How to Clean Shoes in the Washing Machine: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hi, I’m Eugene Cheng, founder of Sneaker Laundry. I get it – sometimes, you just want to throw your shoes in the washing machine and let the machine do all the work. But before you do that, let me warn you: you really shouldn't. The truth is, washing shoes in the washing machine is a risky move. The chance of ruining your shoes—especially if they’re delicate or expensive—is just not worth it. On average, once a day, we get somebody walking in our stores with a pair that got ruined by the washing machine.
That said, I know some of you might be in a situation where you feel it's your only option. So, in this article, I’m going to walk you through the steps for washing shoes in the washing machine—only if you absolutely have to. But please, always proceed with caution.
Why You Shouldn’t Put Shoes in the Washing Machine
Before we get into the steps, let me explain why washing your shoes in a machine can be dangerous:
- Shoes can lose their shape: High heat or even cold water can warp the structure of shoes, especially those made from materials like leather, suede, or certain synthetics.
- The risk of fading: Many shoes are dyed and treated with special finishes. A washing machine could strip those finishes, leading to color fading or uneven wear.
- Damage to delicate features: Things like stitching, glue, or decorations can break or come undone in a washing machine. Even something as simple as a logo could peel off.
In short, washing your shoes in the machine is a last resort—not something I would normally recommend.
But If You Really, Really Have To… Here’s How to Do It
If you’re certain that your shoes are machine-washable (think canvas or nylon sneakers), and you've weighed the risks, follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Remove the Laces and Insoles
Take out the laces to prevent them from tangling. Wash them separately in a mesh bag or by hand. Also, hand wash the insoles to avoid getting them too wet. They can take longer to dry and may start to lose their shape in the machine.
Step 2: Pre-Clean the Soles
Before tossing your shoes in, take a few minutes to scrub off dirt and debris from the soles with a soft brush. This helps keep your shoes cleaner and prevents extra dirt from transferring during the wash.
Step 3: Protect Your Shoes with a Mesh Garment Bag
Never, ever throw your shoes directly into the machine without protection. A mesh garment bag is crucial. If you don’t have one, an old pillowcase can work in a pinch. The bag will protect your shoes from banging around too much in the drum.
Step 4: Wash with Towels for Balance
Add a few towels to your wash load to balance the machine. This reduces the risk of your shoes getting tossed around too much and helps prevent damage to both your shoes and the washing machine.
Step 5: Use Sneaker Cleaner, Cold Water and a Gentle Cycle
Sneaker Cleaner, Cold water and a gentle cycle are the way to go. Hot water and heavy cycles can warp, shrink, or stretch your shoes, and trust me—once that happens, there’s no going back.
Step 6: Air Dry Your Shoes (No Dryer!)
Once the wash is done, take your shoes out and air dry them. Do not put them in the dryer. The heat from a dryer can be extremely damaging, causing shrinkage or loss of shape. Stuff the shoes with paper towels to help them retain their form while drying.
Final Thoughts from Me
I know the temptation to just toss your shoes in the machine and hope for the best is strong, but please understand the risk involved. The possibility of ruining a favorite pair of shoes in the washing machine is just not worth it. Even though this guide exists as a backup, it’s always better to clean your shoes with a proper, gentle cleaning method—and that's where we come in at Sneaker Laundry.
We take great care to ensure your shoes get the cleaning they deserve, without the risk of damage. So before you toss those kicks in the wash, think twice—and if you're ever in doubt, give us a call. We'll take care of your sneakers, the right way.
Stay fresh and keep those shoes in top condition!
— Eugene Cheng
Founder, Sneaker Laundry