Can You Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine: A Complete Guide
Learn if washing machines can clean your shoes, what shoes are safe, how to prep, best settings, drying tips, and common mistakes. A practical, step-by-step approach from Best Washing Machine.
Yes, you can wash many sneakers and canvas shoes in a washing machine, but only if the shoes are machine-safe. Use a gentle, cold-water cycle, place the shoes in a mesh bag or pillowcase, remove laces and insoles, and balance the load with towels. Air-dry completely to prevent heat damage, and always follow care labels for best results.
Understanding the Basics: Can You Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine?
Can you wash shoes in the washing machine? In many cases, yes, but there are important caveats. Shoes vary widely in construction, materials, and adhesives. Canvas and fabric sneakers with rubber soles are usually safe when handled carefully, while leather, suede, or shoes with glued components can be damaged by agitation, heat, or aggressive cycles. Always start by checking care labels or manufacturer guidance. If there is any doubt, hand-wash or spot-clean instead. According to Best Washing Machine, using controlled cycles and a balanced load minimizes the risk of damage and helps you achieve cleaner results without compromising the appliance. This guide walks you through practical steps, suitable settings, and reasonable alternatives so you can decide confidently whether to machine wash shoes and how to do it right.
What Types of Shoes Are Safe to Machine Wash
Not all shoes tolerate machine washing, so it’s essential to distinguish materials and construction. Safe candidates typically include canvas, fabric, and mesh uppers with sturdy rubber or synthetic soles. Sneakers and athletic shoes with minimal leather trim, reinforced stitching, and glued components that aren’t exposed to high heat tend to fare better. Avoid leather dress shoes, suede or nubuck, velvet textures, or any shoe with delicate trims, decorative embellishments, or foams that may deform. Best Washing Machine analysis shows that when you follow care labels and avoid aggressive cycles, many casual sneakers come out looking fresher without damage. When in doubt, test a single item or opt for hand-washing for riskier materials.
Pre-Wash Prep: Cleaning, Loosening Dirt, and Laces
Preparation is the foundation of a successful wash. Start by removing laces and insoles to prevent tangling and to allow detergent to reach the interior. Brush off loose dirt or mud with a soft brush; a quick rinse can help, but avoid soaking the shoes directly unless the fabric is water-safe. If laces are especially dirty, wash them separately or place them in a mesh bag. For odor-prone footwear, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the inside and let it sit briefly before washing. This prep minimizes staining and helps deodorize after the cycle. Balancing the load with towels or other laundry reduces in-wash banging and protects both the shoes and the washer drum.
Settings and Load Management: Choosing the Cycle and Detergent
Selecting the right settings is key to preventing damage. Use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water to minimize fabric stress and dye bleeding. Avoid high-heat cycles, bleach, and fabric-softener unless the care label explicitly permits them. Place shoes in a mesh laundry bag or a sturdy pillowcase to cushion them and reduce direct tumbling against the drum. Add a couple of old towels to balance the load, which helps stabilize the machine and dampen noise. Use a mild detergent in small quantities; harsh chemicals or heavy detergents can degrade glues and materials over time. Best Washing Machine analysis emphasizes load balance and gentle cycles as the most important factors for safe shoe washing. After the wash, promptly remove the bag to prevent lingering moisture and odors.
Drying Down: Air-Drying vs Tumble-Drying
Drying is as important as washing. Avoid high-heat tumble drying, which can warp soles, shrink fabric, or crack glue bonds. The recommended approach is air-drying in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Remove insoles and shake out excess water, then stuff shoes with clean paper towels or old newspaper to help maintain shape and accelerate drying. If you must speed things up, consider a fan-directed airflow or a dedicated footwear dryer, but never rely on the dryer’s heat. Complete drying can take 24 to 48 hours depending on material and humidity. Prompt drying reduces odor development and helps preserve shoe integrity over time.
Material-Specific Guidance: Canvas, Knit, and Leather
Different materials respond differently to washing. Canvas and knit uppers tolerate machine washing better than leather or suede. Leather shoes—especially those with stitched boards, glued components, or soft lining—often shapeshift or crack when exposed to water and agitation. Suede and nubuck can lose texture or darken after washing. For mixed-material shoes, target the fabric sections with washing and treat leather elements with spot cleaning. If you’re unsure about the material, test a small area or opt for hand-cleaning the suspect sections. Following care labels and relying on gentle cycles helps preserve the material’s look and feel over time.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting: What to Watch For
Even with careful steps, mistakes happen. Overloading the washer or using hot water can damage both the shoes and the machine. Always shield the drum with a bag and towels, never wash shoes with heavy items that could chip the glass. Bleach can discolor fabrics and degrade adhesives, so avoid it unless the label approves. If colors bleed, rewash on a cold cycle with a color-safe detergent. If you notice unusual odors after washing, rewash using a longer rinse and ensure shoes are fully air-dried before wearing. The goal is to keep both footwear and appliance in good condition while achieving clean results.
Alternatives to Machine Washing for Delicate Shoes
Some shoes simply aren’t suited for machine washing. In such cases, consider gentle hand-cleaning methods: spot-clean stains with mild soap and water, wipe with a damp cloth, and use a soft brush for ingrained dirt. For leather products, use a leather-safe cleaner and conditioner after cleaning. For minimal risk, you can also use a dedicated sneaker cleaner or enzyme-based stain removers designed for fabrics. Regular maintenance, such as brushing off dirt after wear and storing properly, reduces the need for frequent deep cleaning and helps extend the life of footwear.
Tools & Materials
- Mesh laundry bag(Size large enough for shoes; zipper closed to prevent protrusion)
- Old towels(At least two to balance load and cushion shoes)
- Mild liquid detergent(HE-formula preferred; avoid bleach)
- Soft-bristled brush(Gently loosen dirt before washing)
- Insoles and laces (wash separately)(Remove and clean separately if needed)
- Drying rack or line(Air-dry shoes away from direct heat)
Steps
Estimated time: 30-60 minutes
- 1
Prepare the shoes
Remove all laces and insoles. Brush off loose dirt with a soft brush and decide if spot cleaning is needed for stubborn stains.
Tip: Take a quick photo of insoles to help reinsert correctly later. - 2
Pretreat stains
Treat heavy stains with a small amount of detergent directly on the spot or use a gentle stain remover. Let it sit 5–10 minutes for better effectiveness.
Tip: Avoid soaking leather patches; focus cleaning on fabric areas. - 3
Bag and balance
Place shoes in a mesh bag or pillowcase. Add two towels to balance the load and mitigate loud banging.
Tip: Bag prevents laces from wrapping around the agitator. - 4
Add detergent and start
Add a small amount of detergent. Do not use bleach. Set the machine to a cold water, gentle/delicate cycle.
Tip: Avoid overdosing detergent; excess residue can irritate fabrics. - 5
Drying preparation
Pause after washing to remove the bag and inspect for any remaining moisture. Reshape if needed.
Tip: Replace damp towels if you hear excessive banging. - 6
Air-dry completely
Place shoes on a rack or stand in a well-ventilated area until fully dry (up to 48 hours). Keep them away from direct heat.
Tip: Remove insoles and stuff with paper to speed drying. - 7
Reassemble
Reinsert laces and insoles once dry. Check for odors before wearing.
Tip: Wash or replace laces if they still smell after wash. - 8
Inspect and store
Inspect for color transfer or material damage. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent mold.
Tip: Label the shoes with care notes for future reference.
FAQ
Can all shoes be machine washed safely?
No. Leather, suede, and some dress shoes with glued parts are not safe to machine wash. Always check the care label and test a small area if you’re unsure.
Not all shoes are safe to machine wash. Check the care label and test a small area if you’re unsure.
What cycle and temperature should I use?
Use a cold-water temperature on a gentle or delicate cycle. This minimizes fabric stress and dye bleeding while still cleaning the shoes.
Use cold water on a gentle cycle to protect the shoes.
Can I wash shoes with other laundry?
If possible, wash shoes with towels or other small items to balance the load. Avoid washing with heavy clothes that can damage the drum.
Better to wash shoes with towels or other light items to balance the load.
Is it okay to dry shoes in a tumble dryer?
No. Avoid tumble drying as heat can damage glue and materials. Air-dry fully in a well-ventilated area.
Avoid the dryer; air-dry instead to protect materials.
What about insoles and laces?
Remove insoles and laces and wash them separately or hand-clean. Some insoles may not tolerate washing well.
Remove insoles and laces; wash separately if possible.
How long does the drying take?
Air-drying can take 24–48 hours depending on material and humidity. Patience reduces crumpling and odor.
Drying can take a day or two; plan accordingly.
Watch Video
The Essentials
- Check care labels before washing.
- Use a mesh bag and towels to protect shoes and washer.
- Avoid leather, suede, or glued elements in the machine.
- Air-dry fully to prevent heat damage.
- Consult the manufacturer guidance if unsure.
