Let’s be honest—your shoes go through a lot. From muddy commutes and sweaty gym sessions to simply picking up everyday dirt, your favorite sneakers can start looking (and smelling) less than fresh.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I just toss these in the washer?”—you’re not alone. The good news is yes, you can wash many types of shoes in a washing machine. The better news? This guide gives you the exact steps to do it safely, protect your machine, and get your shoes looking (and smelling) like new.
Quick Answer: *To wash shoes in a washing machine, remove laces and insoles, pre-clean heavy mud, and place shoes in a mesh bag or pillowcase. Wash on a delicate, cold-water cycle (30°C/85°F) with mild liquid detergent and a few old towels to balance the load. Never use fabric softener. Air dry only—never in a dryer.*
Step-by-Step: How to Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine
Follow these 7 simple steps for the best results.
Step 1: Check if Your Shoes Are Machine Washable
Safe to machine wash:
- Canvas, cotton, nylon, polyester sneakers or tennis shoes.
- Most athletic shoes (running shoes, trainers).
Do NOT machine wash:
- Leather, suede, rubber, or vinyl shoes (water causes cracking/warping).
- High heels, dress shoes, or shoes with beads/sequins.
- Shoes with glued soles that might loosen with heat.
“When in doubt, check the care label inside the shoe or the brand’s website.”
Step 2: Prepare Your Shoes
- Remove laces and insoles. Wash laces separately in a mesh bag or by hand. Wash insoles by hand with warm soapy water (machine washing can damage them).
- Remove excess dirt. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to knock off dried mud, gravel, and debris from the soles and uppers.
- Pre-treat stains. For stubborn spots, use a small amount of liquid detergent or a baking soda paste.
Step 3: Use a Protective Bag
Place your shoes inside a mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase (tie the end closed). This protects both your shoes and the washing machine drum from scratches and banging.
Step 4: Add Towels for Balance
Add 2–4 old towels to the machine. They act as a buffer—reducing noise, preventing shoes from slamming into the drum, and helping balance the load.
Step 5: Select the Right Machine Settings
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Cycle | Delicate, gentle, or hand-wash cycle |
| Temperature | Cold water only (30°C / 85°F max) |
| Spin speed | Low or no spin |
| Detergent | Mild liquid detergent (avoid powder—it may leave residue) |
| Avoid | Fabric softener, bleach (can yellow white shoes), hot water |
Step 6: Run the Cycle
Start the machine. The cold water protects adhesives and prevents shrinking or color bleeding. The gentle cycle cleans effectively without damaging materials.
Step 7: Air Dry – Never Use a Dryer!
This is critical: Heat from a dryer can melt glue, warp soles, and shrink fabrics.
- Stuff shoes with crumpled newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture and help them keep their shape.
- Air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or radiators.
- Drying typically takes 12–24 hours.
How to Wash Specific Types of Shoes
White Shoes / White Converse
- Add a little baking soda to the wash to brighten them.
- If they turn yellow after washing, it’s often due to glue residue. Use a 1:1 mix of baking soda and dish soap—scrub with a toothbrush, then wipe clean.
Tennis Shoes / Running Shoes / Sneakers
These are the most machine-friendly. Follow the steps above. If they have cushioning or gel soles, some brands recommend hand washing to preserve performance.
Leather or Suede Shoes
Do not machine wash. Instead:
- Brush with a soft brush.
- Use a specialized cleaner for leather or suede.
- Apply waterproofing spray after cleaning.
FAQs: Washing Shoes in a Machine
Yes—if they are made of canvas, nylon, cotton, or polyester. Avoid leather, suede, and delicate dress shoes.
Yes. 30°C (85°F) is the ideal temperature. It’s cold enough to protect glue and fabrics but warm enough to clean effectively.
Check the care label first. Most Tory Burch sneakers are made of leather or delicate materials—hand wash only with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not machine wash.
Yes, very. Research shows machine washing removes 90–99% of bacteria (including E. coli, MRSA, and salmonella) from both the inside and outside of shoes. Your shoes are dirtier than you think!
Most delicate cycles run 30–45 minutes. Add time for air drying (12–24 hours).
Not recommended. Shoes can damage delicate fabrics, and clothes can transfer dye or get snagged. Wash shoes separately, or only with old towels.
1. Front loader: Preferred—gentler on shoes.
2. Top loader with agitator: Use a mesh bag and extra towels to protect shoes from the center agitator.
Delicate, gentle, or hand-wash mode. Never use normal, heavy-duty, or high-spin cycles.
Pro Tips for Best Results
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Bad odor | Sprinkle baking soda inside shoes overnight, then shake out. Or use activated charcoal inserts. |
| Yellowing on white shoes | Mix baking soda + dish soap into a paste. Scrub, let sit 15 min, then rinse. |
| Shoes losing shape | Always stuff with newspaper while drying. Use shoe trees if available. |
| Smelly insoles | Wash by hand with dish soap. Or leave in direct sunlight for a few hours (UV kills odor). |
| No mesh bag? | Use a pillowcase and tie the end. Or wash with extra towels only. |
What Germs Are on Your Shoes?
According to microbiologists, the average shoe carries around 421,000 bacteria on the outside and nearly 3,000 on the inside. Pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and MRSA can hitch a ride into your home.
That’s why washing your shoes every 1–2 months (or every 2 weeks for daily-worn athletic shoes) is a smart hygiene habit—especially if you have kids crawling on floors.
Final Checklist: Quick Reference
✅ Check material – canvas, nylon, polyester = OK
✅ Remove laces & insoles
✅ Brush off loose dirt
✅ Use mesh bag or pillowcase
✅ Add 2–4 old towels
✅ Liquid detergent only (no powder, no softener)
✅ Cold water, delicate cycle, low spin
✅ Air dry with newspaper stuffing
✅ Never use a tumble dryer
Now you know exactly how to wash shoes in a washing machine—safely, effectively, and without ruining your favorite pair. Your shoes (and your nose) will thank you.
