How to Wash Shoes in Washing Machine

We’ve all been there. You look down at your favorite sneakers and barely recognize them. Where did that bright white go? Between mud puddles, grass stains, and just daily life, shoes can get dirty fast.

But here’s a little secret: you can toss many of them right into your washing machine! It’s a total game-changer for keeping your kicks clean without spending a fortune on special cleaners.

This simple guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, so you can get your shoes looking brand new again without hurting your washer. I’ll show you how to wash your shoes safely in a machine, what types are washer-safe, and a few tips to keep them looking brand new.

First Things First: Can YOUR Shoes Go In the Washer?

This is the most important question. The answer is yes, but only for some types.

✅ Washable, these are usually WASHER-SAFE:

Canvas sneakers (Think: Converse, Vans, Superga)
Most athletic shoes (Running shoes, gym trainers)
Mesh shoes
Fabric shoes without any fancy leather or suede bits

❌ Not Washable, keep these OUT of the washer:

Leather shoes (They can crack and lose their shape)
Suede shoes (Water will ruin the soft texture)
Nice dress shoes
Boots (Especially with hard soles or metal pieces)
Shoes with lots of glitter, sequins, or special glues

When in doubt, check the tag inside your shoe! If it says “Do Not Machine Wash,” listen to it. If the tag is gone, it’s safer to hand wash.

Gather Your Supplies (You Probably Have Them Already!)

You don’t need any special products. Just grab:

Mild Liquid Detergent (The kind you already use is fine. Avoid powder—it can get stuck.)
An Old Toothbrush (For a quick pre-scrub)
A Pillowcase or a Mesh Laundry Bag (This is the secret weapon!)
1 or 2 Old Towels
Baking Soda (Optional, but great for stinky shoes)
Newspaper or Paper Towels (For drying)

Step-by-Step: How to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine

Follow these steps, and you really can’t go wrong.

Step 1: Prep Your Shoes

Take out the laces and the insoles (the cushy part inside). Trust me, washing them separately makes a huge difference.

For stinky insoles: Sprinkle them with a little baking soda, let it sit for an hour, then rinse them off by hand with a bit of soap and water. Let them air dry.
For laces: You can toss them in the wash too! Just put them in a small mesh bag or even a sock tied at the end so they don’t get lost.

Step 2: Do a Quick Pre-Clean

Give the soles and sides of your shoes a quick brush with the old toothbrush. Just knock off any big clumps of mud or dirt. This keeps your washing machine cleaner.

Step 3: Protect Your Shoes AND Your Washer

This is the most important step for success!
Put each shoe into its own pillowcase or mesh laundry bag. Tie the pillowcase closed if you need to. This stops the shoes from bouncing around and banging up the inside of your machine.

Then, throw in 1 or 2 old towels. They help balance the load, absorb extra dirt, and make the whole process much quieter.

Step 4: Choose the Right Washer Settings

Now you’re ready to wash! Here’s what to set your machine to:

Water Temperature: COLD (Hot water can weaken the glue that holds your shoes together)
Cycle: GENTLE or DELICATE
Detergent: A small amount of liquid detergent. You don’t need much!

→ Please don’t use bleach! It can discolor your shoes.

Step 5: Dry Them the RIGHT Way

Never, ever put your shoes in the dryer. The heat can melt the glue, warp the soles, and shrink the fabric.

Instead, let them air-dry. Here’s how to do it properly:

Take the shoes out of the bag.
Stuff them tightly with crumpled-up newspaper or paper towels. This helps them keep their shape and soaks up moisture from the inside out.
Place them in a well-ventilated spot, away from direct sunlight (which can fade colors). A spot with a light breeze is perfect.

This can take a day or two, so be patient! Don’t wear them while they’re still damp.

What About the Smell?

If your shoes still have a bit of an odor after washing, try this:

Baking Soda Power: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside the dry shoes, let it sit overnight, and then shake it out in the morning.
Vodka Trick: Sounds weird, but it works! Lightly spray the inside with cheap vodka using a spray bottle. The alcohol kills odor-causing bacteria without leaving a smell.

I Tried It Myself!
A Real Story
“I have a pair of all-white running shoes I wear for gardening. They were a muddy, stained mess. I was ready to throw them out but decided to try this method first. I pre-cleaned the mud, put them in pillowcases with two old towels, and ran a cold, gentle cycle. After air-drying for a day, I was shocked! They looked about 90% brand new. The tough stains on the laces were even gone. It felt like getting a free pair of shoes!”
Mark, Colorado