How to Clean Shoes in Your Washing Machine

‘Tis the season for getting muddy—and your pristine white sneakers may have taken a hit with all the muck and puddles. And while you might be concerned whether your shoes can make it through a wash cycle intact (and clean!), you may also want to ensure that your washing machine doesn’t get damaged. (Because nobody wants an expensive repair bill right around now, either!)

Before you throw your next pair of shoes in the washing machine, learn what you might want to consider to ensure the safety of both your shoes and your washing machine.

Is It Safe to Clean Shoes in the Washing Machine?

The short answer? It depends on the material and how you wash them. Before you wash your shoes in the washing machine, be mindful about the following issues that could be dangerous for the life of your washing machine.

Sharp or hard elements

You’re probably already aware that most soft-soled shoes like slippers and sneakers can be easily cleaned in the washing machine. But some potential issues include cleats, shoelace eyelets, and other sharp edges. “Hard soles or metal eyelets can cause damage by banging against the drum,” says Alicia Sokolowski, founder of AspenClean.

Excess dirt

Mud-caked shoes will release all that dirt and grime into your machine and its filter, potentially damaging it, Sokolowski says.

Unbalanced loads

For a particularly gross pair of shoes, you may think that hot and heavy duty is the way to go, but Amanda Abraham, integrated brand manager at Maytag Laundry, recommends using a gentle cycle and cool water. An overenthusiastic run with a pair of shoes could set your washer off balance.

How to Protect Your Shoes—and Your Washing Machine—When You’re Cleaning Your Shoes

You want both your shoes and your washing machine to come out of every tumble unscathed. So try these tips to ensure the safety of your shoes and your appliance.

Wash only shoes with machine-safe materials

Even if it’s a shoe that seems washing machine safe, check the care and materials label. “It’s a small tag or sticker inside shoes that typically has icons that indicate the material of the different parts of a shoe—the outer sole, insole, upper and lining,” Abraham says. 

Generally, if they’re fabric sneakers, mesh shoes, canvas flats, or PVC/rubber shoes, they should be good to go, Abraham says. “Shoe materials that should not be washed in a machine include leather, suede, patent or imitation leather, nubuck, cork soles, any kind of beading, wool, velvet, velour or silk, and cleats. If it is unclear what material the shoes are made of, the safest way to proceed is spot cleaning the shoes by hand.”

You should also be cautious about washing running shoes, Sokolowski says. ‘Many high-performance running shoes are designed with lightweight foam cushioning for shock absorption and comfort. However, washing machines can break down the foam structure, reducing support and comfort. It also causes the glue holding the shoe together to weaken and leads to uneven drying, making the shoes feel stiff or misshapen.” To preserve the performance, you should hand-wash running shoes with mild soap and a soft brush, then air dry.

Remove as much dirt as possible before you throw the shoes in the washing machine

Give the soles and any other especially dirty spots a good scrape or rinse to get off the worst of the dirt—so you don’t end up with pebbles and grit in your washing machine.

Prep the shoes in advance

Take out laces and insoles before you wash them. (The insoles should be hand-washed with gentle detergent, as the washing machine could be damaged by too much water; the laces can be placed in a mesh bag with the shoes to get cleaned.)

To help with odor control, Abraham recommends sprinkling baking soda on the shoes and letting them sit overnight, before brushing away the excess powder and running them through the wash.

Use a mesh bag or pillowcase to protect your shoes and your washing machine

Place your shoes in a mesh bag or secure them in a pillowcase to help protect the shoes and the washing machine from damage.

Be especially careful about drying your shoes

“Most shoes are held together with glue that likely won’t withstand the high temperatures of a dryer,” Abraham says. The safest way to dry your shoes is to air-dry them away from heat, stuffing the insides with crumpled newspaper or rags to help the shoe maintain its shape. Because of this, air drying is the safest option to dry shoes. For shoes made of canvas, cotton, or polyester, you can potentially use a dryer in a pinch. Abraham recommends using a delicate cycle and low or no heat—ideally placing the shoes on a drying rack in the dryer or wrapping them in towels. “If proceeding with this option, frequently check on the shoes during the cycle to ensure they are not warping.”