How to Wash Sneakers & Shoes in a Washing Machine

Can You Actually Wash Sneakers in a Washing Machine?

Short answer: yes, but not all of them. Tossing the wrong pair of shoes into a washer can ruin them permanently. Done right, though, a washing machine can get your sneakers looking almost new without the tedious hand-scrubbing.

This guide covers everything you need to know — which shoes are safe to machine wash, how to prep them, the exact settings to use, and how to dry them without causing damage.

Which Shoes Are Machine-Safe?

Not every shoe belongs in a washing machine. Here is a quick breakdown:

Safe to machine wash:

• Canvas sneakers (Converse, Vans, etc.)
• Nylon or polyester running shoes
• Cotton fabric shoes
• Most athletic shoes with synthetic uppers

Do NOT machine wash:

• Leather or suede shoes
• Dress shoes of any kind
• Shoes with embellishments, sequins, or glued-on decorations
• Heels or boots with rigid structure
• Shoes with memory foam insoles (remove the insoles first)

When in doubt, check the care label inside the shoe. If there is no label, err on the side of hand washing.

Step-by-Step: How to Machine Wash Your Sneakers

Step 1: Remove Laces and Insoles

Take out the laces and insoles before washing. Laces can get tangled around the agitator or wrapped around other items. Insoles can break down or lose their shape in the machine.

Wash laces separately by putting them in a small mesh laundry bag or pillowcase. Insoles should be cleaned by hand — just scrub them with a mix of warm water and a little detergent, then air dry.

Step 2: Knock Off Loose Dirt

Bang the soles together outside or over a trash can to knock off dried mud, pebbles, and debris. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the soles and remove anything caked on. You do not want chunks of dirt clogging the machine or settling into the drum.

Step 3: Pre-Treat Stains

If there are visible stains, apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent or a stain remover directly to the spot. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before putting the shoes in the machine. For white sneakers, a paste of baking soda and water works well as a pre-treatment.

Step 4: Use a Mesh Laundry Bag

This is the most important step people skip. Place your sneakers in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from banging around the drum. If you do not have a mesh bag, a pillowcase tied at the top works as a backup.

Why does this matter? Without a bag, your shoes will slam against the drum walls with every rotation. That damages both the shoes and the machine. The mesh bag cushions the impact and keeps everything contained.

Step 5: Add Towels for Padding

Throw in 4 to 6 old towels with your shoes. The towels serve two purposes: they balance the load so the machine does not vibrate excessively, and they provide extra cushioning to reduce the beating your shoes take.

Step 6: Choose the Right Settings

• Water temperature: Cold. Always cold. Hot water can warp shoe soles, melt adhesives, and cause colors to bleed.
• Cycle: Delicate or gentle. Never use a regular or heavy-duty cycle.
• Spin speed: Low. High spin speeds put unnecessary stress on the shoe structure.
• Detergent: Use a standard liquid detergent — not powder, which can leave residue in shoe crevices. Use about half the normal amount.

Step 7: Skip the Dryer

This is where most people ruin their shoes. Never put sneakers in the dryer. The heat warps soles, shrinks fabrics, and can melt the glue holding your shoes together.

Instead:

• Stuff shoes with crumpled newspaper or clean paper towels to absorb moisture and maintain shape
• Place them in a well-ventilated area at room temperature
• Point a fan at them if you want to speed things up
• Let them dry completely before wearing — usually 12 to 24 hours

Tips for Keeping Sneakers Clean Between Washes

You do not need to machine wash your sneakers every week. These habits keep them cleaner longer:

• Spray with a fabric protector after each wash to repel dirt and stains
• Wipe down after each wear with a damp cloth, especially the soles
• Rotate your shoes so the same pair is not getting beaten up every day
• Store properly — keep them in a cool, dry place, not piled on a closet floor
• Spot clean small marks immediately instead of waiting for a full wash

What About Really Big Loads or Multiple Pairs?

If you have several pairs to wash, do not try to cram them all in one load. Two pairs maximum per wash, and make sure there are still enough towels for padding.

If you are using a laundromat, larger-capacity machines give your shoes more room to move without excessive banging. At our self-service laundromat at 1795 W San Carlos St in San Jose, we have machines ranging from standard to 90 pounds — so even with towels and mesh bags, there is plenty of room for a gentle, effective wash.

When to Skip the DIY Route

Sometimes shoes need more than a machine wash. If your sneakers have tough stains, delicate materials, or sentimental value, consider professional cleaning. Our wash and fold service handles specialty items with care — just drop them off and let us know any specific concerns. We will have them back to you within 24 hours, clean and ready to wear.

For regular laundry that you would rather not deal with at all, check out our pickup and delivery service. We come to you, handle the washing, and bring everything back clean and folded. It is one less thing on your list.

Quick Reference: Sneaker Washing Cheat Sheet

That is it. Follow these steps and your sneakers will come out looking significantly better without any damage. And if you would rather skip the process entirely, you know where to find us — 1795 W San Carlos St, San Jose, open 7am to 10pm every day. Call us at 888-411-8081 or order online.