Dirty shoes are a universal problem. Whether you’ve been hiking through muddy trails, running in the rain, or just wearing your sneakers every single day, there comes a point when a simple wipe-down just won’t cut it. So the big question most people ask is: can you put shoes in the washer? The short answer is — sometimes, yes. But the longer answer involves knowing your shoe materials, understanding your washing machine settings, and following the right process to avoid ruining a perfectly good pair of kicks.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about washing shoes in a washing machine safely, which shoes should never go near a washer, and the best practices to get your footwear looking fresh again. Whether you’re dealing with canvas sneakers, gym shoes, or muddy kids’ shoes, we’ve got you covered.
Can You Put Shoes in the Washer? The Real Answer
Yes, you can put certain shoes in the washer, but it depends entirely on the material and construction of the shoe. Not all footwear is designed to withstand the heat, agitation, and moisture exposure of a washing machine cycle. Throwing the wrong pair in could result in warped soles, cracked leather, broken adhesives, or shrinkage.
According to a survey by the American Cleaning Institute, over 65% of Americans admit to washing their sneakers in a washing machine at least once. Of that group, a significant portion reported some form of damage — usually because they didn’t follow the right steps beforehand. The good news? With the right technique, machine-washing shoes is not only possible but highly effective.
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The key factors to assess before tossing your shoes in the wash are:
- Material (canvas, mesh, leather, suede, synthetic)
- Construction (glued vs. stitched soles)
- Care label instructions (always check the tag inside the shoe)
- Water sensitivity (some materials absorb water and warp permanently)
Which Shoes Can You Put in the Washer?
Not all shoes are created equal when it comes to machine washing. Below is a breakdown of the most common shoe types and whether they’re washer-safe.
✅ Shoes That Are Safe to Machine Wash
| Shoe Type | Safe to Machine Wash? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas sneakers | ✅ Yes | Use cold water, gentle cycle |
| Athletic/running shoes | ✅ Usually | Check care label first |
| Mesh trainers | ✅ Yes | Delicate cycle recommended |
| Cotton fabric shoes | ✅ Yes | Avoid hot water |
| Nylon shoes | ✅ Yes | Cold water only |
| Kids’ fabric shoes | ✅ Yes | Remove insoles first |
Canvas shoes like Converse or Vans are practically designed for machine washing. Their fabric upper and rubber soles hold up well under a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. Athletic shoes and mesh trainers — the kind you’d wear to the gym or for jogging — also tend to fare well in the washer, as long as you remove the laces and insoles first and opt for a low-spin, cold water setting.
❌ Shoes You Should Never Put in the Washer
| Shoe Type | Safe to Machine Wash? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Leather shoes | ❌ No | Water warps and cracks leather |
| Suede shoes | ❌ No | Water causes irreversible staining |
| Dress shoes | ❌ No | Structural damage likely |
| Heels/pumps | ❌ No | Adhesives and heels can break |
| Boots (most types) | ❌ No | Too bulky; structural damage |
| Waterproof shoes | ❌ No | Washing removes waterproof coating |
| Embellished shoes | ❌ No | Gems, beads, or decorations will fall off |
Leather and suede are the two materials most commonly ruined in washing machines. Water penetrates leather fibres and causes them to dry out, crack, and lose their shape. Suede is even more sensitive — a single wash can permanently alter its texture and leave water stains that are impossible to remove. If you have leather or suede shoes, stick to specialized shoe cleaners and brushes.
How to Wash Shoes in the Washer: Step-by-Step
If your shoes pass the material test and you’ve confirmed via the care label that machine washing is safe, follow these steps carefully. Doing it right the first time makes all the difference.
Step 1: Remove Laces and Insoles
Before anything else, take out the laces and insoles. Laces can tangle around the drum and agitator, potentially damaging both the laces and the machine. Insoles, especially memory foam or orthopaedic ones, can absorb excess water, lose their shape, and take days to dry properly. Wash laces separately in a mesh laundry bag, and hand wash insoles with mild soap and warm water.
Step 2: Knock Off Loose Dirt
Take your shoes outside or over a bin and knock them together to dislodge any loose mud, dirt, or debris. Use an old toothbrush or stiff brush to scrub off caked-on dirt from the soles and around the toe box. Putting heavily soiled shoes directly into the washer can clog your machine’s filter and spread dirt onto the drum interior.
Step 3: Place Shoes in a Mesh Laundry Bag
Always place your shoes inside a mesh laundry bag or even a pillowcase before putting them in the washer. This protects both the shoes and the washing machine drum from direct impact during the spin cycle. Without this protective layer, the shoes will bang around aggressively, potentially damaging the machine and causing the shoes to scuff or deform.
Step 4: Add Towels for Cushioning
Toss two to three old towels into the washer along with your shoes. This serves a dual purpose: it cushions the shoes during the cycle to reduce noise and impact, and it helps balance the load so the machine doesn’t vibrate excessively. Don’t use your best towels — old ones work just fine here.
Step 5: Choose the Right Detergent
Use a mild, liquid detergent for washing shoes. Powder detergents can leave residue in crevices, especially around the toe box and sole edges. If you or anyone in your household has sensitive skin, consider using a perfume free washing powder to avoid skin irritation, as shoes come into close contact with bare feet and socks.
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Avoid bleach unless you’re washing all-white canvas shoes, and even then, use a diluted solution carefully. Bleach can yellow rubber soles and degrade fabric fibers over time.
Step 6: Select the Right Wash Cycle
This is one of the most important steps. Always use a cold water, gentle or delicate cycle when washing shoes. Hot water can:
- Melt or weaken the adhesive bonding the sole to the upper
- Cause colors to bleed or fade
- Shrink fabric materials
- Warp the shape of the shoe
A slow spin speed (around 400–600 RPM) is ideal. High spin speeds put tremendous stress on the shoe’s structure. If your machine has a “hand wash” or “delicates” setting, use that.
Step 7: Air Dry — Never Use the Dryer
Once the wash cycle is complete, never put your shoes in the tumble dryer. The intense heat will almost certainly warp the soles, melt adhesives, and shrink or misshape the upper material. Instead:
- Stuff the shoes with white paper towels or newspaper to help them hold their shape as they dry
- Place them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight (UV light can yellow white shoes)
- Allow 24–48 hours for complete drying before wearing them
- If you’re in a hurry, use a fan pointed at the shoes to speed up airflow
Can You Put Shoes in the Washer With Other Clothes?
This is a common question — and the answer is no, you should not wash shoes with your regular clothing. Here’s why:
- Shoes are far heavier than fabric clothing items, which can cause imbalance in the drum
- The hard rubber soles can snag or tear delicate fabrics
- Dirt from shoes can transfer onto clothes, especially white or light-colored garments
- The thudding of shoes during the spin cycle can stress the washing machine drum bearings
Always wash shoes separately from clothing, and use the towel method described above to cushion the load.
Can You Put Shoes in the Washer? Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced shoe-washers make mistakes. Here are the most frequent errors and how to sidestep them:
1. Using Hot Water Hot water is the number one cause of shoe damage in the washer. It breaks down adhesives, fades color, and warps shape. Always use cold water.
2. Skipping the Mesh Bag Without a laundry bag, shoes bang directly against the drum. This creates loud noise, potential drum damage, and scuffed or deformed shoes.
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3. Using Too Much Detergent Excess detergent creates too many suds, which are difficult to rinse out of thick shoe materials. Use about half the amount you’d use for a regular load.
4. Machine Drying As mentioned, the dryer is the enemy of shoes. Air drying is non-negotiable if you want to preserve the shoe’s structure and sole integrity.
5. Forgetting to Clean the Machine Afterward Shoes carry significant dirt, bacteria, and sometimes odor. After washing shoes, run a drum-cleaning cycle on your machine to keep it fresh for your next laundry load.
How to Keep Your Shoes Smelling Fresh After Washing
Even after a thorough wash, some shoes — especially athletic ones — can develop odors again quickly. Here are some tried-and-tested methods to keep shoe odor at bay:
- Baking soda: Sprinkle a teaspoon inside each shoe after every wear. It absorbs moisture and neutralizes odor.
- Cedar shoe inserts: Natural cedar wood absorbs moisture and imparts a pleasant, fresh scent.
- Rotating your shoes: Giving each pair at least 24 hours between wears lets moisture fully evaporate.
- Antifungal spray: Particularly useful for gym shoes or shoes worn without socks.
- Freezer trick: Place shoes in a sealed plastic bag and freeze overnight to kill odor-causing bacteria.
“Shoe hygiene is often overlooked, but it directly impacts foot health. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments — exactly the inside of a worn shoe.” — American Podiatric Medical Association
Can You Put Running Shoes in the Washer?
Running shoes deserve a special mention because they’re among the most frequently washed shoes — and also some of the easiest to accidentally damage. Most modern running shoes with mesh uppers and rubber soles can be machine washed, but the foam midsoles (EVA or React foam) are sensitive to heat and aggressive tumbling.
Best practice for running shoes:
- Remove insoles and laces before washing
- Use a mesh laundry bag
- Cold water, gentle cycle only
- Air dry at room temperature for 24–48 hours
- Avoid direct sunlight during drying to prevent foam degradation
Brands like Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and ASICS all generally recommend hand washing as the preferred method for their performance running shoes, but acknowledge that a gentle machine wash is acceptable when done correctly.
Case Study: The Impact of Improper Shoe Washing
A 2021 consumer study by Which? Magazine tested 12 pairs of popular sneakers washed in various conditions. Key findings included:
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- Shoes washed on a hot cycle (60°C) showed sole separation in 8 out of 12 pairs after just 3 washes
- Shoes washed on a cold, gentle cycle showed no visible damage after 10 washes
- Shoes dried in a tumble dryer experienced measurable sole warping in 100% of test cases
- Shoes air-dried maintained their original shape in 91% of cases
These findings reinforce the importance of following proper washing guidelines. The difference between cold and hot water washing alone dramatically affects shoe longevity.
Can You Put White Shoes in the Washer?
White shoes are notoriously difficult to keep clean, and many people wonder whether the washer is the solution. Yes, most white canvas or fabric shoes can be machine washed, and it’s often the most effective way to restore their brightness. However, a few extra tips apply:
- Add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to brighten whites naturally
- Use a color-safe whitening detergent rather than harsh bleach
- If using diluted bleach on rubber soles, apply it with a toothbrush rather than adding it to the wash cycle
- Air dry in a shaded area — direct sunlight can cause a yellowing effect on white fabric over time
FAQs: Can You Put Shoes in the Washer?
Q: Can you put shoes in the washer on a regular cycle? A regular cycle is typically too aggressive for most shoes. The spin speed and water temperature on a standard cycle can damage adhesives and warp materials. Always opt for a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water.
Q: Can you put shoes in the washer without a laundry bag? Technically yes, but it’s highly inadvisable. Without a laundry bag or pillowcase, shoes will bang loudly against the drum, potentially causing damage to both the shoes and your washing machine. Always use a mesh bag.
Q: How often can you put shoes in the washer? For most shoes, washing once every 2–4 weeks is sufficient if you wear them regularly. Over-washing can degrade materials faster. Spot cleaning between washes is a better everyday approach.
Q: Can you put leather shoes in the washer? No. Leather shoes should never go in the washing machine. Water causes leather to dry out, crack, and lose its shape. Use a dedicated leather cleaner and conditioner instead.
Q: Can you put Nike shoes in the washer? Many Nike shoes with mesh or fabric uppers can be gently machine washed, but Nike officially recommends hand washing. If you do use a machine, use cold water and a delicate cycle, and always air dry.
Q: Can you put shoes in the washer with baking soda? Yes, adding a small amount of baking soda to your wash can help neutralize odors. Add it directly to the drum (not the detergent drawer) and use it alongside your regular mild detergent.
Q: Will washing shoes in the washer ruin them? If done correctly — cold water, gentle cycle, mesh bag, air dry — most fabric and canvas shoes will survive the wash without damage. Incorrect technique (hot water, high spin, tumble dryer) is what causes damage.
Q: Can you put Converse in the washer? Yes, Converse (canvas versions) are one of the most washer-friendly shoe types. Remove laces, place in a mesh bag, use cold water on a gentle cycle, and air dry.
Source
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Citation
American Cleaning Institute. (2022). Laundry and Home Care Habits Survey. Retrieved from https://www.cleaninginstitute.org
American Podiatric Medical Association. (2023). Foot Health and Hygiene Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.apma.org
Which? Magazine Consumer Testing Lab. (2021). Sneaker Washing Study: Temperature and Cycle Impact Report. Which? Publications.