To wash shoes in the washing machine, remove the laces and insoles, brush off loose dirt, put the shoes in a mesh laundry bag, add a few old towels, and run a cold, gentle cycle with a small amount of liquid detergent. Always air dry. Only canvas, mesh and most synthetic sneakers should be machine washed.
In this guide
Which shoes can go in the washing machine?
| Shoe type | Machine wash? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas sneakers | Usually yes | Cotton canvas handles a cold gentle cycle well |
| Mesh and knit running shoes | Usually yes, occasionally | Check the brand’s advice; some recommend hand washing only |
| Synthetic trainers | Usually yes | Avoid heat, which weakens glue |
| Leather and faux leather | No | Water stiffens and cracks leather; coatings peel |
| Suede and nubuck | No | Water stains and flattens the nap |
| Shoes with cork, rope, sequins or glued trims | No | These swell, fray or fall off |
| Dress shoes, boots, heels | No | Structured materials lose their shape |
If the care label or the brand’s website says hand wash only, follow that.
What you need
- A mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase you can tie shut
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Two or three old towels
- A soft brush or old toothbrush
- Plain paper for stuffing
How to machine wash shoes: step by step
- Remove laces and insoles. Put the laces in the mesh bag or wash them by hand; see how to clean white shoelaces. Hand wash the insoles and let them air dry, because machine washing can break them down.
- Knock off dirt. Bang the soles together outside and brush mud from the tread. Rinse heavy mud off under a tap so it does not clog the machine.
- Pre-treat stains with a little detergent and a toothbrush.
- Bag the shoes and place them in the drum with the towels. The towels balance the load and stop the shoes from banging against the drum.
- Add liquid detergent, about half the usual dose. Powder can leave residue inside the shoes. Skip fabric softener and bleach.
- Run a cold, delicate cycle with a slow spin.
- Air dry. Stuff the shoes with paper and leave them in an airy place for 24 hours.
Related: How to Stretch Shoes That Are Too Tight
How to dry shoes after washing
Do not put shoes in the tumble dryer. Heat shrinks fabric, warps soles and loosens glue. Stuff them with plain paper, replace it once when damp, and stand the shoes in front of a fan if you need them sooner. Our guide to drying shoes covers the quickest safe methods.
Washing running shoes
- Machine washing now and then is fine for most mesh running shoes, but frequent washing shortens the life of the midsole foam and adhesives.
- For routine cleaning, scrub by hand with a soft brush, warm water and a little detergent, then wipe clean.
- Never use hot water or a dryer on shoes with foam, gel or air cushioning.
How to hand wash shoes instead
- Mix a teaspoon of detergent into two cups of warm water.
- Scrub the uppers with a soft brush and the soles with a stiffer one.
- Wipe away the suds with a clean damp cloth.
- Stuff with paper and air dry.
Hand washing is the safer choice for any shoe you are unsure about. For specific materials, see our guides to canvas, white leather and suede.
Common mistakes
- Washing shoes on their own without towels, which is noisy and hard on the machine.
- Using warm or hot water.
- Leaving insoles in.
- Using too much detergent, which leaves white marks when the shoes dry.
- Drying shoes on a radiator or in direct sun.
Frequently asked questions
Will washing shoes damage my washing machine?
Not if they are in a mesh bag with towels on a gentle cycle. Loose shoes on a fast spin can knock the drum and unbalance the load.
What temperature should I wash shoes at?
Cold, or no warmer than 30°C (86°F). Higher temperatures can soften the glue that holds the soles on.
How often can I machine wash sneakers?
Only when they need it, roughly every month or two for shoes worn often. Spot clean in between.
Why do my shoes smell after washing?
They did not dry fully. Dry them completely with the insoles out, then see how to get rid of shoe odor.
