How to Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to wash shoes in a washing machine safely with a detailed, SEO-friendly guide. Explore prep, cycles, drying, and troubleshooting for sneakers, canvas, and fabric footwear.
This quick guide explains how to washing machine shoes safely, including when it’s appropriate, which materials are washable, and the best settings. You’ll learn pre-wash prep, cycle choices, and drying tips to minimize damage to shoes and your machine. Follow these steps to treat fabric sneakers and canvas footwear with confidence.
How to washing machine shoes safely
If you’re curious about how to washing machine shoes, this guide offers a safe approach. According to Best Washing Machine, most fabric sneakers and canvas shoes can survive a gentle machine wash when prepared properly. The Best Washing Machine team found that cold water, a mild detergent, and a mesh bag minimize wear while keeping colors vibrant. Before you begin, verify the care label because some materials—like leather, suede, or glued components—aren’t suited for machine washing. This approach is designed for homeowners, renters, and even small laundry operations who want to extend shoe life without hand-washing every pair. Remember that drying matters almost as much as washing, so plan to air-dry and reshape footwear after the cycle. If you’re tackling a mixed load, balance heavier items with towels to avoid drum wobble and protect your machine. By following these steps, you’ll gain practical, repeatable results for common shoe styles while minimizing risk to the washer.
Types of Shoes That Can Be Machine-Washed
Not every shoe is a candidate for the washing machine. In general, fabric sneakers, canvas trainers, lightweight mesh running shoes, and certain rubber-soled casuals tolerate machine washing well when you use a gentle, cold cycle and a mesh bag. Look for shoes with glued overlays, leather uppers, or suede finishes, and you’ll often want to skip the machine. For best results, confirm care labels and manufacturer recommendations. The goal is to remove dirt without breaking down glue or stitching. When in doubt, err on the side of hand-washing or spot-cleaning. Consistency with a basic routine—cold water, mild detergent, gentle cycle—yields reliable outcomes over time.
Prep Work: Inspect Shoes and Laces
Preparation is the secret to success. Start by removing laces and any inserts; wash the laces separately in a mesh bag or by hand to avoid tangling. Inspect the shoe care label and examine any delicate components like logos or appliques. If there are stubborn stains, pre-treat with a soft brush and a tiny amount of mild detergent. Dry brushing or a damp cloth can dislodge surface dirt before the wash, reducing the need for aggressive agitation. Best Washing Machine analysis shows that pre-cleaning reduces soap residue and helps maintain color integrity. By taking these steps, you’ll improve wash results while protecting the fabric and structural integrity of the shoes.
Load and Detergent: Settings that Protect Shoes
Loading matters. Place shoes in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to prevent tangling and protect the drum from sharp edges. Add two towels to balance the load and cushion impact. Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent—avoid strong detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners that can degrade materials or adhesives. Set the washer to a cold water cycle and a gentle or delicate spin. If your machine has a separate “hand wash” or “wash with care” option, start with that. Do not exceed the recommended detergent quantity; excessive foam can seep into seams and weaken glue over time. After the cycle, run an extra rinse if needed to remove all detergent residues. These settings are designed to keep colors vibrant and materials intact while producing a clean result.
Drying and Post-Care: Shape, Dry, and Reassemble
Air-drying is essential. Remove towels and bags after the wash, then shape shoes by stuffing them with paper or soft cloth to retain form. Place items in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight, which can warp soles and fade colors. Do not use a dryer unless the manufacturer explicitly states it’s safe. If you must remove odor, sprinkle a light amount of baking soda after drying and let sit overnight. Once fully dry, re-lace and inspect for any loosening stitches or detached components. Proper drying protects longevity and ensures the next wash won’t compromise fit or comfort.
Common Pitfalls and Quick Fixes
Even with care, mistakes happen. Avoid machine-washing leather, suede, or shoes with glued-on embellishments, as heat and agitation can cause warping or detachment. Always check for color bleed by testing a hidden area first, especially for brightly colored fabrics. If color transfer occurs, wash solitary items or use color-catching sheets in the next cycle. For persistent odors, consider an occasional, light vinegar rinse during prep or a sprinkle of baking soda after drying. By understanding these caveats, you’ll minimize risk and maximize the life of your footwear.
Tools & Materials
- Washer (front-load or top-load)(Choose a gentle cycle and ensure capacity for shoes)
- Mesh laundry bag or pillowcase(Protects shoes and prevents tangling)
- Mild liquid detergent(Use a small amount; avoid bleach)
- Old towels or microfiber cloth(Balance load and cushion drum)
- Soft brush or old toothbrush(Pre-treat dirt spots)
- Shoe trees or rolled towels(Maintain shape during drying)
- Extra laces and insoles (optional)(Wash separately if needed)
Steps
Estimated time: 45-60 minutes
- 1
Remove laces and inserts
Take out laces and any removable insoles. Wash the laces separately in a mesh bag or by hand. This prevents tangling and ensures thorough cleaning.
Tip: Tie laces together and reuse the bag for easy washing - 2
Pre-treat dirt and stains
Brush off loose dirt with a soft brush. For stubborn marks, apply a tiny amount of mild detergent and gently scrub before washing.
Tip: Pre-treat stain areas to improve cleaning results - 3
Load shoes in a mesh bag
Place each pair in its own mesh bag or pillowcase and seal. Add two towels to balance the load and protect the drum from impact.
Tip: Avoid overstuffing the bag to ensure effective cleaning - 4
Select wash settings
Set cold water, gentle cycle, and low spin. Use a small amount of detergent and avoid fabric softeners or bleach.
Tip: If your machine has a ‘delicate’ option, choose it - 5
Run an extra rinse if needed
If you detect detergent residue after the cycle, run an additional rinse program to ensure thorough cleaning.
Tip: Residue can irritate feet or weaken materials - 6
Air-dry completely
Remove items from bags and place in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources. Do not use a dryer unless the manufacturer states it’s safe.
Tip: Stuff shoes with paper to help maintain shape - 7
Reassemble and inspect
Reinsert insoles and relace shoes. Check for loosened threads or detached components; re-wax or cement as needed.
Tip: Test fit after fully dry to confirm comfort
FAQ
Can I machine-wash all types of shoes?
No. Fabric, canvas, and lightweight mesh sneakers are usually safe on a gentle cycle, but leather, suede, and glued components may be damaged by machine washing. Always check the care label before washing.
Most fabric shoes are wash-safe on a gentle cycle, but avoid leather and suede. Always check the care label.
Is it safe to machine-wash leather sneakers?
Leather sneakers are generally not recommended for machine washing due to potential cracking, color fading, and glue failure. Hand wash or spot clean instead, following the leather care guidelines.
Leather shoes shouldn’t go in the washer; consider hand washing instead.
What settings are best for washing shoes?
Use cold water, a gentle or delicate cycle, and a low spin. Add a small amount of mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners and bleach. Wash shoes in a mesh bag to prevent damage.
Choose cold water and a gentle cycle with a mesh bag.
How should I dry shoes after washing?
Air dry away from direct heat and sunlight. Stuff with paper towels or tissue to hold shape, and avoid the dryer unless the manufacturer says it's safe.
Air dry, don’t use a hot dryer.
What about odor or stains after washing?
If odor persists, sprinkle baking soda after drying and let sit overnight. For stains, repeat the washing cycle on a lighter load with pre-treatment, or spot-clean specific areas.
Try baking soda for odor; spot-clean persistent stains.
Watch Video
The Essentials
- Assess shoe material for machine-wash suitability.
- Always use cold water, a gentle cycle, and a mesh bag.
- Balance the load and avoid heat during drying.
- Inspect laces and insoles after washing.
