Is It OK to Put Trainers in the Washing Machine: A Practical Guide
Discover when it’s safe to machine-wash trainers, how to prep sneakers, the best settings, and drying tips to keep footwear looking like new. Expert guidance from Best Washing Machine for canvas, knit, and athletic sneakers.
Is it ok to put trainers in the washing machine? For most fabric, canvas, and synthetic sneakers, yes—when you choose the right settings and preparation. Avoid leather, suede, and delicate embellishments. Remove laces and insoles, use a mesh bag, cold water, and a gentle cycle, and air-dry away from direct heat.
What makes trainer materials suitable for washing
Not all trainers are equal when it comes to machine washing. Canvas, mesh knit, and many synthetic uppers respond well to cold, gentle cycles and a light detergent, but their construction matters. Canvas tends to be sturdy and absorbs water slowly, which means it benefits from a gentle cycle and a short spin. Mesh and knit uppers dry faster and are less likely to retain odors if properly aired out after washing. Rubber or synthetic foam soles hold up under machine agitation, but bulky or glued-on decorations can loosen or crack if the machine is aggressive. Leather, suede, or suede-spired accents, on the other hand, can stiffen, crack, or shrink, and adhesives may fail. If you’re unsure, check the care label on the tongue or inner label; when in doubt, opt for hand washing instead. Naturally, color-coated sneakers may bleed color, so testing a hidden area before washing is wise. The goal is to balance thorough cleaning with material safety. Is it ok to put trainers in the washing machine? The answer depends on the fabric and construction, but many sneakers tolerate a mild wash when prepared properly.
Preparation and pre-cleaning steps
Before you load anything, perform a quick prep. Remove laces and insoles so every seam can be cleaned and dried evenly. Laces can be washed separately in a mesh bag or hand-washed with mild detergent. Lightly brush off loose dirt or mud from the outside with a soft brush or old toothbrush. If there are stubborn spots, dampen the area and apply a tiny amount of detergent, then gently work with the brush. If odors linger, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the soles and let sit for 15 minutes (then brush off). Rinse pockets and tongues to avoid damp pockets inside the shoe. Finally, assess colorfastness by testing a discreet area with a damp cloth; if color runs, skip washing or hand-wash only.
Choosing settings and load strategy
Set your machine to cold water and a gentle or delicate cycle. A short wash (15-30 minutes) is often enough for sneakers; longer cycles can over-flap and loosen adhesives. Use a mild liquid detergent in a small amount; avoid heavy powders that leave residue. Place each shoe in a separate mesh bag or place both into a single large bag to minimize banging; balancing with a few towels can absorb impact. If your machine offers a pre-wash or soak option, skip it or use a very short soak to prevent damage. Run a test cycle with no clothes first if you’re unsure how your machine handles the load. After washing, don’t spin too aggressively; a low spin reduces stress on the uppers and midsole.
Drying and long-term care of washed trainers
Air drying is essential to preserve shape and materials. Remove excess water by gently pressing with a towel, then stuff with clean newspaper or paper towels to help maintain shape and absorb moisture. Do not use a direct heat source like a radiator or hair dryer, which can warp adhesives or warp soles. Place sneakers in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight; rotate position for even drying. When dry, re-lace and reinsert insoles; inspect for damp pockets that might retain odor. If odors persist, consider a light spray with a freshening product designed for footwear and allow it to dry fully before wearing. For repeated cleaning, rotate between pairs to let fabrics rest and recover. AUTHORITY SOURCES: University-based extension resources and safety guidelines support careful handling of fabrics and footwear care, emphasizing cold water, gentle cycles, and air drying to preserve materials.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
Common mistakes include washing leather or suede sneakers in the machine, overloading the drum, using hot water, and washing with hard or scented detergents. Overloading causes banging and potential damage to the machine and shoes; always trim off extra laces and keep a balanced load. If color transfers, immediately remove and wash by hand or repeat with a color-catching product. If a shoe or sole delaminates after washing, stop using that pair and consider professional repair if the cost is justified. Finally, inspect your washing machine’s drum seal for signs of wear and avoid mixing heavily soiled items with sneakers if possible; this reduces odor transfer to other clothes. The key is balance: gentleness, patience, and attention to the shoe’s material.
Material-specific care: canvas, knit, leather accents
Canvas sneakers usually tolerate machine washing best, especially bright or white pairs; dry thoroughly to prevent mildew. Knit uppers, including primeknit or sock-like fabrics, recover quickly after a wash but may stretch slightly; ensure a proper return to shape during air-drying. Leather accents or trim require caution: spot-clean only and avoid soaking; if you must wash, keep water to a minimum and condition after drying to restore suppleness. For mixed materials, prioritize the most delicate component and test colorfastness before washing. Regular maintenance, like wiping down after use and deodorizing between wears, helps extend the life of your trainers beyond a single wash.
Tools & Materials
- Washing machine (front- or top-load)(Ensure it can handle sneakers and use gentle cycle)
- Mesh laundry bags (2)(Large enough to fit a pair of sneakers)
- Mild liquid detergent(Fragrance-free preferred; use a small amount)
- Old towels for balance(Place around shoes to cushion and balance load)
- Soft brush or old toothbrush(For pre-wash dirt and stains)
- Laces and insoles (removed before wash)(Keep separate to air-dry)
Steps
Estimated time: 60-90 minutes
- 1
Remove laces and insoles
Take out all laces and insoles so every seam can be cleaned and dried evenly. Tie laces together to prevent tangling; place insoles in a separate bag if possible and wash them separately or hand-clean. This prepares the shoes for thorough cleaning without trapping moisture in tough-to-dry areas.
Tip: Wash laces separately in a mesh bag with a gentle detergent to remove dirt without staining other items. - 2
Pre-treat and brush off dirt
Gently brush off loose dirt with a soft brush before washing. For stubborn spots, dampen the area and apply a tiny amount of detergent, then work with the brush in small circular motions. This reduces the amount of scrubbing needed during the wash and helps prevent dye transfer.
Tip: Use a dedicated sneaker brush or an old toothbrush for targeted stains; avoid aggressive scrubbing that could fray fabrics. - 3
Load sneakers in mesh bags and balance
Place each sneaker in a separate mesh bag or both into a single large bag to minimize banging. Balance the load with a couple of towels if needed to cushion impact and prevent the shoes from clacking around in the drum.
Tip: Zipping the bags helps keep the shoes contained and prevents laces from catching on the drum. - 4
Wash on cold with mild detergent
Add a small amount of mild detergent and run a cold water cycle on delicate. Shorter cycles reduce stress on materials; avoid hot water and strong powders which can cause color fading or residue. After the wash, avoid a high-spin; a gentle spin is typically enough to remove excess moisture.
Tip: If your machine has a pre-rinse option, skip it or keep it very brief to avoid over-wetting glue components. - 5
Air-dry thoroughly after washing
Remove sneakers from bags and press out excess water with a towel. Stuff with newspaper or paper towels to shape and speed drying. Do not use direct heat like a radiator or hair dryer; place in a well-ventilated area away from sunlight and allow ample time to dry completely.
Tip: Rotate shoes halfway through drying to promote even moisture evaporation; re-lace only when fully dry. - 6
Inspect, reassemble, and store
Once dry, reinsert insoles, lace up, and inspect for any remaining odor or damp pockets. If needed, re-wipe with a damp cloth and let dry again. Store in a breathable area to prevent mildew and consider routine care like airing out after wear.
Tip: Use shoe trees or rolled up socks to help maintain shape during long-term storage.
FAQ
Is it safe to machine wash all sneakers?
Not all sneakers are suitable for machine washing. Fabric, canvas, and knit uppers generally tolerate cold, gentle cycles with mild detergent. Leather and suede often require hand cleaning or spot treatment due to glue and material sensitivity.
Most fabric sneakers are washable, but leather and suede typically aren’t suitable for the washing machine.
Can I machine wash leather or suede trainers?
Leather and suede should usually be avoided in the washing machine. These materials can crack, stiffen, or separate from adhesives. Stick to spot cleaning or hand washing for those items.
Leather or suede is usually not safe for the washing machine.
How should I dry sneakers after washing?
Air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight. Stuffing with paper helps retain shape and speeds drying. Do not use a heat source like a hair dryer.
Air dry away from heat; stuff with paper to maintain shape.
Will washing sneakers cause color bleeding?
Color bleeds can occur with some dyes. Test a hidden area first and use color-safe detergent. If bleeding is noticed, rinse and hand-wash those items.
Color can bleed; test first.
How often should I wash sneakers?
Wash when visibly dirty or smelling, not on a fixed schedule. Over-washing can wear materials; balance with regular upkeep like wiping down after use.
Wash as needed, not all the time.
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The Essentials
- Use cold water and a gentle cycle for most sneakers.
- Always remove laces and insoles before washing.
- Air-dry away from heat to preserve shape and glue.
- Test colorfastness to prevent color transfer.
- Limit washing to canvas, knit, and synthetics; avoid leather.
