Here’s how to wash shoes in the washing machine:
- 1. Remove the laces and insoles
- 2. Put your shoes in a shoe wash bag
- 3. Balance the load with a few old towels
- 4. Add a laundry detergent pod
- 5. Use a delicate cycle with cold water
- 6. Air dry your shoes
You finally look down and admit it: Your sneakers have seen things. Mud, sweat, maybe even that one time you stepped in something mysterious at the gas station. They're gross. But they're also your favorite shoes, and you’re not about to toss them in the trash because they picked up a few questionable scents and stains.
Here’s the thing: Washing shoes isn’t as simple as tossing in a T-shirt. Do it wrong, and you’re looking at warped soles, detached glue, or shoes that come out somehow worse than before. But done right? The machine can absolutely work its magic.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to getting your kicks clean without killing them (and without having your washer smell like a locker room afterward).
1. Do Some Pre-Wash Prep
Before you even think about pressing “start,” get your shoes ready for the spin cycle.
- Remove the laces and insoles—they’ll get a better clean on their own, and they won’t end up tangled around the agitator.
- Scrub off any excess dirt or mud with a brush or an old toothbrush. You don’t want to clog your washer or end up with a load full of mystery debris.
2. Put Your Shoes in a Shoe Wash Bag
Using a shoe wash bag is the most important decision you can make to get a thorough clean without any collateral damage. We weren’t impressed with the options out there, so we created our own Laundry Sauce Shoe Wash Bags, AKA your footwear’s new favorite ride.
They’re built with tear-resistant chenille fabric and 360-degree cleaning fibers that gently scrub your shoes clean while protecting them from the inside of the machine. Each bag fits one shoe, which means your shoes don’t smash into each other. They keep their shape, get a better clean, and actually survive the spin cycle.
Grab your shoe wash bags here before you test your luck with a pillowcase (we’ll talk about that in a second).
3. Balance the Load with a Few Old Towels
Throwing two shoes into a mostly empty washer is basically asking for appliance karma. The machine thuds. The shoes bounce. It’s a lose-lose.
Toss in a couple of old beach towels to even things out. They help cushion your shoes, reduce noise, and absorb the impact so your shoes don’t leave the washer looking like they just lost a round with Mike Tyson.
4. Add a Laundry Pod
Yes, you need laundry detergent to clean your shoes. No, not generic suds that look like a lab experiment gone wrong.
Laundry Sauce pods are designed to break down stains and odors, which (let’s be real) your shoes desperately need. But even more importantly, our premium fragrances like Italian Bergamot and Australian Sandalwood are exactly what you want lingering in your sneakers after a rough week.
Not whatever “Fresh Breeze” nonsense your old laundry pods promised.
5. Use a Delicate Cycle with Cold Water
This is not the time to crank things to “heavy-duty” and pray for the best.
Use a delicate cycle with cold water to protect the glue, the shape, and the color of your shoes. Anything hotter and you risk melting adhesives or shrinking materials—basically turning your sneakers into toddler shoes.
6. Air Dry Your Shoes
You made it this far—don’t throw your shoes into the dryer now and ruin everything.
Instead, air dry your shoes in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade colors and warp plastic or rubber parts. Stick a little paper towel or newspaper inside to speed things up and help them keep their shape.
Common Questions About Washing Shoes in the Washing Machine
Washing shoes in the machine isn’t exactly intuitive, especially if you’re a first-timer. Here’s what you need to know.
What Kind of Shoes Can You Put in the Washing Machine?
Most canvas, mesh, knit, and synthetic shoes can go in the washing machine, but always do your research. Here’s what definitely can’t go into the washer: delicate shoes, high heels, leather shoes, suede shoes, shoes with decorative elements, or any footwear with metal components.
What If You Don’t Have a Shoe Wash Bag?
You can technically use a pillowcase with a knot tied at the top. Just be warned: It won’t clean nearly as well, and your shoes might come out in rough shape. If you care about your shoes (or your washer), invest in a shoe wash bag.
What Water Temperature Should You Wash Shoes With?
Always wash your shoes in cold water. Hot water can mess with adhesives, shrink fabrics, and fade colors fast.
Can You Put Shoes in the Dryer?
Let’s say it louder for the people in the back: Never put your shoes in the dryer. Unless you like the sound of rubber thumping for an hour or want to shrink your $120 sneakers, let them air dry.
“How Do Your Shoes Smell So Good?”
Most people are ashamed to have people smell their shoes. With Laundry Sauce, you’ll be proud. With a shoe wash bag that actually protects your shoes and premium-scented pods that make your laundry smell like a five-star hotel lobby, you never have to choose between clean and stylish again.
