How to Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine: 8 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

FAQs

Do you have to put shoes in a pillowcase to wash them? ›

It's a good idea to pop your shoes, and your laces, inside a mesh laundry bag to protect them from becoming snagged on the inside of the drum. If you don't have a laundry bag, an empty pillowcase is a good alternative.

It's recommended that your shoes are placed in a mesh bag in order to mitigate damage. Sometimes washing machines are rough with shoes, and in order to eliminate this, placing them in a safe, washable bag can protect them. Additionally, it's said that you should add towels or other clothing items to balance the load.

Add a small amount of liquid laundry detergent to a bowl of warm water to create a soapy cleaning solution. Working in circular motions, apply the cleaning solution to the shoes using a soft cloth. Periodically rinse the cloth with warm water as you clean to avoid spreading dirt or stains across the shoes.

Select a delicate, cold cycle

A delicate cycle will help ensure your shoes are gently washed. Delicate cycles have slower spin cycles (or sometimes no spin cycle at all); this will also help reduce noise. Be sure to select the coldest temperature available for the wash. Don't worry—a cold cycle will still remove odors.

It's very important to dry shoes out when they get wet. Moisture on the inside might mis-shape the inside of the shoe, damage the fabric or encourage an odour to develop. And moisture on the outside can cause unsightly tide marks.

You shouldn't wash your shoes in the washing machine with clothes as the dyes in your clothes could stain your shoes. Instead, place a few old towels in with your shoes to prevent them from bouncing around during the wash cycle. Remember to wash your shoes in a mesh garment bag.

You don't want them pinballing around inside the washer, damaging themselves and the rest of your laundry. Add your shoes to the washer along with some towels, preferably around 4 to 6. The towels will help to balance the load and prevent your shoes from loudly slamming against the inside of the washer.

Mix warm water with a small amount of mild laundry detergent or dish soap. For white and light-colored shoes, you can also make an effective cleaning paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and water. Note: When it comes to using dish soap, it's important to take caution and dilute the soap with plenty of water.

Set your washing machine on a delicate, cold water cycle and select a slow or no-spin option. Powder detergent can get stuck in shoes if it doesn't dissolve properly, so use liquid detergent instead. Once the wash cycle is complete, remove your shoes and laces from the mesh garment bags and let them air dry.

What are the disadvantages of washing shoes in the washing machine? ›

It is not advisable to put more than two, maybe three, pairs of shoes in the washing machine at one time due to their weight and the damage they can do to your washing machine's drum.

You can also use baking soda to get rid of the smell. Take 1 cup of baking soda and an equal amount of vinegar, and mix it well. Now fill each shoe with this and leave the solution on for 15 minutes. Rinse and wash, and your shoes will be absolutely stench-free.

Some dryers have a drying rack designed to dry shoes, but this will only work for certain shoe types, such as cotton or canvas sneakers. You'll also need to ensure you use a low heat setting to avoid damaging your shoes. If your dryer doesn't have a drying rack, you can hang the shoes from the door by the laces.