Can on Cloud Shoes Be Washed in Washing Machine? Safe Methods & Tips

You can clean On Cloud shoes in a washing machine, but it’s better to avoid this method to keep them lasting longer. In urgent cases, take out the laces and insoles first, put the shoes in a mesh laundry bag, and wash on a cold, gentle cycle with mild detergent.

This advice is for runners and casual users who want to clean and maintain their On Cloud shoes safely. You’ll find practical steps to prepare your shoes for washing, best machine settings, drying tips, and alternatives that protect shoe quality.

Can on Cloud Shoes Be Washed in a Washing Machine Safely?

Yes, On Cloud shoes can be washed safely in a washing machine, but only under specific conditions and with caution. These shoes often combine engineered mesh and specialized foam, materials that require gentle handling to avoid damage during cleaning. Machine washing carries risks such as degrading the cushioning, compromising the upper fabric, or loosening glued components. Therefore, it’s generally recommended to treat machine washing as a last resort or only if the shoes are labeled as machine-safe by the manufacturer.

To minimize risks, always place your On Cloud shoes inside a mesh laundry bag before putting them in the washing machine. This helps protect the shoes from excessive agitation and reduces the noise created during the wash cycle. Selecting the right wash cycle is critical; opt for a delicate or gentle cycle using cold water to prevent heat damage and material shrinkage. Using a mild detergent formulated for athletic wear also preserves the shoe’s integrity while effectively removing dirt and odors.

Balancing the load inside the machine improves washing effectiveness and reduces wear on the shoes and the machine itself. You can add towels or similar soft items to balance the drum if washing shoes alone. Washing On Cloud shoes with an extra rinse cycle will help remove detergent residue that could irritate your skin or degrade shoe materials over time. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, as these substances can discolor and weaken the shoe fabric.

The risk of damage means machine washing shouldn’t be done frequently; use it only when the shoes are heavily soiled and other cleaning methods are impractical. Over time, repeated machine washing may shorten the lifespan of your On Cloud shoes by breaking down cushioning and adhesives. After the wash, air drying is essential, never put On Cloud shoes in a dryer, which can warp them. Dry them at room temperature away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Safe machine washing means preparing your shoes carefully, choosing gentle cycles with cool water, and placing them inside a mesh bag for protection. This approach balances thorough cleaning with preserving the shoe’s performance and appearance. Following these guidelines lets you machine wash your On Cloud shoes occasionally to keep them fresh while minimizing risks.

How to Prepare on Cloud Shoes Before Machine Washing

Preparing your On Cloud shoes properly before washing them in a machine is key to protecting their materials and ensuring a thorough clean. Taking a few careful steps like removing insoles and laces, clearing away dirt, and treating stains will help your shoes come out fresh without damage.

Remove Insoles and Laces

Always take out the insoles and laces before placing your On Cloud shoes in the washing machine. Insoles and laces can absorb water and detergent unevenly, which may cause them to wear out faster or lose shape if washed inside the shoe. Also, removing them helps the shoes clean more thoroughly and prevents the laces from tangling or snagging on other items in the washer.

Once removed, consider washing the insoles and laces separately by hand or inside a mesh laundry bag in the machine. This also helps protect delicate shoe parts during the wash cycle. Placing these smaller pieces in a mesh bag or an old pillowcase inside the washing machine reduces the risk of them getting lost or causing damage.

Pre-Clean Dirt and Debris

Start by removing loose dirt, mud, or debris from your shoes using a soft brush or a dry cloth. This helps keep grime from spreading inside the washing machine and protects the shoe materials from extra wear. Focus on the outsole and midsole since these areas often collect the most dirt.

Removing visible dirt first also allows the washing cycle to focus on cleaning stains and odors. Avoid soaking your shoes in water before this step, as wet dirt can smear and embed further into the fabric.

• Use a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush
• Wipe away dust with a dry microfiber cloth
• Remove stones or debris stuck in tread grooves
• Tap the soles gently to dislodge dirt
• Shake out shoes to remove loose particles

Too much dirt left on shoes can cause abrasive damage during washing, so thorough pre-cleaning protects your shoes and your machine.

Use Stain Pretreatment Solutions

Treat any stains before washing to get better results. Use a mild detergent mixed with water or a cleaner made for sports shoes. Gently apply the cleaner to the stains using a soft brush or cloth, then let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before washing.

This approach breaks down oils, grass stains, and other marks without harsh scrubbing that can damage the shoe surface. Avoid strong bleach or harsh chemicals, which tend to weaken and discolor the shoe materials.

For deeper stains, mild stain removers designed for athletic shoes work well. Always test a small hidden area first to prevent color fading or damage.

Best Washing Machine Settings for on Cloud Shoes

Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle, use cold water (below 86°F or 30°C), and choose a mild liquid detergent without fabric softeners. These settings protect the materials of your On Cloud shoes while effectively removing dirt. Proper machine settings reduce the risk of damage such as warping or delamination.

Select Delicate or Gentle Cycle

The delicate or gentle cycle is the safest option for washing On Cloud shoes in a machine. This cycle uses slower, less aggressive agitator movements that minimize strain on the shoes’ mesh uppers and foam midsoles. Using a regular or heavy cycle can cause the shoes to bend excessively or weaken glue bonds between layers.

Always choose the gentlest setting available that mimics hand washing motions. This setting also reduces spinning speeds, cutting down on wear and tear. Adding the shoes inside a mesh laundry bag helps maintain their shape and protects them from banging against the drum.

Set Temperature to Cold or Max 30°C

Cold water is preferred to warm or hot water for washing On Cloud shoes. Temperatures above 86°F (30°C) risk deforming EVA or Helion foam midsoles and can cause some adhesives to fail. Cold water cleans effectively without breaking down the materials that contribute to the shoe’s cushioning and performance.

Lower water temperatures also prevent shrinking or fading of the recycled polyester mesh upper. Avoid warm water unless your shoe manufacturer allows temperatures up to 30°C for specific models. Sticking to cold water maximizes the longevity of your shoes’ look and feel.

Choose Mild Liquid Detergent

Select a mild liquid detergent designed for delicate fabrics. Harsh powders or detergents containing bleach or brighteners can degrade synthetic fibers and foam components. Liquid detergents dissolve more completely in cold water, reducing residue buildup that might irritate your feet or obstruct shoe breathability.

Avoid fabric softeners as they leave coatings that decrease the shoe’s moisture-wicking properties. Detergents marked safe for delicate materials such as wool or synthetics are generally suitable for cleaning your On Cloud shoes. Use only the recommended amount of detergent to keep rinsing thorough. Follow these steps to prepare and set your washing machine for cleaning On Cloud shoes:

1. Remove the insoles and laces from your On Cloud shoes first. Doing this helps prevent any harm to these parts and makes the cleaning process simpler.
2. Place the shoes inside a dual-compartment mesh laundry bag to protect them from excessive tumbling.
3. Load the bagged shoes gently into the washing machine drum, avoiding overstuffing.
4. Choose a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine and use cold water, keeping the temperature below 86°F (30°C).
5. Add a mild liquid detergent suitable for delicate fabrics, avoiding fabric softeners and bleach.
6. Start the cycle and allow the machine to complete the full wash gently.
7. After washing, remove the shoes promptly and avoid machine drying.

How to Dry on Cloud Shoes Without Damaging Them

Drying On Cloud shoes carefully after washing is essential to maintain their shape and material quality. Avoid using a machine dryer, as the heat can melt glue, warp the foam sole, and ruin your $150 investment. The tumbling action and high temperatures of dryers are too harsh and lead to permanent damage.

The best way to dry your shoes is by air drying them in shade, away from direct sunlight. Direct sun exposure can cause yellowing and material degradation, weakening the shoe over time. Instead, place your shoes in a well-ventilated area indoors or in a shaded outdoor space to let them dry gradually. This process usually takes about 24 to 48 hours, depending on humidity and temperature. Patience is important since rushing this step with heat sources risks warping or shrinking the shoe’s components.

To preserve the shoe’s shape during drying, stuff the inside with crumpled paper towels or clean cloths. This helps the shoes keep their form and absorb moisture from the inside. Replace the stuffing every few hours as it becomes damp. Avoid using newspapers as the ink can transfer to the material. Do not remove the insoles; instead, let them dry naturally alongside the shoes to avoid deforming them. Never place wet shoes near a heater, in front of a fan, or in direct heat to speed up drying, these methods can cause shrinkage, separation, or cracking in the foam and mesh.

Allowing shoes to dry slowly and naturally also helps maintain their cushioning and breathability. Rapid drying methods may dry out the foam, making it brittle and reducing comfort and durability. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society warns that improper drying contributes to athletic shoe shape distortion, highlighting the importance of gentle drying techniques. Taking the extra time to air dry your On Cloud shoes will keep them functioning and looking good much longer.

Hand Washing vs Machine Washing on Cloud Shoes: A Comparison

Hand washing On Cloud shoes gives you complete control over the cleaning process, which makes it safer for preserving the shoe’s materials and structure. It lets you focus on problem spots like dirt build-up without exposing the shoes to harsh agitation or high water temperatures. Washing by hand usually means using mild soap and a soft brush or cloth, which can prevent damage to the foam soles and knit uppers of the shoes.

Machine washing offers the convenience of cleaning the entire shoe quickly, but it increases the risk of wear and tear. The spinning and tumbling inside the machine can cause the soles to weaken or delaminate over repeated cycles. Using a gentle, cold-water setting on the machine can reduce this risk, but it’s still less precise than hand washing. Machine washing also requires extra preparation, like removing insoles and laces or protecting shoes in a laundry bag, to minimize damage.

Hand washing your On Cloud shoes is especially recommended if you want to extend their life and maintain appearance. Focus on cleaning each area carefully using warm water around 90°F (32°C) with mild detergent and a soft brush. After scrubbing, rinse gently and air dry. Machine washing should be reserved for stubborn dirt or infrequent deep cleans.

Tip: Always remove insoles and laces before washing, whether by hand or machine, to clean each part thoroughly and avoid damage during agitation.

Choosing hand washing reduces wear over time but requires more effort. Machine washing saves time but raises the chance of breakdown in material quality. A smart approach is to hand wash regularly and use the machine only occasionally, carefully following gentle cycle guidelines to balance ease and care.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing on Cloud Shoes

One common mistake that shortens the lifespan of your On Cloud shoes is overusing machine washing. The constant agitation and spinning can damage the shoe’s cushioning and upper materials, causing the structure to weaken faster. It’s best to limit machine washing to only when necessary and opt for gentler cleaning methods for routine care.

Another issue is high heat exposure during washing or drying. Water temperatures that are too warm can break down the shoe’s components, and placing shoes on direct heat sources like radiators speeds deterioration. Instead, use cold or lukewarm water during washing and let your shoes air dry at room temperature for at least an hour, ensuring moisture fully evaporates without risking heat damage.

Using bleach or harsh chemical cleaners is also harmful. These substances can ruin the fabric, fade colors, and weaken the material’s integrity. Avoid bleach at all costs and choose mild detergents formulated for delicate fabrics or athletic gear to keep your shoes in good condition.

• Don’t wash shoes too often; limit machine washes to preserve materials
• Use cold or lukewarm water, never hot water above 104°F (40°C)
• Avoid bleach or harsh cleaners; use a mild detergent instead
• Skip the dryer and direct heat sources to prevent warping or melting
• Dry shoes in a ventilated area at room temperature for at least one hour
• Insert moisture-absorbing balls or crumpled paper inside shoes before drying
• Remove laces and insoles to clean separately and reduce wear inside shoes

Following these steps helps prevent breakdown of cushioning, fabric tears, color fading, and sole separation. It takes only a few extra minutes and minor adjustments but delivers longer-lasting shoes that look and feel better during every run or casual wear.

Effective Alternatives to Machine Washing on Cloud Shoes

Hand washing On Cloud shoes offers a gentle way to keep them clean without risking damage from a washing machine. This method preserves the materials and cushioning that make these shoes unique. Spot cleaning works well for small stains and dirt patches, saving time and effort by targeting problem areas directly.

Prepare Mild Soap Solution

Start by mixing a mild soap or detergent with cold water to create a gentle cleaning solution. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, as these can harm the shoe’s mesh and cushioning. Using a detergent made for athletic shoes is ideal for removing dirt without breaking down adhesives or fabrics.

A simple recipe is to combine about one teaspoon of mild liquid soap, such as dish soap or a gentle laundry detergent, with one cup of cold water. Stir the mixture until it produces some light suds but isn’t overly bubbly. This solution cleans effectively without requiring harsh scrubbing or soaking.

Use Soft Brush for Spot Cleaning

Spot cleaning targets specific dirty areas on your On Cloud shoes. A soft brush, like an old toothbrush or a dedicated shoe cleaning brush, lets you remove dirt without wearing down the delicate mesh and foam parts. Follow these steps to clean only the dirty spots:

1. Dip the soft brush into the prepared soap solution.
2. Gently scrub the stained or dirty areas in a circular motion, spending extra time on spots with embedded dirt.
3. Avoid saturating the shoes with water; use just enough moisture to lift dirt.
4. For dry dirt on the outsole, use a dry brush first to loosen and remove particles before applying any liquid.
5. If dirt is wet, let the shoes dry completely, then tap the soles together outside to dislodge debris before brushing.

This technique minimizes water exposure and protects shoe shape and structure.

Rinse and Air Dry Thoroughly

After spot or hand washing, rinsing removes soap residue that could stiffen or degrade the materials over time. Use cold water to gently rinse the cleaned areas without submerging the whole shoe. Follow this rinsing and drying approach for best results:

1. Wipe the cleaned areas with a soft cloth dampened in cold water, avoiding soaking.
2. Pat the shoes dry with a clean towel to absorb excess moisture.
3. Stuff the shoes with paper towels or a dry cloth to maintain shape while drying.
4. Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight and heat sources to air dry fully, which can take 12 to 24 hours depending on climate.

Thorough drying prevents mold and preserves the cushioning performance. Avoid using heaters or direct sun, which might warp or fade your shoes.

Tips to Maintain on Cloud Shoes’ Quality After Washing

Cleaning your On Cloud shoes regularly is key to preserving their comfort and performance. Aim to clean them every 1 to 3 months, depending on how often you use them and the conditions they face. For example, runners who log several miles weekly or wear their shoes outdoors in muddy or wet environments should clean them more frequently. Casual users might space out cleanings more. Consistent cleaning prevents dirt buildup that can degrade materials and reduce cushioning effectiveness.

Storing your shoes correctly after cleaning supports their shape and prevents harm. Place clean paper towels or shoe trees inside to soak up moisture and keep the structure intact. Keep shoes in a cool, dry spot out of direct sunlight to stop fading and stiffness. Don’t stack heavy objects on them, as this can cause permanent creases in the midsoles or uppers.

Using protective products can further shield On Cloud shoes from dirt, moisture, and stains. Water-repellent sprays designed for mesh and fabric shoes create a barrier that helps prevent water damage and stains. Apply the spray on clean, dry shoes about once a month during heavy use periods. Mildew inhibitors can also be useful in humid climates to prevent odors and mold.

• Limit shoe cleaning to 1-3 months or sooner if very dirty
• Use a mesh laundry bag when machine washing for extra protection
• Stuff shoes with paper towels after cleaning to maintain shape
• Store shoes in a cool, dry area away from sunlight and heavy pressure
• Use water-repellent spray monthly during wet seasons
• Choose mild detergents and avoid bleach or harsh chemicals
• Air shoes out after use to reduce moisture buildup

Never place On Cloud shoes in direct heat sources like radiators; it can warp the soles and stiffen fabrics.

Taking these steps after washing preserves the foam’s cushioning and the knit uppers’ flexibility, sustaining comfort on each run or walk. Simpler maintenance prevents the cost and inconvenience of premature replacement. The investment in protective sprays often costs under $15 but can extend shoe lifespan by several months. Attention to drying and storage also reduces odors and material fatigue. Following these habits helps you get the most from your On Cloud shoes in both casual and high-performance use.

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

Follow these steps to clean your On Cloud shoes without risking damage and keep them looking and feeling great.

1. Before You Start: Remove the laces and insoles to prevent tangling and ensure an even clean. Check for any tears or loose parts.
2. Pre-Clean: Gently brush off excess dirt with a soft brush. This helps avoid buildup during washing.
3. Washing Time: Wash your shoes in a mesh laundry bag on a gentle cycle using cold water and mild detergent. This reduces the chance of fabric damage.
4. Post-Wash: Take your shoes out immediately after the cycle to avoid extra moisture sitting in them.
5. Drying Phase: Air dry your shoes at room temperature, stuffing them with absorbent paper towels to maintain shape. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources.
6. After Drying: Reinsert the insoles and laces once completely dry. Check for any lingering odors or stains.
7. Regular Maintenance: Clean your shoes by spot washing and brushing every 1-2 weeks to reduce the need for machine washing.
8. Replacement Time: Watch for signs of wear, like sole deterioration or fabric thinning, and consider replacing to maintain support and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Wash Trainers in a Washing Machine?

Use a gentle cycle with cold water and remove laces and insoles first. Place the shoes in a pillowcase or laundry bag to protect them and reduce noise and damage during the wash.

Are Running Shoes Ruined If They Get Wet?

Running shoes usually aren’t ruined if they get wet, but prolonged moisture can weaken glue and materials. Dry them thoroughly to maintain shape and avoid mildew.

What Is the Lifespan of Cloud Shoes?

Cloud shoes typically last 300 to 500 miles, depending on usage and care. Machine washing often reduces their lifespan by damaging materials or structure.

Can I Wash My HOKA Shoes in the Washing Machine?

Like On Cloud shoes, HOKA shoes aren’t recommended for machine washing as it can shorten their lifespan and damage their cushioning.

How Often Should I Clean My on Cloud Shoes?

Clean them whenever they look dirty or after muddy runs to prevent buildup and stains. Frequent gentle cleaning helps maintain their appearance and performance.

Can I Put on Cloud Shoes in the Dryer After Washing?

Avoid the dryer; heat can warp or damage the shoe materials. Air dry them at room temperature away from direct sunlight.

Wrapping Up

You can wash your On Cloud shoes safely in a washing machine when you prepare them properly and use the right settings. Taking care to dry them correctly and clean regularly will extend their life and performance. Start by removing the laces and brushing off dirt before you wash, they make the biggest difference in protecting your shoes. Little steps make a big impact in keeping your On Cloud shoes ready for your next run or daily use.