August 27, 2025
Most sneakers and athletic shoes made from durable materials like canvas, nylon, cotton, or polyester can safely go in the washing machine—just check the manufacturer’s shoe care label first. These fabrics are tough enough to handle a wash, but always verify to keep your shoes clean without damage.
Delicate materials like leather, suede, or vinyl should skip the washer, as spinning can ruin them. Instead, hand-wash or spot-clean for gentle shoe care. If you want to clean leather shoes or clean suede shoes, check out our guides for step-by-step methods—we break down exactly how to handle each material safely.
Exposing your shoes to high heat in a dryer can seriously damage them. The intense heat breaks down adhesives and weakens fabrics, ruining your shoes’ structure. For proper shoe care after washing, never use machine drying – it’s one of the quickest ways to destroy your favorite pair.
Instead, keep your shoes clean and fresh by air-drying them properly. Stuff them with newspaper or clean absorbent towels to maintain shape, and let them dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as these can fade colors and degrade materials over time. This gentle drying method helps preserve your shoes’ quality after every wash.
Before throwing your shoes in the washing machine, you’ll need more than just detergent. Here’s the full checklist of supplies to properly clean and avoid damage to your shoes during the wash.
Laundry detergent: Detergent is the essential cleaning agent for washing shoes in the machine. Choose a mild, color-safe variety suitable for your shoe’s fabric type.
4 to 5 Towels: Towels act as a cushion, keeping your shoes safe while in the washer.
Mesh Bag/Pillowcases: Mesh bags or pillowcases keep shoes from thrashing around in the washer—saves your shoes AND your machine!
Dish Soap: You will need this to make your cleaning solution.
Shoe Brush/Tooth Brush: You will need one of these tools in order to pre-brush your shoes
Before tossing your shoes in the washing machine, always pre-treat tough stains. Gently hand-wash problem areas with a soft brush and soapy water (a mix of dish soap, a small amount of mild detergent, and water) to break down dirt and grease. This extra step ensures your washer can clean more effectively. For expert shoe care tips on hand washing shoes, visit our guide!
Always yank those insoles out before your shoes hit the washing machine! Unless the care tag gives the green light, stick to hand-washing – otherwise you’ll be stuck with waterlogged insoles that take forever to dry. For non-washable insoles, use the same soapy water from Step 1 to gently pre-treat them, then scrub thoroughly to refresh and clean.
Put your shoes inside your mesh bag or pillowcases, tie a knot at the end of each one to keep your shoes secure and prevent them from slipping out during the wash.
Place your shoes in the washing machine, then add your towels to the load as well. The towels will help cushion the shoes and protect them during the wash cycle.
Add laundry detergent to the washing machine as usual. If your shoes are particularly smelly, toss in a cup of vinegar to help neutralize odors and leave them smelling fresh.
Run the machine with cold water, and set it to one rinse only. For the best results, choose the “delicate” or “gentle” wash setting to minimize friction and protect your sneakers. While a normal wash can work, we recommend sticking to delicate for extra care.
Once the wash cycle is finished, remove your sneakers from the machine and take them out of the pillowcases. Let the shoes, insoles, and laces air dry separately before reassembling them. This ensures everything dries thoroughly and maintains its shape.
Washing shoes in a mesh garment bag or pillowcase on a cold, gentle cycle is unlikely to damage your washing machine. This method helps protect both the shoe and the washer drum by minimizing excessive tumbling, ensuring a thorough clean while keeping your shoes and washing machine in good condition.
Washing shoes in the machine is safe when done correctly—just pre-treat stains, use a mesh bag with towels, and always let them air dry. Delicate materials like leather and suede should be cleaned by hand to avoid damage.
Want tips for cleaning other shoe materials? Explore our step-by-step guides to ensure your shoes are left spotless.
