How To Laundry Shoes: The Ultimate Guide For Sneakers

Can I wash my shoes in the washing machine? Yes, in many cases you can! This guide will walk you through the process of cleaning sneakers, from preparing your shoes to drying them correctly, to ensure they come out looking their best. We’ll cover different types of shoes and materials, provide shoe cleaning tips and laundry hacks for shoes, and address common concerns to help you achieve a successful and safe deep cleaning shoes experience. Whether you need help with removing stains from shoes or figuring out how to wash white shoes, this shoe care guide has the answers.

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Is it Safe to Wash Sneakers in a Washing Machine?

Washing sneakers in a washing machine is generally safe for many types of athletic shoes, but not all! Before you toss your favorite pair in, here’s what you should know:

• Shoes that are Usually Safe to Wash:
  • Canvas sneakers
  • Nylon or polyester running shoes
  • Certain types of athletic shoes with secure stitching
• Shoes You Should Never Wash in a Washing Machine:
  • Leather shoes
  • Suede shoes
  • Shoes with delicate embellishments (beads, sequins, etc.)
  • Shoes with glued-on parts that might come loose.

If you’re unsure about a particular pair, check the manufacturer’s instructions or consider cleaning them by hand.

Getting Ready to Wash Your Shoes

Before your shoes even get near the washing machine, preparation is vital. Failing to prep them first can lead to issues. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success:

Step 1: Remove Excess Dirt and Debris

• Tap the Shoes Together: Bang the soles of your shoes together outdoors to dislodge loose dirt, mud, and pebbles.
• Use a Brush: Employ a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works great!) to gently scrub away any remaining surface dirt.
• Clean the Soles: Use a small tool to pick any lodged rocks from the soles.
• Remove the Shoelaces and Insoles: Take out the shoelaces and insoles. These will be washed separately.

Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains

Pre-treating stains is key to making sure you are removing stains from shoes effectively. Address any visible stains before machine washing. Here’s how:

• Identify the Stain: Different stains need different treatments.

  • Mud: Let it dry completely, then brush off as much as possible before pre-treating.
  • Grease: Apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stain.
  • General Dirt: Use a mixture of mild detergent and warm water.

• Apply the Pre-Treatment: Gently rub the chosen stain remover into the affected area with a soft cloth or brush.

• Let it Sit: Allow the pre-treatment to sit for at least 15-30 minutes before washing. This gives it time to penetrate the stain.

Step 3: Protect Your Shoes and Washing Machine

To prevent damage to your shoes and your washing machine, take these extra steps:

• Place Shoes in a Mesh Laundry Bag or Pillowcase: This protects the shoes from excessive banging and tumbling inside the washing machine.
• Wrap Shoes in Towels: Surround the shoes with a few old towels to further cushion them and minimize noise.

Machine Washing Your Shoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that your shoes are prepped, it’s time to get them clean! Follow these steps for washing your shoes in the machine.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Settings

• Use Cold Water: Cold water helps prevent colors from fading and materials from shrinking or warping.
• Select a Gentle Cycle: Choose the “delicate” or “gentle” cycle to minimize wear and tear on the shoes.
• Turn Off Spin Cycle (Optional): For extra protection, you can turn off the spin cycle altogether. Excess spinning can damage shoes. If you skip the spin cycle, the shoes will be wetter when you take them out, and will need more drying time.

Step 2: Adding Detergent

• Use Mild Detergent: Harsh chemicals can damage the materials of your shoes. A mild, liquid laundry detergent is best.
• Use the Right Amount: Use only a small amount of detergent – about 1-2 tablespoons. Using too much can leave residue on your shoes.

Step 3: Washing the Laces and Insoles

• Wash Shoelaces Separately: Place the shoelaces in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to prevent them from tangling.
• Hand Wash or Machine Wash Insoles: Insoles can be washed by hand with mild soap and water, or placed in a separate mesh bag and washed on the gentle cycle.

Step 4: Running the Wash Cycle

• Load the Shoes: Place the mesh bag or pillowcase with the shoes and laces into the washing machine.
• Add the Towels: Arrange the towels around the shoes to provide cushioning.
• Start the Cycle: Start the washing machine on the settings you selected.

Drying Your Shoes Correctly

Drying your shoes properly is just as important as washing them correctly! Avoid using a machine dryer, as the high heat can damage the materials and warp the shape of your shoes. Here’s the best method for drying your sneakers:

Step 1: Air Drying

• Remove Shoes from Washing Machine: Once the wash cycle is complete, remove the shoes and laces.
• Reshape the Shoes: Gently reshape the shoes with your hands to help them maintain their form.
• Stuff with Paper Towels or Newspaper: Stuff the inside of each shoe with clean paper towels or newspaper to absorb moisture and help them hold their shape. Avoid colored newspaper, as the ink can transfer to your shoes.
• Air Dry in a Well-Ventilated Area: Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat. Direct sunlight can cause colors to fade and materials to crack.
• Replace Paper Regularly: Replace the paper towels or newspaper every few hours as they become saturated with moisture.

Step 2: How Long to Dry

• Drying Time: Air drying can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours, depending on the humidity and ventilation.
• Check for Dampness: Before wearing, make sure the shoes are completely dry, both inside and out.

Specific Shoe Types: Tailored Cleaning Advice

Different shoe materials require slightly different care. Here’s how to approach cleaning canvas shoes, how to wash white shoes, and other common sneaker materials.

Canvas Shoes

• Gentle Approach: Canvas is durable but can fade. Use cold water and mild detergent.
• Scrubbing: Use a soft brush to scrub stubborn stains.
• Drying: Air dry thoroughly to prevent mildew.

White Shoes

• Bleach Alternative: Mix baking soda and white vinegar into a paste. Apply to the shoes, let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse.
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent. Dilute it with water and apply to stains before air drying.
• Magic Eraser: A magic eraser can be effective for spot cleaning scuffs and marks on white soles.

Athletic Shoes (Nylon, Polyester)

• Check for Delicate Areas: Pay attention to any glued-on elements that might come loose.
• Gentle Cycle: Always use the gentle cycle and cold water.
• Air Dry: Air dry is essential to prevent warping.

Leather or Suede Shoes: Avoid the Washing Machine

• Leather Cleaner: Use a cleaner made for leather.
• Suede Brush: Use a suede brush to remove dirt.
• Conditioner: Apply leather conditioner.

Shoe Type	Washing Machine Safe?	Recommended Cleaning Method
Canvas	Yes	Gentle cycle, cold water, mild detergent, air dry
White Canvas	Yes	As above, plus baking soda/vinegar paste for whitening
Nylon/Polyester	Yes	Gentle cycle, cold water, mild detergent, air dry
Leather	No	Leather cleaner, damp cloth, leather conditioner
Suede	No	Suede brush, suede cleaner, avoid water
Mesh/Knit	Yes	Gentle cycle, cold water, mild detergent, mesh bag, air dry

Fathoming Stain Removal Techniques

Some stains are particularly stubborn. Here are a few additional laundry hacks for shoes when dealing with difficult stains:

• Oil-Based Stains: Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the stain to absorb the oil. Let it sit for several hours or overnight, then brush off and wash as usual.
• Grass Stains: Pre-treat with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water.
• Ink Stains: Dab the stain with rubbing alcohol before washing.
• Blood Stains: Rinse immediately with cold water and pre-treat with a stain remover designed for blood.

Advanced Shoe Care Guide

Beyond washing, proper shoe care can extend the life of your sneakers and keep them looking their best.

Protect Your Shoes

• Waterproof Spray: Apply a waterproof spray to protect your shoes from water and stains.
• Shoe Trees: Use shoe trees to help maintain the shape of your shoes when they are not being worn.
• Regular Cleaning: Clean your shoes regularly to prevent dirt and stains from building up.

Rotate Your Shoes

• Give Shoes a Break: Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day. Rotating your shoes allows them to air out and dry completely between wearings.
• Extends Shoe Life: This helps to prolong their life and prevent odors.

Storage

• Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Store your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid Plastic Bags: Avoid storing shoes in plastic bags, as this can trap moisture and lead to mildew.
• Use Shoe Boxes: Store shoes in their original boxes or in breathable shoe bags to protect them from dust and damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How often should I wash my shoes? This depends on how often you wear them and how dirty they get. Generally, washing your shoes every 1-2 months is a good guideline.
• Can I use bleach to wash white shoes? While bleach can be effective for whitening, it can also damage the materials of your shoes. Use a diluted bleach solution sparingly, or opt for safer alternatives like baking soda and vinegar or lemon juice.
• What if my shoes smell bad after washing? This is usually caused by trapped moisture. Make sure your shoes are completely dry before wearing them. You can also use a shoe deodorizer spray or place dryer sheets inside the shoes to help absorb odors.
• How do I clean the rubber soles of my shoes? Use a magic eraser or a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub the rubber soles. A toothbrush can be helpful for getting into hard-to-reach areas.
• What’s the best way to dry white shoes to prevent yellowing? Air dry white shoes in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight. Stuffing them with paper towels can also help absorb moisture and prevent yellowing.
• Can I wash shoes with lights? It’s generally not recommended to wash shoes with lights in the washing machine. The water and detergent can damage the electrical components. Instead, try spot cleaning them with a damp cloth.
• How do I prevent my shoes from shrinking in the wash? Always use cold water and avoid high heat when drying. Air drying is the safest option.
• What if my shoes fall apart in the washing machine? If your shoes are old or have weak seams, they may fall apart in the washing machine. This is why it’s important to assess the condition of your shoes before washing them and to follow the recommended washing instructions.

By following this comprehensive guide, you can safely and effectively clean your sneakers and keep them looking their best for years to come! Enjoy your fresh, clean kicks!