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Can You Put Shoes in the Washing Machine? Everything You Need to Know
Wondering if you can put shoes in the washing machine? We break down which shoes are safe, which aren't, and the right way to do it without damage.
It’s a question almost every sneaker owner has asked: can you actually put shoes in the washing machine? The short answer is yes — but only for certain types of shoes, and only if you follow the right process.
Which Shoes Can Go in the Washing Machine?
✅ Safe to Machine Wash
- Canvas sneakers — Converse, Vans, and similar styles
- Mesh athletic shoes — Running shoes and gym trainers
- Synthetic fabric shoes — Polyester or nylon uppers
- Cotton or knit sneakers
❌ Do Not Machine Wash
- Leather shoes — Water causes cracking and warping
- Suede and nubuck — Permanently damaged by water
- Dress shoes — Construction not designed for immersion
- Shoes with heat-sensitive glue — Soles can detach
What Happens If You Skip the Shoe Bag?
Without a shoe laundry bag, your shoes bang loudly against the drum, dent and deform the upper, loosen stitching, and can scratch the interior of your washing machine. A dedicated shoe bag — like Fluffie — solves all of these problems. The thick cushioned mesh absorbs impact while allowing full water circulation.
Tips for the Best Results
- Always use cold water to prevent shrinkage and loosening glue
- Use the gentle or delicate cycle
- Add old towels to balance the load and reduce noise
- Use liquid detergent — powder gets trapped in shoe fabric
- Always air dry — dryers warp and shrink footwear
- Use a Fluffie shoe bag every single time
The Fluffie shoe laundry bag is the one tool that makes machine washing shoes safe, effective, and routine. Cold water, gentle cycle, Fluffie bag — that’s the formula.