How to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine

Did you know it's recommended to wash your shoes weekly if you wear them daily?

There's nothing like having your favorite shoes but each time you wear your shoes, they start to smell a little funky. You may think of getting rid of your shoes when this happens because of the daunting task of cleaning them, but throwing them inside a bag and in the washing machine will fix your issues! Shoes that are worn more frequently are susceptible to stinky shoes.

While running shoes are needed for running, the smell is not. When we sweat from our feet, the smell soaks into the shoe when not properly aired after each use. Other issues include fungus like athletes' feet or poor ventilation. It's best not to wear your shoes daily because they do not air out properly.

Cleaning Your Shoes

That said, every shoe is different and should be washed per the care label. Tennis and athletic shoes are best to wash. Shoes made with nylon, cotton, and polyester are generally safe to wash.

Shoes such as leather, rubber, vinyl, or suede should never be washed as this material will be ruined. To get rid of the stink, follow these simple steps to a sparkling clean shoe.

First, remove the laces and insoles because the laces can get caught up in the wash. When the laces are kept on the shoes, it covers the eyelet and does not allow water to flow through as easily. The laces and insoles can be put inside the mesh bag with the shoes and then zip closed to keep everything secure.

Second, remove any large debris from the athletic shoes, such as grass and loose dirt. This will really give extra help in the cleaning process. Use a soft brush to remove as much as possible. You may also use an old toothbrush or toothpicks to get hard-to-reach spots.

Then, place your shoes inside the mesh bag to keep them together and protected from the wash machine sides. It's best to place a few old towels inside your washing machine to balance the washer and keep the sneakers from banging loudly as it spins.

Use a Delicate Setting

It's best to wash your shoes in cold water on a delicate cycle with liquid detergent will work wonders on your shoes. It prevents damage, and the washer stays balanced while still cleansing the shoes clean.

Once the shoes are clean, it's best to lay them out to air dry. Putting your shoes in the dryer can damage them beyond fix, so air dry is the way to go! Place in a bright, well-ventilated area, and expect your shoes to be dry within a few days.

Once the shoes are dry, restring them, and they will look brand new!

Travel Fanatics Mesh Laundry Bags - Set Of 2

Our Favorite Mesh Bag for Delicate Items

Why We Love It

Cleaning your laundry is a breeze with our thickly made mesh laundry bags. They offer roomy comfort for your shoes and provide ample protection from the washing machine. 

Our mesh bags make laundry day simpler. Protect your dirty shoes inside while thoroughly cleaning every inch. Spend less time hand washing and more time living a life outside the laundry room.

What You Should Know

The bags do the work for you. The large shoes bag is ideal for sizes up to 10, and the extra large is ideal for up to size 14. The zipper is tucked into the band for an automatic locking system. 

Crafted with upgraded materials, this laundry bag will maintain the integrity of your delicate items. The water filters easily through the mesh bags and cleanse the shoes thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

You're probably familiar with having to choose whether to throw out your shoes or spend tedious time scrubbing each one.

Not only is it hard work to clean them, but the chances of you cleaning them thoroughly is very slim.

A mesh laundry bag is perfect for those who want to ensure their shoes are clean without the countless hours spent doing it. The bags do the work for you, so thankfully, hand cleaning is a thing of the past.

Is It Safe to Wash Shoes in Washing Machine?

Some shoes are not safe for the washing machine, which include suede shoes, rubber shoes, leather shoes, and vinyl shoes. However, if you have athletic or canvas shoes, wash the shoes in a gentle wash cycle with a slow or no-spin setting.

Does putting baking soda in shoes work?

Yes, baking soda removes odors without washing your shoes in the washing machine. Baking soda also has mild antibacterial properties.

What Shoes Should Not Go in the Washing Machines?

Shoes made of certain materials like leather, suede, rubber, and vinyl should not be placed in your washing machine.

What Detergent Should I Use to Wash Shoes?

It's best to use a few drops of laundry detergent or laundry pods because powder detergent can get stuck in the shoes if it doesn't dissolve properly.

Best Mesh Laundry Bag

Travel Fanatics mesh bag is not only used for washing shoes but also great for washing clothes. Make sure always to check your clothes care label to check if it is safe for the washing machine. It’s important to clean your delicates without damaging them.

So there you have it - how to wash your shoes in the washing machine. I hope you found this article helpful, and don't worry. It’s a pretty simple process, but if you have any questions or run into any problems, feel free to leave a comment below, and we’ll do our best to help out. 

And finally, always remember to read your shoes manufacturer’s care instructions before attempting any kind of cleaning - they know their products best!

Happy Cleaning! :)