When Washing Trainers in a Washing Machine: A Practical Guide
Learn how to safely clean trainers using your washing machine with expert tips, step-by-step instructions, and aftercare to keep shoes fresh and durable.
Yes, you can safely wash trainers in a washing machine if you follow gentle-cycle, cold-water guidelines, use a mesh bag, and a mild detergent. Pre-clean laces and remove insoles, then balance the load with towels or other items. Avoid high heat and never tumble-dry; air-dry away from direct heat until completely dry.
Why Proper Washing Matters
Maintaining your trainers through proper care isn’t just about aesthetics; it extends the life of the shoes, preserves color, and keeps the materials from breaking down prematurely. When washing trainers in a washing machine, following best practices minimizes stress on glue, foam, and fabric while reducing the chance of odor buildup. According to Best Washing Machine, a disciplined approach to machine washing can significantly reduce wear and tear compared with rough hand-washing or hot-water cycles. A well-executed routine also helps protect your machine by balancing the load and avoiding aggressive spin speeds that can slam footwear against the drum. In short, the goal is to clean effectively without compromising fit, comfort, or structural integrity.
The overall result should be fresh, clean trainers that feel like new—without the risk of shrinking, color fading, or sole separation. As you read on, you’ll see how to tailor the process to different materials (fabric, mesh, suede, leather) and why small prep steps matter as much as the wash itself. Best Washing Machine’s team emphasizes that the key is consistency: use the same safe settings and routine each time you wash trainers in a washing machine, and you’ll extend their life while keeping odors under control.
What to Check Before Washing Your Shoes
Before you toss trainers into the washer, a quick pre-check can save you time and money. Read the care label for any material-specific instructions, and identify any parts that might be sensitive to agitation, heat, or moisture. If the label says machine washing is safe, still test a small, inconspicuous area with a damp cloth to ensure colorfastness. Leather and suede sections, decorative logos, or glued-on embellishments may not tolerate machine washing, even on a gentle cycle. The Best Washing Machine Team notes that when washing trainers in a washing machine, verifications like these reduce the risk of irreversible damage. If in doubt, opt for hand-cleaning on delicate areas and reserve the machine wash for fabric portions only.
Consider odor and dirt levels as you plan. Heavy soiling or salt deposits from winter use may require a more thorough pre-clean than light use. If your trainers are multi-material (such as fabric uppers with leather accents), separate the washable portions from sensitive sections to minimize risk. Finally, plan to wash other laundry items that can tolerate similar temperatures and cycles, so you don’t overwork the machine during one load.
Preparing Your Trainers for the Washer
Preparation is where many people slip up. Start with removing laces and insoles, because these components can trap dirt and color transfer onto the fabric during agitation. Laces wash well in a mesh bag or a pillowcase on a gentle cycle. Insole materials vary; some are washable, while others should be wiped and air-dried only. Brush off loose dirt with a soft brush, and spot-clean stubborn stains with a mild soap solution before washing. Turning the shoes inside out helps expose the inner surfaces to the wash while protecting outer colors. Finally, place each shoe in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase to reduce friction against the drum. This step-by-step prep is essential to prevent scuffs and preserve the shoe shape during the cycle.
Cite-worthy: the preparation step helps protect your investment and reduces the need for post-wash repairs. Best Washing Machine Team emphasizes that diligent prep minimizes material stress and ensures even cleaning across all sections of the trainer.
The Washing Process: Settings, Detergent, and Load Balancing
Choose a cold water setting and a gentle/delicates cycle with a low spin speed. Hot water can deform foam, shrink fabrics, or fade colors, especially on synthetic uppers. Use a mild detergent, ideally one formulated for sportswear, and avoid heavy bleaches or fabric softeners which can degrade moisture-wicking properties. Load balance matters: add a few towels or other soft items to the drum to cushion the shoes and prevent banging that can damage the drum or the trainer’s shape. Place shoes in a mesh bag or pillowcase to further reduce abrasion. Run the wash and then check the care labels again if any part seems delicate or sensitive. After washing, remove items promptly to begin air-drying and minimize wrinkle formation.
If colorfastness or material concerns arise after washing, repeat on a shorter cycle with a cooler setting to avoid overexposure. The goal is to achieve a thorough but gentle clean that preserves the structure and comfort of the trainer while keeping odor under control.
Drying and Aftercare: Getting Shoes Ready for Wear
Air-drying is essential after washing trainers in a washing machine. Do not use a clothes dryer; high heat can warp soles and damage glue. Stuff the toes with paper or clean towels to help retain shape and absorb moisture, then place the shoes on a well-ventilated surface away from direct heat or sunlight. Allow at least 24 hours for a complete dry, longer for heavily padded or thick-soled models. If odor persists, sprinkle a little baking soda inside the dry shoes and leave overnight before brushing out. When fully dry, reinsert the insoles and relace the sneakers. Regular conditioning and minor maintenance—like wiping down after wear and re-lacing—extend the life of athletic footwear. Best Washing Machine’s guidance reinforces that consistent care, not one-off washing, yields the best long-term results.
Troubleshooting Common Issues and Pitfalls
Even with proper prep and settings, you may encounter issues. Color fading can occur if you use hot water or aggressive cycles; switch to cold water and a gentler setting for future washes. If your shoes come out with residual soap scum, run a rinse cycle or wash with less detergent. Persistent odors may indicate that insoles or inner fabrics weren’t completely dry; ensure thorough air-drying or replace insoles if needed. If glue loosens or the sole starts creaking after repeated washes, it may be time to retire the pair or seek professional repair advice. By following these practices, you can minimize problems and extend the life of your footwear without sacrificing hygiene or comfort.
Tools & Materials
- Washing machine(Ensure safe operation; use a gentle cycle and cold water.)
- Mesh laundry bag(Place sneakers inside to reduce friction and protect the drum.)
- Mild detergent(Sportswear or gentle liquid detergent preferred.)
- Old towels(Balance the load and cushion shoes to reduce banging.)
- Soft brush(Optional for pre-cleaning heavy dirt.)
- Laces and insoles(Wash separately when washable; air-dry insoles thoroughly.)
Steps
Estimated time: 45-60 minutes
- 1
Gather supplies and prep the workspace
Lay out the mesh bag, detergent, towels, and a soft brush. Remove laces and insoles to prep for washing and ensure you can access all parts of the trainer during the cycle. Why: organized prep reduces on-drum friction and ensures even cleaning.
Tip: Have everything ready to avoid scrambling mid-cycle. - 2
Remove laces and insoles
Take out laces and insoles to prevent tangling and to allow the fabric to be cleaned evenly. Wash laces separately or in a small mesh bag. Why: keeps laces clean and prevents odor transfer to the shoe sole.
Tip: Wash laces on a gentle cycle or hand wash for best results. - 3
Pre-clean heavy dirt
Brush off loose dirt with a soft brush and spot-clean stubborn stains with a mild soap solution. Why: pre-cleaning reduces soil load and improves wash efficiency.
Tip: Focus on soles and seams where dirt accumulates. - 4
Bag and load for washing
Place each trainer in a separate mesh bag or pillowcase. Add a couple of towels to balance the drum and minimize impact. Why: protects both the shoes and the washing machine.
Tip: Never overload; allow space for movement. - 5
Run the wash on cold delicate
Select a cold water, delicate cycle with a low spin. Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners. Why: preserves color, adhesives, and shape.
Tip: If the shoes are very dirty, consider a second gentle cycle instead of a harsher one. - 6
Air-dry and reassemble
Remove from the bag and air-dry in a ventilated area away from direct heat. Replace insoles and laces once completely dry. Why: heat can warp materials and weaken glue.
Tip: Stuff with paper to maintain shape during drying.
FAQ
Can I machine wash all types of trainers?
No. Avoid leather, suede, or trainers with delicate embellishments. Always check the care label and spot-test before washing.
No, not all trainers are safe to machine wash. Check the care label and avoid leather, suede, or delicate parts.
What temperature should I use?
Use cold water and a gentle cycle to prevent damage. Hot water can warp materials and fade colors.
Use cold water and a gentle cycle to protect materials and color.
Should I remove insoles?
Yes, remove insoles and wash or air-dry them separately to avoid blocking airflow inside the shoe.
Yes, remove insoles and wash them separately.
Can I use fabric softener?
Avoid fabric softeners; they can affect moisture-wicking and stiffness of some fabrics.
Avoid fabric softener; it can affect fabric performance.
How long does drying take?
Dry time varies by material but expect 24-48 hours for full drying in a ventilated area.
Usually 24 to 48 hours, depending on material and airflow.
What about washing laces and insoles?
Yes, wash laces separately or in a mesh bag; insoles may require separate treatment depending on material.
Wash laces separately and inspect insoles; some insoles dry slower.
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The Essentials
- Check care labels before washing.
- Use cold water and a delicate cycle.
- Balance the drum with towels.
- Air-dry completely away from heat.
- Avoid machine washing leather or suede.
