Washing Tennis Shoes in a Washing Machine: Safe Methods and Tips
Learn how tennis shoes can be cleaned in a washing machine with a safe, step-by-step approach. Tips on prep, settings, drying, and alternatives to protect footwear and your machine.
You can clean many tennis shoes in a washing machine by using a gentle cold cycle, a mesh bag or pillowcase, and a mild detergent. Remove laces and insoles, balance the load with towels, and air-dry thoroughly. Check care labels and avoid leather or suede footwear.
Why tennis shoes in washing machine can work (and when to avoid)
Washing machines offer a convenient way to refresh many sneaker styles, especially canvas and mesh tennis shoes. The key is understanding materials and construction. Shoes made from durable fabrics, with sturdy stitching and rubber outsoles, often tolerate a gentle cycle well. However, several caveats matter:
- Leather, suede, or fabric shoes with delicate overlays may crack or soften if agitated too aggressively.
- Glued components can detach if exposed to excessive heat or harsh detergents.
- Laces, insoles, and eyelets add bulk and can wobble or tangle; removing them reduces friction and wear on the machine.
According to Best Washing Machine, safe machine-washing practices focus on cold water, gentle agitation, and minimal heat exposure. This guidance aligns with typical care labels and widely accepted sneaker-cleaning principles. If your shoes carry a warranty, verify that machine washing won’t void it. When in doubt, test a small, inconspicuous area first or opt for hand cleaning. The goal is clean, odor-free shoes without compromising your washing machine’s longevity or your footwear.
Pre-clean assessment and preparation
Preparation is the foundation of a successful machine wash for tennis shoes. Start by inspecting labels and materials: canvas, mesh, rubber, leather, or synthetics each respond differently to water and detergent. Remove laces and insoles to allow better cleaning and drying. Check for exposed hardware, studs, or decorative elements that could snag the drum or detach during washing. Pre-treat obvious stains with a mild solution or a gentle stain remover, testing on a small area first to confirm colorfastness. If your shoes have strong odors, a quick rinse in cold water before washing can help. For color safety, run a quick colorfast test by dabbing a damp corner with detergent and blotting with a white cloth; if color transfers, skip the machine wash and opt for spot cleaning.
Choosing the right settings and detergent
Selecting the right settings is crucial. Use an extremely cold to cold water temperature and a delicate or gentle cycle with low-speed agitation to minimize stress on the shoe material. Avoid high heat, as it can warp soles and damage adhesives. Choose a mild liquid detergent in a small amount; avoid bleach and strong solvents that can degrade fabrics. If your shoes are particularly dirty, a pre-soak cycle for 10–15 minutes can help, but limit exposure to detergent. Consider using a mesh bag or pillowcase to protect the shoes from direct drum contact. For extra freshness, a small amount of white vinegar in the rinse can help neutralize odors, but test colorfastness first and avoid vinegar with leather or suede.
Best Washing Machine’s analysis shows that cold, gentle washes paired with a bag minimize damage while still delivering cleaning power. Always avoid washing suede or nubuck, and do not machine dry leather footwear. If you’re washing multiple pairs, balance the load with towels or a couple of similarly sized items to prevent an unbalanced drum.
Protecting the shoes and the machine
Protection is twofold: preserve footwear and safeguard the washer. Place each pair in a separate mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent tangling of laces. Balance the drum by adding a couple of towels or a similar lightweight item to each wash load; this helps distribute force evenly and reduces banging. Zip up bags so zippers don’t catch the drum. Use the shortest possible cycle with minimal spin to avoid excessive stress on glue and stitching. For particularly dirty soles, pre-scrub with a soft brush before washing. After washing, remove shoes promptly to reduce wrinkling and odor formation. Finally, run an empty cotton cycle with hot water and a cleaning agent if you suspect residue remains after washing.
Drying and post-wash care
Air-drying is essential for most tennis shoes. Remove insoles, stuff the toe with crumpled newspaper or shoe trees to retain shape, and place shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight to prevent warping. Expect 24–48 hours for complete dry time, depending on material and humidity. Do not use a clothes dryer, as heat can distort materials and adhesives. Re-lace and re-inspect the shoes after drying; for odor control, consider a baking-soda-based freshening between wears. When fully dry, reinsert insoles and laces, and test fit before wearing to ensure no residual stiffness or odor remains. Best Washing Machine recommends patience here—drying thoroughly prevents odor and material damage.
Alternatives to washing machine cleaning
If your shoes are delicate or if you’re unsure about machine washing, consider alternatives:
- Hand washing with a soft brush and mild detergent to target stubborn stains.
- Spot cleaning for small marks using a damp cloth and gentle cleaner.
- Using sneaker-cleaning solutions designed for fabric and mesh, following manufacturer instructions.
- For leather or suede, stick to hand-cleaning methods to preserve texture and color. These approaches reduce risk to expensive footwear and still deliver results.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Mistakes often fall into four categories: not checking care labels, choosing harsh detergents, overloading the machine, and skipping proper drying. Always read care instructions and test a small area first. Use a gentle cycle and cold water, never bleach or hot water. Balance loads, avoid mixing fabrics with heavy dirt, and never machine-dry leather or suede. After washing, ensure shoes are completely dry before wearing to prevent bacteria growth and odors. By avoiding common pitfalls, you protect both your sneakers and your appliance.
Real-world plan: quick test run and follow-ups
If you’re nervous about a full wash, start with a test run on a lightly soiled canvas sneaker. Use a small amount of detergent, cold water, and a gentle cycle. Inspect the results, and if satisfied, progress to washing the rest of your tennis shoes with the same settings. Document what works for your particular model—different washer brands and drum sizes can influence results. If odor persists after air-drying, consider repeating the wash with a light pre-soak and ensure thorough drying. With consistent care, tennis shoes in washing machine can remain clean, odor-free, and ready for your next round of play.
Tools & Materials
- Mesh laundry bag or pillowcase(Protects shoes and keeps laces tucked during the wash)
- Mild liquid detergent(Avoid bleach; use a small amount for fabrics)
- Old towel or two(Balance load and reduce drum impact)
- Soft brush or old toothbrush(Pre-treat stains and clean soles)
- Insoles and laces removed prior(Prevents tangling and ensures thorough cleaning)
- White vinegar (optional)(Odor control; test colorfastness first)
Steps
Estimated time: 15-30 minutes active; 24-48 hours total drying time
- 1
Remove laces and insoles
Take out laces and insoles to allow full access to the interior and to prevent tangling. This also helps the detergent reach all surfaces. Drying times may be shorter when insoles are removed.
Tip: Keep laces in a small mesh bag to prevent tangling. - 2
Dry brush and knock off excess dirt
Before washing, brush off loose dirt from soles and uppers using a soft brush to reduce grime in the wash. This step helps the machine work more efficiently.
Tip: A quick pre-scrub saves cleaning time later. - 3
Pre-treat visible stains
Use a mild cleaner applied with a soft brush on stubborn marks. Let sit for 5–10 minutes, then rinse with a damp cloth to avoid embedding cleaner in fabric.
Tip: Test stain remover on a small area first. - 4
Place shoes in a mesh bag
Zip or tie the bag so shoes stay centered and don’t bang against the drum. If you have two shoes, place them in separate bags to prevent contact.
Tip: Balance weight by including a bath towel in the drum. - 5
Load with towels for balance
Add a couple of towels to balance the load and reduce drum wobble. Don't overload the machine; keep it to 60–70% of capacity.
Tip: Balanced loads reduce wear on the machine and shoes. - 6
Add detergent and cold water
Pour a small amount of mild detergent into the detergent compartment or directly into the drum if your machine allows. Select cold water to protect colors and materials.
Tip: Avoid excess detergent to prevent residue on fabric. - 7
Select gentle cycle with low spin
Choose a delicate or gentle cycle with the lowest spin speed available. High agitation can deform soles or split glues.
Tip: If your machine offers a short wash option, use it for delicate fabrics. - 8
Start the wash and monitor
Begin the cycle and listen for unusual noises. If you hear loud banging, pause and redistribute items.
Tip: Stop early if the shoes are excessively soiled; rerun a shorter cycle. - 9
Remove shoes promptly after washing
As soon as the cycle ends, remove the bags and shoes to prevent odor build-up. Do not leave damp shoes inside the drum.
Tip: Open the bags to air and inspect for any detergent residue. - 10
Air-dry thoroughly, then reassemble
Reshape the shoes with paper towels or shoe trees and place in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat. Reinsert insoles and laces once completely dry.
Tip: Avoid using a clothes dryer for most sneakers.
FAQ
Can I wash tennis shoes in a standard washing machine?
Yes, many tennis shoes can be machine-washed if they are made from durable fabrics like canvas or mesh. Use a gentle cold cycle, a mesh bag, and a mild detergent. Always remove insoles and laces to improve cleaning and drying efficiency.
Yes. Most tennis shoes can go in a gent le cold cycle with a mesh bag and mild detergent, after you remove laces and insoles.
What settings should I use for washing tennis shoes?
Choose a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water and the lowest spin. This minimizes fabric stress and helps preserve glues and overlays. Avoid high heat and aggressive agitation.
Use cold, delicate wash with low spin and avoid heat.
Are leather or suede tennis shoes safe to machine wash?
Leather and suede are generally not machine-wash friendly. They can crack, stiffen, or discolor. Opt for hand cleaning with appropriate cleaners or spot cleaning for these materials.
Leather and suede shouldn't be machine washed; hand-clean instead.
How should I dry tennis shoes after washing?
Air-dry shoes away from direct heat or sunlight. Remove insoles and laces, stuff with paper or use shoe trees to retain shape. Do not use a clothes dryer as heat can warp materials and degrade adhesives.
Air-dry away from heat; avoid the dryer to protect materials.
What can I do if my shoes still smell after washing?
Ensure complete drying before wearing and consider deodorizing with baking soda or a sneaker-specific freshener. Regular airing between wears also helps prevent odor build-up.
Dry thoroughly and use baking soda or sneaker fresheners.
Watch Video
The Essentials
- Check care labels before washing
- Use cold water and a gentle cycle
- Protect shoes with bags and balance the load
- Air-dry fully; avoid the dryer
- Avoid machine washing leather or suede
