Curious about cleaning your sneakers without damaging them? Good news: most shoes can be safely washed in a machine! Here's how to do it without any trouble.

Our sneakers are our go-to footwear, worn constantly in all weather conditions. This results in them becoming dirty and smelly over time. Luckily, most shoes can be cleaned in a washing machine if you follow the right steps. Ready to freshen up your shoes? Here's how to wash them properly in the machine.

How Often Should You Wash Your Shoes?

If you wear the same pair daily, aim to wash them every couple of weeks. However, the timing depends on where you are and what activities you're doing in them. Most shoes just need washing when they start looking dirty or smelling less than fresh. If they're covered in mud, clean them immediately to avoid stains.

Things to Keep in Mind Before You Begin

• Before washing your shoes in the washing machine for the first time, it's a good idea to check the manufacturer's website or care instructions for cleaning advice, especially if your shoes have rope soles or are made from leather or suede.
• Make sure to plan ahead so your shoes have enough time to air-dry. Never put shoes in a hot clothes dryer, as the heat can cause the adhesives to weaken.
• Important: After cleaning, ensure that the shoes are fully dry before wearing or storing them. Allow at least 24 hours for all moisture to evaporate.

What You Will Need

Tools / Equipment

Materials Required

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Shoes

• Remove the shoelaces if possible and wash them separately in a mesh laundry bag or by hand in a bowl with warm water and a little laundry detergent.
• Take out the insoles and either replace them or wash them by hand separately.
• Use a soft brush or a damp paper towel to remove any excess dirt from the soles or other parts of the shoes.
• If your shoes are muddy, rinse them off using a garden hose before putting them in the washing machine.

Treating Stains

For tough stains like tar, food marks, or heavily soiled shoes, it's best to pretreat them before putting them in the washing machine.

• Apply a small amount of heavy-duty laundry detergent or an enzyme-based stain remover directly onto the stained area.
• Gently scrub the stain with a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works great) to work the cleaner in.
• Let the cleaner sit for about 15 minutes to break down the stains before washing the shoes.

Choose the Right Washer Settings and Add Laundry Products

• Set the machine to a gentle cycle with warm or cold water. The gentle cycle’s slower spin speed helps protect the shoes from damage.
• Use your usual laundry detergent.
• For whiter shoes, add a scoop of oxygen bleach powder to the washer drum (be sure to follow the label instructions).
• If you're concerned about Athlete's foot, include a laundry disinfectant and follow the product's instructions for proper usage and amount.

Put the Shoes in the Washing Machine

• Place each pair of shoes and their laces in a separate mesh laundry bag.
• For lace-up shoes, pull the tongue up and smooth it to ensure all surfaces come in contact with the wash water.
• Shoes can be washed with similarly colored and weighted laundry.
• If washing just one pair, add towels or jeans to balance the load in the washer.

Drying the Shoes

• After the wash cycle ends, make sure to empty any excess water trapped inside the shoes.
• Allow the shoes and laces to air-dry separately on a drying rack, avoiding direct sunlight or heat sources.
• If you're in a hurry, you can use the air-dry cycle in the tumble dryer. Add a few dry towels to absorb moisture and check the shoes regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can you maintain the cleanliness of your shoes?

  To help keep shoes clean, apply a fabric stain-repellent spray on new shoes or after they've been washed and dried. You can also store shoes in fabric shoe bags (or even an old pillowcase) to allow them to breathe and prevent dust buildup.

• How can you eliminate shoe odors?

  Freshen them up by adding a cup of baking soda to the washing machine drum before adding the shoes.

• How to clean shoelaces?

  To clean shoelaces, remove them from your shoes and rinse under cold water to remove surface stains and mud. Then, using an old toothbrush or nylon brush with a little dish soap, gently scrub the laces. Let them sit for 10 minutes before rinsing them clean.