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Let your sneakers go for a whirl.
By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Mary-Marlowe-Leverette-e1a432d7d71d4eeabba0cef1556acfa0.jpeg "How to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine (Yep, It's Possible!) (1)")
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette has over four decades of experience and has been writing and consulting for more than 20 years sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, stain removal methods, and textile conservation.
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Published on November 02, 2023
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We love our sneakers and because we do, we wear them often causing them to get really dirty and smelly. Fortunately, most styles and brands can be safely washed in the washing machine if you follow the proper steps. When you're ready for clean shoes, here's how to wash shoes in the washing machine.
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How Often to Wash Shoes
If you wear the same pair of shoes every day, they should be washed at least every couple of weeks. Of course, it depends on where you are and what you're doing when you are wearing them. Most shoes can just be washed whenever they start to look dirty or smell less than fresh. If the shoes are covered with mud, wash them as soon as possible to prevent staining.
Considerations Before You Start
- It's always best to visit the manufacturer's website before you wash shoes in the washing machine the first time to get their cleaning recommendations especially if the shoes have rope soles or are made with leather or suede.
- Plan ahead so your shoes have time to air-dry. Never toss shoes in a hot clothes dryer. The heat can cause the adhesives used in construction to loosen.
- After cleaning, be sure the shoes are completely dry before wearing or storing them. Wait at least 24 hours so all of the moisture has evaporated.
Equipment / Tools
- Soft-bristled nylon brush
- Washing machine
- Mesh laundry bag
- Drying rack
Materials
- Heavy-duty laundry detergent
- Enzyme-based stain remover (optional)
- Oxygen-based bleach powder (optional)
- Laundry disinfectant (optional)
- Melamine eraser (Mr. Clean Magic Eraser)
Instructions
Prep the Shoes
- If possible, remove the shoelaces and add them separately to a mesh laundry bag or handwash in a bowl filled with warm water and a dab of laundry detergent.
- Remove the insoles and replace them or handwash separately.
- Use a soft-bristled brush or damp paper towel to wipe away excess dirt trapped in the soles or clinging to the shoes.
- If the shoes are covered in mud, use a garden hose to rinse them off before adding them to the washing machine.
Treat Stains
If there are food or tar stains or if the shoes are heavily soiled, pretreat them before adding them to the washing machine.
- Place a small amount of heavy-duty laundry detergent or an enzyme-based stain remover on the stained area.
- Use a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works well) to work the cleaner into the stain.
- Allow the cleaner to begin breaking down the stains for about 15 minutes before washing the shoes.
Select the Washer Settings and Add Laundry Products
- Use the gentle cycle and warm or cold water. The gentle cycle has a lower final spin cycle speed to help prevent damage to the shoes.
- Use your regular laundry detergent.
- To brighten and whiten shoes, add a scoop of oxygen-based bleach powder to the washer drum (follow the product label guidelines).
- If you are concerned about Athlete's foot, add a laundry disinfectant. Follow the product label guidelines for amounts and when to add to the washer.
Add the Shoes to the Washing Machine
- Each pair of shoes and their laces should be added to a separate mesh laundry bag.
- For lace-up shoes, smooth and pull up the tongue so all surfaces are exposed to the wash water.
- Shoes can be washed with similar-colored and similar-weight laundry.
- If you are washing only one pair of shoes, add some towels or jeans to help balance the load in the washer.
If you don't have mesh laundry bags, use an old pillowcase. Add the shoes and tie the pillowcase closed with some cotton twine or an extra shoelace.
Dry the Shoes
- Empty any trapped water in the shoes at the end of the washing machine cycles.
- Air-dry the shoes and laces separately on a drying rack away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- If you are in a rush, you can tumble the shoes on the air-only dryer cycle. Add a few dry towels to help absorb moisture and check on the shoes frequently.
More Tips for Washing Shoes
- To freshen smelly shoes, add one cup ofbaking sodato the washer drum before adding the shoes.
- To help shoes hold their shape while drying, use rolled towels, nylon mesh, or white tissue paper in the shoes. Change out the towels or tissue paper often to speed drying.
- Store shoes in fabric shoe bags (or an old pillowcase) so they can breathe and won't accumulate dust.
- Use a fabric stain-repellant spray on new shoes or freshly washed and dried shoes to help keep them clean.
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