How to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine: A Time-Saving Guide for Cleaner Footwear

Shoes go through a lot — from daily commutes and outdoor errands to surprise spills and muddy adventures. Over time, all that wear can leave your favorite sneakers or tennis shoes looking a little worse for wear.

If you've ever asked yourself, "Can I just toss these in the washer?" — you're not alone. Many people want a fast, hassle-free way to keep their shoes clean without spending extra time scrubbing by hand. The good news? With the right approach, many types of everyday footwear can be machine washed safely and effectively. This guide walks you through exactly how to do it — saving you time while keeping your shoes fresh, functional, and ready for whatever comes next.

Is It Safe to Wash Your Shoes in the Washing Machine?

The short answer is: it depends entirely on what your shoes are made of. Just as you wouldn't treat a silk tie the same way you'd treat scrubs, different shoe materials require different approaches.

Safe-to-wash materials include canvas, cotton, polyester, and nylon. These synthetic and natural fabrics can handle the agitation and moisture of a washing machine cycle without losing their shape or integrity. Most casual sneakers, tennis shoes, and athletic footwear fall into this category.

However, avoid machine washing shoes made from leather, suede, rubber, or vinyl. Water can damage these materials, causing cracking, warping, or permanent discoloration. Think of it like this: if you wouldn't want the material soaked in water for 30 minutes while being agitated, it shouldn't go in your washer.

Your expensive dress shoes, leather loafers, or suede sneakers require different care methods. When in doubt, check the manufacturer's care instructions—many brands now clearly indicate whether their shoes are machine-washable.

What's the Best Method for Washing Shoes in Your Machine?

Getting clean shoes from your washing machine isn't just about throwing them in and hoping for the best. Here's the systematic approach that actually works:

Preparation is Everything

Before your shoes see the inside of your washer, remove the laces and insoles. Laces can tangle around other items or the agitator, while insoles can become waterlogged and lose their shape. You can wash laces separately in a small mesh bag or by hand.

Give your shoes a dry brush first. Use an old toothbrush or soft brush to remove surface dirt, dried mud, and debris from the soles and upper materials. This prevents your washing machine from becoming a mud bath and ensures better cleaning results.

For particularly stubborn stains—perhaps from that unfortunate encounter with the hospital cafeteria's mystery sauce—pretreat the area with a small amount of liquid laundry detergent worked in with a soft brush.

The Washing Process

Use liquid detergent only. Powder detergent can leave residue in the shoe's crevices and may not dissolve completely in cold water cycles.

Set your machine to a delicate or gentle cycle with cold water. Hot water can warp shoe materials, cause colors to bleed, and damage adhesives that hold your shoes together. Think of it as giving your shoes the same gentle treatment you'd want for your favorite dress shirt.

Add a few clean towels to the load. These act as buffers, preventing your shoes from banging against the drum during the spin cycle. It's like providing cushioning during a procedure—it prevents unnecessary trauma to the materials.

The Critical Don't: Skip the Dryer

Never put your shoes in the dryer. The heat can warp materials, shrink fabrics, and damage the adhesives that keep your shoes intact. Instead, air dry them overnight in a well-ventilated area. If you're in a hurry, stuff them with newspaper or paper towels to help absorb moisture and maintain their shape while they dry.

How to Wash Tennis Shoes in the Washing Machine

Tennis shoes and athletic sneakers are among the most washing-machine-friendly footwear options. Most are constructed with synthetic materials specifically designed to withstand moisture and repeated washing.

For your white tennis shoes, the process is identical to the general method above, but you have a few additional options to restore that crisp, clean appearance. A small amount of white vinegar added to the wash cycle can help brighten white materials and eliminate odors—particularly useful if your shoes have been through several 12-hour shifts.

If your tennis shoes have removable insoles, wash these separately by hand with warm soapy water. They dry faster when removed from the shoe and won't retain moisture that could lead to odors or bacteria growth.

How to Wash White Shoes in Washing Machine

White shoes present their own challenges, but they're also among the most rewarding to clean properly. The contrast between clean and dirty is dramatic, making your efforts immediately visible.

Pre-treat any scuff marks or stains before washing. For white shoes, a paste made from baking soda and water can be particularly effective on stubborn marks. Apply it with a soft brush, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse before machine washing.

Use a color-safe bleach alternative if needed, but test it on an inconspicuous area first. Regular bleach can actually yellow some white synthetic materials over time.

For leather or suede white shoes, machine washing isn't an option. These require specialized cleaning products and techniques that preserve the material while removing stains.

What to Do When You Don't Have a Mesh Bag

While mesh laundry bags provide ideal protection for shoes in the washing machine, you're not out of luck if you don't have one.

Pillowcases work as substitutes—just tie or pin the opening closed to prevent shoes from escaping during the wash cycle. This provides similar protection against excessive agitation while allowing water and detergent to circulate freely.

Alternatively, add extra towels to your load and ensure you're using the most gentle cycle available. The towels provide cushioning and reduce the impact as shoes move around during washing.

You can also wash just one pair at a time to minimize the potential for damage from shoes knocking against each other.

Which Washing Machine Mode Works Best for Shoes?

The delicate or gentle cycle is your best friend when washing shoes. This cycle uses cold water, minimal agitation, and a slower spin speed—all factors that help preserve your footwear's structure and appearance.

If your machine has a hand-wash cycle, that's even better. It provides the gentlest treatment possible while still providing thorough cleaning.

Avoid normal, heavy-duty, or any cycle with hot water. These settings are designed for durable fabrics like towels and heavily soiled work clothes, not the mixed materials and adhesives found in shoes.

The cold water setting is non-negotiable. Cold water prevents colors from bleeding, protects synthetic materials from heat damage, and won't compromise the adhesives that hold your shoes together.

When Machine Washing Isn't the Answer

Not every shoe cleaning situation calls for the washing machine. Leather dress shoes, suede materials, and shoes with significant wear may need professional cleaning or careful hand cleaning instead.

If your shoes have electronic components (like some high-tech athletic shoes), metal cleats, or delicate embellishments, stick to surface cleaning with appropriate products.

For persistent odors that survive machine washing, consider using antibacterial sprays designed for footwear, or try placing activated charcoal inserts in your shoes overnight.

Making the Most of Your Clean Shoes

Once you've successfully machine-washed your shoes, proper storage and rotation can help them stay cleaner longer. If possible, rotate between multiple pairs to allow each pair to fully dry and air out between wears.

Consider using shoe trees or newspaper stuffing while your shoes dry to help them maintain their shape. This is particularly important for shoes you wear frequently in professional settings.

Regular maintenance—like wiping down shoes after each wear and addressing stains promptly—reduces the frequency of machine washing needed and extends your footwear's lifespan.

Your Next Steps

Machine washing shoes doesn't have to be a gamble with your favorite footwear. By understanding which shoes can handle machine washing, using the right techniques, and choosing appropriate settings, you can keep your shoes clean and presentable without the time investment of hand cleaning.

📋 Quick Reference Checklist for Busy Professionals:

• ✅ Check material compatibility

• ✅ Remove laces and insoles

• ✅ Dry brush surface dirt

• ✅ Use liquid detergent only

• ✅ Select delicate/cold cycle

• ✅ Add towels for protection

• ✅ Air dry completely

• ✅ Never use dryer heat

Remember to always check manufacturer care instructions when available, and when in doubt, test the process on older or less expensive shoes first. Your feet—and your schedule—will thank you for the efficiency.

If you're looking for shoes specifically designed to handle the demands of medical professionals while remaining easy to clean and maintain, we're always happy to help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and work requirements. Learn more about why Atoms shoes are podiatrist recommended and how they support healthcare professionals who spend long hours on their feet.