How to Wash Sneakers in the Washing Machine

You can wash many everyday sneakers in the washing machine if the care label allows it and the shoes aren’t made from delicate or heavily embellished materials. Check that first, then remove the laces and insoles, brush off loose dirt, and wash the shoes cold on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Finish by air-drying them fully so you don’t damage the shoes or the washer.

What to check before you toss them in

Start with the care label inside the shoe or on the box. This article assumes the label does not forbid machine washing.

Machine washing is usually safer for everyday canvas, nylon, polyester, and similar casual sneaker materials than for shoes made with delicate fabric, suede, nubuck, leather, or glued-on decorations. If the shoes are already falling apart, have open seams, or have foam that’s coming loose, the washer can make the damage worse.

A quick rule: if the shoe is meant to handle regular wear and is fairly plain, it’s a better candidate than a dressy or heavily structured sneaker. If you’re not sure, treat the care label as the deciding step.

How to wash sneakers in the washing machine

1. Remove the laces and take out the insoles, then brush off any loose dirt.

Laces can tangle around the shoe if you leave them in. Insoles often hold sweat and odor, so washing them separately gives the water and detergent a better chance to reach the whole surface. If the insoles are delicate or glued in place, don’t force them out; in that case, skip machine washing or use a gentler cleaning method instead.

2. Put the sneakers in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase and close it securely.

This gives the shoes some protection from rubbing against the drum.

3. Wash the bagged sneakers with a few towels, using cold water, a gentle cycle, and a small amount of mild detergent.

The towels help cushion the load so the shoes don’t bang around as much. Use a small load rather than overfilling the washer; that gives the shoes room to move without getting tossed hard.

4. Skip bleach, hot water, and high-heat drying.

Bleach can discolor or weaken some materials, and softener can leave a coating that isn’t helpful on shoes. Hot water is more likely to weaken glue or encourage shrinkage. If your washer has a speed or spin setting, keep it low if that’s an option.

5. Take the sneakers out as soon as the cycle ends and let them air-dry at room temperature.

Don’t leave them sitting in a damp washer, where they can start to smell. Keep them out of direct heat, and don’t use the dryer or any high-heat drying method. Heat can warp soles, loosen glue, or shrink fabric.

6. If the shoes start to lose their shape, stuff them with plain paper or clean towels while they dry.

Replace the stuffing if it gets damp. That helps the upper hold its form and can speed drying a bit. When the shoes feel dry inside and out, put the insoles and laces back in.

When not to machine-wash sneakers

Do not machine-wash sneakers if the care label says not to.

Avoid the washer for:

• Leather or suede sneakers
• Shoes with delicate mesh that snags easily
• Sneakers with glued embellishments, beads, sequins, or other decorations that can detach
• Shoes with glued components that are already separating
• Specialty performance shoes if the manufacturer gives different cleaning instructions

If a shoe has mixed materials and one part seems fragile, the safest choice is usually a gentler hand-cleaning method instead of the machine.

Quick answers to common worries

Yes, wash the laces separately if you can. They clean better that way, and you can soak or scrub them directly if they’re very dirty.

No, hot water is not the better choice for this job. Cold water is the safer setting for most machine-washable sneakers.

To check whether the shoes are fully dry, press the inside and the seams with your fingers. If you feel any cool or damp spots, give them more air-drying time before wearing them. Wearing them too soon can trap moisture and make them smell worse.