How to Clean Shoes in a Washing Machine

Washing shoes in a machine saves time and gets them far cleaner than hand scrubbing, but only certain shoes are safe. Fabric sneakers, canvas shoes, and most athletic trainers handle a machine wash well. Leather, suede, dress shoes, and shoes with glued-on soles or electronics (like light-up sneakers) should never go in the machine. Check the care label inside the shoe first—if it says “spot clean only” or shows a crossed-out washing machine symbol, do not machine wash.

What You’ll Need

An old towel or a few washcloths
Mild laundry detergent (liquid, not powder)
OxiClean or a similar oxygen bleach (optional, for white or stained shoes)
An old toothbrush or soft brush
A pillowcase or mesh laundry bag (optional but recommended)
Baking soda (for deodorizing, optional)

Step-by-Step

Remove laces and insoles. Take out the shoelaces and any removable insoles. Laces can tangle and catch on the drum, and insoles need to be washed separately or by hand to keep their shape.
Brush off loose dirt. Use an old toothbrush or a dry brush to knock off mud, sand, and pebbles from the soles and uppers. This prevents grit from scratching the machine drum and from embedding deeper into the fabric during the wash.
Pre-treat stains. Dab a little liquid detergent directly onto stubborn spots (grass, oil, scuffs) and rub gently with the toothbrush. For white or light shoes, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to stained areas, leaving it for 15 minutes.
Place shoes in a mesh bag or pillowcase. Put both shoes (and the laces, if you want to wash them) into a mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase tied shut. This cushions the shoes and stops them from banging against the drum or the door of the machine.
Add towels to balance the load. Throw in a couple of dry bath towels. They act as a buffer, reduce noise, and help balance the machine during the spin cycle. Without them, the shoes can thump loudly and the machine may stop mid-cycle.
Set the machine to a gentle cycle with cold water. Choose the “delicate” or “gentle” cycle and set the temperature to cold. Hot water can shrink or warp shoes and weaken the glue. Add your usual amount of mild liquid detergent, plus a scoop of oxygen bleach if you are washing white or heavily stained shoes.
Run the wash and then do an extra rinse. After the cycle finishes, run an extra rinse and spin cycle with no detergent. This flushes out all the soap residue, which can stiffen fabric or irritate skin if left in.
Air-dry completely. Remove the shoes from the bag, stuff them with dry towels or newspaper to hold their shape, and let them air-dry at room temperature. Never put shoes in a tumble dryer—the heat can warp soles, shrink fabric, and melt glue. Drying takes 12 to 24 hours; replace the stuffing once it gets damp.

Common Mistakes

Using hot water: Hot water shrinks canvas and leather and can deform the shoe’s shape. Always use cold.
Forgetting to remove laces and insoles: Laces can wrap around the agitator or drum, and insoles can become misshapen or disintegrate.
Washing shoes that aren’t machine-safe: Leather, suede, dress shoes, and shoes with lights or batteries will be ruined. Check the label.
Putting shoes in the dryer: The heat will shrink, warp, or crack the shoes, and can even melt the adhesive. Always air-dry.
Washing too many pairs at once: Overloading the machine prevents proper cleaning and can damage the shoes or the machine.
Skipping the pre-rinse or extra rinse: Soap residue left in shoes can cause stiffness, discoloration, or skin irritation.

Tips

Wash shoes by themselves or with towels, never with delicate clothing that could snag on hooks or eyelets.
Use a front-loading or top-loading machine without a center agitator if possible—agitators can catch and tear shoes.
For extra deodorizing, add half a cup of baking soda to the wash along with the detergent.
If your shoes have strong odors, sprinkle baking soda inside them before washing and let them sit for an hour.
To keep white shoes white, use an oxygen-based bleach (like OxiClean) instead of chlorine bleach, which can yellow fabric.
After washing, remove the shoes from the bag promptly to prevent mildew.

Troubleshooting

Shoes still smell after washing: The smell may be from bacteria deep in the fabric. Soak the shoes in a solution of cold water and white vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) for 30 minutes, then rinse and air-dry. Alternatively, wash again with baking soda added to the cycle.
Shoes came out stiff: This usually means detergent residue remains. Re-wash with no detergent and an extra rinse, or hand-rinse the shoes under cold water until the water runs clear. After drying, gently flex the shoes to soften them.
White shoes turned yellow: This is often caused by chlorine bleach or by drying in direct sunlight. Use oxygen bleach instead, and dry shoes in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
Shoes lost their shape: The wash may have been too aggressive or the water too hot. To restore shape, stuff the shoes tightly with newspaper or shoe trees while they dry. If the sole is warped, it may be permanent.
Machine made a loud thumping noise: The load was unbalanced. Stop the machine, add more towels, and redistribute the shoes. If the noise continues, the shoes may be too heavy for the machine—wash them by hand instead.
Soles are peeling or separating: This can happen if the glue weakened from hot water or the dryer. Unfortunately, this is often irreversible; you can try shoe glue, but the shoe may be beyond repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash leather or suede shoes in the washing machine?

No. Leather and suede will warp, crack, or lose their finish. Spot clean them with a damp cloth and a leather or suede cleaner.

How often should I wash my shoes in the machine?

Only when they are visibly dirty or smelly—usually every few weeks for daily-wear athletic shoes. Overwashing can break down materials and glue.

Can I put shoes in the dryer if I use a low heat setting?

No. Even low heat can damage shoes. Always air-dry at room temperature.

What if my shoes have lights or electronics?

Never machine wash them. The water and agitation will ruin the electronics. Wipe them with a damp cloth instead.

Should I use fabric softener?

No. Fabric softener can leave a residue that makes shoes less breathable and can affect the adhesive. Stick to regular detergent.

Can I wash just one shoe?

Yes, but it may unbalance the machine. Add a few towels to balance the load.

Sources: general know-how. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.