Washing Shoes in the Washing Machine Without Damage

Are your favorite sneakers losing their shine, and you’re wondering if they can be cleaned in a washing machine? Machine washing is suitable for many shoe models, provided you follow a few essential precautions. Here’s how to do it right, from selecting the appropriate cycle to ensuring proper drying.

Washing shoes in a machine requires some preparatory steps to protect both your footwear and your washing machine.

Preparing Shoes for Washing

Start by removing the laces and insoles. Next, brush off any mud and visible dirt to prevent clogging the washing machine and to enhance the washing outcome.

Place the shoes and laces in a mesh laundry bag, a fabric sack, or an old pillowcase. This protective measure minimizes the impact against the drum and prevents the laces from tangling.

Selecting the Right Settings and Drying Properly

Opt for a delicate cycle, such as wool or synthetic, with a maximum temperature of 30 °C. Use a small amount of mild detergent, preferably liquid, and halve the usual dosage.

Add a bath towel or thick cloth to the drum to cushion the shoes and protect the seams and adhesives. After the cycle, promptly remove the shoes and allow them to air dry, away from direct heat sources and sunlight to prevent deformation.

Which Program and Temperature to Choose for Washing Shoes?

If your washing machine has a dedicated shoe or sneaker program, that is the best option. Otherwise, select a delicate, wool, synthetic, or sport cycle.

A temperature of 30 °C is generally suitable, with a preference for 20 °C for more delicate models. If possible, disable the spin cycle; if not, choose a low speed between 400 and 600 revolutions per minute to minimize the risk of deformation or detachment of the soles.

| Setting | Recommendation | |-------------|-------------------------------------| | Program | Delicate, wool, synthetic, or sport | | Temperature | Maximum 30 °C | | Spin | No spin, or 400 to 600 rpm | | Duration | Average of 30 to 40 minutes |

A delicate cycle for shoes typically lasts between 30 and 40 minutes. Machines with a dedicated program may offer longer cycles. For instance, some models with a SneakerWash function provide a wash of approximately 60 minutes at 30 °C with limited spinning.

Can You Wash Sneakers in the Machine Without Damaging Them?

Yes, most canvas, textile, or synthetic sneakers can be machine washed. However, avoid this method for leather, suede, or nubuck models.

A few simple precautions can help you clean your sneakers while minimizing the risk of damage. To maintain the shape and materials of your shoes, keep these points in mind:

• Always use protection: Always use a mesh bag or fabric sack to reduce friction.
• Low temperature: Keep between 20 and 30 °C to avoid thermal shock on the adhesives.
• Low spin: Disable it if possible, or limit it to 400-600 rpm.
• Natural drying: Allow to air dry, never near direct heat sources.

Excessive heat during drying can distort sneakers, weaken adhesives, and lead to sole detachment.

Which Shoes Should Not Be Machine Washed?

Shoes made from leather, suede, or nubuck should not be machine washed. Water and the drum's movement can deform these materials, damage them, and alter their appearance.

Also avoid fragile models with glued decorations or delicate finishes. If the manufacturer's label advises against machine washing, it’s best to heed that advice. For heavily soiled shoes, pre-brushing is essential. Canvas, textile, or synthetic sneakers are the most suitable for this cleaning method.

How to Wash White Sneakers in the Machine Without Yellowing Them?

If your white sneakers are very dirty, brush them dry first, then treat any stains before washing. This preparation helps prevent dirt from embedding further during the cycle.

Place them in white towels or sheets to limit impact and avoid color transfer. Wash them alone, without colored clothing or shoes. Use a delicate program at 30 °C with low or disabled spinning. After washing, let them air dry, away from direct sunlight to maintain their brightness.

To further care for your shoes between washes, learn how to naturally deodorize them with baking soda. And if a bleach stain accidentally lands on a garment during your cleaning session, check out my method for removing bleach stains from fabric.