There comes a point when wiping your tennis shoes with a damp cloth stops being convincing. The mud is gone, perhaps. The stains are not.
The white sole has developed a color that definitely was not there when you bought it. After one particularly sweaty workout, you may start wondering whether the washing machine could deal with the whole problem at once.
But, can you put shoes in the washer? Sometimes. The more important question is whether your particular shoes can handle it.
Not every pair belongs in a washing machine. A sneaker may contain mesh, foam, rubber, fabric, adhesives, leather, or specialized cushioning. Water and agitation affect those materials differently.
So, before learning how to wash tennis shoes in a laundry machine, start with the shoes themselves.
First, check whether your shoes are machine washable
"Tennis shoes" covers a broad range of materials. Canvas and synthetic mesh shoes are often suitable for machine washing. Other pairs contain leather, suede, delicate foam, or glued components that may not respond well to soaking.
Check the manufacturer's care instructions before doing anything else. If the shoe is labelled machine washable, you have your answer. Leather and suede generally need a different cleaning method. Shoes with delicate embellishments deserve extra caution too.
Sometimes, knowing how to clean shoes properly means accepting that the quickest method is not the safest one.
Remove the parts that do not need washing
Do not throw the shoes into the washer exactly as they are. Remove the laces first. Take out the insoles if they are removable.
Laces can be washed separately. A small mesh bag prevents them from tangling. Insoles are often better cleaned by hand because washing can affect their shape.
Then brush away loose dirt. Remove dried mud from the soles. Shake out small stones. Check the tread.
The washing machine can deal with dirt embedded in the fabric. It does not need to become a storage facility for whatever you stepped on during your last walk.
Put the shoes in a mesh bag
This is one of the simplest steps in how to wash sneakers in a washing machine. It is also worth doing. It might seem a bit unconventional, but if mesh bags can be used for washing sensitive undies, why let the shoes rumble?
Shoes bouncing freely around the drum can repeatedly knock against the machine. A mesh laundry bag keeps them contained while allowing water to circulate.
Do not overload the washer, though. Also, if the shoes are light and tight, the chances of having them cleaned effectively is greater than if they have a heavy build.
Choose cold water and a gentle cycle
Shoes are not towels, and they do not need the most aggressive cycle available. For most machine-washable tennis shoes, choose a gentle cycle with cold water.
Hot water can affect adhesives. It may also alter the shape of certain materials. Heavy agitation creates unnecessary stress on fabric uppers and glued components.
The goal of washing sneakers safely is not to attack the dirt. It is to remove it without attacking the shoe.
A gentle wash is usually enough for everyday grime and sweat. If the shoes are exceptionally muddy, remove as much dirt as possible beforehand rather than selecting a harsher cycle. Let the water and detergent do the work.
Use the right amount of detergent
Dirty shoes can make people generous with detergent. That is understandable but it is also unnecessary.
More detergent does not automatically mean cleaner shoes. Thick fabric and interior padding can retain excess product if the rinse cycle cannot remove it completely.
Use the recommended amount for a small load. A concentrated detergent, like Mozi Wash, can be particularly useful because less product is needed per wash. That also means less detergent has to rinse out of the fabric afterwards.
For stubborn marks, treat the affected area before washing if the material allows it. Do not compensate by pouring extra detergent into the machine. Your washing machine prefers the correct dosage to an impressive display of enthusiasm.
Give the soles some separate attention
The washing machine is useful for cleaning fabric uppers. Rubber soles are another matter.
If dirt remains trapped in the grooves, use a soft brush to clean them separately. You can also brush the sole before the machine wash. This is worth remembering when looking up how to clean athletic shoes.
If you have got some Jordans to wash, that is a separate use case though – as you do not want to take chances with them. While this Reddit user gets aggressive (and optimistic), relying more on disinfectants, maybe you could put some more thought into this.
Shoes can still smell after washing
Athletic shoes can look perfectly clean and still carry an unpleasant smell. Odor often develops inside the shoe as sweat and moisture can remain in the padding or around the insoles.
That is why removing the insoles before cleaning can help. It allows the interior to dry more thoroughly afterwards. All this, of course, might not work if you have naturally sweaty feet, so there’s not much to blame on the material.
About putting shoes in the dryer
So, can you put shoes in the dryer? Unless the manufacturer specifically says you can, air-drying is generally the safer choice as dryer heat can weaken adhesives and distort foam. Certain materials may also warp or shrink.
So, it is better to air-dry the shoes instead. Stuff them loosely with clean paper or a dry towel to absorb moisture and help maintain their shape. Do not pack them tightly. Place them somewhere with good airflow.
Avoid intense heat from a radiator or heater as it may dry the surface quickly while placing unnecessary stress on the materials. Patience is the better option here. Unfortunately, shoes have not yet learned to respect tomorrow morning's schedule.
How long do tennis shoes take to dry?
It depends on the shoe. Lightweight mesh shoes can dry relatively quickly. Heavily padded athletic shoes can take longer because moisture remains trapped inside.
Humidity matters too. This is why washing shoes early in the day is often wiser than starting a cycle at midnight and hoping they will somehow be ready by breakfast.
Check the inside before wearing them. If the shoe still feels damp, leave it longer. Putting on partially wet shoes is uncomfortable, and it also encourages odors to return.
Some shoes should never meet your washing machine
The convenience of machine washing can make it tempting to treat every sneaker the same way. Do not.
Leather needs different care. Suede can change texture after exposure to water. Shoes with delicate details may also be better cleaned by hand.
That is why the question, “Can you put shoes in the washer?” does not have a universal answer. Look at the materials. Check the care instructions. Consider how the shoe is constructed.
And ask yourself one final question: how upset would you be if this particular pair did not survive? That tends to clarify things.
Why Mozi and a gentle cycle might work for you
After you check the care instructions and remove the laces and insoles, brush away loose dirt and use a mesh bag. Choose cold water.
Now comes the interesting part – choosing the correct amount of detergent. Mozi Wash detergents are concentrated, plant-based formulas that treat the stains without messing with the material.
A delicate cycle on a washing machine can save time and bring fabric shoes back from a fairly impressive level of dirt. Mozi can do the rest of the trick for you when you are unsure about the cleaning technique.
How to Wash Tennis Shoes in a Laundry Machine FAQ
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Can you put shoes in the washer?
Some shoes can be machine washed, particularly pairs made from canvas or synthetic fabric. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions first. Leather, suede, and other delicate materials are generally safer to clean by hand.
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How do you wash sneakers in a washing machine safely?
Remove the laces and removable insoles. Brush away loose dirt, place the shoes inside a mesh bag, and wash them on a gentle cycle with cold water. Add a few old towels to reduce impact inside the machine.
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What detergent should you use for washing tennis shoes?
Use a suitable laundry detergent in the recommended amount for a small load. Avoid extra detergent because shoes can retain residue in their fabric and padding if they do not rinse thoroughly.
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Can you put shoes in the dryer?
Usually, no. Dryer heat can weaken adhesives and distort certain materials. Unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it, air-drying is the safer option.
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How do you clean athletic shoes that smell bad?
Remove the insoles if possible and clean the shoes according to their care instructions. Allow the shoes to dry completely before wearing them again, as lingering moisture can contribute to odors.
