Shoes in Washing Machine: A Safe Cleaning Guide
Learn how to wash shoes in the washing machine safely. This guide covers safe footwear, prep steps, ideal settings, detergents, and drying tips to protect both your shoes and your washer.
Yes, you can wash many shoes in a washing machine if you prep the footwear, protect the drum, and choose gentle settings. This guide covers which shoes are safe, how to prep laces and insoles, suitable detergents, and washer settings to prevent damage to both shoes and your machine. Follow these steps to clean sneakers or canvas footwear effectively.
Why Shoes in Washing Machine Is Common (and When to Avoid)
The everyday convenience of laundry day tempts many to wash shoes in the washing machine. It’s quick, inexpensive, and can refresh fabrics like canvas, cotton, and mesh without specialized equipment. When used correctly, a machine wash can extend the wear of lightly used sneakers and casual footwear. However, not all shoes tolerate agitation or moisture equally. Leather, suede, shoes with glued decorations, or heavy embellishments are more likely to suffer damage from water and tumbling. The Best Washing Machine Team notes that following manufacturer care labels helps you avoid costly mistakes. Canvas sneakers and most fabric athletic shoes generally respond well to cold water, a mild detergent, and a short, gentle cycle. If you’re unsure about a pair, test a small, inconspicuous area first or wash an old pair to verify the method before risking your favorite kicks. With the right prep and settings, you can keep shoes clean without harming your washer.
Safe Shoes to Wash: What Works and What Doesn't
Canvas and most fabric sneakers are the easiest to clean in a machine, followed by mesh running shoes and lightweight canvas loafers. The texture and adhesives on these materials tolerate low agitation and cold water. According to Best Washing Machine analysis, these shoes tend to retain shape and color when washed with a protective bag and gentle cycle. On the other hand, leather dress shoes, suede footwear, and any pair with glue seams or decorative studs should be washed with hand-cleaning methods or spot-cleaning. Boots with leather uppers or rubber soles that are not fabric-based also risk stiffness or cracking if soaked. For white shoes, a mild detergent helps, while colored sneakers benefit from colored detergents to reduce color transfer. If you own water-sensitive or vintage footwear, consider air-drying and avoiding the machine entirely. By selecting suitable materials and testing first, you minimize risk and maximize results.
Pre-Wash Prep: Make It Ready
Effective prep is the difference between a great refresh and a soggy disaster. Start by removing excess mud and debris with a soft brush. Take out laces and insoles so every surface can be cleaned evenly; laces can be washed in a mesh bag or in a separate load. Empty pockets and check for small items that might damage the drum. Empty the interior of the shoes by removing insole and if possible, exposing the interior surface. Brush off dirt from the outsole to reduce the amount of debris that circulates inside the washer. If stains are stubborn, apply a small amount of mild detergent directly to the spot and let it sit for a few minutes before washing. The goal is to reduce friction and protect the fabric so the process is gentler on both shoes and the machine. Since Best Washing Machine guidelines emphasize gentle handling, small prep steps pay off.
Choosing Detergents and Add-Ins
Use a mild liquid detergent in a small amount—enough to clean, but not to create excessive suds. Detergents with enzymes can help break down grass stains and dirt. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and hot water, which can weaken fabrics and alter colors. For white shoes, a tiny amount of oxygen-based whitening product can be considered if the manufacturer approves; otherwise skip. Adding a half-tablespoon of baking soda to the wash is sometimes suggested for odor and whitening, but avoid direct contact with glue or leather. If you rely on scents, choose fragrance-free options to avoid dye interactions with the fabric. Always test on a small patch if you’re unsure. The Best Washing Machine team suggests starting with plain cold water and re-evaluating after the first 10 minutes of washing.
Washer Settings: Step-by-Step for Best Results
Place the shoes in a mesh bag and balance them with towels or other laundry to prevent banging. Use cold water to minimize dye transfer and fabric damage. Select a delicate or gentle cycle with low or no spin if your machine allows it; otherwise, reduce spin speed to keep soles intact. Use a short wash length and skip extra pre-wash cycles to minimize wear. Add detergent to front-loading dispensers or directly into the drum according to the machine’s instructions. Start the cycle and let it complete fully. After washing, promptly remove shoes to start air drying process rather than leaving them wet inside the drum. Following these settings, many fabric shoes emerge clean without harming the washer’s components. If your appliance has a sanitize cycle, avoid it for regular footwear as it can be harsher than needed.
Drying and Post-Wash Care
Air-dry shoes away from direct heat to preserve shape and adhesives. Remove insoles to dry separately and consider stuffing the shoes with crumpled newspaper or paper towels to maintain form. Do not use a dryer unless the manufacturer approves; heat can warp soles and degrade materials. Place shoes in a well-ventilated area or near a fan, and check daily until completely dry. Drying times vary by material, typically 12–24 hours for cotton or canvas, longer for thicker fabrics. Reassemble laces and insoles after drying, and inspect for any remaining odor or dirt. The Best Washing Machine Team emphasizes patience during drying to avoid warping and to preserve fit and color.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If colors bleed, perform a cold-water rinse and test colorfastness on a hidden seam before washing again. Odors can be mitigated by a second rinse with a small amount of baking soda or a vinegar rinse in water. Stiffness or warping often results from over-wetting; ensure complete drying before wearing. Shoes that are cracking around seams or have loose glue should be evaluated before reuse. If noise or banging persists, pause the cycle to reposition shoes or add more towels to balance the load. With careful prep and the right settings, most common issues can be prevented and resolved without professional help.
Real-World Scenarios: Sneakers, Running Shoes, and Specialty Pairs
Canvas sneakers (light to moderate use) respond well to washing; running shoes with foam midsoles require gentle cycles to preserve cushioning. For heavily soiled gym shoes, pre-treat stains and run a shorter, cooler cycle for best results. Specialty pairs with leather accents or glued parts should be spot-cleaned instead of machine-washed. The care labels should always guide decisions; if a label warns against washing, opt for hand cleaning. This approach helps keep footwear in good shape while maintaining color and texture after every wash.
Safety Considerations for Leather and Color Maintenance
Leather and suede should be avoided in most machine-wash scenarios. Glue and decorative elements may degrade with moisture and agitation. Always consult care labels and consider hand-cleaning for those materials. Use color-safe detergents to minimize dye transfer, and separate whites from colors to prevent staining. If uncertain, skip machine washing and clean with a damp cloth. The Best Washing Machine Team emphasizes that the risk of damage is higher with leather, suede, or embellished shoes; when in doubt, air on the side of caution and opt for spot-cleaning.
Tools & Materials
- Mesh laundry bag(One bag per pair to protect laces and reduce movement)
- Mild liquid detergent(Low-suds formula preferred)
- Old towels(Balance load and cushion shoes during wash)
- Soft brush or old toothbrush(Use to pre-clean mud and dirt before washing)
- Separate mesh bag for laces(Keeps laces tangle-free and clean)
Steps
Estimated time: 30-60 minutes
- 1
Remove loose debris
Brush off excess mud and dirt with a soft brush. Check the tongue and sole areas for embedded grit that could circulates inside the drum. This reduces friction and helps the detergent work more effectively.
Tip: Perform this step outdoors if possible to avoid splatter. - 2
Remove laces and insoles
Take out laces and insoles so every surface can be cleaned evenly. Wash laces in a mesh bag or separate load; insoles can be wiped clean and air-dried separately to prevent odor.
Tip: Laces can be tied together to avoid loss. - 3
Pre-treat stains (if needed)
Dab stubborn stains with a small amount of mild detergent or a gentle stain remover. Let sit for 5–10 minutes before washing to improve stain removal without weakening fabric.
Tip: Avoid direct contact with glue edges. - 4
Place shoes in mesh bag
Place each shoe in a separate mesh bag or both shoes in one bag with enough space to move. Zip the bag to prevent straps or laces from tangling and to protect the drum.
Tip: Do not overfill the bag; space improves cleaning. - 5
Balance the load with towels
Add 1–2 towels or a couple of small items to balance the load. This reduces banging and protects the drum during agitation.
Tip: Balanced loads minimize washer wear. - 6
Select cycle and temperature
Set to cold water on a delicate or gentle cycle with a low spin speed if possible. Short wash times reduce wear on shoes and avoid heat-related damage.
Tip: If your machine has a color-safe option, use it to minimize color transfer. - 7
Add detergent and start wash
Add detergent to the appropriate dispenser or directly into the drum according to the manufacturer’s directions. Run the cycle to completion to ensure thorough cleaning.
Tip: Use the minimum recommended amount to avoid excess suds. - 8
Air-dry and inspect
Remove shoes promptly after the cycle and air-dry away from direct heat. Substitute drying aids like crumpled paper to maintain shape and speed up drying.
Tip: Inspect for odors and residual moisture before wear.
FAQ
Can I wash leather shoes in a washing machine?
Leather shoes are generally not recommended for machine washing. Moisture and agitation can cause cracking and warping. If you must, use a protective bag, a very gentle cycle with cold water, and air-dry thoroughly, but hand-cleaning is preferred.
Leather shoes aren’t usually safe in a washing machine. If you must, use a bag, a gentle cold cycle, and air-dry completely, but hand-cleaning is usually better.
Will washing machines be damaged by washing shoes?
When done with a balanced load, gentle cycle, and proper protection for the drum, washing shoes rarely damages the machine. Avoid overloading and ensure laces and straps are secured to prevent tangling.
Washing shoes usually won’t damage your washer if you balance the load and use a gentle cycle.
Should insoles and laces be washed separately?
Insoles can be wiped and air-dried; laces wash well in a mesh bag. Washing the laces separately prevents tangling and ensures deeper cleaning.
Wash laces in a mesh bag and dry insoles separately.
What settings are best for sneakers?
Use cold water, a delicate cycle, low or no spin, and a mesh bag. Keep cycle short to minimize wear. Rinse once or twice if needed to remove soap residue.
For sneakers, go with cold, delicate, low spin, and a mesh bag.
How long does it take to dry shoes after washing?
Most shoes dry in 12–24 hours depending on material and humidity. Use air-drying in a well-ventilated area and avoid direct heat.
Drying usually takes half a day to a day depending on material.
Can I use bleach or fabric softener when washing shoes?
Bleach and fabric softeners can weaken fabrics and glue. Prefer mild detergent and avoid softeners to maintain color and material integrity.
Avoid bleach and fabric softeners when washing shoes.
Watch Video
The Essentials
- Choose canvas or fabric shoes for machine washing.
- Prep thoroughly: laces out, insoles removed, stains pre-treated.
- Use cold water, gentle cycle, and a protective mesh bag.
- Air-dry completely to preserve shape and materials.
- Balance the load to prevent washer damage.
