How to Wash Shoes in Washing Machine

Washing shoes in the washing machine can be a quick way to remove dirt, odor, and everyday buildup, but not every pair of shoes belongs in the washer. The wrong cycle, detergent, or drying method can damage the material, loosen glue, or warp the shape of the shoe.

At The Dutchman’s Laundry in Clarksville, TN, we regularly help customers with washable sneakers, tennis shoes, gym shoes, family laundry, muddy clothes, and odor-heavy loads. This guide explains which shoes are safe to machine wash, which shoes should be hand cleaned, and how to wash shoes without damaging them.

Which Shoes Are Machine Washable?

The first step is checking whether your shoes are actually machine washable. Canvas shoes, many fabric sneakers, mesh athletic shoes, and some tennis shoes can usually be washed safely if the care label allows it.

However, not all shoes should go in the washing machine. Leather, suede, dress shoes, shoes with delicate trims, glued decorations, memory foam, or special inserts can be damaged by water, detergent, spinning, or heat.

The safest option is to check the manufacturer’s website or the care tag inside the shoe. If the shoes are expensive or you are unsure, hand cleaning is usually the better choice.

Usually Safe to Machine Wash

• Canvas shoes
• Fabric sneakers
• Mesh running shoes
• Basic tennis shoes
• Washable kids’ shoes

Do Not Machine Wash

• Leather shoes
• Suede shoes
• Dress shoes
• Heels or structured shoes
• Shoes with glued decorations or delicate trims
• Shoes with special orthopedic inserts unless the care instructions allow it

Tools and Materials Needed

Before washing your shoes, gather the right supplies. This helps protect both the shoes and the washing machine.

Mesh Laundry Bag

A mesh laundry bag helps protect your shoes and keeps laces from tangling during the wash. If you do not have a mesh bag, an old pillowcase can also help reduce banging inside the washer.

Washing Machine

A front-loading washing machine is usually gentler for shoes because it does not have a central agitator. If you use a top-loading washer, make sure the load is balanced with towels.

If you need larger machines for laundry loads, shoes, towels, or bulky items, visit our self-service laundromat in Clarksville.

Gentle Laundry Detergent

Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Avoid bleach, harsh cleaners, and fabric softener because they can damage shoe materials or leave residue.

For more help choosing detergent, read our guide on how to choose a detergent.

Soft Brush or Old Toothbrush

A soft brush or old toothbrush helps remove dirt, mud, and debris before the shoes go into the washer. Pre-cleaning the soles makes the wash more effective.

Several Towels

Add old towels to the wash to balance the load and reduce banging during the spin cycle. Do not use delicate towels or new white towels with very dirty shoes.

How to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine

Once you know your shoes are machine washable, follow these steps to clean them safely.

1. Remove the Laces and Insoles

Take out the laces and insoles before washing. Laces can be washed separately in a mesh bag. Insoles are usually better cleaned by hand so they do not lose shape or hold too much water.

2. Brush Off Dirt and Mud

Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to remove dried mud, dirt, rocks, and debris from the soles and fabric. This prevents dirt from spreading through the washer.

3. Place Shoes in a Mesh Laundry Bag

Put the shoes and laces in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase. This helps protect the shoes and reduces noise during the wash.

4. Add Towels to Balance the Load

Add several old towels to the washer. This cushions the shoes and keeps the machine balanced during the cycle.

5. Use Cold Water and Gentle Detergent

Use cold water and a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Cold water helps reduce the risk of shrinking, fading, glue damage, and material warping.

6. Choose a Gentle Cycle

Select a gentle or delicate cycle. Avoid heavy-duty cycles because strong agitation can damage shoes.

7. Air Dry Only

After washing, remove the shoes and let them air dry in a well-ventilated area. Do not put shoes in the dryer. Dryer heat can warp soles, loosen glue, shrink materials, or damage the shoe shape.

How to Wash Tennis Shoes in the Washing Machine

Tennis shoes are often machine washable if they are made from canvas, mesh, or synthetic fabric. Remove the laces and insoles first, brush off loose dirt, place the shoes in a mesh bag, and wash them with old towels on a gentle cold-water cycle.

Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and high heat. After washing, reshape the shoes if needed and air dry them completely before wearing them again.

How to Wash Sneakers in the Washing Machine

Sneakers can usually be machine washed if the care label allows it. Follow these steps for the safest results:

1. Check the label: Make sure the sneakers are machine washable.
2. Remove laces and insoles: Wash laces separately and clean insoles by hand.
3. Brush off dirt: Remove loose dirt from the soles and upper material.
4. Use a mesh bag: Place sneakers in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase.
5. Add towels: Use old towels to balance the washer and reduce noise.
6. Use mild detergent: Avoid harsh detergent, bleach, and fabric softener.
7. Choose cold water: Use a gentle cycle with cold water.
8. Air dry: Let the sneakers dry naturally away from direct heat.

How to Hand Wash Shoes

If your shoes are not machine washable, hand washing is safer. This is especially important for leather, suede, delicate materials, or shoes with structure that could be damaged in the washer.

Leather Shoes

For leather shoes, use a damp cloth and a small amount of gentle soap. Wipe the surface carefully, remove excess soap with a clean damp cloth, and let the shoes air dry. Do not soak leather shoes.

Patent Leather Shoes

For patent leather shoes, wipe away dirt with a soft damp cloth. For scuff marks, a very small amount of petroleum jelly can help, but test first and wipe away any excess.

Suede Shoes

Do not machine wash suede shoes. Use a suede brush to remove dirt and restore the texture. For small stains, use a white cloth lightly dampened with vinegar or rubbing alcohol, then let the shoe dry and brush again.

Canvas Shoes

Canvas shoes can often be cleaned by brushing off dirt and using mild soap with water. If the care label allows it, many canvas shoes can also be machine washed on a gentle cycle.

Running Shoes

For running shoes, brush off loose dirt first. Use mild soap and water with a soft brush to clean the upper material and soles. If they are machine washable, use a mesh bag, cold water, and a gentle cycle.

How to Wash Shoelaces

Shoelaces can usually be washed by hand or in the washing machine. To hand wash them, soak the laces in warm water with gentle soap, scrub with your fingers or a soft brush, rinse well, and air dry.

If you machine wash laces, put them in a small mesh bag so they do not tangle or get lost in the machine.

How to Clean Muddy Shoes

If your shoes are covered in mud, let the mud dry first. Once dry, use a stiff brush to remove as much mud as possible before washing or hand cleaning. Washing very muddy shoes without brushing them first can spread dirt through the washer and make the shoes harder to clean.

For heavily soiled shoes, towels, uniforms, or kids’ laundry, our drop-off laundromat service can help with larger dirty laundry loads.

Tips to Keep Shoes Cleaner Longer

• Avoid wearing washable shoes in heavy mud or standing water when possible.
• Use a second pair of shoes for yard work, hiking, or wet conditions.
• Brush off dirt before storing shoes.
• Store shoes in a dry, ventilated area.
• Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside shoes to help control odor.
• Let shoes fully dry before wearing them again.

Need Help With Shoes or Laundry in Clarksville?

If you need help with washable shoes, muddy clothes, towels, bedding, uniforms, or everyday laundry, The Dutchman’s Laundry can help. Our Clarksville team offers self-service machines, drop-off laundry, and pickup and delivery options for busy households.

Use our drop-off laundry service in Clarksville if you want our team to handle the load for you.

For larger laundry loads, try our laundry pickup and delivery service in Clarksville.

For comforters, blankets, and oversized items, visit our bulky items laundry service.

Related Laundry Guides

• How to choose a detergent
• How to get campfire smell out of clothes
• How to get rid of laundry detergent stains out of clothes
• Laundry tips blog

FAQs: Washing Shoes in the Washing Machine

Q. Can I wash shoes in the washing machine?

A. Some shoes can be washed in the washing machine, especially canvas, mesh, and many fabric sneakers. Always check the care label first and avoid machine washing leather, suede, dress shoes, or delicate shoes.

Q. What cycle should I use to wash shoes?

A. Use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. Add old towels to balance the load and place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase.

Q. Can I put shoes in the dryer?

A. No. Air dry shoes only. Dryer heat can warp soles, loosen glue, shrink materials, and damage the shape of the shoe.

Q. Should I remove laces and insoles before washing shoes?

A. Yes. Remove laces and insoles before washing. Laces can be washed separately, while insoles are usually better cleaned by hand.

Q. Can I wash leather or suede shoes in the washer?

A. No. Leather and suede shoes should not be machine washed. Clean them by hand using care methods appropriate for the material.

Q. How long do shoes take to air dry?

A. Most shoes take 24 hours or longer to fully air dry, depending on the material, thickness, and airflow. Do not wear them again until they are completely dry.