Posted on 13th Oct 2025 Shoe Cleaning

Can You Put Shoes in the Washer Without Ruining Them?

Dirty shoes are a universal problem. After a long walk in the park, a muddy run, or just months of daily wear, your favourite trainers inevitably start looking less than fresh. You likely find yourself staring at them, wondering if a simple solution exists to revive them. The big question in your mind is, can you put shoes in the washer to skip the tedious hand-scrubbing and get a deep clean? 

It’s a tempting shortcut, but you naturally worry about accidentally ruining your footwear. It depends entirely on the material your shoes are made of and how well you prepare them before they go into the machine. Without proper precautions, you risk damage, including shrinking, cracking, or glue separation. 

This guide will walk you through which shoes are safe to machine wash and which ones require hand cleaning. We will provide a step-by-step process for safely washing your boots in a machine, along with essential tips for handling delicate materials like leather and suede. 
And remember, for those shoes that absolutely cannot be washed, or if you simply prefer professional results, services like Love2Laundry are always available to provide expert care.

Is It Safe to Wash Shoes in the Washer?

Yes, in many cases, it is safe to put shoes in the washer, particularly for most fabric sneakers, canvas shoes, and standard running shoes.

The key is knowing what materials are safe. Washing shoes in a machine is acceptable for durable materials. Still, it is not recommended for leather, suede, or delicate designer shoes, which should be cleaned by hand for optimal care. 

If you do this incorrectly, for instance, by washing leather, you risk damaging both the shoes and the washing machine. Always check the care label first.

What Types of Shoes Can You Wash in the Washing Machine?

Before deciding to put shoes in the washer, it is essential to determine which types of footwear can withstand the washing machine cycle without damage. Generally, durable materials like most white fabric shoes and canvas sneakers are safe choices.

Shoes That Are Durable for Machine Washing 

Most fabric sneakers and canvas shoes are excellent candidates for a machine wash cycle. Running shoes constructed primarily of mesh or synthetic fabric can also safely handle the process. 

To clean white fabric shoes, applying a pre-treatment to stains before you put shoes in the washer is highly recommended to achieve the best results. These durable types generally withstand gentle cycles without losing their shape or structural integrity.

Shoes You Should Avoid Washing in the Machine

You must never place suede shoes or leather shoes inside a washing machine, as the water and agitation will cause cracking, fading, and irreparable damage to the material. Similarly, dress shoes or high heels with delicate construction, glue, or embellishments should be kept out of the washer. 

For these vulnerable items, opting for professional shoe cleaning or meticulous handwashing is the only way to maintain their condition safely.

Can You Put Shoes in the Dryer?

You should generally avoid putting shoes in the dryer, as the high heat poses several risks. The heat can cause shrinkage of the fabric upper and may warp the rubber soles. Furthermore, it can melt the glue that binds the various components of the shoe, causing them to fall apart. 

Safer alternatives include letting them air dry naturally, placing them in front of a fan, or using a little sunlight to help deodorise your sneakers and brighten clean white fabric shoes. Remember to avoid direct, prolonged sunlight for colored shoes as it can cause fading.

How to Wash Shoes in the Washer: Step-By-Step Guide

Following careful procedures is crucial to preventing damage and achieving the greatest outcomes after you’ve verified that your shoes may be machine-washed. We’ll guide you through the entire process, from preparing your footwear to selecting the optimal settings. You can safely clean your shoes by following these instructions.

Step 1 – Read the Care Label

Before washing any pair of shoes, always consult the manufacturer’s website or the care label for instructions. The most trustworthy source of information about the shoe material’s resistance to agitation and water is this label. The easiest way to destroy your shoes is to neglect this crucial first step.

Step 2 – Remove Accessories

Remove the insoles and shoelaces before placing your shoes in the machine. These things can be fully cleaned and kept from tangling or damaging the washer drum by being washed separately. You may either put them in a little mesh bag with the shoes or wash them by hand.

Step 3 – Pre-Treat Stains

Any visible stains should be treated quickly with a mild stain remover or a solution of laundry detergent and water for a genuinely clean finish. Use an old toothbrush or a soft brush to scrub the pre-treatment into the soiled areas gently. This helps remove tough dirt before the start of the primary washing cycle.

Step 4 – Protect Your Shoes

Place your prepared shoes inside a large mesh laundry bag or a tightly secured pillowcase with a knot or rubber band. To prevent the shoes from banging heavily against the washer drum, you can add a few old towels to the load. This cushioning minimises noise and reduces the risk of damage.

Step 5 – Choose the Right Washer Settings

Select a cold water setting, as hot water can shrink the fabric or melt the glue in the soles of your shoes. Use a delicate or gentle cycle with a slow or no spin option to minimise aggressive agitation. Finally, use a small amount of mild liquid detergent instead of powder detergent.

Step 6 – Air Dry Only

Avoid placing your shoes in the dryer after the washing cycle is finished, as the heat can easily distort their shape or damage the materials. Instead, to absorb moisture and keep their shape, pack them with fresh paper towels or newspaper. Keep them out of direct sunshine and heat, and let them air dry entirely in a well-ventilated room.

How to Clean Shoes That Can’t Go in the Washer

While you might be wondering, “can you put shoes in the washer?” for a quick clean, many popular styles like suede and leather simply cannot be subjected to a machine cycle. For these delicate materials, attempting to wash shoes in washer can cause irreversible damage, so you’ll need to use specific, gentle hand-cleaning techniques instead. 

We’ll guide you through the proper methods to safely clean the shoes you love without a washing machine.

How to Clean Suede Shoes

• To clean suede shoes, make sure they are completely dry before cleaning.
• Use a soft-bristled brush or a dedicated suede brush to remove surface dirt gently.
• Brush in one direction to maintain the nap’s texture.
• For deeper stains, gently rub with a suede eraser or a pencil eraser.
• Use white vinegar or rubbing alcohol on a cloth for tough, set-in stains.
• Never attempt to wash shoes in washer as this will ruin the material.
• Protect suede with a specialised spray after cleaning.
• Avoid using excessive water, as this can permanently stain the material.

How to Clean Leather Shoes

• Remove dirt and debris using a soft cloth or a horsehair brush.
• Mix a small amount of mild soap (like dish soap) with warm water.
• Dip a cloth into the soapy mixture and wring it out well.
• Gently wipe the shoes, focusing on any scuff marks or stains.
• Wipe off the soap residue with a clean, damp cloth.
• Condition the leather with a polish or conditioner to keep it supple and soft.
• Remember that leather cannot be safely put into a machine; don’t try to clean shoes in washer.
• Stuff shoes with newspaper after cleaning to absorb moisture and maintain shape.

Quick Tips for White Shoes

• For canvas or fabric shoes, you can assess if can you put shoes in the washer, which is an option (check the care label).
• Create a paste of baking soda and a small amount of water for spot cleaning.
• Apply the paste to stains and gently scrub with a toothbrush.
• Alternatively, use a diluted bleach solution (1:5 ratio with water) on fabric parts only.
• Use a Magic Eraser to buff away scuff marks on rubber soles and trims safely.
• After cleaning, always let the shoes air dry thoroughly in the sun to restore their brightness.
• To eliminate odour from shoes, sprinkle baking soda inside overnight.
• To keep them bright, be careful and specific when cleaning white shoes, and avoid getting mud on them.

Professional Shoe Cleaning Services with Love2Laundry

Love2Laundry offers dedicated professional shoe cleaning services to address the complexity of shoe care, particularly for items where a simple answer to “can you put shoes in the washer” is ‘no’. 

For delicate footwear or shoes that shouldn’t be washed in washer, such as suede, leather, or heavily embellished shoes, our experts employ specialised, gentle cleaning techniques that safely remove dirt and stains without risking the damage that can occur when washing shoes in machine. We understand that not all footwear is suitable for machine washing, like washing sneakers in washer may cause damage.

Furthermore, we add unmatched convenience with our reliable pickup & delivery service, allowing you to have your prized possessions professionally cleaned and returned to you, perfectly refreshed, without ever leaving your home.

FAQs –  Washing Shoes in the Washing Machine

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Final Thoughts on Washing Shoes in the Washer

To summarise, while the question of “can you put shoes in the washer” generally has a positive answer, it’s crucial to follow the proper steps to avoid damage. Choosing the right cycle and protecting your footwear is a perfectly safe and effective method for many types of shoes, including washing sneakers in washer. 

Remember that certain materials, like leather or suede, should be cleaned by hand instead of washing shoes in a machine. If you’re looking for professional shoe care or laundry services in London, don’t hesitate to contact us for our competitive pricing.

Get in touch with us today for all your cleaning needs.