How to Wash Sneakers in Washing Machine

Which Sneakers Can Be Machine Washed?

Not all sneakers are safe for the washing machine. Before tossing your shoes in, check the material:

• Safe to machine wash: Canvas sneakers (Converse-style), fabric/mesh athletic sneakers, most casual fabric sneakers
• Do NOT machine wash: Leather sneakers, suede sneakers, sneakers with delicate embellishments, or shoes with memory foam insoles that can be damaged by water
• When in doubt, hand clean instead

Step 1: Prep Your Sneakers Before Washing

1. Remove laces and insoles — wash these separately
2. Knock soles together to remove loose dirt and debris
3. Use an old toothbrush to scrub off any caked-on mud from the outsole
4. Pre-treat any visible stains with a small amount of Shoe MGK Cleaner or mild detergent

Step 2: Use a Shoe Laundry Bag

Place each sneaker in a shoe washing machine bag. This is essential — it protects the shoes from banging against the drum, prevents the machine from being damaged, and keeps laces from tangling in the mechanism. The microfiber interior of a good shoe bag also provides gentle cushioning during the wash cycle.

Step 3: Add Towels to Balance the Load

Add 2–4 old towels to the washing machine along with the shoes. This balances the load, reduces the loud banging noise, and provides extra cushioning to protect the shoes during the cycle.

Step 4: Select the Right Settings

• Cycle: Gentle or delicate
• Water temperature: Cold only — warm or hot water melts glue and warps soles
• Spin speed: Low if your machine allows it
• Detergent: Small amount of mild liquid detergent — avoid powder which can leave residue in the shoe
• No fabric softener — it leaves residue and reduces breathability

Step 5: Dry Properly — Never the Dryer

The dryer will warp, shrink, and melt the glue in your sneakers. Always air dry:

• Remove from the shoe bag immediately after the cycle
• Stuff with crumpled newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture and maintain shape
• Place in a well-ventilated area at room temperature
• Allow 24–48 hours to dry completely — wearing damp sneakers causes odor and blisters

How to Keep Sneakers Fresh Between Washes

• Spray the interior with Uncle Todd's Shoe Deodorizer Spray after each wear — the enzyme formula breaks down odor-causing bacteria
• Remove insoles after each wear and let them air out separately
• Rotate between pairs to allow each to dry fully between wears

Quick Tips for Machine Washing Sneakers

• Always use cold water — no exceptions
• Never wash leather or suede in the machine
• Wash laces in a small mesh bag separately
• Clean insoles by hand and air dry separately
• Don't wash sneakers more than necessary — spot clean between full washes

Recommended Products

• Shoe Washing Machine Bag — protects shoes and drum, microfiber interior for gentle washing
• Shoe MGK Clean & Protect Kit — pre-treat stains and protect sneakers after washing
• Uncle Todd's Shoe Deodorizer Spray — keep sneakers fresh between washes with enzyme odor elimination
• Dr. Scholl's Odor-X Foot Spray — treat feet directly to reduce odor transfer into shoes