How to Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine Safely

Tossing sneakers in the washer is tempting, but not every shoe survives a spin cycle. Done right, though, machine washing is a fast way to freshen canvas and athletic shoes. Here's how to wash shoes in a washing machine safely, which shoes to keep out, and how to dry them without damage.

Quick answer: Machine-wash only canvas, cotton, polyester and nylon athletic shoes. Remove laces and insoles, brush off dirt, put the shoes in a mesh laundry bag with a few old towels to balance the load, and wash on a gentle, cold cycle with mild liquid detergent. Air-dry stuffed with paper towels, never in a hot dryer.

Which Shoes Can Go in the Washer?

Usually OK	Keep out of the washer
Canvas sneakers	Leather and suede shoes
Cotton and polyester running shoes	Shoes with glued-on decorations
Nylon athletic shoes	Boots, dress shoes, heels
Some slip-ons (check label)	Shoes with lights or electronics

Suede? Use our suede cleaning guide. UGGs? See How to Clean UGG Boots.

What You'll Need

Mesh laundry bag or pillowcase
Mild liquid detergent (powder can get stuck in fabric)
2–4 old towels
Soft brush or old toothbrush
Paper towels for drying

Step-by-Step

Prep: knock off dried mud outside and brush the soles.
Remove laces and insoles. Wash laces in a separate mesh bag. Hand wash insoles with soapy water (they can warp in the machine).
Pre-treat stains with a little detergent and a soft brush.
Bag them: put shoes in a mesh bag or tied pillowcase.
Add towels to cushion and balance the drum, reducing banging.
Wash on a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water and a small amount of liquid detergent. Choose a low spin speed.
Skip fabric softener and bleach (unless the shoes are white canvas and the care label allows bleach).

How to Dry Shoes

Stuff shoes with paper towels or newspaper to absorb water and hold their shape. Replace when soaked.
Air-dry at room temperature with good airflow (in front of a fan is great).
Avoid direct heat and the clothes dryer: heat can melt glue, warp soles and shrink fabric.
Expect 24 hours or more to dry fully.

Protect Your Washing Machine

Wash no more than one or two pairs at a time.
Use towels so shoes don't hit the drum.
Clean the washer regularly to remove grit: see guides for front-load washers and top-load washers.

Smelly Shoes?

Sprinkle baking soda inside dry shoes overnight, or tuck in a dryer sheet. For gym gear odor, read How to Get Rid of Sweat Smell.

White Sneakers

For bright white sneakers and yellowed soles, follow How to Clean White Sneakers.

FAQ

Can I put shoes in the dryer?

It's not recommended. Some people use a no-heat air setting with shoes hung from the door, but air-drying is safest.

Will washing ruin my running shoes?

Occasional gentle washing is usually fine, but frequent machine washing can weaken glue and cushioning. Spot clean between washes.