Muddy, grimy shoes? Machine washing is easy.
Time 2 days (1 hr wash or the rest dry)
ComplexityBeginner
CostFree to $10 if you have to buy detergent
Introduction
Running does a number on shoes. I ran for years — through mud, snow, slush, you name it. When my shoes got filthy, I'd throw them in the wash and switch to another pair. Rinse and repeat, season after season. All that machine washing could've taken a huge toll, but I learned a few tricks over the years to keep my runners in good shape.
If your shoes have seen better days, don't worry. As long as they're made from a washable fabric — like polyester, canvas and cotton — you can usually machine wash them. (This will be a gentle, cold-water wash with little spin.) Check the label on your shoe, if you can still read it, to double-check.
Don't try this with leather or silk shoes, or anything with lots of baubles or delicate stitching. And, you don't need a dedicated laundry bag. I just throw my sneaks in a pillowcase. Both front-loading or top-loading washers work, but avoid the dryer. It's too hot and the tumbling action can damage your shoes, and possibly your dryer.
Here's how to get your kicks shiny and clean in the washing machine.
Tools Required
- A few old towels (for padding in the wash)
- Mesh laundry bag or old pillowcase
- Shoebox or bag or bin to hold insoles
- Toothbrush or laundry scrub brush
Materials Required
- Baking soda
- Mild liquid detergent or soap flakes
Watch How To Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine
Project step-by-step (7)
Step 1
Remove laces and insoles
- Pull the laces and insoles out of your runners or other washable shoes.
- Laces tangle and prevent free movement in the washer.
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- Insoles can get waterlogged and misshapen.
- Knock out dried mud or other debris from bottom of soles.
Step 2
Spot treat
- Dip the brush in liquid detergent, or soap flakes mixed with water.
- I love soap flakes, which rinse clean and won’t harm fabrics or soles.
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- Avoid powdered detergent. It won’t have time to dissolve.
- Scrub stains from midsoles and uppers with toothbrush.
Step 3
Machine wash shoes
- Place shoes in a mesh laundry bag or zippable pillowcase.
- Add towels to balance the load.
- Add detergent or soap flakes.
- Tip: Dissolve two tablespoons soap flakes in hot water, then add to dispenser or drum.
- Wash shoes in a delicate, cold-water cycle with no or low spin.
Step 4
Deodorize insoles
- Place insoles in a shoebox, bag or bin.
- Sprinkle baking soda over insoles.
- Leave overnight.
Step 5
Handwash laces
- Fill your sink with warm, soapy water.
- Let the laces soak for 15 minutes or so.
- Agitate laces with fingers and scrub with soapy brush.
- Optional: Machine wash in mesh bag/pillowcase with shoes.
- I prefer handwashing to keep laces from knotting up in washer.
- Rinse well with clean water.
Step 6
Air dry shoes
- Remove shoes and towels when cycle is complete. Throw towels in the dryer.
- Place shoes outside in the breeze and sunshine, if possible.
- If you’re in a hurry, a box fan speeds things along.
- Pull tongue up so air can get inside shoes.
- Hang or drape the laces outside to dry with the shoes.
Step 7
Reassemble shoes
- Shake out insoles to remove baking soda. (Do this outside!)
- Make sure shoes are completely dry, then add the insoles.
- Lace ’em up!
