Learn How to Wash Shoes in Your Machine

Understanding Which Shoes Can Go in the Washing Machine

Not all shoes are suitable for machine washing, and knowing which ones can handle this method is the first step toward successful shoe care. Before you load anything into your washer, you need to examine your shoes carefully to determine their construction and materials. Most athletic shoes, sneakers, and canvas shoes can be safely machine washed. These include running shoes, gym sneakers, canvas slip-ons, and similar casual footwear made from durable synthetic or fabric materials. The key factor is that these shoes are designed to withstand repeated stress and moisture exposure during normal use, making them more resilient in a washing machine.

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Shoes you should never put in a machine include leather dress shoes, suede boots, delicate formal footwear, and expensive designer shoes. Leather and suede are porous materials that absorb water and can shrink, crack, or lose their shape when exposed to machine washing and high heat. Similarly, shoes with glued components rather than stitched construction can fall apart when the adhesives dissolve in water. Shoes with electronic components, LED lights, or battery-powered features should never be washed in a machine because water will damage the electronics.

Check the manufacturer's label inside your shoe for specific washing instructions. Many athletic shoe brands include care tags that indicate whether machine washing is recommended. If you see a label with an X through a tub symbol, this means the manufacturer advises against machine washing. Look for visible damage before washing, including peeling soles, broken seams, or areas where the upper part of the shoe is separating from the sole. Shoes with metal parts, studs, or hardware may scratch your washing machine drum, so these should be hand washed instead.

Practical takeaway: Examine your shoes for material type, construction method, and manufacturer instructions before placing them in any washing machine. Stick to canvas and synthetic athletic shoes, and avoid anything made from leather, suede, or delicate materials.

Preparing Your Shoes for Machine Washing

Proper preparation prevents damage to both your shoes and your washing machine. Begin by removing excess dirt and debris from the shoe surface using a soft brush or dry cloth. If your shoes are very muddy or caked with dirt, rinse them under a faucet with cool water and scrub gently with a soft brush to remove surface-level debris. This step is important because large amounts of dried dirt can create a mess inside your washing machine and potentially damage the drum. Pay special attention to the soles and treads, where dirt accumulates most heavily.

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Once you have removed surface dirt, take out the insoles and wash them separately. The insoles are the removable cushioned inner parts that sit inside the shoe. Removing them allows for more thorough cleaning of the entire shoe interior, where sweat and odor-causing bacteria accumulate. You can hand wash insoles in a sink with warm water and mild soap, or place them in a mesh bag and run them through the washer on a gentle cycle. This separate washing also prevents the insoles from becoming waterlogged and extending the overall drying time for your shoes.

Unlace your shoes completely and remove the laces. Shoelaces should be washed separately because they can become tangled in the washing machine or wrapped around moving parts. Place laces in a small mesh laundry bag or tie them together loosely so they stay contained during washing. If your laces are very dirty or discolored, you can soak them in a solution of water and mild laundry detergent for 15-20 minutes before washing them on a gentle cycle.

Place your shoes inside a mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase tied at the top before putting them in the washing machine. This protective barrier prevents the shoes from bouncing around excessively during the wash cycle and reduces the risk of damage to the machine drum. If you are washing multiple pairs, use separate bags for each pair to prevent them from banging against each other. The mesh bag allows water and detergent to reach the shoes while containing them safely within the washing machine.

Practical takeaway: Remove surface dirt, take out insoles, unlace shoes, and place them in a protective mesh bag before washing. These preparation steps protect both your shoes and your machine from damage.

Selecting the Right Washing Machine Settings

Using the correct washing machine settings is crucial for cleaning your shoes without causing damage. The most important rule is to always use cold water when washing shoes. Hot water can cause shoes to shrink, warp, or become misshapen. Cold water is effective for removing dirt and stains while being gentle on the materials. The temperature of the water matters significantly, especially for shoes made from synthetic materials or adhesive-bonded construction. If the shoe glue was applied during manufacturing, exposure to hot water can soften the adhesive and cause the sole to separate from the upper part of the shoe.

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Select the gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine rather than a standard or heavy-duty cycle. The gentle cycle uses slower agitation and shorter spin times, which reduces the stress placed on the shoes during washing. Most modern washing machines have a dedicated gentle or delicate setting specifically designed for items that need careful handling. This setting typically runs at lower speeds, which means less physical stress on the shoe materials and construction. Running shoes can handle a slightly more vigorous cycle than delicate athletic shoes, but starting with a gentle setting is the safest approach for most footwear.

Use only a small amount of mild laundry detergent or specialized sneaker wash product. Do not use bleach or harsh chemical cleaners, as these can discolor shoes and damage synthetic materials. Pour a small amount of detergent directly into the wash water or into the detergent dispenser, following the manufacturer's recommendations for water volume. Some people prefer using specialized shoe-cleaning detergents or products made specifically for athletic footwear, as these are formulated to clean without damaging the shoe materials. If you are using a standard laundry detergent, use roughly half the amount you would normally use for a full load of clothes.

Avoid using the spin cycle or use the lowest spin setting available. A high-speed spin cycle can be harsh on shoes and may cause them to deform. If your machine has an option to skip or reduce the spin cycle, use this feature. The reduced spinning means your shoes will retain more water after the wash, which extends drying time slightly, but the tradeoff is worth the protection of your shoes. If your machine spins automatically and you cannot adjust this setting, simply remove the shoes immediately after the cycle completes to prevent them from sitting compressed in a wet state.

Practical takeaway: Use cold water on a gentle cycle with minimal detergent and low or no spin speed to protect your shoes during washing while still achieving effective cleaning.

Washing Laces and Insoles Properly

Shoelaces and insoles require different care than the main shoe body and benefit from more targeted washing methods. For shoelaces, place them in a small mesh laundry bag tied loosely at the top, or group them together and tie them gently with a rubber band. This prevents the laces from tangling around moving parts inside the washing machine. Run them through a regular or gentle wash cycle with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent. If your laces are particularly dirty or stained, you can pre-soak them for 20 minutes in a mixture of cold water and mild detergent before running them through the machine. Most shoelaces can tolerate a standard wash cycle better than the shoes themselves because they are made from simple cord material without complex construction.

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Insoles are cushioned components that absorb moisture and support your foot. They should always be washed separately from the shoes because they take longer to dry and can trap moisture inside the shoe if washed together. Remove the insoles before washing the shoes and place them in a mesh bag or wash them by hand in a sink. For hand washing, fill a sink with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the insoles and use a soft brush to gently scrub both the top and bottom surfaces. Pay special attention to areas where your foot sits, as these accumulate sweat, salt, and odor-causing bacteria. Rinse thoroughly under cool running water until all soap is removed.

If you choose to machine wash insoles, use a mesh bag and run them on a gentle cycle with cold water. Do not use the spin cycle for insoles, as the centrifugal force can damage the cushioning material and cause deformation. After washing, squeeze out excess water gently by hand—do not wring or twist the insoles. Lay them flat on a clean, dry towel