Sneakers are a staple in many wardrobes but keeping them clean can be tricky. You might wonder if tossing them in the washing machine is a quick fix or a recipe for disaster. The good news is that many sneakers can handle a gentle cycle, saving you time and effort.
However, not all sneakers are created equal. Materials, construction, and manufacturer guidelines play a big role in whether machine washing is safe for your kicks. Knowing what to consider before loading your sneakers into the washer can protect your favorite pair from damage and keep them looking fresh longer.
Can You Wash Sneakers in the Washing Machine?
You can wash many sneakers in the washing machine if they meet certain criteria. Sneakers made of durable materials like canvas, nylon, or polyester handle machine washing well. Always check the manufacturer’s care label, since leather, suede, and certain adhesives degrade in water.
Remove laces and insoles before washing to avoid tangling and maintain thorough cleaning. Use a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect sneakers and washer drum. Select a gentle cycle with cold water to prevent shrinking, warping, or color fading.
Use mild detergent without bleach or harsh chemicals that could damage fabrics or colors. Air dry sneakers overnight, avoiding direct sunlight or heat sources that cause cracking or distortion.
If you own athletic or running sneakers, machine washing removes sweat and bacteria effectively. If your shoes contain delicate stitching, support inserts, or glued components, opt for hand washing to preserve structural integrity.
Follow these guidelines to keep your sneakers clean without risking damage from improper machine washing.
Types of Sneakers Suitable for Machine Washing
Knowing which sneakers handle machine washing protects their durability and appearance. Focus on materials and construction to determine if your sneakers qualify for this cleaning method.
Materials That Are Safe to Wash
Canvas, nylon, and polyester sneakers tolerate machine washing well. These synthetic and natural fabrics withstand cold water and gentle cycles without losing shape or texture. Athletic shoes with mesh panels fall into this category and benefit from washing to eliminate sweat and bacteria. Rubber soles paired with these uppers also handle the agitation inside the drum effectively. Always double-check the manufacturer’s care label to confirm compatibility. Sneakers with sturdy stitching and minimal glued parts reduce the risk of damage during the wash.
Sneakers to Avoid Putting in the Washer
Avoid machine washing leather, suede, or velvet sneakers since water and detergent can cause warping, discoloration, or texture loss. Sneakers with foam cushioning, delicate embellishments, or glued components risk separation or deformation when exposed to vigorous washing. High-end designer or custom sneakers often include materials and finishes that degrade in the washing machine. In these cases, spot cleaning or hand washing preserves the shoe’s integrity and appearance better than machine washing.
Preparing Your Sneakers for the Wash
Proper preparation protects your sneakers and improves washing results. Start by taking simple steps that ensure the wash cycle won’t cause damage.
Removing Laces and Insoles
Remove laces and insoles from your sneakers before washing. Wash laces separately in a mesh bag or by hand to prevent tangling. Clean insoles by hand using a mild detergent and allow them to air dry; avoid machine washing insoles to maintain their shape and cushioning.
Cleaning Off Excess Dirt
Brush off excess dirt using a soft brush or cloth before placing sneakers in the washing machine. Spot clean caked-on mud or debris with a damp cloth. Removing loose dirt prevents it from spreading inside the machine and helps achieve a more thorough clean.
Best Practices for Washing Sneakers in the Machine
Proper steps ensure effective cleaning without damaging your sneakers during machine washing. Follow these best practices to maintain your shoes’ durability and appearance.
Choosing the Right Detergent and Cycle
Use a mild, liquid detergent to avoid residue buildup and fabric damage. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals that weaken materials. Select a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water to prevent shrinking, color fading, or sole separation. Set a slow spin speed to minimize impact from the machine’s agitation.
Using a Laundry Bag or Pillowcase
Place your sneakers inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect them and the washing machine drum. This reduces friction and prevents laces or other parts from tangling. Secure the closure with a zipper or knot, and wash sneakers with towels or other soft items to balance the load and cushion jolts.
Drying Your Sneakers After Washing
Proper drying preserves your sneakers’ shape and material integrity. Use methods that prevent damage and maintain longevity.
Air Drying vs. Machine Drying
Air drying remains the safest option. Place sneakers in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources, which can cause warping or fading. Avoid machine drying because high heat risks shrinking, sole separation, and material breakdown. If time constraints make air drying difficult, use the lowest heat setting and check the shoes frequently to prevent damage.
Tips to Maintain Shape and Longevity
Use crumpled paper towels or clean cloths inside your sneakers during drying to absorb moisture and hold their shape. Remove these fillers periodically to replace damp paper. Avoid stuffing with newspapers that can transfer ink. Loosen laces to allow airflow and faster drying. Rotate the shoes occasionally to promote even drying. Keep sneakers away from radiators or heaters that produce intense heat, which weakens adhesives and fabrics.
Potential Risks and How to Avoid Them
Machine washing sneakers carries risks such as material damage, color fading, sole separation, and deformation. You face these risks primarily when washing shoes made of leather, suede, delicate fabrics, or with foam cushioning. Avoid damage by following specific precautions based on your sneaker type and washing method.
Damage to materials often occurs from harsh detergents or inappropriate wash cycles. You prevent this by using mild, liquid detergent only and selecting a gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners as they cause fabric breakdown and discoloration.
Sneakers may lose structural integrity when exposed to excessive agitation or heat. You reduce this risk by placing your shoes inside a protective mesh laundry bag or pillowcase during washing to limit friction with the drum. Wash them alongside towels or soft items to balance the load and cushion against jolts.
Sole and glue separation commonly occur from heat exposure or rough handling. You mitigate this by skipping the dryer entirely and air-drying your sneakers in a shaded, well-ventilated place. Avoid direct sunlight or heaters as they warp soles and weaken adhesives.
Color fading happens mostly from hot water and strong detergents. You minimize this by using cold water and mild detergent, washing only when necessary to keep colors vibrant. Pre-treat stains gently and spot clean when possible.
Shape distortion arises if shoes dry too quickly or unevenly. You keep shape intact by inserting crumpled paper towels or clean cloths inside the shoes during drying. Loosen laces to allow better airflow and rotate sneakers periodically for uniform drying.
Following these precautions lowers potential risks and keeps your sneakers clean without compromising their longevity or appearance.
Conclusion
Washing your sneakers in the machine can be a convenient way to keep them fresh, but it’s important to know when and how to do it properly. By choosing the right materials, using gentle settings, and taking care during drying, you’ll protect your shoes from damage and extend their lifespan. Always check manufacturer guidelines and take extra precautions with delicate or high-end sneakers. With the right approach, your favorite kicks will stay clean and comfortable without compromising their look or fit.
