How to Clean White Shoes in a Washing Machine

What You’ll Need

Mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase with a tie
Mild liquid detergent (free of bleach and optical brighteners)
White vinegar or baking soda (optional, for tough stains)
Old towel (for drying)
Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush (for pre-cleaning)
Clean, dry cloth
White shoe laces (if you want to replace old ones)

Step-by-Step

Check the care label. Look at the tag inside the shoe or on the tongue. If it says “do not machine wash” or “hand wash only,” skip the machine and clean by hand instead. Most white canvas, knit, and synthetic shoes are safe, but leather, suede, or shoes with glued soles may not survive a wash.
Remove laces and insoles. Take out the laces and any removable insoles. Wash laces separately in a small mesh bag or by hand. Insoles can be hand-washed with mild soap and water, then air-dried. This prevents them from getting tangled or damaged in the machine.
Pre-treat stains. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water and use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently scrub any visible dirt, grass stains, or scuff marks. For tougher stains, make a paste of baking soda and water (3 parts baking soda to 1 part water) and apply it directly. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then brush off.
Place shoes in a mesh bag. Put both shoes (without laces and insoles) into a mesh laundry bag. If you don’t have one, use a pillowcase and tie the open end securely. This protects the shoes from banging against the drum and prevents damage to the machine.
Add towels for balance. Throw in a couple of old towels (not new ones that might bleed dye) to balance the load. This reduces thumping and helps cushion the shoes during the spin cycle.
Set the machine to a gentle cycle. Use cold water (hot water can shrink or warp shoes) and a gentle or delicate cycle. Add a small amount of mild detergent—about half the amount you’d use for a regular load. Avoid bleach, which can yellow white shoes. If you want extra whitening, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle (it won’t leave a smell once dry).
Run the wash and then air-dry. Let the cycle finish completely. Remove the shoes from the bag immediately. Gently squeeze out excess water—do not twist or wring. Stuff each shoe with a clean, dry towel or paper towels to help them hold their shape and absorb moisture. Place them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat. Never put them in a dryer; the heat can warp the soles and shrink the fabric.
Clean up and re-lace. Once the shoes are completely dry (this can take 12–24 hours), remove the stuffing. Brush off any remaining residue with a dry cloth. Reinsert the insoles and re-lace. If the laces look dingy, wash them by hand or replace them with new white laces for a crisp finish.

Common Mistakes

Using hot water. Hot water can shrink the fabric and warp the glue that holds the soles, causing them to detach. Always use cold water.
Putting shoes in the dryer. The heat of a dryer is the fastest way to ruin white shoes—it can melt adhesives, shrink the upper, and cause the soles to crack. Air-drying is the only safe method.
Using bleach. Chlorine bleach can actually turn white shoes yellow, especially on synthetic materials. It can also weaken the fabric and leave a chemical smell. Stick to mild detergent and vinegar or baking soda.
Washing with dark clothes. Dark or bright-colored garments can transfer dye onto your white shoes, leaving permanent stains. Always wash shoes with light-colored towels or alone.
Forgetting to remove laces and insoles. Laces can tangle and stretch, and insoles can become misshapen. Removing them also allows the wash water to reach the inside of the shoe more effectively.

Tips

Spot-clean regularly. Wipe down your white shoes with a damp cloth after each wear. This prevents dirt from building up and reduces the need for frequent machine washes.
Use a protective spray. After cleaning and drying, apply a water-and-stain repellent spray designed for sneakers. This creates a barrier that makes future cleaning easier.
Wash shoes alone or with light towels. Never mix white shoes with colored laundry to avoid dye transfer. A couple of white towels help balance the load.
Air-dry in the shade. Direct sunlight can cause yellowing and fade the white color. Dry them in a shaded, well-ventilated spot.
Stuff with paper. While drying, keep the shoes stuffed with white paper towels or a clean cloth to maintain their shape and absorb moisture faster. Change the stuffing if it becomes damp.

Troubleshooting

Shoes still smell after washing. If a musty odor remains, it’s likely due to trapped moisture. Sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes and let them sit overnight, then shake it out. You can also add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle next time—it kills odor-causing bacteria without leaving a smell.
White shoes turned yellow after washing. This usually happens from using bleach, detergent with optical brighteners, or drying in direct sunlight. To fix, mix a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the yellowed areas, let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse and air-dry in the shade. If the yellowing is severe, you may need to repeat the process or use a specialized sneaker whitener.
Soles are coming apart. If the sole is separating after a wash, the glue may have weakened. Stop using the washing machine for those shoes. You can try re-gluing with a strong adhesive made for shoes, but if the damage is extensive, it’s best to replace them.
Shoes are misshapen after drying. This often happens when shoes are dried without support. To reshape, stuff them with damp towels and gently mold them back into shape, then let them air-dry completely. Avoid using heat to speed up the process.
Stains didn’t come out. Some stains (like oil or set-in grass) may require repeated treatment. Reapply a baking soda paste or a specialized stain remover, let it sit longer, and scrub gently before washing again. For stubborn stains, consider hand-washing with a soft brush instead of the machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash white leather sneakers in the washing machine?

It’s risky. Leather can crack, warp, or lose its finish when submerged in water and agitated. If the label doesn’t explicitly say “machine washable,” hand-clean leather shoes with a damp cloth and mild soap instead.

How often should I machine-wash my white shoes?

Only when they’re visibly dirty or smelly—overwashing can wear them out faster. For everyday maintenance, spot-clean with a cloth and use a protective spray. Most people machine-wash their sneakers every few weeks or once a month, depending on usage.

Will washing white shoes in the machine damage the washing machine?

Generally no, if you use a mesh bag and a gentle cycle. The main risk is thumping during the spin cycle, which you can minimize by adding towels. However, heavy shoes with thick soles can be hard on the drum, so always check the care label and consider hand-washing if your shoes are very bulky.

Can I use bleach to whiten my white shoes?

No. Chlorine bleach can turn white shoes yellow and weaken the fabric. Instead, use oxygen-based bleach (like OxiClean) or a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, but always test on a small area first. Vinegar is also a safe natural whitener.

How do I dry white shoes after washing?

Always air-dry. Stuff them with paper towels or a clean cloth to absorb moisture and maintain shape. Place them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Never use a dryer, radiator, or hairdryer—heat can warp and shrink them.

Why do my white shoes have a gray film after washing?

This is often caused by detergent residue or fabric softener. Make sure you use a small amount of liquid detergent (not powder) and skip fabric softener. Run an extra rinse cycle if needed. You can also wipe the shoes with a cloth dampened with white vinegar to remove the film.

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