Wash Sneakers By Hand
If you choose to wash your gym shoes or sneakers by hand, we have some tips to help you along the way.
Knock the soles together outdoors to remove loose dirt.
Remove the insoles and shoelaces and wash them separately with detergent.
Dust off the tops and outer soles with a brush.
Bring out a bowl of lukewarm water with a little detergent.
Dip a brush into the water and brush the shoe on the outside and inside with circulating movements. Repeat until you see stains and dirt disappear.
Change to clean water, rinse the brush and repeat the brushing until all the dirt is gone.
Scrub the outer sole with, for example, Hemfrid’s Universalpasta on a microfiber cloth or use a dampened miracle sponge.
Fill the shoes with newsprint so that they dry faster and keep their shape in the meantime. Replace the paper when it’s wet.
Let stand until completely dry and then put the insoles back in and insert the shoelaces again.
Don’t Let Them Stay Damp For Too Long
Drying sneakers inside? Stuffing them with newspaper, and changing it when it begins to feel damp, is a good way to speed drying as the paper absorbs most of the excess water. Putting them on a high shelf in a room where there’s a heated clothes dryer or dehumidifier will help dry them without damaging them. Or you could try our bedsheet trick that dries clothes quickly indoors.
Do I Have To Wash Trainers On A Cold Cycle
Not really. You’ve probably read online that trainers have to be washed on cold, but this isn’t really true. In fact, a cold wash is highly unlikely to get rid of tough stains. As a general rule, if your trainers are white, they can safely be wash on a 40°C cycle. If they are bright-colored or dark, it’s best to stick to 30°C.
You May Like: Best Sneakers For Running A Marathon
How To Wash Sneakers In Washing Machine
July 7, 2022 by
Up until recently, most people have been cleaning shoes by hand using different kits, especially when it comes to expensive and favourite shoes. However, that can be quite tedious and theres always a chance that youll miss a spot or wont be able to get the dirt completely out. To help you out, were here to simplify the process of cleaning shoes in the washing machine for you, using only a few basic items so that your shoes are good as new!
Can You Wash Sneakers In A Dishwasher

We dont recommend it.
Dishwashers get really hot and will likely damage your shoes. The detergents are also highly concentrated and quite harsh so that they can ruin the fabric on your shoes.
The only circumstances where you could maybe safely wash your sneakers in the dishwasher is if your dishwasher has an option to use no heat for the washing and drying cycle. Your dishwasher would also need to have an easy-to-clean filter. Last but not least, make sure that you wont care too much if the shoes do end up getting ruined.
Recommended Reading: Best Sneakers For Cardio Kickboxing
How To Dry Shoes After Washing
Its important to let your shoes dry completely before wearing them again. Wondering can you put shoes in the washer and dryer? Although the washer is usually ok, you should never put wet shoes in the dryer, as this can cause them to shrink or lose their shape. To speed up the drying process, stuff the toes of each shoe with a crumpled piece of newspaper and leave them in a warm, dry place overnight.
Once your shoes are dry, you can give them a quick brush with a shoe brush or rag to help remove any remaining dirt. And there you have it clean, fresh-smelling shoes that were washed right in your own washing machine!
Now that you know how to clean shoes in the washing machine, you can keep your shoes looking their best with minimal effort. So go ahead, give it a try your shoes will thank you! And for any issues like a leaky washing machine or a washer not starting, check out our other blogs or get in touch with the top-rated appliance repair team at Oak Valley Appliance!
How To Safely Clean Sneakers In The Washing Machine
Everybody has a pair of sneakers that could do with a deep clean. Brushes and soaps often do the job, but for many, the lure of the washing machine is an irresistible and often inevitable express route from filthy to fresh. Heres a guide to cleaning your sneakers safely in the washing machine at your own risk.
Read Also: Women’s Balenciaga Sock Sneakers
Rule : Know Your Washer Cycles
Washing machine cycles are differentiated mostly based on speed. That means that selecting the gentle cycle will subject your sneakers to a slower speed in both the wash and spin cycles, which will reduce the amount of friction they experience. That’s a good thing, because the less the sneakers get banged around, the less stress will be placed on them. So: Use the gentle cycle. If water temperature is a separate setting on your machine, choose cold if water temperature is built into the speed of the cycle, opt for gentle.
Remove Laces And Insoles
Take out the shoelaces and insoles from your shoes. Laces can become tangled in the washing machine, and many insoles are delicate, removing them is best.
Clean the laces and insoles by hand by scrubbing them with dishwashing soap or liquid detergent and a soft brush or rag. Allow them to air-dry completely before you return them to their rightful place. Alternatively, you can place the laces in a mesh garment bag along with your sneakers.
Read Also: Slip On Leather Sneakers Mens
Machine Wash White Fabric Shoes
In case it’s possible to wash your white fabric shoes in a machine according to the washing instructions or if you choose to take a chance, do this.
Remove the insoles and shoelaces. The shoelaces can go in the same machine but become cleaner when they’re not left in the shoes. You should wash the insoles by hand.
Put the shoes and shoelaces in a washing bag and put in the machine together with some towels that both dampen the sound and protect the drum.
Wash at 30 degrees on a delicate wash cycle. Warmer water can dissolve the glue that attaches the sole to the upper.
Let air dry and put some newsprint in each shoe. It helps keep shape and speeds up drying.
Add the dry freshly washed insoles and shoelaces again.
Top Tips For Cleaning Your Running Shoes
Follow the below advice to avoid damaging your shoes .
Clean any dirt from the shoe with a clean soft brush or rag.
- Look at the wash instructions on the shoes and follow them they’re essential.
- Clean the outside of your shoes with a clean brush or rag to get rid of any excess dirt.
- Take off the laces, as the colour can run into the trainers you can wash the laces separately in a delicates bag so they don’t slip into the seal or behind the drum.
- Remove the soles and wipe them clean, as sometimes these cannot be washed.
- Wash your shoes with something else, like a towel, so the shoes don’t bounce around and cause any damage to your washing machine.
- Use a front loader washing machine if possible they’re much gentler than most top loaders.
- Use a liquid detergent powder detergent is likely to get stuck inside your shoes and not dissolve properly, unless you dissolve it beforehand in water and add it to the wash.
- Use a cold wash a warm or hot wash will leave your shoe fabric misshapen and can make colours run.
Read more: Can I wash that in my washing machine?
You May Like: Puma Select Men’s Suede Classic Plus Sneakers
Should I Wash Shoes In The Washing Machine
Whether or not you should wash your shoes in the machine really depends on what your shoes are made of. You can determine whether or not your shoes are washable by checking the care label, but as a general rule of thumb, itâs best not to machine wash any shoes that are made from animal-based fabrics, like leather or suede. Water can easily damage these materials, so itâs best to use cleaning products that have been specially designed for these fabrics, or you could take your shoes to a professional cleaner.
Likewise, shoes made from delicate materials like satin or silk, or those that are embellished should be cleaned with specialist care. However, there are many other types of shoes that can be safely washed in the machine.
Itâs easy to wash trainers in the washing machine, and kidsâ shoes, because theyâre often made from textiles such as cotton, nylon, and polyester and these materials are able to withstand a machine wash. Some PU or PVC shoes may also be machine washable, so be sure to check the care label to see if you can save time here. After all, why labour over the sink hand washing shoes if you could simply pop them in the machine? Surely the time is better spent with your family or enjoying some much needed âyou timeâ?
If the care label of the footwear states âhand wash onlyâ then remember that you may still be able to machine wash your shoes on a âhand washâ setting. Just proceed cautiously.
What Washing Machine Mode Do You Wash Shoes On

You should wash the shoes on a gentle cycle. Some machines have a specific shoe cycle!
In general, a gentle cycle might be named hand wash, delicates or wool. For example, LG machines have a gentle care cycle.
The cycle will be fine as long as it has a low spin speed under 800.
You should also use cold water, so make sure you can set the temperature manually for the cycle you choose.
Read Also: Silver Sneakers New Port Richey
Can You Put Shoes In The Washing Machine
Yes! It feels wrong to put something substantial in your washing machine, but it shouldn’t cause any damage to the drum. We wouldn’t advise throwing any big boots in there but sneakers should be fine. Steer clear from putting materials such as leather, suede, vinyl or metal in the machine as this will leave it looking less than brand new.
Although it’s easy to clean your tennis shoes by putting them in the washing machine, there are still some considerations to take to ensure that your washing machine isn’t damaged, as well as your shoes.
How To Wash Adidas Running Shoes In Washing Machine
Before giving your running shoes a machine wash, the first question that typically comes to mind is, Can we put Adidas running shoes in a washing machine?
Fortunately, you can wash your shoes in the washer. But if youre not cautious, you might ruin your shoes.
The following is an in-depth, step-by-step guide on cleaning your Adidas running shoes in a washing machine and making them look new!
Don’t Miss: Skechers Relaxed Fit Equalizer 3.0 Men’s Sneakers
Gently Brush And Wipe The Outside Of Sneakers
Now put liquid detergent into warm water and use the solution to work at the synthetic parts of the sneakers with a soft brush a toothbrush and soft cloth will do. Start on the least dirty areas of the sneakers before moving to the muddiest parts.
Rinse the sneakers and repeat with clean water and more detergent as needed. Really stubborn stains can be worked on with Vanish Oxi Action Gel , then rinsed again. Mr Clean Magic Erasers can be used to remove scuffs on the rubber parts of the sneakers.
‘For small scuff marks, particularly on suede or leather, wed recommend borrowing your childs eraser from their school bag. Using small circular movements, gently apply the eraser to the affected area to polish any scuff marks, rubbing away any debris with a clean cloth once completed,’ says Luke Goodyear, Head of Operations at shoe cleaning and restoration service, Shoe Lab for Sports Direct .
‘For areas that have seen more damage, grab your baking soda from the kitchen and mix 1-2 tablespoons with enough warm water to create a paste consistency. Once the paste is ready, apply to a cloth and gently rub over the affected area. Once youre happy with the surface, use a damp cloth to go over the area and remove any excess paste.’
Tips And Tricks For Cleaning Dirty Sneakers
Check Colorfastness
Fabrics that are not colorfast will release color when washed. Check the color fastness of fabric sneakers in the washing machine before washing them. Heres how:
Don’t Miss: High Top Sneakers With Side Zipper
How To Clean Sneakers In 4 Easy Steps
Heres how to clean sneakers to get them spotless again
When your favorite footwear starts to look worse for wear, youll need to know how to clean sneakers. Not only will this keep your sneakers always looking fresh, but will prevent them from having a build-up of dirt and grime.
Similar to learning how to clean white shoes, cleaning sneakers is not as tricky as it seems. In fact, all youll need are a few household products to get the job done. So, if you want to get your sneakers looking as good as new, heres how to clean sneakers in just four easy steps.
How To Clean Your Shoes Using Vinegar And Baking Soda
Similar to the way you could clean your sneakers with toothpaste, adding a teaspoon each of white vinegar and baking soda with hot water also works wonders. Apply this mixture with an old toothbrush to the shoes- both on the rubber soles and the canvas upper. If the stains are stubborn, you could use more of this mixture and rinse the shoes with lukewarm water after youre done.
Keep them dry later in the sun.
Don’t Miss: Most Popular High Top Sneakers
How To Wash Trainers In The Washing Machine
Now, the big question is how to wash trainers in the washer. If you’re determined to put them in the washing machine, we’d recommend first checking whether the manufacturer recommends it .
If you get the thumbs up, the biggest mistake you can make is to just sling them in.
First, you need to prepare them and the washing machine. Here’s how:
Rule : Always Air Dry

Plenty of people put their sneakers in the dryer. Don’t be one of those people. Think of it this way: Plenty of people eat scrapple, but it doesn’t make eating scrapple a great idea. Not to unfairly denigrate scrapple, but I think you understand the point here.
When the sneakers come out of the washer, they’ll only be dampâthe final spin cycles will remove most of the wash water. Still though, it’s a good idea to set them to dry in front of or near a fan, open window, AC unit, or dehumidifier, all of which will help to speed up the drying time.
Also Check: Most Comfortable Sneakers For High Arches
Washing White Shoes By Hand
Generally, its easiest to wash shoes by hand. This is easy enough with synthetic materials, as you dont need to be particularly gentle. The steps are as follows:
How Do You Machine Wash Sneakers So They Don’t Get Ruined
To machine wash sneakers so they don’t get ruined, first check the wash label, which may simply advise you to hand wash them. If you are going to machine wash them, put them in a mesh laundry bag with other laundry to stop them being thrown around in the washer, potentially damaging both themselves and the drum. Use a delicate wash cycle and a cool or cold wash, and keep on a short cycle, too. Allow them to air dry.
You May Like: How To Be Eligible For Silver Sneakers