Tennis shoes get dirty fast, especially if you wear them often. You might wonder if tossing them in the washing machine is a quick and easy way to clean them. The good news is that many tennis shoes can handle a gentle cycle, saving you time and effort.
However, not all shoes are machine-friendly, and washing them the wrong way can cause damage. Knowing how to prepare your tennis shoes and which settings to use will help keep them looking fresh without ruining their shape or material. Let’s dive into what you need to know before washing your tennis shoes in the machine.
Can You Put Tennis Shoes in the Washing Machine?
You can put most tennis shoes in the washing machine if you take the right precautions. Canvas, nylon, and mesh shoes handle machine washing well, while leather, suede, and other delicate materials do not. You should remove laces and insoles before washing to avoid tangling and damage. You can place the shoes inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect them, and add towels to cushion the load. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent to prevent shrinking or warping. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners since they can degrade shoe materials. After washing, you should air dry the shoes away from direct sunlight or heat sources to maintain their shape and durability.
Preparing Your Tennis Shoes for Washing
Preparing your tennis shoes correctly ensures they clean well without damage. Follow these key steps before placing them in the washing machine.
Removing Laces and Insoles
Remove your shoes’ laces and insoles to prevent tangling and allow a thorough wash. Wash the laces separately in a mesh laundry bag or by hand. Clean insoles gently by scrubbing with a soft brush and mild detergent, then air dry completely before reinserting to avoid mildew.
Cleaning Off Excess Dirt
Brush off loose dirt and mud from the shoes’ surface using a stiff-bristled brush. If the shoes are heavily soiled, rinse them under cold water to remove debris. This step prevents dirt from spreading inside the washing machine and ensures better cleaning results.
Choosing the Right Washing Machine Settings
Selecting proper washing machine settings protects your tennis shoes from damage while ensuring a thorough clean. Adjust cycle type, water temperature, and detergent choice to match your shoes’ material and condition.
Best Cycle and Temperature for Tennis Shoes
Use a gentle or delicate cycle to minimize wear on your tennis shoes’ fabric and structure. Select cold water settings to prevent shrinking, fading, and adhesive breakdown. Avoid hot or warm temperatures, as they can weaken glue and deform shoes made from synthetic materials. Spin speed should be low to reduce impact stress during the wash.
Using the Proper Detergent
Choose a mild, liquid detergent without bleach or fabric softeners to preserve your shoes’ colors and materials. Avoid powder detergents that may leave residue inside the shoes or machine. Use a small, measured amount to prevent excess sudsing, which can trap dirt and cause buildup. If possible, use detergents labeled as safe for sportswear or delicate fabrics to enhance cleaning without damage.
Alternative Cleaning Methods for Tennis Shoes
Use hand washing for tennis shoes that aren’t suitable for machine washing, such as those made from leather or suede. Prepare by removing laces and insoles. Mix warm water with mild detergent. Dip a soft brush or cloth into the solution and scrub the shoes gently, focusing on stained and dirty areas. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue.
Apply baking soda and vinegar to neutralize odors and remove tough stains. Sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe and spray vinegar on it. Let the mixture sit for 15 to 20 minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth. Avoid soaking the shoes to preserve their structure.
Use a magic eraser or specialized sneaker cleaner to target stubborn marks on rubber soles and synthetic materials. Test on a small area first to prevent discoloration. Wipe off the residue with a dry cloth.
Air dry shoes naturally at room temperature. Stuff them with paper towels or clean cloths to maintain the shape and absorb moisture faster. Avoid placing shoes near direct heat sources, which can warp or weaken materials.
For laces, soak them in warm water with detergent, then rinse and air dry. Clean insoles separately by scrubbing with a soft brush and mild soap, then let them air dry completely before reinserting. These methods help maintain the integrity and longevity of your tennis shoes without risking damage from the washing machine.
Tips for Drying Tennis Shoes Safely
Air drying tennis shoes prevents damage and maintains their shape better than using a dryer. Remove insoles and laces before drying, as this promotes faster drying and reduces mildew risk. Place shoes in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators, which can cause warping or color fading. Stuff tennis shoes with paper towels or clean cloths to absorb moisture and keep their structure during drying. Rotate or replace the stuffing regularly to speed up the process. Avoid using hair dryers or heaters directly on shoes, as high heat can weaken adhesives and materials. Patience in drying tennis shoes preserves their fit, appearance, and lifespan.
Potential Risks of Washing Tennis Shoes in the Machine
Washing tennis shoes in the machine exposes them to several risks that can affect their durability and appearance. Repeated machine washing may weaken adhesives, causing soles to detach or seams to loosen. Aggressive spinning and tumbling can distort the shoe shape, especially if they contain foam or synthetic materials designed to maintain structure. Water exposure combined with heat during drying might shrink or warp fabrics, reducing overall comfort and fit.
Materials like leather or suede suffer damage from machine washing, resulting in stiffening, discoloration, or surface cracking. Excess detergent or bleach residues can degrade material fibers, fading colors and promoting fabric breakdown. Washing without proper protection, such as a mesh laundry bag, increases the chance of scuffs, scratches, or abrasions caused by contact with the machine drum or other items.
If your shoes contain electronic components like LED lights or sensor chips, machine washing can cause permanent malfunction. Moisture trapped inside cushions or insoles may lead to unpleasant odors or mold growth if drying is insufficient post-wash. Avoiding overloading the machine and using gentle settings mitigates damage but doesn’t eliminate all risks associated with machine cleaning.
Conclusion
You can wash many tennis shoes in the washing machine if you take the right precautions. Preparing your shoes properly and choosing gentle settings helps keep them looking fresh without causing damage. However, not all materials are machine-friendly, so knowing when to opt for hand cleaning is key.
Taking care with drying and avoiding harsh chemicals will extend your shoes’ life and maintain their shape. With the right approach, keeping your tennis shoes clean and ready for action is easier than you might think.
