How to Wash Sneakers and Shoes in the Washing Machine

Updated August 14, 2026

Can you wash sneakers in the washing machine? For some pairs, yes—but only if the shoe’s care instructions allow machine washing. Canvas, fabric, mesh, and some synthetic sneakers or tennis shoes may tolerate a washer, while leather, suede, structured shoes, and shoes with delicate details usually need a different cleaning method.

The safest approach is to check the manufacturer’s care instructions first. If your shoes are machine washable, the steps below can help reduce unnecessary wear while removing everyday dirt and buildup.

Can You Put Shoes in the Washing Machine?

Some shoes can go in the washing machine, but the material and construction matter more than the type of shoe.

Before washing any pair, check the care label or manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Do not assume that every sneaker or athletic shoe is machine washable.

Shoes That May Be Machine Washable

If the manufacturer allows machine washing, these types of shoes are commonly better candidates:

• Canvas shoes
• Fabric sneakers
• Some mesh athletic shoes
• Some synthetic tennis shoes
• Washable children’s shoes

Shoes You Should Usually Keep Out of the Washer

Unless the manufacturer specifically says otherwise, avoid machine washing:

• Leather shoes
• Suede shoes
• Dress shoes
• Heels
• Structured footwear
• Shoes with delicate trims or decorations
• Shoes with components that may be damaged by water
• Specialty or orthopedic footwear without approved washing instructions

If you are unsure, hand cleaning is usually the more cautious option.

How to Wash Sneakers in the Washing Machine

Once you have confirmed that your sneakers or shoes are machine washable, follow these steps.

1. Remove the Laces and Insoles

Take the laces and removable insoles out before washing the shoes.

Laces can usually be cleaned separately by hand or placed inside a small mesh laundry bag if their care instructions allow machine washing. Insoles are often better cleaned separately because soaking and agitation may affect their shape or material.

2. Remove Loose Dirt and Mud

Brush away dried mud, gravel, grass, and other loose debris before putting the shoes in the washer.

Use a soft brush or old toothbrush around the soles, seams, and textured areas. Removing loose dirt first prevents unnecessary debris from circulating through the wash.

3. Put the Shoes in a Mesh Laundry Bag

Place the shoes inside a mesh laundry bag. If you do not have one, a securely closed pillowcase may provide some protection.

This helps reduce uncontrolled movement inside the washer and can protect both the shoes and other items in the load.

4. Add Old Towels to the Load

Add several old towels to help cushion the shoes and balance the load.

Avoid washing heavily soiled shoes with towels or clothing you want to keep especially clean.

5. Use a Small Amount of Liquid Detergent

Use a modest amount of liquid laundry detergent unless the shoe manufacturer recommends something different.

Too much detergent may be difficult to rinse completely from thick shoe materials. Avoid automatically adding bleach, fabric softener, or other laundry additives unless the shoe’s care instructions allow them.

If you are unsure which laundry detergent to use, see our guide on how to choose a detergent.

6. Choose Cold Water and a Gentle Cycle

When the care instructions permit machine washing, a cold-water gentle or delicate cycle is a cautious starting point.

High temperatures and aggressive agitation can be harder on adhesives, fabrics, colors, and shoe construction.

7. Remove the Shoes Promptly After Washing

Take the shoes out when the cycle finishes. Reshape them gently if necessary and prepare them for air drying.

How to Dry Sneakers After Washing

Unless the manufacturer’s instructions specifically permit machine drying, air drying is the safer choice.

Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct high heat. You can loosely fill them with clean paper or another absorbent material that is safe for the shoe to help them maintain their shape and absorb moisture.

Replace damp paper as needed and wait until the shoes are completely dry before wearing them.

How to Wash Tennis Shoes in the Washing Machine

Many people use the terms tennis shoes and sneakers interchangeably. If your tennis shoes are made from washable fabric, mesh, canvas, or synthetic material and their care instructions allow machine washing, use the same basic process:

1. Remove laces and removable insoles.
2. Brush away loose dirt.
3. Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag.
4. Add old towels to cushion the load.
5. Use a small amount of liquid detergent.
6. Select an appropriate gentle cycle and temperature according to the care instructions.
7. Air dry unless the manufacturer specifically permits another drying method.

If the tennis shoes contain leather, suede, specialty foam, decorative elements, or other sensitive materials, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning method instead.

How to Wash White Sneakers

White fabric sneakers may show dirt more easily, but stronger chemicals are not automatically better.

Start by brushing off loose dirt and treating visible spots with a small amount of detergent that is appropriate for the shoe material. Then follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions.

Do not automatically use chlorine bleach. Bleach may discolor certain materials, affect adhesives, or damage colored sections of an otherwise white shoe.

How to Clean Muddy Sneakers

If your sneakers are covered in mud, let heavy mud dry before cleaning them.

Once dry, brush off as much loose material as possible. Pay attention to the tread and grooves in the sole before placing machine-washable shoes into the washer.

Trying to wash shoes while they are still coated with thick mud can send unnecessary dirt and debris through the washing machine.

Can You Wash Running Shoes in the Washing Machine?

It depends on the specific running shoe.

Running shoes can contain foam, adhesives, cushioning systems, specialty fabrics, plates, or other components that may have specific cleaning requirements. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your exact model instead of assuming all running shoes can be machine washed.

If machine washing is not recommended, use a soft brush, mild cleaning solution appropriate for the material, and careful hand cleaning instead.

How to Hand Wash Shoes That Cannot Go in the Washer

If the care instructions say not to machine wash the shoes, clean them by hand using a method suitable for the material.

Leather Shoes

Remove loose dirt with a soft cloth or brush. Use a cleaning method specifically suitable for leather and avoid soaking the shoes in water.

Suede Shoes

Do not machine wash suede unless the manufacturer explicitly permits it. A suede brush and products specifically designed for suede are generally safer choices.

Canvas Shoes

Canvas can often tolerate more water than leather or suede, but still check the manufacturer’s instructions. Canvas shoes that cannot be machine washed can usually be cleaned carefully with mild soap, water, and a soft brush.

How to Wash Shoelaces

Remove shoelaces before cleaning your shoes.

For washable laces, you can soak them in water with a small amount of laundry detergent, gently work out dirt, rinse them thoroughly, and allow them to air dry.

If you machine wash them, place the laces inside a closed mesh bag so they do not become tangled or lost.

Common Mistakes When Washing Shoes

• Skipping the care instructions: Material and construction vary significantly between shoes.
• Leaving thick mud on the shoes: Brush away loose debris first.
• Leaving laces and removable insoles inside: Clean removable components separately where appropriate.
• Using too much detergent: Thick materials can retain detergent residue.
• Using an aggressive cycle unnecessarily: Excessive agitation may be harder on the shoes.
• Applying high heat without checking the instructions: Heat can affect certain adhesives, foams, fabrics, and shapes.
• Washing leather or suede like ordinary fabric sneakers: These materials often require different care.

Does Washing Shoes Damage the Washing Machine?

A pair of shoes can create more movement and noise than ordinary clothing. Before washing them, remove stones, mud, and other debris from the soles.

Use a mesh bag and balance the load with old towels when appropriate. Most importantly, follow both the shoe manufacturer’s instructions and the washing machine manufacturer’s guidance.

Need to Wash a Larger Laundry Load?

If you are working through clothes, towels, bedding, or other eligible washable items at the same time, The Dutchman’s Laundry offers several laundry options in Clarksville.

Visit our self-service laundromat in Clarksville, learn about our drop-off wash and fold service, or see our laundry pickup and delivery service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put sneakers in the washing machine?

Some sneakers can be machine washed, particularly certain fabric, canvas, mesh, and synthetic styles. Check the manufacturer’s care instructions for your specific pair before using a washing machine.

What is the best way to wash sneakers?

If machine washing is permitted, remove the laces and insoles, brush away loose dirt, place the sneakers in a mesh laundry bag, use an appropriate detergent and gentle cycle, and air dry them unless the manufacturer says otherwise.

What cycle should you use to wash shoes?

When the manufacturer’s instructions allow machine washing, a gentle or delicate cycle is commonly appropriate. Follow the shoe’s care instructions for the correct water temperature and cycle.

Can you wash tennis shoes in the washer?

Some tennis shoes can be washed in a washing machine if their material and care instructions allow it. Fabric, mesh, canvas, and some synthetic shoes are more likely to be washable than leather or suede footwear.

Should you wash shoes with clothes?

It is generally better not to mix dirty shoes with regular clothing. Old towels may be used to cushion and balance a shoe load when appropriate.

Can you put shoes in the dryer?

Check the manufacturer’s instructions. Unless machine drying is specifically allowed, air drying is the more cautious option because high heat may affect certain shoe materials, adhesives, foam, or shape.

Should you remove shoelaces before washing sneakers?

Yes. Removing the laces makes it easier to clean around the tongue and eyelets. Wash the laces separately according to their care instructions.

Can leather or suede shoes go in the washing machine?

Leather and suede generally require specialized cleaning methods and should not be machine washed unless their manufacturer explicitly states that machine washing is safe.

How long do sneakers take to air dry?

Drying time varies based on the material, thickness, humidity, airflow, and how wet the shoes are. Wait until the shoes are completely dry rather than relying on a fixed number of hours.