How to Wash Shoes In A Washing Machine Safely at Home

The short answer is yes, but not all shoes are safe for the machine. Some materials handle it well; others don’t. This guide explains which shoes you can wash, which ones to avoid, and how to wash shoes in a washing machine the right way so your shoes come out clean and ready to wear again.

Which Shoes Can You Safely Wash in the Washing Machine?

After a rainy walk or a hard workout, shoes get dirty fast. Mud sticks. Sweat builds up. Cleaning them by hand can take a lot of time and effort.

That’s why many people look at the washing machine and wonder if it can help. It already cleans clothes so well. Washing shoes feels like it should be just as simple.

The short answer is yes, but not all shoes are safe for the machine. Some materials handle it well; others don’t. This guide explains which shoes you can wash, which ones to avoid, and how to wash shoes in a washing machine the right way so your shoes come out clean and ready to wear again.

Which Shoes Can You Safely Wash in the Washing Machine?

Can you put shoes in the washing machine? Shoes are made from many different materials. Some can handle a wash cycle, and some can’t. A quick check before you start can save you from shrinking, cracking, or peeling.

• Safe to machine wash: Canvas shoes are usually fine. Many sports shoes made from nylon, cotton, or polyester are also fine. Some shoes made from PU or PVC can work too, as long as they don’t have delicate add-ons.
• Use extra care: Shoes marked “hand wash only” need caution. A gentle or hand-wash cycle may work, but there is still a risk. Lower spin and cold water are safer.
• Never machine wash: Leather and suede should stay out of the washer. Satin and silk are also too delicate. Shoes with beads, sequins, embroidery, or similar details can break or fall off. Rubber or vinyl shoes can warp or crack, so they are better cleaned by hand.

What You Need for Washing Shoes in the Machine

Shoes can go in a washing machine, but they need a bit more care than clothes. Having the right items ready helps protect the shoes and gives better results. Here’s what to prepare:

• A mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase to stop shoes from banging around
• Liquid laundry detergent, mild or neutral works best
• A soft brush, like a nylon or soft-bristle brush, for loose dirt
• Old towels to cushion the shoes and balance the load
• Disinfectant spray for extra freshness after washing

For white shoes, oxygen-based bleach can help with stains. Avoid strong chlorine bleach.

A front-loading washer machine is the safest choice for shoes. It’s gentler and helps reduce damage during the wash.

How to Wash Shoes in Washing Machine Step by Step?

After you check the label and materials and gather what you need, you can move on to washing shoes in a washing machine. The steps below help clean well and lower the chance of damage.

Step 1. Remove the parts

Take out the insoles and remove the laces before you wash. This helps the water reach more areas inside the shoe. It also stops the laces from tangling in the drum and helps the insoles keep their shape during cleaning.

Step 2. Brush off loose dirt first

Do not put muddy shoes straight into the machine. Loose mud and sand can clog parts of the washer. Use a soft brush to remove dirt on the outside. A toothbrush can help around the eyelets and seams.

Step 3. Put shoes and laces in bags

Place each shoe in a mesh laundry bag, or use an old pillowcase tied closed. Shoe bag washing lowers the impact on the shoes and protects the washer drum. Put the laces in a small zippered bag so they don’t wrap around the drum.

Step 4. Add old towels for padding

Put the bagged shoes into the washer, then add a few old towels. The towels act like cushions and help stop loud banging. They also help balance the load, which can reduce shaking and protect the shoes from getting knocked out of shape.

Step 5. Choose gentle settings

Add liquid detergent, then pick a gentle cycle with cold water. Cold water helps protect colour and glue. Use low spin, or skip spin if your machine allows it, since fast spinning can bend the shoes.

Tip: Clean insoles separately

Insoles soak up water and can take a long time to dry. Wipe them with a cloth and mild soapy water, then press with a sponge or towel to remove extra water. For smell, sprinkle baking soda on them overnight, brush it off in the morning, and let them dry fully.

How Should You Dry Shoes After Machine Washing?

After the washing cycle is complete, you'll be left with a pair of clean sneakers in washing machine, although they will be completely soaked.

Now, remove the shoes and shoelaces, and place them in a warm, well-ventilated area to dry. If you're worried about the shoes losing their shape during drying, stuff them with cloths or paper to help maintain their form.

Air drying is the safest choice, even if it takes a couple of days. A normal dryer uses high heat and lots of tumbling, which can soften or melt the glue and bend the shoe out of shape.

However, if you need to wear the shoes urgently, wrap the washed shoes in old towels and place them in a dryer on an air-fluff or very gentle setting. Pause and check often. Once everything is fully dry, put the insoles and laces back in.

Conclusion

Knowing how to wash shoes in a washing machine makes shoe care much easier at home. The key is choosing the right shoes, using gentle settings, and drying them the safe way. When done properly, machine washing keeps shoes clean without damaging their shape or material.

Good airflow and careful drying matter just as much as the wash itself. For homes that want a simple setup for both washing and gentle drying needs, a Midea washer-dryer combo fits well into this routine.

FAQs 

Will washing shoes in the machine damage them or the washer?

Washing shoes in a machine won't usually cause damage if it's done correctly. Problems happen when shoes are loose, heavily soiled, or washed on aggressive cycles.

Using a mesh bag, adding towels for balance, and choosing a gentle setting protects both the shoes and the washer drum. Avoid hot water and high spin speeds to reduce stress on materials and components.

What setting for shoes in washing machine?

The safest setting for shoes is a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. This keeps movement light and helps protect colour and glue. A low-spin option, or no spin at all, is best to reduce impact inside the drum.

When learning how to clean shoes in a washing machine, avoid hot water, heavy-duty cycles, and fast spins. These settings can loosen glue, fade colour, and change the shape of the shoes.

Can you put shoes straight into the washing machine?

Shoes should not go straight into the washing machine without prep. Loose dirt can clog the washer. Shoes can also hit the drum and get scuffed or lose their shape.

For washing tennis shoes in washer, take out the insoles and laces first. Brush off mud and grit. Put the shoes in a mesh laundry bag or a tied pillowcase. Add a few old towels too, so the shoes are cushioned and the load stays balanced.

Is it sanitary to wash shoes in the washer?

Yes, it can be sanitary when you take a few simple steps. Wash shoes on their own, not with clothes, and always use detergent. Afterward, run an empty rinse or cleaning cycle to flush out dirt and bacteria.

For extra peace of mind, wipe down the drum and the door seal with a damp cloth. These habits help stop germs from spreading and keep the washer clean, so washing shoes stays safe and hygienic.