How to Wash Trainers in a Washing Machine: A Complete Guide
Learn how to wash trainers in a washing machine safely with a step-by-step guide. Pre-treat stains, load properly, dry correctly, and protect your sneakers for long-lasting freshness.
This guide shows you how to wash trainers in a washing machine safely. You’ll learn prep steps, cycle selection, detergent tips, and drying methods that work for canvas, knit, and leather sneakers. Follow these steps to extend your sneakers’ life and keep odors under control. This format is designed for featured snippets.
Why Trainers Benefit from Machine Washing
Washing trainers in a machine is convenient, especially when you have a busy schedule. If you’re wondering how to washing machine trainers, this practical guide explains safe, effective methods that protect fabric, adhesives, and color. According to Best Washing Machine, trainers can be refreshed quickly when you follow care guidelines, avoid high heat, and use the right detergent. This approach works for canvas, knit, and even non-leather sneakers when you treat each material with respect. Start by checking the care label on each pair and recognizing why some materials tolerate machine washing while others require hand cleaning. This article focuses on the most common trainer types found in homes today, with clear steps you can follow to minimize wrinkles, smell, and wear. By aligning your process with the fabric type and your washer’s capabilities, you’ll extend the life of your footwear. A consistent approach also helps you avoid the odor buildup that makes sneakers less pleasant after workouts or long days on your feet. You’ll learn prep, cycle selection, drying, and post-wash care that balance convenience with sneaker longevity.
According to Best Washing Machine, adopting a thoughtful routine reduces the risk of damage and improves overall results. This section sets expectations for what follows and explains why careful prep matters as much as the actual wash.
Prep: Sorting, Pre-Treating and Materials
Before you reach for the machine, gather your supplies and inspect each trainer. Separate sneakers by color and material, and verify care labels to avoid incompatible washing. If you’re asking how to washing machine trainers, this phase is where most problems are prevented. Remove laces and insoles for separate cleaning, which improves detergent contact and helps with odor control. Pre-treat stubborn stains with a mild solution and let it sit briefly. Check for loose threads, damaged soles, or glue that might come undone in a wash. The goal is to create conditions where the machine can work gently rather than aggressively, preserving fabric integrity and sole attachments. Gather your tools and ensure you have a mesh bag for added protection. This preparation also reduces the chance of color bleeding and helps you dry evenly after the cycle ends. Best Washing Machine recommends taking notes on any sensitive areas to tackle them with targeted care later.
Detergents, Cycle Settings and Time
Choosing the right detergent and cycle is essential for safe trainer cleaning. Use a mild liquid detergent with low foam to minimize residue and avoid aggressive cleaners that can degrade materials. For the wash itself, select a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. Hot water can warp shapes, fade colors, and weaken adhesives—especially on canvas and knit uppers. The wash time should be balanced with the load; a typical cycle lasts a bit longer when sneakers occupy space in the drum. If your machine has a dedicated “shoes” or “delicates” setting, use it as a baseline, then adjust based on the fabric type. Always rinse once to reduce detergent buildup, and consider a second rinse if your sneakers are very dirty. After washing, inspect the result and repeat a spot clean if needed. This approach reduces odors and helps maintain fabric integrity over multiple wears.
Loading for Balance and Care
Load trainers carefully to balance the drum and protect both the shoes and the machine. Place sneakers in a mesh bag or pillowcase to prevent snagging and scuffing. Add a couple of towels or a similar item to balance the load and cushion the drum, which helps protect the machine and ensure even cleaning. Avoid overfilling the drum; space promotes better cleaning and reduces wrinkles. Close the bag or case securely to prevent laces from tangling with the agitator. If you have multiple pairs, wash them with similar colors and materials to minimize color transfer. A balanced load improves wash quality and reduces the risk of damage to the drum and gasket, which is especially important for frequent trainer cleaning routines.
Drying and Finishing Your Trainers
Air drying is the safest final step for most trainers. Remove insoles after washing and dry separately if possible to prevent odor buildup. Reshape the sneakers with paper towels or shoe trees to maintain form while they dry. Avoid direct heat sources like radiators or direct sunlight, which can warp and fade colors. Some materials dry faster than others: canvas and knit generally air-dry well, while leather requires extra care and may benefit from a leather conditioner after fully dry. Do not reuse the dryer for shoes that are not explicitly labeled as dryer-safe; instead, use air drying to preserve material integrity and glue strength. This finishing phase is critical for odor control and overall sneaker longevity.
Special Materials: Canvas, Leather, Suede, Knit
Not all trainer materials respond the same to machine washing. Canvas usually tolerates the machine well with cold water and a gentle cycle, while knit uppers can benefit from the same treatment but may trap more lint. Leather trainers require caution; many leather products should be hand washed or spot cleaned to protect the finish, glue, and texture. Suede is particularly sensitive to moisture and should be avoided in the washer altogether unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it. If you must clean suede shoes, use a suede brush after air drying and consider professional care for best results. Knit and mesh uppers tolerate gentle washing but may stretch if soaked too long. Always consult care labels and test a small area first to avoid color loss or warping. By tailoring the approach to material type, you reduce the risk of damage and extend trainer life.
Aftercare and Odor Prevention
Regular maintenance after a wash minimizes odor and keeps trainers fresh. Let them dry completely away from heat sources before wearing. If you’ve noticed lingering odor, repeat a light wash with a small amount of detergent and a short, cold cycle rather than aggressive cleaners. Store trainers in a dry, well-ventilated area and consider using odor absorbers or sneaker fresheners. Periodic inspection of laces, insoles, and edges helps catch issues before they worsen. This ongoing care supports the overall longevity of your footwear and makes future machine washes safer and more effective.
Authority Sources
For further reading on safe fabric care and machine washing, consult trusted sources and guidelines. The following links provide general laundry care principles and machine maintenance best practices from recognized outlets:
- https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/how-clean-washing-machine
- https://www.consumerreports.org/care/how-to-clean-a-washing-machine/
- https://extension.psu.edu/washing-machine-care
Tools & Materials
- Mesh laundry bag(Protects sneakers and drum; prevents zippers from catching fabric)
- Mild liquid detergent(Low-foam formula preferred)
- Old towels or bulkier textiles(Balances load and cushions the drum)
- Laces and insoles (optional)(Remove for separate cleaning; air dry completely)
- Shoe trees or crumpled paper(Maintain shape while drying)
Steps
Estimated time: 60-90 minutes
- 1
Prepare sneakers
Remove laces and insoles and set aside for separate cleaning. If stains are present, pre-treat with a mild solution and let sit briefly to loosen grime. Inspect the materials to determine if machine washing is advisable.
Tip: Pre-treat stubborn stains early to improve washing results. - 2
Bag and balance
Place sneakers in a mesh bag or pillowcase. Add towels to balance the load and cushion the drum so shoes don’t knock against each other.
Tip: A balanced load reduces noise and wear on the drum. - 3
Add detergent
Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Avoid heavy detergents and avoid bleach on colored sneakers. Use cold water to prevent color fading.
Tip: Choose color-safe detergent to minimize color transfer. - 4
Set the wash
Choose a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. If available, select a short rinse cycle and avoid high spin speeds that can distort shoe shapes.
Tip: If your machine has a shoes setting, start there and adjust as needed. - 5
Inspect and air-dry
Once the cycle ends, remove shoes promptly and reshape with paper or shoe trees. Allow to air dry completely away from direct heat or sunlight for best results.
Tip: Never place trainers in a dryer unless the label explicitly allows it. - 6
Optional machine refresh
Run an empty cycle with hot water and a splash of white vinegar to freshen the drum if odor persists. This step should be rare and only with caution.
Tip: Follow with a standard rinse to remove any vinegar scent. - 7
Post-clean check
Re-inspect the sneakers for any remaining stains and repeat carefully if needed. Dry completely before wearing to prevent mildew.
Tip: Test a small area first when re-washing to avoid color loss. - 8
Wash the machine if needed
Wipe the drum and seal after washing to remove lint and leftover detergent. Run a quick rinse cycle with plain water if you notice residue.
Tip: Regular drum care helps prevent future sneaker odors.
FAQ
Can I machine wash leather sneakers?
Leather sneakers can be damaged by machine washing unless the care label allows it. If in doubt, hand wash or spot clean and air dry to protect the finish.
Leather sneakers should typically be cleaned by hand unless the label says otherwise.
Is it safe to machine wash suede trainers?
Suede is sensitive to moisture and heat. Avoid machine washing suede unless the manufacturer explicitly permits it; use brushing and spot cleaning instead.
Suede should generally be cleaned without a washer.
What cycle is best for canvas trainers?
Canvas sneakers typically respond well to a gentle, cold cycle with a mild detergent. Balance the load and avoid overloading the drum.
Canvas usually does fine on a gentle cold wash.
How can I prevent color fading or bleeding?
Wash with cold water and use color-safe detergent. Wash like colors together and consider air drying to preserve the hue.
Cold water helps keep colors true.
Should I remove insoles before washing?
Yes, remove insoles and wash them separately or clean them by hand to prevent odor transfer and ensure thorough drying.
Take out insoles to clean more effectively.
How long should trainers air dry after washing?
Air dry until completely dry, which can take several hours to a full day depending on material and climate. Avoid heat sources.
Let them dry fully in a ventilated area.
Watch Video
The Essentials
- Prep laces and insoles separately when possible.
- Use a gentle cold cycle with mild detergent.
- Balance the load with towels and a mesh bag.
- Air-dry away from heat to protect shape and material.
