Can You Wash Shoes? A Complete Guide with Safe Methods and Tips

Yes, you can wash shoes safely, including in a washing machine, if you follow the right steps to protect their materials and shape. Proper preparation, careful selection of washing settings, and correct drying methods help keep your shoes clean without damaging them. This advice is helpful for anyone looking to freshen up casual or athletic shoes at home. The information covers what you need to do before washing your shoes, how to wash different materials, and how to maintain them well over time.

You’ll also learn how to handle shoe laces and insoles separately, avoid common washing mistakes, and decide when to use hand washing or professional cleaning instead. These tips make it easier to keep your footwear looking good and lasting longer without frequent replacements or damage.

Can You Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine Safely?

Machine washing shoes can be safe when following clear guidelines about which types of footwear to wash this way and how to protect both your shoes and your washing machine. Canvas and many mesh sneakers usually withstand machine washing well. These materials tolerate water and agitation without losing shape or texture. However, shoes made from leather, suede, vinyl, or rubber should never go into the washing machine because the harsh environment can ruin their surface, cause warping, or weaken adhesives. Simmons, a footwear care expert, specifically warns that suede shoes are very likely to be damaged by machine washing.

To reduce risk to both your shoes and the washer, place your shoes inside a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase before washing. This helps prevent the shoes from banging against the drum, which can damage the washer’s interior and cause scuff marks on the shoes. Adding a few towels to the load also cushions the shoes and balances the machine during the cycle. Using cold water and a gentle cycle minimizes the chance of warping or color fading. Avoid warm or hot water and skip fast spin or tumble dry settings, since heat and aggressive motion can damage your shoes and possibly affect the machine.

Removing insoles before machine washing is important because soaking insoles can keep them waterlogged for days, making them slow to dry and prone to odor. You can safely wash laces in the machine alongside your shoes by tying them together and placing them inside the same mesh bag or pillowcase. Doing so helps keep everything contained and prevents tangling. Washing shoes once or twice a year, or only when they become extremely dirty, can reduce wear from repeated wash cycles.

Proper preparation safeguards your washing machine too. Shoes banging around loose inside can strain the machine’s motor and damage the drum lining. The extra cushioning from towels and the mesh bag distributes impact forces. While washing machines are generally designed to handle heavy loads, frequent or improper washing of shoes could shorten the appliance’s lifespan or cause costly repairs. For the best results, select the gentlest machine settings available and avoid washing shoes that the manufacturer advises against machine cleaning.

How to Prepare Shoes, Laces, and Insoles for Washing

Preparing your shoes before washing is key to getting them truly clean while protecting their shape and materials. Remove the laces and insoles so each part gets the right attention. Pretreat any tough stains or odors to improve the final wash results.

Remove Laces and Insoles Properly

Start by taking out both laces and insoles. Laces can trap dirt and debris and insoles hold sweat and odors. Cleaning them separately prevents buildup and keeps shoes fresher.

Place the laces in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase before machine washing on a gentle, cold cycle to protect them from damage. Wash insoles by hand, dipping them in warm soapy water with a gentle detergent, then scrubbing lightly with a soft brush. Let insoles air dry completely to avoid moisture buildup inside the shoe.

Always remove laces and insoles before washing to avoid uneven cleaning and damage to shoe parts.

Pre-Treat Stains and Odors Effectively

Before washing, focus on visible stains and lingering smells to avoid them setting in. Lightly brush away loose dirt or mud from the shoe surface with a soft brush or cloth.

Tough stains can be treated by dabbing liquid detergent directly onto spots or using specialized stain removers such as Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach for white canvas shoes, or Clorox 2™ for colored fabrics. For odors, sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes and let it sit overnight; this helps neutralize smells. Vinegar diluted with water can also reduce light odors and loosen surface dirt, but avoid strong exposure on leather or suede materials.

Protect Shoes for Washing

To avoid damage during machine washing, place your shoes in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase along with the laces if washing them together. This limits abrasive impacts and helps maintain shoe shape. Use liquid detergent because powder detergents might not dissolve well and can leave residue. Follow these steps to prepare shoes for washing:

1. Brush off loose dirt from the shoe surface.
2. Remove the laces and place them in a mesh bag.
3. Take out insoles and hand wash them separately.
4. Pretreat stains on the shoes using appropriate cleaner or detergent.
5. If the shoes are white canvas, consider a mild bleach solution for whitening.
6. Put shoes inside a mesh bag or pillowcase to protect them.
7. Use liquid detergent and a gentle, cold water cycle for washing.
8. Remove shoes promptly after the cycle to air dry.

Never put leather or suede shoes in the washer; this can ruin the material and structure.

Choosing the Right Washing Machine Settings for Shoes

Choosing the right washer settings for shoes is key to keeping them clean without damage. Use a delicate or gentle cycle with cold water. Cold water prevents shrinking, color fading, and warping of materials. Avoid hot water as it can weaken adhesives and distort the shape of your shoes. Select a short cycle, usually 30 minutes or less, to limit agitation and reduce wear.

Use liquid laundry detergent rather than powder. Liquids dissolve better in cold water and leave less residue on shoes. Limit detergent to about 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 mL) per load. Excess detergent might build up, causing stiffness or discoloration. Skip bleach and harsh stain removers; these can break down fabric fibers and ruin colors. Mild detergents designed for delicates work best.

Balance the load inside the washer to protect both your shoes and the machine. Wash shoes alongside a few towels or old clothes to cushion the impact and reduce noise. Avoid mixing shoes with a full heavy load to prevent rubbing that causes abrasions or scuffs. Placing shoes inside a mesh laundry bag further protects them from rough contact during the spin cycle.

Skipping preparatory steps like removing laces and insoles or brushing off loose dirt can result in less effective cleaning and potential damage. Dirt left inside the machine can also soil other laundry. Secure laces in a mesh bag or wash them separately by hand in warm, soapy water. Dry insoles fully before reinserting to stop mold and odour.

In case your shoes aren’t machine washable or you doubt the material, hand washing is safer but takes more effort. Washing machines handle most canvas and athletic shoes well, but always check the care label. Some delicate or leather shoes require special care or professional cleaning to avoid shrinking or cracking.

The entire washing process typically takes 10-15 minutes of preparation, plus the machine cycle and air drying. Plan to dry shoes overnight to maintain shape and fabric integrity. Proper settings and preparation preserve shoe life and appearance while achieving a thorough clean.

How to Air Dry Shoes Properly to Maintain Shape and Material

Air drying shoes properly helps keep their shape and protects the material from damage. Stuffing them to maintain their form, placing them in the right spot with good air circulation, and allowing enough drying time are key factors. These steps prevent warping, shrinking, and unwanted odors.

Stuff Shoes to Retain Shape

Stuffing your shoes is important to preserve their shape while they dry. Use crumpled paper towels, newspaper, or old towels to fill the inside of each shoe. This stuffing absorbs moisture from the interior and supports the structure, preventing the shoes from collapsing or becoming misshapen.

Make sure the stuffing fits snugly but doesn’t overly stretch the shoes. Check the shape periodically during drying and replace damp stuffing with fresh paper or towels to promote faster drying.

Choose the Ideal Drying Location

Select a dry, well-ventilated room away from direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators. Sunlight can fade colors and heat can cause soles or adhesives to warp. Placing shoes near a fan or in a spot with good airflow speeds up drying and reduces the risk of odor buildup.

Improve the shoes off the floor on a rack or towel to allow air to circulate underneath. Avoid tight or enclosed spaces that trap moisture. A temperature around 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C) supports steady drying without risking damage.

Estimate Drying Time and When to Repeat

Allow at least 8 hours for shoes to air dry completely, though thicker or heavily soaked shoes may require up to 24 hours. Check the shoes after the initial drying period by feeling both inside and outside. When they stay damp, take out the stuffing, swap it with fresh dry paper towels, and lengthen drying time.

Do not re-lace shoes until they fully dry to prevent trapping moisture inside. For stubborn dampness, using multiple stuffing replacements and maintaining good airflow improves results. Avoid putting wet shoes in dryers, as high heat can deform soles and damage materials. Follow these steps to air dry shoes effectively:

1. Remove laces and insoles to dry separately.
2. Stuff each shoe with crumpled paper towels, newspaper, or old towels.
3. Place shoes in a dry, shaded, and well-ventilated area.
4. Improve shoes to allow air to circulate underneath.
5. Check shoes after 8 hours for dampness.
6. When still damp, change the stuffing to fresh dry paper and keep drying.
7. Wait until shoes are completely dry before re-lacing and using them.

Cleaning Different Shoe Materials: Canvas, Mesh, Leather, and Suede

Different shoe materials require different cleaning methods to keep them looking good and avoid damage. Canvas and mesh shoes are usually safe to wash in a machine or by hand, but leather and suede shoes need gentler, spot-cleaning methods. Using the wrong cleaning technique can cause yellowing, shrinkage, or material breakdown.

White shoes need special care to prevent yellowing or staining, especially white canvas and mesh. For white fabric shoes, applying a fabric stain remover like Clorox 2™ before washing helps keep them bright. For white leather shoes, use leather-specific cleaning steps and gently rub baking soda mixed with water on stained spots to whiten them without harm.

Hand washing your canvas or mesh shoes is a low-risk alternative if you want more control. Use cold water and mild detergent with a soft brush, scrubbing gently for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse without soaking too long, then air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. This method reduces the chance of yellowing and preserves shoe shape better than machine washing.

Never put leather or suede shoes in the washing machine; water and agitation will ruin their texture and structure.

Cleaning white canvas or mesh shoes by hand also helps prevent yellowing. Start by removing dirt with a soft brush, apply a little gentle detergent mixed with water, then scrub lightly. Rinse with cold water and air dry thoroughly. Avoid bleach and hot water because they cause discoloration and damage fabric fibers.

Common Mistakes When Washing Shoes and How to Fix Them

Washing shoes improperly can cause permanent damage and reduce their lifespan. One frequent error is skipping label checks. Shoe specialist Simmons advises you to always check the care label before washing. Some shoes, like leather or suede, should never go in the machine since they can warp or crack. Ignoring this step risks ruining your shoes beyond repair.

Using hot water or the wrong cycle also leads to problems. Hot water over 86 degrees Fahrenheit can cause colors to fade or run. Shoes may shrink or lose shape if washed on a harsh or hot setting. Always select a cold, gentle cycle to keep your shoes looking their best.

Another common mistake is washing shoes along with your clothes. This increases dirt transfer and wear on both fabrics. Shoes should be washed separately to keep them cleaner and protect surrounding laundry. Not prepping your shoes correctly before washing can reduce cleaning effectiveness. Removing laces and insoles allows for thorough cleaning and drying.

• Check the shoe label for washing instructions before starting.
• Remove laces and insoles to wash separately.
• Use cold water under 86°F on a gentle cycle.
• Wash shoes separately, not with clothes.
• Use a mesh laundry bag to protect shoes in the machine.
• Avoid machine washing leather, suede, or delicate materials.
• Apply baking soda after washing to eliminate persistent odors.

Failing to dry shoes properly can also cause damage. When shoes remain damp inside, bacteria and mold grow, leading to bad smells or stains. Air drying at room temperature away from direct sunlight helps maintain shoe shape and prevents fading. Avoid using dryers or heaters that can shrink or distort shoes. Taking these steps prevents costly mistakes and keeps your shoes in better condition for longer.

How Often Should You Wash Shoes and Maintain Them?

You should clean your shoes based on how often you wear them and how dirty they get. For casual or athletic shoes that you wear regularly, washing them every one to two months can keep them fresh without causing too much wear. Leather shoes or more delicate materials like suede may only need cleaning every three to six months, with spot cleaning in between to avoid damage. Over-washing can break down shoe materials and adhesives, shortening their lifespan, so it’s best to limit full washes when possible.

Environmental impact is another factor to consider. Washing shoes frequently, especially in a machine, uses water and energy and can release microplastics from synthetic materials. Limiting washing sessions and using quick spot-cleaning techniques reduces this impact. Spot cleaning includes wiping off dirt with a damp cloth, using mild soap on small stains, and brushing off dry mud. These methods usually take just a few minutes and use less water and detergent.

For lightly soiled shoes, quick cleaning can be enough to maintain appearance and hygiene. Use a soft brush or cloth dipped in warm water mixed with a small amount of dish soap to rub off surface dirt. Let shoes air dry naturally by placing them in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heaters that might warp materials. This approach works well after several wears and can keep shoes looking neat without the need for a full wash.

Maintenance between washes also plays a role in prolonging shoe life. Regularly remove insoles and laces to air out moisture and prevent odor buildup. Applying protective sprays made for leather or fabric helps repel stains and water, reducing the need for frequent cleanings. Using shoe trees or stuffing shoes with paper after use preserves shape and prevents creases.

Cleaning timelines vary by footwear type and usage. For example, athletic shoes used daily may need a deep clean every four weeks, but can benefit from weekly spot cleaning after intense activities. Sneakers worn casually or indoors might only need monthly cleaning. Cost and effort balance as well, frequent wash cycles in a machine increase utility bills and wear shoes faster, while spot cleaning saves money and extends the shoe’s usable life.

Following these cleaning intervals and maintenance tips helps keep shoes fresh, reduces environmental strain, and avoids unnecessary damage. Paying attention to how your shoes look and smell can guide when to wash fully versus simply wiping them down, maintaining both their function and appearance over time.

When to Choose Hand Washing or Professional Cleaning Instead

Hand washing is often safer for most shoes, especially if they are delicate or not designed for machine washing. Professional cleaning is the best option for expensive, rare, or sentimental shoes that require special care. Choosing between hand washing and professional services depends on the shoe material, value, and condition.

Hand Washing Basics and Methods

Many shoe brands like Adidas and Asics advise against machine washing, recommending hand cleaning with mild detergent instead. Hand washing lets you control how gently the shoes are treated to avoid damage. This method is ideal for canvas, mesh, and leather shoes that show signs of dirt but don’t need heavy cleaning.

Start by removing loose dirt with a soft brush or cloth. Mix warm water (around 90°F or 32°C) with a few drops of mild detergent, soap, or shoe cleaner. Avoid soaking the entire shoe to prevent weakening the glue or deforming the material.

1. Remove laces and insoles before cleaning to reach all areas and avoid water damage.
2. Dip a soft brush or cloth in the soapy water and gently scrub the shoe’s surface in circular motions.
3. Spot clean the soles and any stained or heavily soiled areas more thoroughly with firmer pressure.
4. Rinse the brush or cloth with clean water and wipe away soap residue carefully, making sure not to saturate the shoe.
5. Let shoes air dry at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heaters, which can warp or crack them.
6. Repeat the process if the shoes are still dirty, but give them several hours to dry in between.

Never submerge leather or suede shoes in water during hand washing to avoid ruining their finish and texture.

Identifying Shoes Needing Professional Care

Expensive, limited-edition, or sentimental shoes often need professional cleaning services to maintain their appearance and value. If your shoes have intricate designs, special varnishes, or fragile materials like suede and genuine leather, a professional’s expertise reduces the risk of permanent damage.

Hand washing isn’t recommended if the shoes have structural damage such as loose soles or ripped seams, or if stains are particularly stubborn and risky to treat with household products. Also, shoes with electronic components or custom inserts should be inspected by professionals.

Benefits of Professional Shoe Cleaning

Professional cleaners use specialized tools, cleaning agents, and techniques tailored for different shoe materials that at-home methods can’t match. They can restore color, remove deep stains, and repair minor damage, which extends the life of your shoes. Pricing typically ranges from $20 to $75 per pair, depending on the service level and shoe type.

Professionals also protect expensive pairs from unintended consequences like water damage, discoloration, or the shoe losing shape during cleaning. Using their service is especially worthwhile for preserving collectible or high-end shoes, where replacement costs or sentimental value exceed the cleaning fees.

Step-by-Step Action Plan for Cleaning Your Shoes Safely

Follow these steps to clean your shoes effectively without damaging them. Each phase ensures your shoes stay in good shape and last longer.

1. Before you start: Remove the laces and insoles. This helps clean all parts thoroughly and prevents damage to the shoe.
2. Day 1: Check the shoe material. If leather or suede, plan for hand cleaning or professional care; otherwise, prepare for machine washing if suitable.
3. Day 1: Pre-clean dirt and debris with a soft brush or damp cloth. This avoids excess dirt spreading during washing.
4. Day 1: Place shoes in a mesh laundry bag and add towels to the washing machine to balance the load. Select a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
5. After washing: Air dry shoes at room temperature, avoiding direct sunlight or heaters. Use shoe trees or stuff with paper to maintain shape. Check dryness after 24 hours.
6. After 1 week: Reinsert dry insoles and clean laces separately, replacing them if overly worn.
7. Every 2-3 weeks: Spot clean frequent stains and allow shoes to air out to reduce odor.
8. After 3 months: Perform a deep clean based on shoe material, considering professional cleaning if stains persist or materials are delicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Wash Shoes Without Damaging Them?

You can wash shoes carefully by hand or machine depending on material; delicate shoes need gentle handling. Avoid hot water and harsh detergents to keep shoes intact.

What Setting Should I Use to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine?

Use a cold water, gentle or delicate cycle to prevent damage and excessive wear. This reduces agitation and spinning that might harm shoes.

Can You Wash Shoe Insoles in the Washing Machine?

It’s not recommended because insoles stay waterlogged and take days to dry, causing odors or damage. Hand washing is better for them.

Is It Safe to Wash Shoe Laces in the Washing Machine with Shoes?

Yes, tie laces together and place them in a pillowcase with shoes to avoid tangling and reduce machine damage risk.

How Do I Stop My Shoes from Losing Shape When Washing?

Remove laces and insoles first, use gentle cycles, and air dry with shoe trees or stuffed paper to hold shape.

Can Running Shoes Be Washed in the Dryer After Washing?

Avoid dryers as heat can warp and damage synthetic materials; air drying preserves shape and material.

Before You Go

Washing shoes can be safe and effective if you follow the right steps for the type of shoe you have. Keeping materials and structure intact depends on proper preparation, selecting washing settings, and careful drying. Take one step today by preparing your shoes for their next cleaning, ensuring they stay fresh and comfortable longer.