Can You Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine?

I’m often asked if it’s safe to wash shoes in the washing machine. While it may seem tempting to just toss your dirty sneakers in with the rest of your laundry, there are a few things to consider first. In this comprehensive guide,

I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about machine washing shoes, from figuring out which ones are washer-safe to how to clean them properly without causing damage.

Which Shoes Are Machine Washable?

Not all shoes are created equal when it comes to withstanding a spin cycle. The most important factor is the material:

Canvas & Mesh Fabric Shoes

Sneakers, tennis shoes, runners, and other casual styles made of durable canvas or mesh fabrics are typically fine to wash in the machine. The sturdy canvas construction can handle getting wet without falling apart.

Synthetic Athletic Shoes

Many performance athletic shoes with synthetic leather or nylon uppers can also go in the washing machine as long as you use a gentle cycle.

Avoid Washing These Materials

• Leather – Can stain, shrink, or crack
• Suede – Water can discolor and damage the nap
• Rubber – Can degrade and cause shoes to fall apart
• Embellished – Jewels, beading, etc. can fall off

If unsure, check the shoe tag or box for the manufacturer’s washing recommendations. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and wash by hand.

Do Shoes Shrink in the Washing Machine?

It is possible for shoes to shrink slightly if washed incorrectly. Exposing shoes to high heat can cause materials to tighten up. Here are some tips to prevent shrinkage:

• Wash with cold water – Avoid any hot water cycles that could cause fabrics to contract.
• Air dry only – Tumble drying creates intense heat that also leads to shrinkage.
• Use a delicate bag – This prevents aggressive tossing and friction that can warp shoes.
• Skip fabric softener – It can coat shoe materials and make them shrink.

With a cold, gentle wash and air drying, machine washing shouldn’t cause shoes to shrink dramatically. But some snugness is inevitable over time with any laundering.

Can You Put Your Shoes in the Washing Machine With Your Clothes?

It’s best practice to avoid washing your sneakers or other shoes at the same time as your regular laundry. Here are a couple of reasons why:

• Dirt and stains – Shoes get incredibly dirty. All that grime can transfer to your clean clothes.
• Banging and clunking – Shoes tossed around can damage both your shoes and washer.
• Metal parts – Zippers, rivets, and eyelets on shoes can snag clothing.

For the most effective and safe wash, only load your delicate bag of shoes into an otherwise empty washing machine. This prevents cross-contamination.

What You Need Before Cleaning Shoes

Gather these supplies before machine washing shoes:

• Mesh delicate bag or pillowcase
• Mild liquid laundry detergent
• Old towels
• Toothbrush and scrub brush
• Shoe cleaning solution (optional)
• Soft rag, sponge, paper towels
• Laundry stain pre-treatment spray

Having the right tools makes the pre-wash prep and post-wash drying easier and more effective.

A Step-by-Step Guide To Wash Shoes in Your Washing Machine

1. Prep the Shoes
   Remove any removable parts like laces and insoles. Shake out debris, and scrub any visibly dirty areas with a small brush and water.
2. Bag the Shoelaces Place the shoelaces inside a mesh bag or pillowcase and tie it closed. This prevents tangling during the wash cycle. For dirty laces, hand wash first with detergent and brush before adding to the mesh bag.
3. Hand Wash Insoles
   Use dish soap or laundry detergent with warm water to scrub both sides of the insoles. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry completely. Alternatively, sprinkle baking soda on the insoles, let sit overnight, then brush off.
4. Clean Soles
   Remove caked-on dirt from the soles by shaking or scraping. Use shoe cleaner and a damp rag to scrub scuff marks.
5. Load the Washing Machine
   Place shoes inside a mesh bag or pillowcase, and put the bag in the washing machine drum. Add 4-6 old towels to cushion the shoes during the wash cycle.
6. Select Machine Settings
   Use a delicate cycle with cool water temperature and slow or no spin speed. Only use liquid detergent – powder may leave a residue.
7. Air Dry the Shoes
   After washing, stuff shoes with paper towels or rags to hold their shape. Air dry completely, away from direct sunlight. Only return dry insoles to shoes to avoid odors.

Can You Wash a Single Item in a Washing Machine?

Tips for Washing Shoes in the Washing Machine

• Wrap shoes in towels before putting them in a mesh bag to prevent noise and damage. Use light-colored towels for light shoes.
• Only use a regular amount of detergent to prevent staining.
• Always use a cool, delicate cycle – avoid high heat.
• Only air dry shoes after washing – do not tumble dry.
• Let insoles dry completely before replacing them – moisture causes odors. Dry in the shade or in front of a fan.
• Don’t dry shoes in direct sunlight – it can fade colors and damage materials.

How Can I Wash My Shoes Without Ruining Them?

You can safely clean washable shoes in the washing machine with these tips:

Check Washing Instructions

Consult the shoe tag or manufacturer’s website to confirm machine washing is recommended for the materials.

Wash on Delicates With Cold Water

Use a gentle cycle to avoid damage from aggressive agitation. Cold water prevents shrinkage.

Air Dry Completely

Skip the dryer, as the heat can warp, crack, or melt glue on shoes.

Use a Mesh Bag

Contain shoes so they don’t bang around and get damaged. This also traps dirt and stains.

Remove Insoles and Laces

Take out all removable parts to wash separately so the shoes get completely clean.

Follow these rules, and you can safely revitalize your shoes without causing harm.

Will Shoes Break the Washing Machine?

With proper precautions, washing shoes in the machine won’t cause mechanical damage. The key steps are:

• Use a delicates bag – Contains shoes so they don’t bang around
• Wash alone – No other laundry means less friction
• Remove dirt – Major debris can clog machine parts
• Take out laces – Prevents tangling and jamming
• Balance load – Spread shoes evenly so the drum turns smoothly

By containing shoes and preventing excess friction, you can avoid any issues with the washer while still getting them clean.

Do Shoes Shrink in the Washing Machine?

As mentioned earlier, shoes can shrink slightly if exposed to hot water or put in the dryer. To prevent this:

• Only use cold water cycles
• Always air dry shoes after washing
• Add fabric softener to help retain shape
• Use a delicate bag to minimize friction

With a gentle, cold wash and air drying, your shoes shouldn’t shrink dramatically in the machine. But some snugness can happen over time with any laundering method. Check the fit after washing and allow shoes to fully air dry before wearing again.

Can I Put Sneakers in the Washing Machine With Clothes?

It’s best not to mix your dirty sneakers in with clean clothes in the washing machine. Washing shoes separately prevents:

• Transfer of dirt, grime, and stains
• Excess noise and friction from shoes banging around
• Metal shoe parts damage clothing
• Overloading and unbalancing the washer drum

For the most effective, safe wash, only load shoes in a delicate bag into an otherwise empty washing machine. Then you don’t have to worry about cross-contamination or damage.

What Setting Should I Use to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine?

• Cycle: Use a delicate or gentle/slow cycle setting. This minimizes aggressive agitation.
• Temperature: Select a cold water wash to prevent shrinkage and damage.
• Spin speed: Opt for a slow or no spin setting. High speeds can warp shoes.
• Load size: Only wash 1-2 pairs of shoes at a time. Overloading can throw off balance.

Following this gentle approach allows thorough cleaning while still being safe for your shoes and washing machine.

Tips to Protect and Keep Your Shoes Clean

• Check the manufacturer’s washing instructions
• Use a delicate bag to contain shoes
• Wash shoes separately from other laundry
• Pre-treat tough stains before washing
• Allow shoes to air dry fully before re-wearing
• Use fabric softener to help shoes retain shape
• Replace insoles and laces once shoes are completely dry
• Consider wearing mesh laundry bags while using shoes to minimize dirt

Do not put shoes or any material in the dryer – air dry only. Tumble drying can damage, shrink, or warp shoes due to intense heat.

Final Thoughts:

With the proper precautions, washing machine cycles can safely get your shoes clean while still protecting them from damage.

Follow these guidelines for keeping your footwear fresh without ruining your favorite pairs. Have any other questions about laundering shoes? Let me know in the comments!

FAQs About How to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine