Washing shoes in the washing machine can save time and give your favorite sneakers a fresh start—but only if you do it right. If you skip key steps, you can end up with warped shoes, damaged insoles, or even a banged-up washer.
Below, we’ll walk through the process step by step, explaining why each step matters and answering common questions like “Do you unlace your shoes before you wash them? and “Can you put shoe insoles in the washer?”
Quick tip: Never wash leather or suede shoes in the washing machine. Instead, clean them by hand. When it comes to machine washing, stick to fabric, canvas, or synthetic athletic shoes for best results.
1. Remove the Laces and Insoles
First, remove the laces and insoles from your shoes. Here’s why:
- Prevent damage to your washer: Laces can get tangled around the washing machine’s agitator or drum components.
- Thorough cleaning: Removing insoles allows both the shoes and insoles to get cleaner and drier faster.
Consequence of skipping this step: Your laces could jam your washer, and wet insoles may develop mildew or odors.
2. Clean the Laces and Insoles Separately
Place your laces and (if washable) insoles in a zippable mesh laundry bag to:
- Keeps laces from tangling in the machine.
- Make small pieces easier to locate after the cycle.
Can you put insoles in the washer?
Yes, if they’re labeled as machine washable—but plan ahead because they can take a couple of days to air dry.
If they’re not machine washable, you can wash them by hand. Here’s a quick method:
- Mix warm water with mild detergent.
- Scrub lightly with a soft brush.
- Air dry completely before putting them back in your shoes.
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3. Scrub the Soles Before Washing
Grab a soft toothbrush and clean off any mud, gum, or stuck-on debris from the soles.
- Why this matters: Loose dirt can clog your washer or redeposit on your shoes.
- Consequences of skipping this step: You risk giving your washer a mud bath and ending up with shoes that still look dingy.
4. Contain Your Shoes in a Laundry Bag or Pillowcase
Putting shoes in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase does two things:
- Reduces impact: Protects your washer drum from scuffs and your shoes from damage.
- Quiets the clunking: A small but welcome perk!
If you skip this, shoes can slam against the drum, potentially bending their structure—or worse, damaging your washer.
5. Set the Washer to Delicate and Cold
When washing shoes in the washing machine, always:
- Use the delicate cycle: Less agitation reduces wear and tear.
- Use cold water: Hot water can melt glues, warp midsoles, and cause color bleeding.
If your shoes smell exceptionally bad, resist the urge to blast them with heat. It can do more harm than good. Try this instead: Before washing, use other odor-removal techniques like vinegar, baking soda, or sunshine (which can actually kill bacteria).
6. Add Old Towels for Cushioning
Wash shoes with 3–6 old towels for balance and impact absorption.
- Why it’s important: It keeps the load stable and softens the shoes’ impact against the drum.
- What to avoid: Don’t mix in your new clothes—dye could transfer to your shoes.
7. Use Liquid Detergent or Laundry Pods
Skip powder detergent.
- Why: Powder can clump in crevices and leave residue on shoes.
- Better option: Liquid detergent or a single laundry pod.
- Extra boost: A splash of vinegar can neutralize odors naturally.
8. Let Your Shoes Air Dry
Never put your shoes in the dryer.
- Heat damage risk: Dryers can shrink shoes or warp glue and soles.
- Noise and damage: Tumbling shoes can damage your dryer drum.
Best method:
- Place shoes in a sunny, well-ventilated spot.
- Stuff with paper towels or newspaper to speed up drying and help maintain shape.
9. Relace and Reinsert Insoles
Once everything is completely dry, relace your shoes and put the insoles back in. Congrats—your sneakers are fresh, clean, and ready to go!
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