Can You Wash Trainers in a Washing Machine? A Complete Safe Cleaning Guide

Most casual trainers can be cleaned in a washing machine by selecting a gentle cycle at 30°C with a low spin speed and placing them inside a mesh bag. Preparing your shoes properly and adjusting the machine settings carefully helps avoid damage to both the trainers and the washer. This method suits canvas, synthetic, and mesh trainers unless their care label explicitly advises against machine washing.

This guide helps you clean your trainers effectively without damage. It covers which trainers are safe for machine washing, how to prepare your shoes, the best settings to use, and proper drying techniques. You’ll also find advice on hand washing delicate shoes and common mistakes to avoid.

Can You Wash Trainers in a Washing Machine Safely?

Washing trainers in a washing machine can be safe when you follow specific conditions that protect both the shoes and the machine. Most trainers made from synthetic materials, canvas, or mesh fabrics handle machine washing well. These materials tolerate the gentle agitation of a cold 30°C delicate cycle without significant damage. Using a mild detergent designed for sportswear or sensitive fabrics helps clean the trainers effectively without harsh chemicals that might weaken adhesives or fabric coatings.

Before placing trainers in the washer, take steps to minimize risk. Remove laces, insoles, or any loose parts that could get caught or damaged during the wash. Placing the trainers inside a mesh laundry bag provides extra protection against rubbing or knocks, which can wear down seams or cause scuff marks. Adding a few old towels around the mesh bag balances the load, cushioning the trainers and preventing them from banging against the drum, which might harm both the shoes and the washing machine.

Machine washing trainers under these conditions rarely causes damage to the footwear or the washing machine. Still, it’s important to avoid higher temperatures and aggressive cycles, which can warp soles, fade colors, or cause materials like glue to weaken. Trainers made from delicate materials such as suede or leather should never go into a washing machine. These materials lose texture and finish quickly when exposed to water and mechanical stress. Handmade or highly decorated trainers also fall into the no-machine category since washing machines cannot protect their detailed features.

Using cold water or the lowest temperature setting possible reduces the risk of damage to trainers and clothes while effectively removing dirt. Most machines have a cold wash around 20, 30°C, which suits general cleaning needs without shrinking or warping. Sudden high temperatures, such as 40°C or above, can cause synthetic fibers to lose shape or colors to fade. Choosing a low spin speed after washing helps prevent twisting or deforming the trainers. Over-spinning strains shoes and washes out protective foams quicker.

Trainers with strong odors or visible stains usually respond well to machine washing when using appropriate detergent and settings. However, repeatedly washing trainers in a machine can wear them down faster, especially their soles and internal cushioning. Regular spot cleaning or airing out after use helps preserve trainer life in between deep washes. Avoid machine washing shoes more than a few times per year to balance cleanliness and durability.

Which Trainers Are Suitable for Machine Washing?

Not all trainers are suitable for machine washing. Trainers made from durable, washable fabrics like cotton, canvas, mesh, nylon, or polyester often handle machine washing well. Avoid machine washing trainers with leather, suede, wool, or any sensitive materials, as this can cause damage. Always start by checking the care label for the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations.

Common Trainer Materials Explained

Trainers come in various materials that affect how you should clean them. Cotton and canvas trainers are generally safe for machine washing because they tolerate water and agitation well. Similarly, synthetic materials such as mesh, nylon, and polyester withstand machine cycles without significant damage. On the other hand, leather, suede, nubuck, wool, vinyl, and rubber are more delicate or prone to damage in a washing machine.

Leather and suede trainers can lose their shape, color, or texture if exposed to water and agitation in a machine. Wool trainers might shrink or felt, while rubber parts can degrade or crack. Trainers combining different materials may require special care to avoid damaging one part while cleaning the other.

Care Label Symbols and What They Mean

Before placing trainers in a washing machine, check the care label for symbols or written instructions. Look for clear guidance specifying if machine washing is allowed, recommended cycle temperatures, and drying methods. Some common symbols to understand include:

Following these instructions helps prevent shrinking, deformation, or staining. Assume delicate materials and opt for hand cleaning when no label is present.

Decision Guide: Machine Wash or Hand Wash?

Use this guide to decide the safest option for your trainers:

1. Check the material type on the label or by touch and look: cotton, canvas, mesh, nylon, or polyester usually mean machine washable.
2. Look at the care label. Follow the recommended temperature and cycle settings when machine wash is explicitly allowed.
3. For trainers containing leather, suede, nubuck, wool, or vinyl, avoid the washing machine.
4. Avoid using a machine when the label indicates hand wash or no washing. Hand wash with mild detergent and soft brushes instead.

Tip: Even if the label allows machine washing, removing laces and insoles and placing trainers in a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag can protect them during the cycle.

Choosing the right method not only preserves your trainers’ look and fit but also prevents costly damage requiring replacement or professional repair.

How to Prepare Your Trainers Before Machine Washing

Preparing your trainers before putting them in the washing machine helps protect them from damage and improves cleaning results. This includes removing laces and insoles, treating heavy stains, and using protective covers like mesh laundry bags. Following these steps minimizes wear on your shoes and your machine.

Remove Laces and Insoles

Take out the laces and insoles before washing to avoid tangling and to ensure each part gets cleaned properly. Insoles can stay waterlogged for days if washed inside the shoe, so washing them separately or by hand is recommended. You can wash the laces in a mesh bag or pillowcase placed in the same wash. Removing these parts also prevents your trainers from scuffing the washing machine and reduces the chance of damage.

Pretreat Heavy Dirt and Stains

Scrape off any mud or caked-on dirt outdoors to keep your washing machine from clogging. For tough stains, apply a small amount of diluted detergent or a paste of baking soda and water to the affected areas, letting it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before washing. This pretreatment loosens grime and helps the machine clean more effectively, especially on white or synthetic trainers safe for washing.

Use a Mesh Laundry Bag and Cushioning Towels

Place your trainers inside a mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase to protect them and your machine’s drum. Mesh bags allow water and detergent to flow through, while pillowcases offer full enclosure but may limit cleaning action slightly. Secure laces separately in smaller bags if washing them in the machine. Add 1 or 2 cushioned towels around the bag to prevent heavy trainers from damaging the drum and to reduce noise.

1. Remove laces and insoles from your trainers.
2. Spray or gently rub detergent or baking soda paste on any heavy stains and let sit for about 10 minutes.
3. Brush off dried mud or debris before placing shoes inside a mesh bag or pillowcase.
4. Place laces in a smaller mesh bag or tie them in the pillowcase separately if washing with the shoes.
5. Put the covered trainers into the washing machine drum along with one or two towels for cushioning.
6. Choose a cold or 30°C delicate cycle to protect materials.
7. Remove after washing and allow trainers, laces, and insoles to air dry separately.

What Washing Machine Settings Work Best for Trainers?

For washing trainers in a machine, use a cold water setting, generally around 60°F (15°C). Cold water protects the fabric and glue from heat damage, which can cause trainers to lose their shape or the colours to fade. Hotter water risks shrinking materials or weakening adhesives, so keep it cool. A gentle or delicate cycle is best because it uses slower drum rotation and fewer tumbling motions. This lowers the chance of abrasions or the trainers banging against the drum, preventing scuffs and tears.

Spin speed should be low, ideally under 800 revolutions per minute (rpm). Higher spin speeds might damage the shoes by twisting or forcing them into unusual shapes. Slower spins extract enough water while being gentler, making drying easier without deforming the trainers. Some washers have a “hand wash” or “sportswear” cycle, these work well for trainers since they imitate the care given to delicate fabrics.

Detergent choices also matter. Use a mild, liquid detergent without bleach or fabric softeners. Harsh chemicals can break down shoe materials and cause fading. A gentle detergent designed for delicate or synthetic fabrics avoids buildup that might stiffen the shoes. You don’t need much detergent, about a tablespoon per load will clean your trainers without leaving residue that attracts dirt. Powder detergents can hang onto fabrics and are harder to rinse out, so liquids are often preferred.

If your trainers are only lightly dirty, reduce detergent and consider an extra rinse cycle to fully remove soap. For very soiled trainers, pre-treat stains gently with a mild detergent or a soft brush, then run the machine on a gentle cycle. Avoid detergents with whitening agents; they could cause patchy colour changes. Some people add a cup of white vinegar during the rinse to reduce odours and remove any leftover detergent safely.

Preparing trainers by removing insoles and laces lessens wear inside the machine and allows better cleaning. Place trainers inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect both shoes and the drum. Add some old towels to balance the load and cushion impact. Overloading the machine or washing trainers alone can cause excessive movement, which increases the risk of damage. Following these settings optimizes cleaning while extending your trainers’ lifespan.

How to Dry Your Trainers Properly After Washing

Drying trainers properly after washing is key to keeping them in good shape and avoiding damage. Skip the tumble dryer, as heat and tumbling can warp the soles, peel glue, or shrink materials. Air drying is the gentler choice and helps maintain the trainers’ structure.

Start by gently removing excess water from your trainers with a clean towel. Stuff the inside with crumpled paper towels or newspaper. This absorbs moisture from within and helps the trainers keep their shape. Replace the paper every few hours until it no longer feels damp inside. Keep your shoes somewhere well-ventilated but away from direct sunlight or heaters, which can cause materials to dry too fast and crack or warp.

Drying time varies. Fully air drying a pair of trainers can take between 12 to 48 hours depending on the material, ventilation, and humidity. Giving yourself a full day to dry is a safe bet for standard canvas or mesh shoes. Denser materials like leather might need longer. Avoid wearing damp trainers since that can lead to odors or even mold growth inside.

For trainers with delicate materials or glue, like leather or those with cushioned insoles, extra care during drying matters. Don’t place them on radiators or in direct sunlight. Instead, follow the stuffed-paper method and let them dry at room temperature. Be patient, as rushing this step can result in unwanted shrinking or misshaping.

Here’s a practical way you can do it: right after washing, gently press out water (don’t wring or twist). Stuff each trainer tightly with newspaper, place them on a wire rack or a dry towel in a cool, shaded spot, and change the paper every 3-4 hours. Expect the process to take 24 hours or more. Avoid any direct heat sources to keep the shoe components intact.

Never put trainers in the dryer, heat and tumbling can permanently warp their shape or damage the materials.

Effective Hand Washing Methods for Delicate or Non-Machine-Washable Trainers

Leather, suede, wool, and other delicate trainers require hand washing to avoid damage. Machine washing often strips protective coatings, warps materials, or causes discoloration. Using gentle cleaning methods tailored to each fabric preserves the trainers’ look and extends their life.

Cleaning Leather Trainers Gently

Leather trainers should never go in a washing machine because water and harsh agitation can dry out the leather, causing cracks or warping. Instead, spot cleaning with a soft cloth and mild cleaner maintains the leather’s integrity. Clean stains promptly to prevent permanent marks. Follow these steps to hand wash leather trainers safely:

1. Remove laces and insoles to clean separately.
2. Wipe off loose dirt using a dry, soft brush or cloth.
3. Mix a small amount of mild liquid soap with lukewarm water.
4. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the soapy water and gently wipe leather surfaces, focusing on stains.
5. Use a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue without soaking the leather.
6. Pat dry with a towel and let air dry away from direct heat or sunlight.
7. Apply a leather conditioner once completely dry to restore moisture and flexibility.

This approach avoids excess moisture and keeps leather supple. Avoid soaking the shoes or using harsh detergents that strip oils. Expect results to look clean but not overly shiny or stiff.

Washing Suede Without Damage

Suede trainers are sensitive to water spots and rough scrubbing, which can ruin the nap (texture). Avoid soaking suede or machine washing it. Use a suede brush and gentle spot cleaning to lift stains and freshen material. Try these steps for cleaning suede trainers by hand:

1. Brush the shoe gently with a suede brush to remove dust and lift the nap.
2. For stains, rub a suede eraser or clean pencil eraser gently over the spot.
3. Dampen a clean cloth lightly with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol and blot stained areas; do not soak.
4. Allow to air dry naturally, then re-brush the suede to restore texture.
5. Use a suede protector spray afterward to guard against future stains and water damage.

Using vinegar or rubbing alcohol avoids water spots and evaporates quickly. Test on a small area first to check colorfastness. The key is gentle treatment and patience for drying.

Hand Cleaning Wool and Knit Trainers

Wool and delicate knit fabrics can stretch or shrink in a washing machine. Hand washing with cool water retains shape and softness. Avoid bleach or strong detergents that break down natural fibers. To clean wool or knit trainers effectively, follow this routine:

1. Remove the laces and insoles to clean separately.
2. Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of wool-safe detergent or mild liquid soap.
3. Submerge the trainers and gently agitate them by hand for a few minutes.
4. Use a soft brush or cloth to spot clean any stubborn stains carefully.
5. Rinse thoroughly with cool water to remove all soap.
6. Press out excess water by pressing the shoes between towels; do not wring.
7. Air dry at room temperature, stuffing the trainers with paper towels to keep shape.

This method helps avoid shrinking or fabric distortion. Wool cleaners and mild soaps protect fibers while lifting odors and dirt. Expect slightly longer drying times compared to synthetic fabrics.

How Often Should You Wash Your Trainers to Keep Them Fresh?

Cleaning your trainers too often can wear down the materials and affect their shape. Aim to wash them every few weeks if you wear them regularly, or about once a month if use is light. Pay attention to the condition of your shoes before deciding to clean. Visible dirt, mud stains, or a noticeable bad smell are clear signals that washing is necessary. Waiting too long may cause grime to set in, making it harder to clean and potentially damaging the fabric or adhesives.

Odor build-up mainly comes from sweat and bacteria trapped inside the shoe. Trainers that start to smell need a wash even when they look clean. Wearing the same pair daily without airing them out can speed up odor formation. Rotate between multiple pairs to reduce how often you have to wash each one.

Check your trainers weekly for small spots or dust. A quick wipe with a damp cloth can keep them looking fresh longer and reduce the need for machine washing. Machine washing exposes your shoes to water and agitation, which can gradually weaken stitching and foam cushioning. This means frequent, unnecessary washes could shorten your trainers’ lifespan.

You can follow a simple checklist to decide when to wash your trainers: notice visible dirt covering more than 25% of the surface, persistent odor even after airing out, scoffing mud or grass stains obvious to see, or a sticky residue on soles. When these issues appear, a machine or hand wash is justified. Between washes, remove insoles and laces to let the shoes dry thoroughly and air out bacteria.

Depending on how often you wear your trainers, their environment matters too. Using your trainers for sports or hiking on muddy trails means you should wash them after every 3 to 5 outings. For casual city wear on paved surfaces, washing every 4 to 6 weeks usually suffices. Trainers that aren’t visibly dirty and don’t have odor don’t usually benefit from washing more often than every few weeks and might get damaged.

Caring well means balancing cleanliness with preserving your trainers. Dirt and sweat left too long can lead to stains and smells, requiring deep cleaning that might be rougher on the shoes. By inspecting your trainers regularly and cleaning them only when needed, you’ll maintain their look and function longer without excessive wear from frequent washing.

Common Machine Washing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Washing trainers in a machine can lead to damage if you don’t avoid common mistakes. One key error is tossing in very muddy trainers without removing excess dirt first. Mud and grit can clog your washer and abrade the shoe fabric. Always scrub off large clumps of mud and wipe down your trainers with a damp cloth before washing. This pre-treatment protects both your shoes and the machine.

Using the wrong washing settings is another frequent problem. High temperatures, aggressive spin cycles, or long wash times may harm your trainers’ shape and glue. Select a cold or lukewarm temperature (around 30°C) with a gentle or delicate cycle to keep the structure intact. Overwashing can also speed wear, so limit machine washes to no more than once a year or when they get very dirty.

Laces often get lost or trainers can lose their shape in the wash. Loose laces tend to tangle, which can cause uneven wear or harm to your washing machine. To avoid this issue, tie laces together at the ends and put your trainers and laces inside a pillowcase or laundry bag. This method keeps items secured and lowers the chance of damage from friction.

• Pre-treat stains and dirt by brushing or wiping before washing
• Use a pillowcase or laundry bag to protect trainers and keep laces together
• Select cold or 30°C water with a gentle cycle
• Remove insoles and wash separately if possible
• Don’t overload the washer to avoid excessive banging
• Skip fabric softeners and harsh detergents that can degrade materials

Use a soft brush and mild soap to spot clean your trainers if stains or smells remain after washing. Allow them to air dry fully before checking persistence. Avoid leaving wet trainers in a dark, damp space, as this encourages mold and unpleasant smells.

Always check your washing machine’s manual and trainers’ care label; some materials or designs simply shouldn’t go in the machine to avoid irreversible damage.

Step-by-Step Action Plan for Washing Your Trainers in a Machine

Follow these steps to safely wash your trainers in a washing machine and keep them looking fresh without damage.

1. Before you start: Check your trainers’ material to confirm they are suitable for machine washing (canvas, nylon, or synthetic). Avoid leather or delicate fabric. This prevents damage during the wash.
2. Preparation: Remove loose dirt and debris with a soft brush or cloth. Take out the insoles and laces to clean separately. Proper prep ensures a thorough wash.
3. Load the machine: Place trainers in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect them and the drum. Add towels for balance to reduce noise and impact.
4. Choose settings: Use a cold water cycle with gentle or delicate setting and mild detergent. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners. This prevents color fading and material weakening.
5. After washing: Remove trainers immediately to avoid mildew. Air dry at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Proper drying stops deformation and odor.
6. Reassemble: Once fully dry, put the insoles and laces back. Spot clean stubborn stains if needed. Your trainers should look and feel refreshed.
7. Ongoing care: Wash your trainers every 1 to 2 months depending on wear and odor. Regular light cleaning keeps them fresh longer without frequent heavy washing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Wash Trainers with Insoles Still Inside the Machine?

It’s best to remove insoles before machine washing to prevent damage and allow thorough cleaning. Wash insoles separately by hand to keep them fresh and maintain their shape.

Does Washing Trainers in the Machine Affect Their Fit or Support?

Machine washing can slightly affect fit and support, especially for delicate or cushioned trainers. Hand cleaning may preserve these features better, so avoid frequent machine washes for sensitive pairs.

Can I Use Bleach to Clean My Trainers in the Washing Machine?

Avoid bleach as it can damage trainer materials and cause discoloration. Use a mild detergent instead to protect your trainers’ look and fabric.

Is It Okay to Put Trainers in the Dryer After Machine Washing?

Avoid using a dryer as heat can warp trainers and shrink materials. Air drying at room temperature is safer and maintains shoe shape longer.

Can I Wash Trainers with Different Colors Together in the Machine?

Mixing colors risks dye transfer and staining. Wash similar colors together to protect bright or white trainers from discoloration.

How Do I Protect My Washing Machine When Washing Trainers?

Place trainers in a laundry bag or pillowcase to reduce noise and remove harder debris first. This helps protect the machine drum and avoids damage during the cycle.

Before You Go

Washing trainers in a washing machine can be safe if you follow the right steps and know which materials can handle it. Taking care during preparation, using gentle settings, and drying properly will protect your shoes and maintain their appearance. Start with checking your trainers’ materials today, and plan your next wash to extend their life and comfort.