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How to Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine (The Right Way)
A practical guide to machine-washing shoes safely — which materials work, what settings to use, how to dry them correctly, and how to avoid the mistakes that damage shoes.
Can You Actually Put Shoes in the Washing Machine?
Yes — but only if you do it correctly. Most athletic shoes, canvas trainers, and casual sneakers can be machine-washed. The problem isn’t the washing machine. It’s the tumbling, the heat, and the bare drum that cause damage.
This guide covers exactly which shoes can be washed, how to prepare them, which settings to use, and how to protect them during the cycle.
Which Shoes Can Be Machine-Washed?
The following materials are generally safe for machine washing:
- Canvas (Converse, Vans, most casual trainers)
- Nylon and polyester mesh (running shoes, gym trainers)
- Cotton
Avoid machine washing these:
- Leather and suede — water damages the material and the glue
- Dress shoes — the structure is built around staying dry
- Shoes with embellishments — beads, sequins, or delicate attachments will detach
- Memory foam insoles — they break down when soaked
If you’re unsure, check the inside tongue of the shoe for a care label.
Step-by-Step: How to Machine-Wash Shoes
Step 1 — Remove the laces and insoles
Take out laces and insoles before washing. Insoles can be scrubbed by hand with warm soapy water and left to air dry separately. Laces can go in the wash but tend to tangle around the drum — put them inside a small mesh bag or a knotted pillowcase.
Step 2 — Knock off loose dirt
Bang the soles together outside or use an old toothbrush to remove mud and grit from the sole grooves. Putting shoes in the machine caked in dirt just redistributes the grime.
Step 3 — Use a laundry bag
This is the most important step. Without a protective bag, shoes slam against the drum wall on every rotation — which scuffs the machine and beats up the shoe. A mesh laundry bag absorbs the impact and keeps the shoe contained.
The Fluffie Shoe Laundry Bag is designed specifically for this: the 1,000-fibre cushioned lining protects both the shoe and the drum, and it works with any shoe up to size UK 12. It takes about 30 seconds to load and seal.
Step 4 — Choose the right settings
Use a cold or cool wash (30°C or below). Heat warps foam midsoles and weakens adhesive. A gentle or delicate cycle reduces agitation. Skip the spin cycle if possible, or use the lowest spin speed available.
Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Powder detergent can leave white residue in the shoe fabric.
Step 5 — Dry correctly
Never put shoes in the tumble dryer. The heat causes the glue to fail, which means the sole starts to peel away from the upper — sometimes on the first wash.
Stuff the shoes loosely with newspaper or a dry cloth to help them hold their shape as they dry. Leave them in a well-ventilated room at room temperature. Most shoes are fully dry within 12–24 hours depending on thickness.
How Often Should You Wash Shoes?
Sports shoes worn several times a week benefit from a wash every 2–4 weeks. Casual shoes worn occasionally can go longer between washes — but if they’re starting to smell, that’s usually a sign of bacteria build-up in the insole, and a wash is overdue.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Washing without a bag — the shoe damages the machine drum and itself
- Using hot water — breaks down adhesive and distorts foam
- Tumble drying — most common cause of sole separation
- Washing leather or suede — these need specialist cleaning, not water
- Overloading the machine — shoes need space to move; wash one pair at a time
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put trainers in the washing machine?
Yes, most trainers made from canvas, mesh, or synthetic fabric can be machine-washed on a cold, gentle cycle. Always use a laundry bag to protect both the shoe and the machine drum.
What temperature should I wash shoes at?
30°C or below. Heat breaks down the glue holding the sole to the upper and can warp foam padding.
Why did my shoe sole come off after washing?
Almost always caused by heat — either a warm wash or tumble drying. The adhesive used to bond soles to uppers is heat-sensitive. Once it fails, it’s very difficult to repair cleanly.
Do I need a special laundry bag for shoes?
A dedicated shoe laundry bag is better than a standard mesh bag because it’s designed to cushion the shoe against the drum. The Fluffie Shoe Laundry Bag has a 1,000-fibre padded lining that absorbs impact during the spin cycle — standard mesh bags don’t offer this.