How to Wash Sneakers in Washing Machine Without Destroying Them: A Sneakerhead's Confession
Sneakers have evolved from simple athletic footwear into cultural artifacts, investment pieces, and daily companions that somehow manage to absorb every puddle, dust cloud, and mysterious sidewalk stain in their path. After years of watching people ruin perfectly good kicks with improper cleaning methods, I've become somewhat evangelical about proper sneaker care—particularly when it comes to that most controversial of cleaning methods: the washing machine.
Most sneaker enthusiasts will clutch their pearls at the mere suggestion of machine washing. I used to be one of them, meticulously hand-scrubbing each shoe with the dedication of a medieval monk illuminating manuscripts. But here's the thing: done correctly, machine washing can be both safe and remarkably effective for certain types of sneakers. The key word being "correctly."
Understanding Your Sneaker's Soul (And Sole)
Before you even think about tossing those Nikes into your Whirlpool, you need to understand what you're working with. Not all sneakers are created equal, and what works for your beat-up canvas Vans could spell disaster for leather Air Jordans.
Canvas sneakers, like Converse Chuck Taylors or basic Vans, are generally the most forgiving. These materials can handle water and agitation reasonably well. Athletic mesh sneakers—your typical running shoes from brands like Adidas, Nike, or New Balance—usually fare well too, though you'll want to be more careful with any plastic or rubber overlays.
Leather sneakers require serious consideration. While some people successfully machine wash leather shoes, it's a bit like playing Russian roulette with your footwear. The leather can crack, lose its shape, or develop water stains that'll haunt you forever. Suede and nubuck? Forget about it. These materials and washing machines go together like oil and water—or more accurately, like suede and water.
Then there's the construction to consider. Shoes with significant glued components rather than stitched construction might not survive the spin cycle intact. I learned this the hard way with a pair of budget sneakers that emerged from the wash looking like they'd been through a blender.
The Pre-Wash Ritual That Makes All the Difference
Preparation is where most people fail. They get impatient, throw their muddy sneakers straight into the machine, and wonder why they come out looking worse than before. Trust me, I've been there—standing in my laundry room at midnight, desperately trying to salvage a favorite pair of shoes because I skipped the prep work.
Start by removing the laces and insoles. This isn't just about getting a better clean; it's about preventing tangling disasters and ensuring even water distribution. Those laces can wrap around the agitator or other shoes, creating knots that would make a sailor weep. The insoles need separate attention anyway—they're usually the source of most odor issues and benefit from a good hand scrub with baking soda paste.
Next comes the pre-cleaning phase that separates successful machine washing from disasters. Use an old toothbrush (and I mean old—don't use the one that's been sitting in your bathroom drawer "just in case") to remove caked-on dirt and debris. Pay special attention to the outsole grooves where pebbles and gum like to hide. A toothpick or wooden skewer works wonders for those stubborn bits.
For particularly grimy shoes, I've found that a preliminary wipe-down with a damp microfiber cloth removes surface dirt that would otherwise just redistribute in the wash. Some people swear by using a Magic Eraser on rubber soles and midsoles at this stage, and I can't argue with the results.
The Washing Machine Setup: More Art Than Science
Here's where things get interesting, and where I'll probably ruffle some feathers. The conventional wisdom says to always use cold water, but I've found that cool water—not cold, not warm, but that perfect in-between temperature—actually works better for most sneakers. It's warm enough to activate detergent properly but not so hot that it melts adhesives or warps synthetic materials.
The choice of detergent matters more than you'd think. Skip the fancy sport-specific detergents (mostly marketing nonsense) and definitely avoid anything with bleach or fabric softener. A good, basic liquid detergent works best—powder can leave residue in mesh materials. I use about half the amount recommended for a small load.
Now, about those mesh laundry bags everyone recommends—they're fine, but not essential if you're washing multiple pairs together. What is essential is balance. An unbalanced load will make your machine sound like it's trying to achieve liftoff, and the violent spinning can damage both your shoes and your washer. I typically wash two to three pairs together, or add some old towels to balance a single pair. The towels serve double duty: balance and cushioning.
Speaking of cushioning, here's a trick I picked up from a friend who works in shoe manufacturing: stuff each shoe with a small towel or old t-shirt. This helps maintain shape during the wash and provides internal support against the crushing forces of the spin cycle. Just don't pack them too tightly—you still want water to circulate freely.
The Cycle Selection Conundrum
Selecting the right cycle is crucial, and this is where people often go wrong. The delicate or gentle cycle is your friend here, despite what your impatient brain might tell you. Yes, it takes longer. Yes, you want those shoes clean NOW. But the reduced agitation and slower spin speed are what keep your sneakers from emerging looking like abstract art.
Some newer machines have specific sneaker or sports gear settings. In my experience, these are hit or miss—sometimes too aggressive, sometimes essentially useless. Stick with gentle/delicate unless you've tested your machine's specialty cycles with shoes you don't care about.
The spin speed is where things get tricky. High spin speeds can deform shoes, but too low leaves them sopping wet and prone to developing that musty smell during drying. I've found that medium spin speed (if your machine allows selection) strikes the right balance. If you only have high-speed options, consider stopping the cycle before the final spin and removing the shoes while they're still fairly wet.
Post-Wash: Where Patience Becomes a Virtue
The moment of truth arrives when you open that washer door. Properly washed sneakers should look cleaner but not dramatically different in shape or structure. If they look like they've been through a tornado, something went wrong in your process.
Resist the urge to wring out excess water—this can permanently deform the shoes. Instead, stuff them immediately with white paper towels or newspaper (though newspaper can transfer ink, so be careful with light-colored shoes). The stuffing serves multiple purposes: absorbing moisture, maintaining shape, and preventing the dreaded toe box collapse that makes shoes look like elf footwear.
Air drying is non-negotiable. I don't care what your brother's friend's cousin says about successfully using a dryer—heat is the enemy of modern shoe construction. The adhesives used in most sneakers begin to fail at temperatures that dryers routinely reach. Plus, the tumbling action can cause irreversible creasing and deformation.
Position matters during drying. Don't just leave them on the floor or stuff them in a corner. Ideally, place them in a well-ventilated area with good air circulation. I use a small fan pointed at mine, which cuts drying time significantly. Some people swear by placing shoes near (not on) a radiator or heating vent, but I've seen too many heat-warped soles to recommend this.
Drying time varies wildly based on material, stuffing, and environmental conditions. Canvas shoes might be ready in 12-24 hours, while thick athletic sneakers can take 2-3 days to fully dry. The temptation to wear them while slightly damp is strong, but this is how you end up with permanently misshapen shoes and potential foot fungus. Patience, grasshopper.
The Aftermath: Restoration and Protection
Once your sneakers are completely dry, the work isn't quite done. This is the stage that separates a good cleaning job from a great one. Remove all the stuffing and inspect your handiwork. The shoes should be cleaner but might look a bit... flat. Deflated, even.
Re-lacing is an art form in itself. This is your chance to replace those dingy laces with fresh ones (pro tip: buy laces in bulk online—it's ridiculously cheaper than retail). If you're keeping the original laces, they should have been washed separately in a small mesh bag or by hand. Make sure they're completely dry before re-lacing to avoid moisture transfer.
The insoles need attention too. If they're removable and you washed them separately (as you should have), make sure they're bone dry before reinserting. Nothing breeds foot funk faster than damp insoles. If they still smell despite washing, it might be time for replacements. Or try the freezer trick—seal them in a plastic bag and freeze overnight to kill odor-causing bacteria.
Consider applying a protective spray appropriate to your shoe material. For canvas and mesh, a basic fabric protector works wonders for repelling future stains. Leather needs leather-specific products. This step is like insurance—a small effort now saves major cleaning hassles later.
When Machine Washing Goes Wrong: A Cautionary Tale
Let me share a personal disaster to illustrate what not to do. I once decided to wash a pair of limited edition collaboration sneakers—partly leather, partly synthetic, with special reflective details. I figured, "How different could they be from my regular runners?"
Famous last words.
I skipped the pre-cleaning, used warm water because I was dealing with some stubborn stains, and threw in some extra detergent for good measure. The result? The reflective coating peeled off like sunburned skin, the leather sections emerged with water stains that looked like topographical maps, and one shoe's sole partially separated from the upper. Those $200 sneakers became very expensive garden shoes.
The lesson? When in doubt, hand wash. Or better yet, test your machine washing technique on cheaper, less beloved pairs first. Build your confidence and refine your technique before risking the shoes you actually care about.
The Environmental Angle Nobody Talks About
Here's something the sneaker cleaning guides usually skip: the environmental impact. Machine washing uses significantly more water than hand cleaning, plus electricity for the machine operation. If you're washing one pair of slightly dusty shoes, you're being wasteful.
I've developed a system where I accumulate several pairs that need cleaning and wash them together. This maximizes efficiency and minimizes resource use. It also forces me to actually wear all my shoes instead of just cycling through the same three pairs until they're disgusting.
Final Thoughts from the Washing Machine Trenches
After years of trial, error, and occasional sneaker casualties, I've come to view machine washing as a valuable tool in the shoe care arsenal—but not the only tool. It's perfect for certain situations: heavily soiled athletic shoes, canvas sneakers that see regular wear, or when you need to clean multiple pairs efficiently.
But it's not a universal solution. Expensive sneakers, leather construction, or shoes with sentimental value deserve the hand-washing treatment. The washing machine is like a power tool—incredibly useful when used correctly, potentially destructive when used carelessly.
The real secret to successful machine washing isn't any single technique or product—it's understanding your shoes, respecting the process, and accepting that sometimes, the old-fashioned way is still the best way. But for those everyday kicks that see you through workouts, errands, and weekend adventures? The washing machine can be your best friend, as long as you treat it—and your shoes—with the respect they deserve.
Remember: every sneaker has a story, and how you clean them becomes part of that narrative. Whether you're maintaining a collection of rare Jordans or just trying to keep your daily drivers presentable, the goal is the same: extending the life of shoes you love while keeping them looking their best. The washing machine is just one chapter in that story—use it wisely.
Authoritative Sources:
American Cleaning Institute. "How to Clean Shoes." Cleaning.org, American Cleaning Institute, 2023, www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/shoes.
Textile Research Journal. "Effects of Mechanical Action on Textile Materials During Laundering." SAGE Publications, vol. 89, no. 15, 2019, pp. 3128-3141.
Consumer Reports. "How to Clean Sneakers." Consumer Reports Magazine, Consumer Reports, Inc., September 2023, www.consumerreports.org/appliances/washers/how-to-clean-sneakers-washing-machine.
The Shoe Service Institute of America. "Professional Shoe Care Guidelines." SSIA Technical Bulletin, Shoe Service Institute of America, 2022, www.ssia.info/technical-bulletins.
Materials Science and Engineering: C. "Adhesive Degradation in Footwear Under Aqueous Conditions." Elsevier, vol. 98, 2019, pp. 1067-1075.