Can We Wash Shoes in Washing Machine: Types, Dos, Don’ts, and Safety Tips

Many people often wonder, can we wash shoes in washing machine safely without damaging them? The answer depends on the shoe material. While fabric or canvas shoes are generally machine-washable, leather, suede, and delicate shoes can lose their shape or texture. Always use a gentle , mild detergent, and cold water to protect your footwear and extend its life while keeping it clean and fresh. [1][2][3]

Types of Shoes You Can and Cannot Wash in a Machine.

Many sneaker and shoe owners often ask, “Can we wash shoes in a washing machine without ruining them?”. The answer depends on the material and construction of the shoes. While some footwear, like canvas or athletic sneakers, can handle gentle machine washing, others, such as leather or suede, are easily damaged. Understanding which shoes are safe for the machine helps preserve their shape, durability, and appearance over time. [1][2][4]

Shoes You Can Wash

Canvas shoes, sports sneakers, and synthetic-fabric shoes are generally safe for machine washing. Always use a gentle cycle with cold water, remove insoles and laces, and place shoes in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection. [2][3]

Shoes You Should Avoid Washing

Leather, suede, high heels, embellished shoes, and shoes with glued components should never be washed in a machine. Machine washing can cause shrinking, cracking, fading, or separation of glued parts. For these types, hand cleaning or professional shoe cleaning is recommended. [1][4]

How to Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine?

With careful preparation, appropriate settings, and the right detergent, you can clean certain shoes effectively without damaging them. Following these steps not only ensures your shoes come out spotless but also helps maintain their shape, material, and durability for longer use. [1][2][3]

1. Preparation Before Washing

• Before putting shoes in the washing machine, remove laces and insoles to avoid tangling or uneven cleaning. 
• Brush off mud, dirt, or loose debris from the soles and uppers. 
• Placing shoes inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase adds protection to both the shoes and the washing machine drum, minimising scuffs and bumps during the wash cycle. Proper preparation sets the stage for a safe and effective cleaning. [2][3]

2. Choose the Right Washing Settings

• Selecting the correct washing settings is crucial. Use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water to prevent shrinking, warping, or weakening the shoe materials. 
• Avoid heavy-duty cycles or hot water, which can damage glue or alter the shoe’s shape. 
• A slower spin speed is ideal to reduce impact on the shoes. Proper settings ensure a thorough, safe wash without compromising the shoe’s integrity. [1][3][4]

3. Add Proper Detergent

• Use a mild liquid detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals, as they can discolor, weaken, or damage the shoe material. 
• Powder detergents may not dissolve completely, leaving residue on your shoes. Measure detergent according to the load size and type of shoes being washed. 
• Using the right detergent ensures effective cleaning while keeping your shoes’ colors vibrant and the fabric intact. [1][2][4]

4. Balance the Load

• Balancing the load prevents shoes from banging against the drum, reducing noise and potential damage. Wash shoes alongside a few towels or soft items to distribute weight evenly. 
• Overloading the machine can cause shoes to hit each other or the drum walls, leading to scratches, deformations, or broken parts. 
• A well-balanced load ensures smooth washing, prolonging the life of your shoes and protecting your washing machine from unnecessary wear. [2][3][4]

Drying Shoes After Washing

• After washing shoes, many people wonder, can we dry shoes in a washing machine safely? While washing machines clean effectively, drying requires extra care to prevent damage, shrinking, or warping. 
• The material and structure of your shoes determine the best drying method. Knowing how to dry them properly ensures they maintain shape, comfort, and durability, extending the life of your favorite footwear. [1][2][4]

Can We Dry Shoes in a Washing Machine?

• It’s generally not recommended to dry shoes in a washing machine. The heat and tumbling action can cause leather, suede, or glued parts to warp, crack, or separate. 
• Even machine-safe fabrics like canvas or synthetics may shrink or lose shape. Air drying or using gentle indirect methods is far safer and ensures your shoes remain intact and comfortable. [1][3][4]

Best Ways to Dry Shoes

• Remove insoles and laces before drying to speed up the process. Stuff shoes with newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture and retain shape. 
• Place them in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heaters. For faster drying, use a fan or shoe dryer on low heat. 
• Avoid tumble dryers, as high heat can permanently damage the shoes. This method keeps them fresh, dry, and ready to wear. [2][3][4]

Washing Machine Type Guide for Shoe Cleaning

Many people ask, ‘Can we spin shoes in a washing machine safely?’, but the answer depends on the type of machine. Different washing machines handle shoes differently, affecting both cleaning efficiency and the risk of damage. Knowing how to wash shoes in front-load, top-load, or fully/semi-automatic machines helps ensure effective cleaning while protecting the shoes’ shape, materials, and longevity. [1][2][3]

Washing Shoes in a Front-Load Washing Machine

Front-load machines are generally gentler on shoes due to their tumbling action, making them ideal for machine-washable sneakers and canvas shoes. Place shoes in a mesh laundry bag, use a gentle cycle with cold water, and remove insoles and laces beforehand. The horizontal drum reduces impact and prevents shoes from banging excessively against the machine walls. [1][2][3]

Washing Shoes in a Top-Load Washing Machine

Top-load machines have an agitator that can be rough on shoes, especially delicate or glued types. To protect shoes, use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water, place shoes inside a mesh bag, and add towels to balance the load. This minimizes banging, reduces wear, and ensures shoes come out clean without damage. [1][4]

Washing Shoes in Fully Automatic or Semi-Automatic Machines

For fully automatic machines, follow the same precautions as front or top load machines, gentle cycles, mesh bags, and cold water. Semi-automatic machines require extra care, as agitation can be stronger. Wash shoes separately, control water flow carefully, and avoid high-speed spinning. These steps help protect the shoes’ material, structure, and glued components while achieving effective cleaning.[2][3][4]

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Shoes in a Washing Machine

Even machine-safe shoes can lose shape, fade, or weaken if not washed correctly. Avoiding these errors ensures your shoes stay clean, durable, and comfortable while keeping your washing machine safe from damage. [1][2][3]

• Skipping Preparation: Failing to remove laces, insoles, and excess dirt before washing can cause tangling, uneven cleaning, or damage. Proper preparation helps protect both the shoes and the washing machine during the wash cycle.
• Using Hot Water or Strong Cycles: Washing shoes with hot water or heavy cycles can shrink, warp, or damage materials, especially glued or delicate fabrics. Always use cold water and gentle or delicate settings.
• Ignoring Material Types: Not checking the shoe material before washing can ruin leather, suede, or embellished shoes. Always confirm if your shoes are machine-safe to prevent irreversible damage.
• Overloading the Machine: Adding too many shoes or heavy items can imbalance the drum, causing shoes to bang against the walls, resulting in scratches, deformation, or even machine damage.
• Skipping Drying Precautions: Placing wet shoes in direct sunlight or high-heat dryers can cause cracking, fading, or shrinkage. Proper air-drying techniques preserve shape and material. [2][3][4]

How Often Should You Wash Your Shoes?

Many people wonder, we can wash our shoes in a washing machine frequently without causing damage. The frequency depends on the type of shoe, activity level, and exposure to dirt. Athletic sneakers or canvas shoes worn daily may need washing every few weeks, while leather or delicate shoes require much less frequent cleaning. Overwashing can weaken materials, fade colors, or damage glued parts. Regular spot cleaning, brushing off dirt, and occasional machine washes for suitable shoes help maintain hygiene, shape, and longevity without compromising durability. [1][2][3]

Get NoBroker Home Service Now

Maintaining clean and fresh shoes is essential for both hygiene and style. Machine washing works well for canvas, synthetic, or athletic shoes, while delicate or leather footwear requires careful hand cleaning to avoid damage. And if you ever need help cleaning or repairing your washing machine or any other electronic device, give NoBroker Home Services a shot. We only offer expert professional help without burning a hole in your pocket. 

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