🧼 How to Wash Shoes in Washing Machine – The Proven, Effective Cleaning Guide 2025
Don’t Make These Mistakes: Why You Should Not Wash Shoes Blindly
Washing shoes at home can either revive your sneakers or completely ruin them. The difference? Knowing exactly how to wash shoes in washing machine using safe, effective, and powerful methods. This guide gives you 5 simple steps and includes expert-approved safe shoe cleaning tips to help you clean shoes in machine without damaging them.
Make Why learn how to wash shoes in Machine ?
Learning how to wash shoes the right way can be a game-changing habit. When done correctly, it's:
- ✅ Effective for removing deep dirt and odor ✅
- Time-saving compared to hand scrubbing ✅
- Gentle on most athletic shoes and sneakers ✅
- A great way to apply safe shoe cleaning tips and extend shoe life
If you've ever wondered whether you can safely machine wash shoes, the answer is YES—with the right steps.
✅ 5 Powerful Steps to Clean Shoes in Washing Machine Safely
🔹 Step 1: Pre-Clean Before You Machine Wash Shoes
Before starting the process of how to wash shoes in machine, it's important to prep them:
- Remove excess dirt using a soft brush
- Take out the insoles and laces
- Rinse off mud with cold water
🔑 This step sets the foundation to clean shoes in machine without causing damage.
🔹 Step 2: Use the Right Detergent for Safe Shoe Cleaning
When you machine wash shoes, never use bleach or powdered detergent. Instead:
- Use a gentle liquid detergent
- Avoid direct use of stain removers
- Add white vinegar for odor control if needed
💡 These are core safe shoe cleaning tips that protect fabric and glue.
🔹 Step 3: Load Smart to Clean Shoes in Washing Machine
Improper loading is a common cause of damaging results when trying to clean shoes in machine. Here's what to do:
- Place each pair inside a mesh bag or pillowcase
- Add 2–3 towels to reduce drum impact
- Use cold water only
🔑 This setup helps you machine wash shoes safely and quietly.
🔹 Step 4: Choose the Right Washing Cycle
When learning how to wash shoes in machine, settings matter:
- Set the machine to gentle/delicate
- Keep water cold or lukewarm
- Reduce or skip spinning
These safe shoe cleaning tips help prevent damage to shoe structure and stitching.
Step 5 – Air Dry with Care
Never toss shoes in the dryer! Once you’ve followed how to clean shoes in machine:
- Stuff them with newspaper or towels
- Let them dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area
- Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources
🚫 Drying mistakes are one of the most damaging and overlooked steps in shoe care.
What shoes can you Machine Wash?
Knowing which types of shoes are safe is essential when deciding how to wash shoes in machine.
✅ Safe for Machine Washing:
Canvas sneakers
Mesh trainers
Athletic shoes (non-leather)
Knit sneakers
❌ Not Safe for Machine Washing:
Leather shoes
Suede or nubuck footwear
Dress shoes
High-heat glued or foam-based soles
Canvas sneakers
Mesh trainers
Athletic shoes (non-leather)
Knit sneakers
Leather shoes
Suede or nubuck footwear
Dress shoes
High-heat glued or foam-based soles
Always follow safe shoe cleaning tips if you're unsure
AVOID These Damaging Mistakes When You Machine Wash Shoes
Even when you know how to wash shoes in machine, you could still ruin them by:
❌ Using hot water
❌ Skipping the mesh bag
❌ Washing multiple heavy pairs at once
❌ Leaving them in the washer after the cycle
❌ Drying in the sun or tumble dryer
These actions directly contradict the best safe shoe cleaning tips and result in costly damage.
Extra Power Tips for Cleaner, Fresher Shoes
✅ Wash shoes in the morning so they dry by evening
✅ Use odor-fighting insoles after washing
✅ Add a splash of white vinegar if shoes are extra smelly
✅ Wash insoles and laces separately by hand
Use these safe shoe cleaning tips regularly to make sure your shoes stay in top condition after every wash.
Final Verdict – Master How to Wash Shoes with Zero
Damage