Can you put Shoes into Washing Machine?

Quick Answer

• Yes, many athletic and casual fabric shoes can be machine washed if you prepare them correctly.
• Do not machine wash leather, suede, nubuck, satin, silk, or shoes with metal spikes or plates.
• Use a delicate or hand-wash cycle, cold water, slow or no spin, and a liquid detergent.
• Air dry only. Never use the dryer.

If you are getting ready for a special occasion and need to look your very best, your shoes are often the hardest items to keep looking new. Shoes take daily abuse from walking and weather, so they show wear first. Even with today’s better materials, they still need care. To save time and money, many people ask if they can simply put shoes in the washing machine. Here is the safe way to do it, what to avoid, and how to protect both your shoes and your washer.

Will Washing Shoes Damage The Appliance
Most fabric sneakers and trainers are safe for the machine when loaded properly. The main appliance risks come from unbalanced loads, hard items banging the drum, or loose laces catching parts. If your washer vibrates excessively or shows an error after a shoe cycle, stop and run an empty rinse and spin to rebalance. If problems continue, book our Washer Repair Service for a quick check.

Shoes You Can And Cannot Machine Wash

Prep Checklist

• Remove mud and grit outside with a soft brush to protect the washer.
• Take out laces and insoles. Place laces in a mesh bag. Hand-wash insoles separately to avoid warping.
• Check the care label on the tongue for wash guidance.
• Put shoes in a laundry mesh bag or pillowcase with a tie.
• Add 2 to 4 old towels to cushion the load and balance the drum.

How To Wash Shoes In A Washing Machine

1. Load: Shoes in a mesh bag plus towels in the drum. Keep pairs together.
2. Detergent: Use a small dose of liquid detergent. Avoid powder that can lodge in seams.
3. Cycle: Delicate or hand-wash cycle, cold water.
4. Spin: Slow spin or no spin to reduce stress on glue and stitching.
5. Extras: Turn off high-speed spin or steam options. Avoid fabric softener.

After The Wash: Drying And Deodorizing

• Air dry only. Do not use a dryer or heat source.
• Stuff shoes with clean towels or rags to maintain shape and speed drying. Replace stuffing after a few hours.
• Dry in a well-ventilated area. Indirect sunlight is fine; avoid high heat.
• For odor, sprinkle a little baking soda inside once dry and tap out later.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Overloading the washer or washing a single heavy shoe with no counterweight.
• Using hot water or a fast spin that can warp midsoles and lift glue.
• Leaving laces or insoles attached, which can tangle or deform.
• Drying in a tumble dryer, which can shrink or delaminate parts.

Protecting Your Washer

• Brush off heavy dirt before washing to keep grit out of the pump and drum.
• Use a mesh bag and towels to reduce impact noise and balance the load.
• If vibration starts, pause and redistribute items, then resume on slow spin.

When To Hand-Wash Instead

If your shoes are leather, suede, specialty fabric, or have glued overlays that feel loose, hand-wash with a soft brush, mild soap, and cold water. Spot-clean stains and blot dry.

FAQ

Can I wash white shoes

Yes, most white canvas or mesh shoes can be washed on cold with liquid detergent. Pre-treat stains with a gentle stain remover. Avoid bleach on colored parts.

Can I use vinegar or baking soda in the wash

Use baking soda only for deodorizing after drying. Vinegar can be used in a small rinse dose, but avoid mixing with bleach or harsh chemicals.

How long do shoes take to air dry

Typically 12 to 24 hours depending on airflow and stuffing changes. Speed it up with a fan nearby.

Need Help With A Noisy Or Unbalanced Washer

If your washer is rattling after a shoe cycle or shows drain and spin errors, our technicians can help. Book washer repair and we will inspect bearings, suspension, pump, and balance settings to keep your machine running smoothly.