How to Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine Safely

Washing shoes in a washing machine can save time, but it is not suitable for every pair. The wrong cycle, excess heat, or too much movement can damage shoe materials, loosen bonded parts, or change their shape.

Before washing your shoes, check the manufacturer's care instructions. If machine washing is permitted, use cold water, a gentle cycle, mild liquid detergent, and a protective laundry bag. Afterward, air-dry the shoes away from direct heat.

The key is knowing which shoes can handle a machine wash, which settings to choose, and when hand cleaning is the safer option. Follow this guide before starting your next load.

Can You Put Shoes in the Washing Machine?

Some shoes are designed to tolerate machine washing, while others can be damaged by water, detergent, or the movement inside the drum.

Start with the care label or the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. Do not assume that a shoe is machine-washable just because its upper is made from fabric.

For example, Nike does not recommend machine washing its shoes, while general washer-care guidance from Whirlpool explains how some suitable shoes can be cleaned in a machine. This difference is precisely why the instructions for your specific shoes matter.

If the manufacturer permits machine washing, the material, construction, and condition of the shoe should still guide your decision.

Which Shoes Can Be Machine-Washed?

Use this table as a preliminary guide, not as a replacement for the manufacturer's instructions.

Mixed-material shoes deserve particular care. A mesh upper may be washable on its own, but leather trim, decorative pieces, special coatings, or the method used to attach the sole can make the complete shoe unsuitable for machine washing.

If you cannot confirm that a pair is suitable for the machine, choose a controlled cleaning method instead.

What Washing Machine Settings Should You Use?

If the manufacturer allows machine washing, gentle settings help reduce unnecessary stress on the footwear.

Do not assume that a cycle labeled sportswear, quick wash, or bulky items is automatically appropriate for shoes. Cycle names and mechanical action vary between machines.

The goal is not to make the wash as powerful as possible. It is to clean approved footwear with as little unnecessary stress as practical.

What You Need Before Starting

Prepare the following items:

• A soft brush for dry dirt.

• A mesh laundry bag designed to hold the shoes, or a securely closed pillowcase if appropriate.

• Mild liquid detergent suitable for the washing machine.

• Two old towels to help cushion the load, provided the machine's instructions allow this arrangement.

• Clean towels or plain paper for drying the shoes afterward.

Do not add unnecessary cleaning products simply because the shoes are heavily soiled. Multiple products can leave residue and may react poorly with particular finishes. Follow the care instructions for both your footwear and your washing machine.

How to Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine: Step by Step

Step 1: Read the Care Instructions

Check the shoe label or the manufacturer's website before putting the shoes in the machine.

Look for specific washing restrictions, temperature limits, and drying instructions. Some manufacturers recommend hand cleaning even for fabric sneakers.

If the instructions prohibit machine washing, do not override them simply by selecting a cold cycle.

Step 2: Remove Dry Dirt First

Take the shoes outside or work over a bin. Tap the soles together gently to release loose dirt, then use a soft brush to remove mud, sand, grass, and debris from the outsole and seams.

Removing loose dirt before washing reduces the amount of debris entering the machine and helps prevent mud from spreading across the shoe.

If the dirt is still wet, let it dry enough to brush away without spreading it further.

Step 3: Remove the Laces and Insoles

Take out the shoelaces and removable insoles if the shoe's design allows it.

Laces can be placed in a separate mesh bag if their care instructions permit machine washing. Insoles should generally be cleaned separately according to their material and the manufacturer's guidance.

Do not force out glued-in components. If an insole is fixed in place, leave it where it is and follow the recommended cleaning method for the complete shoe.

Step 4: Check the Shoe's Condition

Before washing, look for any separation between the upper and sole, loose stitching, damaged eyelets, peeling coatings, or other signs of wear.

A shoe that is already falling apart may not survive machine agitation. Hand cleaning is the more cautious option for footwear with existing structural damage.

If the sole is loose, avoid washing it until you have assessed whether it can be repaired.

Step 5: Place the Shoes in a Protective Bag

Place each shoe in a suitable mesh laundry bag, leaving enough room for the shoe to move without being tightly compressed.

A bag provides a layer of protection against direct contact with the drum and helps contain small loose parts. It does not make an unsuitable shoe safe to wash.

If you use a pillowcase, secure the opening so the shoe cannot come out during the cycle.

Step 6: Prepare the Washing Machine

Check the washer's manual to make sure it permits washing shoes. This is particularly important for machines that use a central agitator or have specific restrictions on bulky items.

When allowed, place the bagged shoes in the drum with a couple of old towels to help cushion the movement. Do not pack the drum tightly or combine the shoes with a full load of ordinary clothing.

Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and stain removers unless the footwear manufacturer specifically approves them.

Step 7: Select a Gentle Cycle

Choose cold water and the gentlest suitable cycle available. If the spin speed can be adjusted, select a low setting that is compatible with the washer's instructions.

Do not select hot water simply because the shoes have stubborn stains. Heat is not a substitute for appropriate pre-cleaning, and it can be unsuitable for some footwear materials.

If the machine begins making unusually loud impacts or appears unbalanced, stop the cycle and reassess the load rather than letting it continue.

Step 8: Remove the Shoes Promptly

When the cycle finishes, remove the shoes and the laundry bag promptly.

Check whether the visible dirt has been removed, whether detergent residue remains, and whether the shoe's shape and bonded parts appear intact.

If residue is visible, follow the manufacturer's guidance for rinsing. Do not immediately repeat a full wash without checking whether another method would be safer.

Front-Load vs. Top-Load Washing Machines

The design of the washer affects how shoes move during a cycle.

A front-load washer tumbles items through the drum, while some top-load machines use a central agitator that can create more direct mechanical movement. Other top-load designs work differently, so the washer's model and instructions matter more than the loading style alone.

Before putting shoes into either type:

• Check whether the washer manufacturer allows shoes to be washed.

• Avoid overloading the drum.

• Use a protective bag when appropriate.

• Keep the cycle gentle and avoid excessive spinning.

• Stop if the machine becomes unusually noisy or unbalanced.

If your machine's manual advises against washing footwear, use an alternative cleaning method. A laundry bag cannot eliminate every risk to the appliance or the shoes.

How to Dry Shoes After Machine Washing

Drying is an essential part of the process. A shoe that comes out clean can still be damaged by unsuitable heat or storage while damp.

1. Remove Excess Water

Use a clean towel to absorb moisture from the upper and lining. Press gently rather than twisting or wringing the shoe.

2. Restore the Shape

Loosely fill the shoes with clean towels or plain paper that can absorb moisture. Avoid packing them so tightly that the material stretches.

Remove the inserts first if they are designed to be removable.

3. Air-Dry in a Ventilated Area

Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area away from radiators, heating vents, and other direct heat sources.

Avoid tumble-drying unless the manufacturer explicitly confirms that the specific shoes can tolerate it. Direct heat can deform some materials or weaken bonded components.

4. Replace Damp Filling

If the paper or towels become wet, replace them with dry material. This allows moisture to continue leaving the inside of the shoe.

5. Wait Until the Shoes Are Completely Dry

Drying time depends on the upper material, lining, weather, humidity, and airflow. Some pairs may need a day or longer.

Check the interior and areas around the tongue and sole before wearing the shoes again. The surface may feel dry while the lining remains damp.

Reinsert removable insoles and replace the laces only when the relevant parts are completely dry.

Common Mistakes When Washing Shoes in a Machine

Ignoring the manufacturer's instructions. The wrong washing method can damage footwear even when the temperature is low.

Using hot water. Higher temperatures may affect some fabrics, coatings, and adhesives.

Adding too much detergent. Excess detergent can be difficult to rinse from seams and linings.

Overloading the machine. A packed drum restricts movement and may make the load harder to balance.

Treating a laundry bag as complete protection. The bag reduces direct contact but does not make leather, suede, damaged shoes, or electronics safe to wash.

Using heat to speed up drying. A radiator, tumble dryer, or hot-air device can damage materials that tolerate washing but not high temperatures.

Wearing the shoes while they are still damp. Allow the interior and any removable components to dry fully before use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Washing Machine Setting for Shoes?

When machine washing is permitted, cold water and a gentle or delicate cycle are a sensible starting point. Use mild liquid detergent and the lowest suitable spin speed if the machine allows adjustment. Always follow the instructions for the shoe and the washer.

Can I Wash Shoes With Regular Clothes?

It is generally better to wash approved shoes separately from ordinary clothing. Shoes may carry grit and heavy soil, and their movement can affect delicate fabrics. A couple of old towels may help cushion the load when the washer's instructions permit it.

Should I Put Shoe Laces and Insoles in the Washing Machine?

Remove laces and removable insoles first. Laces can often be washed in a mesh bag, while insoles are better cleaned separately according to their material and care instructions. Do not force out glued components.

Will Machine Washing Damage Shoe Glue?

It can damage some footwear, particularly if the materials or construction are not intended for machine washing. Heat, agitation, and the condition of the shoe all matter. Check the manufacturer's directions before washing.

Can I Use Laundry Detergent to Wash Shoes?

A small amount of mild liquid detergent is a practical option when the shoe manufacturer permits machine washing. Avoid using extra detergent in an attempt to improve cleaning, and do not add bleach or other products unless the instructions allow them.

How Long Do Shoes Take to Dry After Washing?

There is no single drying time for every shoe. Depending on the materials, lining, humidity, and airflow, a pair may need a day or longer. Check the inside of each shoe before wearing it again.

Can I Put Shoes in the Dryer?

Do not assume that a tumble dryer is safe. Heat and tumbling can alter materials, affect adhesives, and distort the shoe's shape. Air-drying away from direct heat is the more cautious choice unless the manufacturer explicitly approves another method.

What Should I Do if My Shoes Cannot Be Machine-Washed?

Use the cleaning method recommended for their material. Leather, suede, decorative footwear, and shoes with delicate construction may require a soft brush, a suitable cleaner, and careful spot cleaning rather than immersion or machine washing.

Final Thoughts

Washing shoes in a washing machine is mainly about making the right decision before pressing start.

Check the manufacturer's instructions, assess the material and condition, use suitable settings, protect the load, and allow the shoes to dry naturally. If the footwear is not approved for machine washing, choose a different cleaning method rather than risking permanent damage.

A careful cleaning routine can help keep suitable shoes looking presentable while avoiding unnecessary stress on the footwear and washing machine.

About Walker George
Walker George is a footwear content specialist at HOBIBEAR, focused on wide toe box, barefoot, minimalist, and everyday footwear.