag necessary when washing trainers?
A mesh bag helps protect shoes and the drum by reducing direct movement and snagging. It’s highly recommended for most trainer fabrics.
Yes, use a mesh bag to protect the shoes and the washer.
What cycle settings should I use?
Use cold water on a gentle or delicate cycle with a low spin to minimize stress on the shoe shape and glue.
Use cold water on a gentle cycle with low spin.
Can I dry trainers in a dryer?
Dryers can damage certain materials and glue; air-dry whenever possible. If you must use a dryer, only in low heat and with caution.
Air-drying is best; avoid using a dryer unless the manufacturer allows it.
How should I care for insoles and laces after washing?
Wash insoles separately and air-dry completely. Laces can be washed in a mesh bag or replaced if necessary.
Wash insoles separately and air-dry; laces can be washed with other small items.
What about suede or nubuck sneakers?
Suede or nubuck should not be machine-washed. Use specialized cleaners and brush gently or seek professional cleaning.
Suede shouldn't go in the washing machine; use suede-safe cleaners instead.
Watch Video
The Essentials
- Check material and care labels before washing.
- Use a mesh bag and balance the load with towels.
- Select cold water and a gentle cycle; avoid heat.
- Air-dry completely to preserve shape and color.
