Honestly, the thought of chucking my mud-caked trainers into the washing machine used to send shivers down my spine. For years, I stuck to the ‘hand wash or air dry only’ gospel, convinced I’d ruin them.
Then came that one disastrous camping trip. My favorite hiking boots looked like they’d wrestled a badger. Desperate, and frankly too tired to scrub, I wondered aloud, ‘Can I dry shoes in washing machine?’ It felt like a culinary heresy, or maybe a tech support nightmare.
Turns out, the internet is a minefield of conflicting advice on this very topic. You’ll find ‘experts’ telling you it’s a recipe for disaster, and then others saying it’s perfectly fine.
I’ve been there, done that, and bought the questionable replacement shoes. Let’s cut through the noise.
The Big Question: Can I Dry Shoes in Washing Machine?
Let’s get straight to it. Can you dry shoes in a washing machine? The short answer is: sometimes, and with serious caveats. It’s not a blanket ‘yes’ or ‘no’ situation. The material of your shoes, the type of washing machine you have, and how you prep them all play a massive role.
Here’s the thing: most modern washing machines are pretty gentle. But ‘gentle’ for a pair of jeans is a different beast entirely for delicate running shoes or leather boots. My first foray into machine washing involved some canvas sneakers, and frankly, they came out looking… well, like they’d been through a rough fight.
The key is to avoid what I call the ‘brute force’ method. Think of it less like a tumble dryer and more like a very enthusiastic, but controlled, rinse cycle followed by a gentle spin. The heat from a dryer is the real enemy, but we’ll get to that.
[IMAGE: Close-up shot of muddy canvas sneakers before being cleaned, dirt clearly visible on the treads and fabric.]
When It’s Probably Fine (and When to Back Away Slowly)
Canvas, synthetic mesh, and some older-style athletic shoes? Generally, these are the most forgiving. Think your everyday gym shoes or casual canvas sneakers. They can usually handle a cool wash and a gentle spin without dissolving into a pile of glue and fabric. (See Also: Do You Still Need To Remove Shoes At Airport Security)
But if you’ve got anything made of leather, suede, or anything with delicate embellishments like sequins or intricate stitching? Step away from the washing machine. Seriously. Leather will crack and warp, suede will turn into a stiff, matted mess, and those pretty details? Gone, probably clinging to the inside of your drum.
I remember buying a pair of faux-suede ankle boots that looked amazing. I got them a bit wet and muddy, and my first thought was, ‘Just a quick wash!’ I didn’t even consider the material. Big mistake. Huge. They came out looking like a sad, damp bath mat. Cost me about $90 down the drain, and I learned a hard lesson about checking care labels.
For anything remotely fancy, expensive, or made of natural materials, the washing machine is a gamble you’re likely to lose. Your best bet is always spot cleaning or professional cleaning for those.
[IMAGE: A pair of elegant leather boots sitting on a shelf, looking pristine, with a blurred washing machine in the background to emphasize contrast.]
The Washing Machine Method: How to Actually Do It (if You Must)
Okay, so you’ve decided your shoes can handle it. Here’s the process I’ve refined over, oh, at least six attempts to get it right. It’s not glamorous.
- Prep Work is Non-Negotiable: Remove the laces. Seriously, all of them. Stuff the shoes with old towels or rags to help them keep their shape and absorb excess water. This is crucial.
- Cool Water Only: Select the COOLEST water setting on your machine. Warm water can warp adhesives and materials. Think Arctic blast, not lukewarm bath.
- Gentle Cycle is Your Friend: Use the delicate or gentle cycle. This minimizes agitation. You’re not trying to scrub floors here; you’re trying to rinse away dirt.
- Detergent? Minimal: Use a very small amount of mild detergent. Like, a teaspoon. Anything more can leave residue. White vinegar is actually better for deodorizing than most detergents, and it’s gentler.
- No Other Clothes: Wash shoes alone. Throwing in a few old towels for padding is okay, but don’t mix them with your regular laundry. The abrasion from other clothes can damage them.
- Skip the Spin Cycle if Possible: If your machine has a ‘no spin’ or ‘drain only’ option, use it. If not, use the lowest spin setting. Excessive spinning can damage the shoes and your machine.
The noise alone can be terrifying. The thudding, the banging – it sounds like a small, furry animal is trapped in there, having a terrible time. You’ll probably find yourself peeking through the door every few minutes, half expecting to see a shoe explosion.
[IMAGE: A pair of canvas sneakers stuffed with old towels, tied with their laces separately, ready for washing.]
Drying: Where Most People Screw Up (including Me, Initially)
This is the critical part. Drying is where most people, myself included, have made expensive mistakes. NEVER, EVER put shoes in a hot clothes dryer. The heat is the enemy of glue, rubber, and synthetic materials. It’s like trying to cook your shoes.
The Truth About Air Drying: Air drying is the safest method, but it takes forever. Seriously, days sometimes. You can speed it up by stuffing them with newspaper (not the glossy kind, the ink can transfer) or more towels. Change the stuffing every few hours. You’re looking for that crisp, dry feel, not just ‘not wet’. Seven out of ten times I tried air drying my running shoes, they still had a faint dampness deep inside, which is a breeding ground for funk. (See Also: How To Remove Fungus From Shoes Naturally)
The ‘Low Heat’ Myth: Some people swear by the ‘low heat’ or ‘air fluff’ setting on their dryer. I’m skeptical. Even low heat can be too much for the glues holding your shoes together. I tried this with a pair of basketball shoes once, and while they didn’t completely disintegrate, the soles felt… softer, somehow. Less rigid. Not ideal for performance.
My Go-To Method (The Compromise): After much trial and error, I’ve found a relatively safe compromise. Once they’ve come out of the washing machine and had a good spin (or been allowed to drain), I stuff them tightly with old, lint-free towels. Then, I place them on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area. If I’m impatient, I might put a fan on them. The cool air circulation is key. This usually takes about 24-48 hours, depending on the humidity. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to not ruining your footwear.
The Role of the Washing Machine Manufacturer: According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, while they don’t specifically address shoes, their general advice on appliance use emphasizes following manufacturer instructions to avoid damage or injury. This applies here – if the shoe manufacturer says ‘hand wash only,’ that’s generally a strong indicator to avoid the machine.
[IMAGE: A pair of sneakers on a drying rack, stuffed with white towels, with a small fan blowing cool air onto them.]
Can I Dry Shoes in Washing Machine? A Comparison of Methods
| Method | Pros | Cons | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washing Machine + Dryer (Hot) | Fastest | Destroys shoes, melts glue, warps material, can damage machine. High risk of ruining shoes. | Absolutely Not. Never do this. It’s a one-way ticket to shoe graveyard. |
| Washing Machine + Dryer (Low Heat/Air Fluff) | Faster than air drying | Still a significant risk of heat damage to glues and materials. Can make soles feel gummy. | Risky. Only consider for very sturdy, inexpensive synthetics, and even then, proceed with extreme caution. I wouldn’t recommend it. |
| Washing Machine + Air Drying (with fan/stuffing) | Safest for materials, good for deodorizing if you use vinegar. | Slow. Can take 24-48 hours. Requires effort to stuff and change stuffing. | Recommended. This is the best balance of getting them clean without destroying them. It takes time, but it’s worth it. |
| Hand Washing + Air Drying | Safest for all materials, most control. | Most time-consuming. Requires physical effort for scrubbing. | The Gold Standard. If you have the time and patience, this is always the best option for extending shoe life. |
The Laces and Insoles Question
What about those laces and insoles? They can definitely go in the washing machine. In fact, I highly recommend washing them separately. Toss them into a mesh laundry bag before putting them in the machine. This prevents them from getting tangled around the agitator or lost in the drum.
Laces, especially, can pick up a lot of dirt and odor. Washing them separately ensures they get thoroughly cleaned. Insoles can be a bit trickier; some are made of foam that can degrade quickly. Check the manufacturer’s instructions if you can find them. If not, a gentle hand wash with a bit of soap and cool water is usually a safe bet.
I once tried to wash insoles in the machine and they kind of… shrunk. It was weird. They went from perfectly fitting to being noticeably too small, making my shoes feel sloppy. It was an expensive lesson after only my third attempt at machine washing the whole shoe assembly.
[IMAGE: A mesh laundry bag filled with shoe laces and insoles, ready to be put in the washing machine.]
Can I Wash Running Shoes in the Washing Machine?
Yes, you generally can wash running shoes in a washing machine, especially those made of synthetic mesh and rubber. Use a cool water, gentle cycle, and minimal detergent. Always air dry them afterwards. Avoid hot water and high spin cycles. (See Also: Do Shoes Have To Be Removed At Airport)
Will Washing My Shoes in the Machine Ruin My Washing Machine?
There’s a small risk, especially if the shoes are very heavy or the machine is older. The banging and tumbling can put stress on the drum and motor. Washing shoes alone and adding towels for padding can help mitigate this risk. If your machine sounds like it’s about to break, stop it immediately.
How Do I Get the Smell Out of Shoes Before Washing?
For stubborn odors, a soak in cool water with a cup of white vinegar for a few hours before washing can work wonders. Baking soda sprinkled inside the shoes overnight is also effective. Air them out thoroughly after washing, as lingering moisture encourages smells.
Are There Special Shoe Washing Bags?
Yes, there are specific shoe washing bags or cages designed for washing machines. These are often more robust than standard mesh bags and can help protect both the shoes and your machine from damage during the wash cycle.
Can I Dry My Hiking Boots in the Washing Machine?
Generally, no. Hiking boots are often made of leather, Gore-Tex, or other materials that are not designed for machine washing or drying. The heat and agitation can permanently damage the waterproofing and structural integrity of the boots. Hand wash and air dry them carefully.
Verdict
So, can I dry shoes in washing machine? My honest, hard-won advice is this: if you have to, do it with extreme caution and never, ever put them in a hot dryer. The risk of permanent damage, both to your shoes and potentially your machine, is just too high for most footwear.
Think of it as a last resort for your everyday, beat-up trainers. For anything else, grab a brush, some cool water, and maybe a bit of vinegar. It takes longer, sure, but your expensive sneakers will thank you.
Honestly, the best approach is to check the care label first. If it says ‘hand wash’ or ‘spot clean only,’ believe it. Your wallet and your feet will be happier in the long run.
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