Can a Washing Machine Wash Shoes?

Washing shoes in your washing machine is perfectly safe if you follow the right steps. Washing machines have come a long way in recent years and most modern washing machines now have settings specifically for shoes and other delicate items. Read on to learn everything you need to know about safely and effectively washing shoes in your washing machine.

Check Your Washing Machine Manual First

Before you toss your shoes into the washing machine, it’s always a good idea to double check what your washing machine manufacturer recommends.

Every washing machine is different, so check your manual to see if there are any specific instructions related to washing shoes. Some key things to look for include:

• Delicate or gentle cycle – Most modern washers have some type of light-duty cycle that gently cleans delicate fabrics and materials. This is usually the best cycle to use for shoes.
• Handwash cycle – Some washers have a handwash cycle specifically designed for items labeled as ‘handwash only’. This very gentle cycle will carefully clean your shoes.
• Maximum load weight – Make sure washing your shoes won’t overload the washing machine – exceeding the max capacity could damage your washer.

If in doubt, look up the make and model number online to find the user manual with full details on special shoe washing cycles.

Always Use Cold Water

When machine washing shoes, it’s important to always use cold water. Hot or warm water can damage certain shoe materials like glue or cause dyes and colors to bleed. Cold water is gentler and safer for all types of shoes.

Wash Shoes Separately

Be sure to wash your shoes separately from your regular laundry. Shoes can pick up and trap a lot of dirt, debris, and germs that you don’t want transferred onto your clothes. Washing shoes solo also allows you to select a gentle cycle.

Use a Laundry Bag

For extra protection for your shoes and washing machine, place your shoes inside a laundry bag before washing. This prevents the shoelaces, soles, and any loose parts from getting tangled or interfering with the washing machine drum. A laundry bag also catches any dirt or debris that gets knocked loose.

Allow Time to Air Dry

When the wash cycle finishes, resist the temptation to toss wet shoes straight into the dryer – heat can damage shoes! Instead, always allow your washed shoes to air dry completely at room temperature.

Stuff the toe areas with newspaper or paper towels to help absorb moisture and retain the shape as they dry. Make sure they are 100% dry before wearing again.

Handwash If Unsure

When in doubt about the safety of machine washing your shoes, go the classic route and handwash them in the sink or tub. Use cold water and a small amount of gentle laundry detergent. Allow to fully air dry afterwards.

Tips for Successfully Washing Machine Washing Shoes

Here are some top tips to follow for safely and effectively washing your shoes in the washing machine:

Clean Out Laces, Insoles, Inserts First

Remove shoelaces and any removable insoles or inserts before washing. Give these a quick handwash separately with mild detergent and water. Let fully air dry before putting back into the shoes after washing.

Use Gentle Laundry Detergent

Skip the heavy duty detergents – a small amount of gentle, high efficiency liquid laundry detergent works great for shoes. Powder detergent can get trapped in crevices.

Wash Old Shoes First

Try out washing your oldest shoes first before cleaning your expensive white sneakers or favorite heels. Monitor them closely the first time around so you understand the impact of washing on that shoe material.

Check All Nooks and Crannies

Inspect each shoe closely before tossing straight into the washer. Make sure no debris is lodged deep inside that could come loose and interfere with wash cycle.

Lace Up Shoes Loosely

If washed with laces still in, lace up your shoes fairly loose so water and detergents can easily circulate in and around the shoes as they wash.

Allow Extra Spin Time

If your washed shoes are still holding quite a bit of water at end of wash, put the washing machine into an extra spin for 3-5 minutes to wring more water out of them. Less water = faster dry time!

What Types of Shoes Can You Wash in a Washing Machine?

Thanks to advanced washing machine technology and proper care techniques, today you can safely machine wash many types of shoes including:

All Types of Sneakers

Cotton, canvas, mesh, knit and other fabric sneakers can be machine washed no problem provided any leather parts are properly pre-treated (see next section for tips). This includes:

• Running shoes
• Skate shoes
• Basketball sneakers
• Tennis shoes
• Cross trainers
• Walking shoes

In most cases, you can also wash the foam insoles and shoelaces. Just be sure to always air dry every component completely rather than putting wet shoes into a hot dryer.

Sandals and Flip Flops

From casual beach sandals to sporty hiking or athletic sandals, today’s sandals stand up very well to washing. The same goes for rubber and foam flip flops, which tend to harbor bacteria over time.

Toss them in a wash bag and let the washing machine scrub them clean!

Cloth and Fabric Shoes

Such as:

• Ballet flats
• Mary Janes
• Keds
• Toms
• Vans slip ons
• Canvas casuals
• Fabric athletic shoes

Check material contents first, but shoes made of cotton canvas, denim, stretchy knits, cotton blends, and other washable fabrics can be machine washed with no trouble at all.

Leather Shoes (Some Types)

Here’s where you need to proceed cautiously and first determine exact leather type. Generally speaking:

Smooth Leather Shoes

Such as leather sneakers or leather casual shoes can often safely withstand machine washing if you pre-treat them first with a leather cleaner or conditioner containing emulsifying detergents to act as a protective barrier.

Apply pre-treatment generously on upper, sides and soles. Buff gently with a soft cloth. Then wash immediately while emulsifiers are still active. Be very gentle!

Types of leather shoes with potential to get wet:

• Leather sneakers
• Leather walking shoes
• Leather boat shoes
• Leather casual and athletic shoes

Avoid Washing Delicate Leathers

The following should not be machine washed:

• Patent leather
• Suede or nubuck leather
• Fine smooth dress leather shoes

These require special care and very gentle hand washing only. The rough tumbling inside a washer can damage their delicate finishes.

How to Pre-Treat Leather Shoes Before Washing

Before you wash leather shoes in a machine, it’s vital to pre-treat them first with a conditioner or cleaning product specifically designed to prepare smooth leather for contact with water. Here are the simple steps:

Step 1: Remove Laces, Inserts, Debris

As with any shoes, first remove shoelaces and any inserts or insoles if possible. Check over and remove any dirt or stones lodged in shoe treads or crevices.

Step 2: Apply Leather Conditioner

Thoroughly work the leather conditioner, protector and/or cleaner evenly all over exterior leather surfaces using fingertips or soft cloth. Follow product directions on best way to apply.

Be sure to coat the leather uppers thoroughly as well as sides, heel counters, and rubber soles. The emulsifiers in the conditioners provide a protective surface barrier.

Types of pre-treatments:

• Leather waterproofer sprays
• Leather conditioner creams or gels
• Saddle soap cleanser
• Mink oil

Step 3. Gently Buff Shoes

After applying conditioner, buff shoes very gently with a soft terry cloth or microfiber towel to evenly distribute the product and set protective barrier.

Step 4. Wash Immediately

With pre-treatments, it’s best to machine wash shoes right away while emulsifiers are still active. Leather conditioners help seal in moisture during washing so leather doesn’t dry out.

Step 5. Stuff Toes While Drying

After washing, stuff shoes with newspaper or paper towels to absorb excess moisture and retain shape as they thoroughly air dry. Leather can shrink if dries badly.

Be sure to fully repeat pre-treatment process periodically after washing leather shoes. This maintains their water resistance and supple structure over time.

Can You Wash Shoes in Front Load Washers?

Front load washing machines are an excellent choice for washing shoes! Here are some benefits of washing shoes in front loaders:

More Gentle Tumble Action

Front load washers rely on tumble action rather than intense agitation to clean clothes. This makes them ideal for more delicate items like shoes as they are gently lifted, dropped and rotated without harsh mechanics that could warp leather or damage glue. Less battering!

Roomier Drums

Modern high efficiency front load washers have much more spacious drums than old fashioned top loaders. This allows plenty of room for shoes to tumble and soak properly. They won’t clunk around tightly packed.

Stackability

You can conveniently stack front load washers to save a ton of floor space! Keep your regular laundry washer on bottom, shoes/delicates washer on top.

Energy Efficient

Not only are front load washers easier on shoes, they use far less water and electricity to run – saving you money month after month.

Top Loader Washers Work Too

While front load washers tend to be a bit more shoe-friendly, you can still safely wash shoes in most standard top loading washing machines as well provided you take precautions:

• Use delicate cycle only
• Wash shoes solo – no other items!
• Keep load light – 1-2 pairs max
• Place shoes in wash bags first
• Allow shoes to air dry only

The key is preventing intense agitation and limiting weight that could place strain on glue joints or warp shoe structure. With care, even an old school top loader on gentle can get shoes refreshed safely.

Let the Washing Do the Washing

Now that you know washing machines can handle shoes – it’s tempting to take on extreme grime and hope for the best! But to preserve your shoes and avoid damage:

Remove Mud and Grime First

Use a soft bristle hand brush and wipe away stuck on grime, mud or serious ground-in dirt from shoe treads, sides and fabric uppers before placing in washer. This prevents debris interfering with clean wash cycle.

Don’t Overload with Detergent

Stick to manufacturer’s recommended detergent amount based on load size. Too many suds can hinder washing machine operation and leave residue.

Air Dry Thoroughly Every Time

Always 100% air dry washed shoes rather than moving shoes straight from washer to dryer. Maintain their structural integrity over the long run.

When In Doubt, Handwash

If shoes seem too delicate, worn out or badly soiled for the washing machine, handwash carefully in sink or tub using mild soap and a soft cloth or brush.

Enjoy Fresh, Clean Shoes!

Now that you know the ins and outs of safely washing shoes in your washing machine you can enjoy restored freshness to all your kicks, sneakers sandals, loafers and more any time.

Washing shoes periodically saves you money by extending their wearable lifespan vs replacing them when they still have miles left to give. Just be sure to fully follow your washing machine recommendations for load weights, water temperature and drying guidelines.

With the proper care outlined above, tossing shoes in the wash works wonders reviving both appearance and odor so you can feel confident and comfortable in your footwear again. Give it a try and walk healthier in clean shoes.

References

Washing Machine User Manuals by:

• LG Electronics
• Whirlpool Corporation
• General Electric (GE) Appliances

Additional Works Cited: International Fabricare Institute. “Leather Care and Cleaning.” https://ifi.org/leather-care MasterClass. “How to Wash Leather Shoes.” https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-wash-leather-shoes