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10 Expert Steps To Clean Shoes In A Washing Machine Without Ruining Them

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Are your favorite sneakers looking dull, stained, and smelling less than fresh? While hand-washing provides a gentle touch, the washing machine offers a powerful, time-saving solution to restore your footwear to near-new condition. As of December 2025, modern shoe materials and advanced washing machine technology make this process safer than ever, but only if you follow the correct, expert-backed steps.

This comprehensive guide cuts through the guesswork, providing you with a detailed, 10-step process for cleaning your shoes in a washing machine without causing permanent damage to the fabric, foam padding, or adhesives. By adhering to these crucial preparation and cycle settings, you can ensure the longevity and freshness of your washable footwear.

The Essential Pre-Wash Checklist: Preparation is Key

The biggest mistake people make is simply tossing their dirty shoes straight into the washing machine. Proper preparation is non-negotiable and dramatically reduces the risk of damage to both your shoes and your appliance.

1. Check the Manufacturer's Care Label (The Golden Rule)

Always start by checking the care label, usually located under the shoe's tongue. If the label explicitly says "hand wash only" or if the shoes are made of certain materials (see the warning section below), do not proceed with machine washing. Most shoes made from durable materials like canvas, knit, nylon, or synthetic fabrics are generally safe.

2. Remove Laces and Insoles

This simple step is critical. Laces can tangle in the machine, and insoles require a different cleaning method to prevent them from breaking down or absorbing too much water. Hand-wash the laces separately in a bowl with warm water and liquid detergent, and sprinkle the insoles with baking soda to deodorize them before air drying.

3. Pre-Clean the Soles and Surface Dirt

Use a toothbrush, a damp cloth, or a stiff-bristled brush to remove any large clumps of mud, rocks, or excessive surface dirt from the outsoles and midsoles. Removing this debris prevents it from clogging your washing machine's drain and ensures the wash cycle focuses on the fabric stains, not the surface grime.

4. Spot-Treat Stubborn Stains

If your shoes have specific, set-in stains, apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent or a dedicated stain remover directly to the area. Gently rub the area with a soft brush or a cloth and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes before loading the shoes into the machine.

5. Place Shoes in a Mesh Laundry Bag

This is your footwear's safety net. Placing your shoes in a dedicated mesh laundry bag, or even a pillowcase tied shut, protects them from the aggressive tumbling action of the machine. The bag also prevents the shoes from banging against the drum, which can cause loud noise and potentially damage the shoe structure or the machine itself.

The Ultimate Washing Machine Settings for Footwear

Once your shoes are prepped, the next step is to select the correct washing machine settings. Using the wrong cycle, water temperature, or detergent can quickly lead to permanent damage, including color fading, adhesive failure, and structural breakdown.

6. Balance the Load with Old Towels

To prevent the shoes from violently thumping against the machine walls, add a few old towels (2-4 is usually sufficient) to the drum. The towels act as a buffer and balance the weight, minimizing noise and the impact force on the shoes. Ensure the towels are dark-colored to avoid color transfer to your shoes.

7. Use Liquid Detergent Only

Avoid using powdered detergent, as it can be difficult for the washing machine to dissolve completely and may get trapped in the shoe fibers, leaving a white residue. Opt for a mild liquid laundry detergent. Use a smaller amount than you would for a standard load of clothes—typically half the recommended dose is enough.

8. Select the Delicate or Gentle Cycle

The delicate cycle is the safest option for washing shoes, as it uses a slower spin speed and less aggressive agitation. If your machine has a "Handwash" or "Permanent Press" setting, these can also be suitable alternatives. Avoid heavy-duty or normal cycles entirely.

9. Use Cold Water Temperature

Always select a cold water wash. Hot water can cause certain synthetic materials to shrink, break down the adhesives that hold the shoe together (especially in running shoes and athletic sneakers), and cause colors to bleed or fade. Cold water is effective enough when combined with a quality liquid detergent.

Post-Wash Care: The Crucial Final Step

The way you dry your shoes is just as important as the way you wash them. Improper drying can lead to mold, mildew, and structural warping.

10. Air Dry Shoes (Never Use a Dryer)

This is perhaps the most important rule: never put your shoes in a tumble dryer. The high heat from a dryer will almost certainly cause the shoe's structural components to warp, melt the foam padding, and destroy the rubber soles and adhesives.

  • Method: Remove the shoes from the washing machine and the mesh bag immediately.
  • Shaping: Stuff the inside of the shoes with white paper towels or clean, white rags to help them retain their shape as they dry. Avoid using newspaper, as the ink can transfer to the shoe lining.
  • Location: Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or a direct heat source (like a radiator), which can also damage the materials.
  • Time: Allow 24 to 48 hours for the shoes to dry completely before reinserting the insoles and laces.

The Warning List: What Shoes to NEVER Put in the Washer

While the washing machine is a great tool for canvas and synthetic sneakers, certain materials are highly susceptible to damage from water and agitation. Putting these materials in the washer will cause irreversible, permanent damage.

Materials That Must Be Hand-Washed:

  • Leather and Faux Leather: Water and agitation cause leather to shrink, crack, and become stiff. The material will often be ruined.
  • Suede and Nubuck: These materials are extremely delicate. Water causes them to stain, stiffen, and lose their texture. They require special suede brushes and cleaners.
  • Rubber and Vinyl: While durable, the adhesives connecting these parts, especially on the soles, can dissolve or weaken in the washing machine, causing the shoe to fall apart.
  • Wool and Silk: These natural fibers can shrink or become permanently damaged and misshapen when exposed to a washing machine cycle.
  • Shoes with Adornments: Footwear with sequins, beads, decals, or delicate embellishments should never be machine-washed, as the agitation will cause them to break off.
  • Boots and Dress Shoes: Due to their rigid structure, heavy materials, and internal supports, boots and dress shoes are not suitable for machine washing.

By understanding the risks and following this detailed, step-by-step process—from pre-cleaning the soles to the final air drying—you can safely and effectively clean your washable footwear, ensuring optimal longevity and freshness for your favorite pairs.

10 Expert Steps to Clean Shoes in a Washing Machine Without Ruining Them
how to clean shoes in washing machine
how to clean shoes in washing machine

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