How to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine Without Ruining Them

Washing shoes in the washing machine can save time, but only if you do it the right way. Tossing sneakers directly into the washer can cause banging, damage, loose laces, worn fabric, or misshaped shoes.

If you are wondering how to wash shoes in the washing machine without ruining them, the safest method is to remove the laces and insoles, brush off dirt, place the shoes inside a protective mesh laundry bag, wash on a gentle cycle with cold water, and air dry completely.

This guide explains which shoes can go in the washer, which shoes should never be machine washed, and how to clean sneakers safely from start to finish.

Can You Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine?

Yes, some shoes can be washed in the washing machine, but not all shoes are washer safe. Always check the shoe care label first.

In general, fabric sneakers, canvas shoes, mesh athletic shoes, and some running shoes may be safe to machine wash on a gentle cycle. Shoes made from leather, suede, vinyl, rubber-heavy materials, delicate trims, or glued decorative details should usually be cleaned by hand instead.

What Shoes Should Not Go in the Washing Machine?

Do not put these shoes in the washer unless the care label clearly says it is safe:

• Leather shoes
• Suede shoes
• Dress shoes
• Heels
• Boots
• Shoes with delicate decorations
• Shoes with heavy glued details
• Structured shoes that could lose shape
• Shoes with electronics or lights

When in doubt, spot clean or hand wash instead.

Why Use a Mesh Laundry Bag for Shoes?

A mesh laundry bag helps protect shoes during the wash cycle by keeping laces, insoles, and shoes contained. It also helps reduce banging against the washer drum and keeps everything together.

The Travel Fanatics Mesh Laundry Bags are useful for washing shoes, socks, delicates, small garments, and travel laundry items that need extra protection in the washer.

If you are washing sneakers, a mesh bag is one of the easiest ways to make the process cleaner, quieter, and safer.

How to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine

1. Remove the Laces and Insoles

Take out the shoelaces and insoles before washing. Laces can get tangled, and insoles may need separate cleaning depending on the material.

You can place laces inside the mesh laundry bag so they do not get lost during the wash cycle.

2. Brush Off Dirt and Debris

Before putting shoes in the washer, remove loose dirt, mud, grass, rocks, or debris. Use a soft brush, old toothbrush, or damp cloth to clean around the soles and hard-to-reach areas.

This keeps excess dirt out of your washing machine and helps the wash cycle clean more effectively.

3. Place Shoes Inside a Mesh Laundry Bag

Place the shoes, laces, and any washable small parts inside a mesh laundry bag and zip it closed.

This helps protect the shoes and keeps everything contained during the wash.

4. Add Towels to Balance the Washer

Add a few old towels to the load to help balance the washer and reduce loud banging. Do not use delicate towels or anything you are worried about getting dirty.

5. Use Cold Water and a Gentle Cycle

Wash shoes on a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. Use a small amount of liquid detergent.

Avoid hot water because it can weaken glue, affect materials, or cause shoes to lose shape. Avoid powdered detergent if it does not dissolve well, since residue can get trapped in shoes.

6. Air Dry Only

After washing, remove the shoes from the mesh bag and let them air dry in a well-ventilated area.

Do not put shoes in the dryer. Dryer heat can damage glue, shrink materials, warp soles, or ruin the shoe shape.

Stuffing shoes with clean paper towels or dry cloths can help them hold their shape while drying. Replace the paper as it absorbs moisture.

Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Shoes in the Washer

• Washing shoes without checking the care label
• Putting leather or suede shoes in the washer
• Using hot water
• Using too much detergent
• Washing shoes without a mesh laundry bag
• Skipping the step of removing dirt first
• Drying shoes in the dryer
• Washing shoes with delicate clothing

How to Dry Shoes After Washing

Air drying is the safest way to dry shoes after washing.

• Place shoes in a well-ventilated area
• Keep them away from direct high heat
• Stuff with paper towels or dry cloths to help hold shape
• Replace damp paper as needed
• Wait until shoes are completely dry before wearing

Depending on the shoe material and airflow, drying may take 24 to 48 hours.

How to Remove Shoe Odor Without Washing

If your shoes smell but are not dirty enough for a full wash, try deodorizing first.

• Let shoes air out after each wear
• Remove insoles if possible
• Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside overnight, then shake it out fully
• Use odor absorbers or shoe deodorizing inserts
• Rotate shoes so they have time to dry between wears

Best Mesh Bag for Washing Shoes

The Travel Fanatics Mesh Laundry Bags help protect shoes, delicates, socks, underwear, and small garments in the washing machine.

They are especially useful when washing sneakers because they help keep shoes contained, reduce loose laces in the washer, and make it easier to keep everything together during the cycle.

Use them for:

• Sneakers
• Washable athletic shoes
• Shoelaces
• Socks
• Delicates
• Small laundry items
• Travel laundry

FAQ: Washing Shoes in the Washing Machine

Is it safe to wash shoes in the washing machine?

It can be safe for some fabric, canvas, mesh, and athletic shoes if the care label allows it. Always use cold water, a gentle cycle, a mesh laundry bag, and air dry only.

Should I wash shoes with laces in or out?

Remove the laces before washing. Place them inside a mesh laundry bag so they do not get tangled or lost.

Can I put shoes in the dryer?

No. Dryer heat can damage shoes, weaken glue, warp soles, or change the shoe shape. Air dry instead.

What detergent should I use to wash shoes?

Use a small amount of liquid laundry detergent. Avoid using too much detergent because residue can stay inside the shoe.

Can I wash running shoes in the washing machine?

Some running shoes may be machine washable, but always check the care label first. If allowed, wash on cold and gentle inside a mesh laundry bag.

Can I wash leather or suede shoes in the washer?

No. Leather and suede shoes should not be machine washed. Use a cleaning method made specifically for those materials.

How long do shoes take to air dry?

Most shoes take 24 to 48 hours to air dry depending on material, airflow, and how wet they are after washing.

Final Thoughts

Washing shoes in the washing machine can work well for certain sneakers, athletic shoes, and canvas shoes, but only when done carefully.

For the safest results, remove laces and insoles, brush off dirt, place shoes in a mesh laundry bag, wash on a gentle cycle with cold water, and air dry completely.

If you want to protect your shoes and keep small items contained during washing, the Travel Fanatics Mesh Laundry Bags are an easy laundry essential to keep on hand.