Your favorite pair of sneakers is looking rough, and you’re debating whether to hand wash them with baking soda for hours or toss them in the washer and hope for the best. But believe it or not, washing shoes in your washing machine can actually be a great option—as long as you do it carefully. The secret is knowing the right steps so you don’t end up ruining your shoes or damaging your washer. At Don Fuller’s Appliance Repair, we’ve seen what happens when people take shortcuts when washing their shoes in a washer (it’s not pretty!), so we’re here to walk you through the right way to get those kicks clean without any regrets.
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Can You Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine?
Before anything else, you’ve got to figure out if your shoes can handle the washing machine. Not every pair is washer-friendly. Nylon, polyester, canvas shoes, and tennis shoes are usually safe, while suede and leather shoes or any shoe with delicate embellishments should stay far away from the spin cycle.
If you’re not sure if your shoes can survive a machine wash, check the care label or look up the manufacturer’s washing instructions online.
Step-By-Step Guide to Washing Your Shoes In a Washer
1. Prepare Your Shoes for the Wash
Jumping straight to tossing your shoes in the washing machine is definitely something you shouldn’t do. Prep is everything! First, knock off loose dirt by giving your shoes a good shake outside. Or, you can scrub off mud and grime with an old toothbrush or soft brush, and then use a damp cloth to clean it afterward. The next step is to take out the shoelaces and insoles. Both need to be washed separately since it’s harder to remove stubborn dirt and stains when you leave them inside the shoes.
You can wash the laces in a small mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase tied at the top to prevent tangling. As for the insoles, they’re usually better off being cleaned by hand with mild soap and water. When the washing and scrubbing are done, lay them out to air dry instead of throwing them in the dryer.
2. Protect Your Shoes and Washer
Washing shoes directly in the drum of your washer can cause a lot of noise as well as potential damage. The solution to this is to put shoes in a mesh garment bag or an old pillowcase. Doing this keeps your shoes from getting scuffed during the wash cycle.
Another tip is to toss in a few old towels in there. They act as padding and help balance the load, which is easier on your machine and keeps your shoes from being slammed around too much.
3. Pick the Right Laundry Detergent and Settings
When you wash sneakers, you have to remember: the gentler, the better. Use a small amount of liquid detergent and avoid powdered detergent as much as possible, as it can get stuck in the fabric (especially if you’re washing shoes like canvas sneakers) and leave residue.
Set your washer to a delicate or gentle cycle with cold water. Hot water is a bad idea because it can loosen the glue in your shoes or shrink some materials. Cold water gets the job done without the risk of damaging your shoes, so make sure you stick with it for the best results.
4. Post-Wash Care for Your Shoes
Once the wash cycle is done, resist the urge to throw your shoes in the dryer. High heat can warp soles, melt adhesives, and even shrink your shoes. That’s why it’s best to just let them air dry. Stuff the inside with paper towels or newspaper, as these can absorb excess moisture and make them dry quicker. Replace the stuffing every few hours, or when it gets damp, until your shoes are completely dry. If you have a fan, set your shoes in front of it for even quicker drying.
If you’re washing sneakers with foam soles, give them a little extra time to dry out completely—those materials can hold onto moisture longer than other shoe materials.
6. Clean Up Your Washer
When you clean shoes in the washing machine, it can leave behind a considerable amount of dirt in there. After you’ve washed them, you should run an empty cycle with hot water and a bit of vinegar or washing machine cleaner. This clears out any gunk left behind and keeps your machine fresh for the next load.
If your washer isn’t draining properly or it suddenly starts acting up after washing your shoes, give our team a call for an expert washer repair. Washing shoes shouldn’t ruin your machine, but if something does go wrong, we can get it sorted quickly.
Why Washing Shoes in a Washing Machine Is a Good Idea
Opting to machine wash your fabric shoes (and other washer-safe material) can save you a lot of time. Aside from that, using a washing machine also gives your shoes a deep clean that hand-scrubbing can’t always achieve. With the right prep and settings, you can get your shoes clean and looking almost as good as new. Plus, doing it at home is way more budget-friendly than taking them to a professional cleaner.
That said, always listen to your shoes—if they look too delicate or expensive to risk, it’s better to stick to old-fashioned handwashing. Better safe than sorry!
Need Help With Your Washer? It’s Time to Call Don Fuller’s Appliance Repair in Oklahoma
So, now you know how to wash shoes in washer machines properly. But don’t forget to look after the machine, too! If your washing machine isn’t working like it used to—or if you’re worried it took a hit after washing a heavy load—Don Fuller’s Appliance Repair has your back. We specialize in keeping washers functioning at their best so you can handle all your washing needs at home.
Visit our website or contact us today to schedule a service!
