How to Effortlessly Wash Your Sneakers in the Washing Machine: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Wash Sneakers in a Washing Machine

Still scrubbing your sneakers by hand? With summer approaching, regular washes will keep them from developing odors. Here’s an easy, low-effort method for cleaning those hard-to-wash sneakers in your washing machine.

Remove dirt and dust

Start by brushing off any loose dirt and dust from the exterior. A soft toothbrush makes it easier to reach and lift grime from the shoe upper.

Remove the insoles and brush off the dust. Insoles often collect lint from socks, so give them a thorough cleaning.

Place them in a laundry bag

We’re using the washing machine to keep this quick and simple. Before you proceed, check the manufacturer’s care label to confirm the shoes are machine-washable.

If they’re safe for machine washing, place them inside a laundry bag. The bag helps protect the uppers from abrasion during the cycle.

Once the sneakers are secured in the laundry bag, place the bag in the washing machine.

Set the washer and run it

Add two to three thick towels to the drum. They cushion the load, reducing shock to the washer and minimizing wear to the shoe uppers.

Measure a small amount of machine detergent and add a bit of fabric softener if you like. Because the load is small, you don’t need much soap.

Choose the delicate or gentle cycle and keep the water temperature below 30°C (86°F). High heat can deform or damage sneaker materials.

Also select a low spin speed—around 400–800 rpm—to protect the shoes while completing the wash.

When the cycle finishes, let the sneakers air-dry in a cool, shaded spot. Typically they’ll dry within one to two days.

Machine washing is a quick, effective way to clean sneakers—when you follow a few simple precautions.