Let's be honest. Your favorite pair of sneakers has seen better days. They've been through mud, rain, and countless miles, and now they're sitting by the door, smelling less than fresh. Hand scrubbing feels like a chore, and you've heard mixed things about throwing them in the washer. Can you really machine wash shoes? The short answer is yes, absolutely—but doing it wrong is a fast track to wrecking your kicks. I learned this the hard way years ago when a beloved pair of mesh runners came out of the wash looking like they'd been through a demolition derby. Since then, after talking to appliance repair folks and sneaker cleaners, I've nailed down a method that works every time.washing machine shoe cleaning

What You'll Learn in This Guide

Can All Shoes Go in the Washing Machine?

This is where most guides are too vague. They'll say "most canvas shoes are okay," which isn't helpful. You need specifics. The washer's agitation and spin are brutal on certain materials and constructions.safe shoe washing

Golden Rule: If you have any doubt, or if the shoes are expensive, sentimental, or have delicate details, don't risk it. Hand wash them instead.

Here’s a clear breakdown. Use this table as your quick-reference guide before you even think about the laundry room.

Shoe Type / Material Machine Washable? Reason & Key Considerations
Canvas Sneakers (Converse, Vans, Superga) Yes, generally safe. The classic candidate. Simple construction and durable fabric handle the wash well. Check for glued-on rubber details that might loosen.
Modern Running Sneakers (Nike, Adidas with mesh uppers) Proceed with Caution. Often okay, but remove the insoles first. The intense spin can permanently deform the foam midsole structure. I only do this with my beater running shoes, not my performance pairs.
Leather Shoes (Dress shoes, boots, some sneakers) No. Heat and water will dry out, crack, and warp leather. It can also ruin the inner glue holding the sole together.
Suede or Nubuck Shoes Absolutely Not. Water will permanently stain and mat the delicate nap. Stick to specialized suede cleaners and brushes.
Shoes with Glitter, Sequins, or Delicate Embellishments No. The washer will act like a rock tumbler. Those decorations will be shredded or fall off entirely.
Slides & Flip-Flops (Rubber/Plastic) Yes. Throw them in with your towels. It's an easy way to clean grime from the footbed. Avoid heat when drying.
Shoes with a Leather or Suede Logo/Patch No. That one small patch is enough to ruin. The contrasting materials will react differently to water.

The 4-Step Prep Work You Cannot Skip

Throwing shoes directly into the drum is the number one mistake. This prep is more important than the wash cycle itself.clean sneakers in washer

1. Knock Off the Bulk Debris

Take the shoes outside and smack the soles together. Use an old toothbrush or a dry towel to dislodge caked-on mud, sand, and pebbles from the treads. You're not deep cleaning yet, just getting the big stuff off. Why? That grit will end up in your washer's pump or drain, and nobody wants that repair bill.

2. Remove the Laces and Insoles

Take out the laces completely. Pull out the removable insoles. This is non-negotiable. Laces can wrap around the agitator or central post, causing damage. Insoles need to be washed separately to ensure they get clean and don't get misshapen. I wash my laces and insoles in a small mesh laundry bag – it keeps them from getting lost.

3. Pretreat Stains (The Secret Weapon)

Look for grass stains, dirt rings around the collar, or that mysterious dark spot on the toe. Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent, a paste of baking soda and water, or a dedicated stain remover directly to the stain. Gently scrub with that old toothbrush. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This gives the cleaner time to break down the stain before the main wash.

4. Wipe Down the Interior

This is the step everyone forgets. Use a damp cloth with a bit of soap to wipe out the inside of the shoe. You're targeting sweat, salt, and odor-causing bacteria that a machine cycle might not fully reach. It takes 30 seconds per shoe and makes a huge difference in the final smell.

How to Set Your Washing Machine

Your goal is a gentle, cool wash. You are not sanitizing surgical tools; you are cleaning fabric.washing machine shoe cleaning

  • Water Temperature: Cold water only. Hot water can weaken glues, cause colors to bleed, and shrink certain materials.
  • Cycle Type: Select the Gentle, Delicate, or Hand Wash cycle. This minimizes agitation.
  • Spin Speed: If you have the option, choose a low or no-spin setting. High-speed spinning throws shoes against the drum with immense force, which is the main cause of structural damage (detached soles, deformed midsoles). If you can't control spin, the delicate cycle usually has a slower spin by default.
  • Detergent: Use a mild liquid detergent. Avoid powder detergents as they may not fully dissolve in a cold cycle and can leave residues. Skip bleach and fabric softener entirely.
  • The Load Balancer: Never wash shoes alone. The unbalanced load will make your washer bang and dance across the floor. Throw in 2-4 old towels or a couple of pillowcases. They cushion the shoes, balance the load, and help scrub the shoes during the cycle.

Drying: The Step Where Most People Fail

This is critical. Putting shoes in the dryer is the single fastest way to destroy them. The heat melts glues, warps plastics, and shrinks fabrics.safe shoe washing

Never, ever use a clothes dryer.

Here's the right way to dry machine-washed shoes:

  1. Shake Out Excess Water: As soon as the cycle ends, take the shoes out. Hold them over the sink or tub and shake vigorously to get rid of pooled water inside.
  2. Stuff with Newspaper or Paper Towels: Crumple up newspaper or paper towels and pack them tightly into the toe box and throughout the interior. This material is incredibly absorbent and will wick moisture out of the lining and padding. Replace the packing every few hours as it becomes soaked.
  3. Air Dry in a Ventilated Area: Place the shoes in a well-ventilated spot, away from direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators. A fan blowing gently in their direction works wonders. A garage or a room with a dehumidifier is ideal.
  4. Be Patient: It can take 24-48 hours for shoes to dry completely. Rushing this process leads to mildew – that awful, musty smell that never comes out.

Let the laces and insoles dry flat separately.clean sneakers in washer

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash shoes with a suede or leather upper in the machine if I use a gentle cycle?

No. The cycle gentleness isn't the issue; it's the water immersion. Suede and leather are not meant to be fully saturated and tumbled. It alters the material's texture and structure permanently, often resulting in stiffness, discoloration, and shrinkage. The risk is never worth it for these materials.

Will the washing machine get damaged from washing shoes?

If you skip the prep step of removing loose dirt and debris, yes, you risk clogging the pump or drain. The main risk to the machine comes from an unbalanced load (washing shoes alone) which puts stress on the motor and suspension. Always include towels as mentioned. Modern washers are robust, but respecting them with a balanced, debris-free load is key.

washing machine shoe cleaningMy shoes came out of the wash with a weird smell. What happened?

This is almost always a drying issue. If shoes are left damp inside for too long, mildew sets in. Next time, be more aggressive with the paper-stuffing method and use a fan. For the current smell, sprinkle baking soda inside, let it sit overnight, and vacuum it out. For persistent smells, commercial shoe deodorizer sprays are more effective than home remedies.

Is it okay to put the shoes in a mesh laundry bag?

It's an excellent idea, especially for smaller or more delicate washable shoes. A large mesh bag provides an extra layer of protection against the drum's holes and aggressive agitation. It also keeps the shoes contained, preventing them from bouncing around as much. Just ensure the bag is large enough so the shoes aren't crushed.

How often can I safely machine wash my sneakers?

Treat it as a deep clean, not a regular maintenance routine. For everyday sneakers, once every 2-3 months is plenty if you're wiping them down regularly. Each wash, no matter how gentle, puts some stress on the materials and adhesives. For performance running shoes, I'd hand wash or spot clean exclusively to preserve their technical integrity.