How to wash shoes in the washing machine

Can I put shoes in the washing machine? Yes, you can. While the thought of your sneakers banging around your drum may not sound so appealing, it’s better than laboriously hand-scrubbing them in the sink. But that said, it’s not as simple as just throwing them in there.

Gentle washing is key in entrusting your favourite pair to your washing machine. Do also remember that being thorough is key since they’re frequently exposed to dirt, mud, sweat and oils.

Check both of those boxes by doing the pre-work, using the right settings and choose the right washing machine. So, here is a complete guide on how to wash shoes in the washing machine effortlessly and confidently.

1. Which shoes are machine washable?

No one shoes cleaning method fits all. Always check the care label first because some might need special care or hand cleaning like those made of leather, suede, vinyl and rubber. Dress shoes like heels or sandals with silk, satin, beading or other embellishments should be taken to a professional cleaner.

Can you wash sneakers in the washing machine? If they’re made from canvas, nylon, cotton and polyester, yes. Like your usual laundry, trainers, running shoes or tennis shoes with these materials are durable enough to withstand the spinning motion of the washing machine.

2. What to prepare before washing your shoes?

Let’s make sure to prep the following items for your shoes cleaning:

Liquid detergent
Baking soda
Mesh garment bag or pillowcase
Shoe cleaner
Rag or soft brush
Sponge
Old towels

Now you are all set. Let’s move on to next step.

3. Prep your shoes

Simple prep work can give your machine a boost and accelerate the whole process. Separate laces, insoles, and any other removables to ensure every part of your shoes gets cleaned. Shake off any debris and scrub at the crevices like the eyelets using a small brush. Stubborn dirt can be washed off under the tap.

Prep your shoes

4. Put the laces in a mesh bag

Place them in a mesh bag or a pillowcase that’s securely closed to prevent tangling in the drum. For heavily stained laces, you can hand-wash them with laundry detergent and a soft brush. Mix these in the load with your shoes later.

5. Hand-wash the insoles with laundry detergent or baking soda

Unless stated in the care instructions, it’s recommended to wash insoles by hand. They’re usually made of synthetic materials like rubber and foam that can be damaged in the washing machine. Be thorough enough to remove sweat and odours that the insoles have absorbed. You have two options:

Dish soap or laundry detergent

Mix either dish soap or laundry detergent with warm water. With this solution, scrub both sides of your insoles using a stiff brush. Focus on the heel and toe areas where most dirt builds up. Rinse the insoles thoroughly, then air-dry.

Baking soda

For a more effortless option, sprinkle baking soda on your insoles and let it sit overnight to absorb stubborn smells. You can also place them in a sealed container to be more efficient. Simply brush off the baking soda the next day.

6. Pre-clean the soles

Dirty soles can make your shoes look more worn than they actually are. Pre-clean them and just let your washing machine do the final touches. Shake or scrape off caked-on dirt. Use a shoe cleaner to scrub at any scuff marks, then wipe with a damp cloth.

7. Place your shoes in a mesh bag

You don’t want to hear your shoes slamming against your drum which could potentially damage your washing machine. Place them in a mesh bag or a pillowcase to contain them and lessen the noise.

To the load, add about four to six old towels to further buffer the tumbling motion. Best to not use new ones so their dye doesn’t bleed and stain your shoes.

Place your shoes in a mesh bag

8. Select the right washing settings

Go low and slow. Think of your shoes as your delicate garments that may shrink, fade their colours, or be damaged in high temperatures and fast spin speeds.

Select the right washing settings

Set your washing machine on a cool delicate cycle with a slow or no-spin action. And use liquid detergent or laundry pods because powder products may stick on your shoes if not properly dissolved.

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9. Air-dry your shoes

Instead of tumble drying your shoes, air-dry them to avoid damage, otherwise, spinning them in a hot drum will warp them and melt their glue. Stuff some clean rags or paper towels inside your kicks to maintain their shape and absorb excess moisture. Wait for a few days for it to fully dry, and you’re good to go.

Air-dry your shoes

Extra tips: Do & don’t when washing your shoes in laundry machine

To get the best cleaning results, make sure to keep the following things in mind:

Always wrap your shoes with towels

For a safer cycle with less noise, wrap your shoes with towels even before putting them in the mesh bag. If your shoes are light coloured, the old towels should be too.

Use a regular dose of detergent

Too much detergent will leave your shoes stained and stiff. A regular dose will do the job.

Don’t use high heat

Always use a cool setting. Don’t expose your shoes to high heat to prevent shrinkage and damage. When drying, only air-dry.

Don’t return the insoles if they are not 100% dry

Only return the insoles once they’re fully dried, otherwise, trapped moisture will create an unpleasant smell. It may take days for some insoles to dry. Speed up this process by patting them with a sponge.

Don’t dry your shoes directly under the sun

Don’t place your shoes under the sun to dry since the harsh heat could fade the colours. Instead, dry them in a shaded area, a well-ventilated area indoors, or near a refrigerator vent or fan to speed up the process. It may take 12 hours. You can also improve airflow by pulling the tongue out to open the shoe.

Following these tips can not only help your shoes clean but also and have longer use. For other laundry tips, please refer to our post on 10 clothing care tips to make your clothes last longer.

Clean & protect your shoes with Electrolux washing machines

Running shoes, sneakers, or sports shoes in general can be a big investment, serving as collectibles or as the focal point of your outfits. Learning how to clean shoes in washing machine and properly maintaining them is essential — but not difficult, especially when you have Electrolux automatic washing machines on your side.

Clean & protect your shoes with Electrolux washing machines

Like how they treat your delicates, they’re innovated to clean your kicks by effectively eliminating dirt while still protecting them. Gentle cleaning and efficient performance — the perfect pairing for your favourite pairs.

If you are on the market for a fully automatic laundry machine that can offer the highest cleaning results while still give gentle care to your clothes, here are our best quality front load and top load clothes washers for your reference: