Keeping your athletic footwear fresh and functional is a common concern, and learning how to wash gym shoes is the solution. Cleaning gym shoes properly extends their life and keeps them performing well for every workout. Dirty shoes are not just a nuisance; ground-in dirt, sweat, and odors can break down materials, affect cushioning, and even lead to discomfort or blisters.
This guide provides clear, step-by-step methods for washing your shoes safely, whether by hand or in a machine. We’ll cover how to tackle different materials, remove stubborn stains, and dry your shoes correctly to avoid damage. With the right approach, you can restore your shoes and make them look and feel nearly new.
How To Wash Gym Shoes
Before you start scrubbing or tossing shoes into the washer, a little preparation goes a long way. Taking these initial steps ensures a more effective clean and prevents unnecessary wear during the washing process.
Preparation Steps Before Washing
First, remove the laces and any removable insoles or sock liners. These items should be cleaned separately to ensure a thorough job. Next, use a dry brush, an old toothbrush, or a cloth to knock off any loose dirt, mud, or debris from the shoe’s upper and outsole. This prevents you from just grinding dirt deeper into the fabric during washing.
For a deeper pre-clean, you can use a damp cloth to wipe away surface grime. If your shoes are particulary muddy, let the mud dry completely first, then brush it off. This makes the main washing step much easier and more effective.
Choosing The Right Cleaning Method
Not all gym shoes are created equal. The best cleaning method depends primarily on the material of your shoe’s upper. Using the wrong method can cause fading, warping, or material breakdown.
Machine Washable Shoes
Many modern running and training shoes with synthetic uppers (mesh, knit, polyester) are machine washable. Always check the manufacturer’s care label first. If it’s missing or unclear, a general rule is that shoes with minimal leather, suede, or special waterproof coatings can often handle a gentle machine cycle.
Hand Wash Only Shoes
Leather, suede, nubuck, and shoes with lots of glued-on embellishments or unstable materials should always be hand-washed. Machine agitation can crack leather, ruin suede’s nap, and cause parts to detach. When in doubt, hand-washing is the safer option to preserve your investment.
Gathering Your Cleaning Supplies
You don’t need specialized products. Most effective shoe cleaning can be done with household items. Here’s what you should gather:
- Mild laundry detergent or dish soap (avoid bleach or harsh cleaners)
- A soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works perfectly)
- Clean cloths or microfiber towels
- Cold or lukewarm water
- A small bowl or bucket for mixing soapy water
- Optional: Baking soda or a specialized sneaker cleaner for stains
Step-By-Step Hand Washing Guide
Hand washing is the most controlled and gentle method, ideal for most gym shoes. It allows you to target soiled areas directly without the harsh tumbling of a machine.
Creating Your Cleaning Solution
Fill a small bowl or bucket with cold or lukewarm water. Add a small amount of mild detergent—about a teaspoon is usually sufficient. Swirl the water to create suds. Using hot water can damage adhesives and cause colors to run, so always opt for cooler temperatures.
Cleaning The Shoe Upper And Interior
Dip your soft-bristled brush into the soapy solution and gently scrub the shoe’s exterior. Focus on stained or dirty areas, using circular motions. For the interior, you can use a cloth dipped in the soapy water to wipe down the inside lining, which harbors sweat and odors. Avoid oversaturating the shoe; you want it damp, not soaking wet.
Scrubbing The Outsoles And Midsole
The rugged outsoles can handle a more vigorous scrub. Use your brush with the soapy solution to clean the tread patterns and the sidewalls of the midsole, which often get scuff marks. For persistent marks on white midsoles, a paste of baking soda and water can be applied with the brush for extra lifting power.
Rinsing And Removing Soap Residue
This is a crucial step. Use a clean cloth dampened with fresh, cold water to wipe away all soap from the shoe. You may need to rinse the cloth several times. Leaving soap residue can attract more dirt and lead to discoloration. Ensure you rinse the interior lining as well to remove any soap traces.
Step-By-Step Machine Washing Guide
For shoes that can tolerate it, machine washing is a convenient option. However, proper setup is key to preventing damage to both your shoes and your washing machine.
Preparing Shoes For The Washer
After removing laces and insoles, place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase. This protects the shoes’ surfaces from snagging and reduces the loud banging noise during the cycle. You can wash the laces and insoles in the same bag or separately in a smaller bag.
Selecting The Correct Washer Settings
Place the bagged shoes in the washing machine. Add a few towels to balance the load and cushion the drum. Use a cold water setting on a gentle or delicate cycle. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. A small amount of mild detergent is enough. The gentle cycle minimizes stress on the shoe’s structure.
Dos And Don’ts Of Machine Washing
- DO use cold water and a gentle cycle.
- DO NOT use a dryer for the shoes after washing.
- DO NOT wash shoes with heavy items like jeans.
- DO NOT use excessive detergent; it’s hard to rinse out.
- DO check the shoes’ condition after the cycle before proceeding to drying.
Drying Your Gym Shoes Correctly
Improper drying is where most shoe cleaning efforts fail. Applying heat or leaving shoes in a damp state can cause shrinkage, warping, and mildew.
Air Drying Techniques
After washing, stuff the toes of the shoes with crumpled white paper or clean, dry towels. This helps absorb moisture and maintain the shoe’s shape as it dries. Avoid using colored newspaper, as the ink may transfer. Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators.
What To Avoid During Drying
Never put gym shoes in the clothes dryer. The intense heat can melt glues, warp soles, and shrink fabrics. Similarly, avoid placing them directly on a heater or using a hairdryer. Direct sunlight can also cause colors to fade and materials to become brittle over time.
Speeding Up The Drying Process Safely
If you need to dry shoes more quickly, place them near a fan or in a breezy area. You can also replace the stuffing paper or towels every few hours as they become damp. Some people use silica gel packs placed inside the shoe to absorb moisture. The key is promoting air circulation without adding heat.
Cleaning Specific Materials And Parts
Different parts of your shoe may need special attention. Here’s how to handle common materials and components.
Washing Shoelaces And Insoles
Shoelaces can be hand-washed in your soapy solution or placed in a mesh bag and machine-washed with your shoes. For insoles, hand-washing is best. Gently scrub them with your brush and soapy water, then rinse thoroughly. This eliminates odor-causing bacteria that live deep within the foam.
Caring For Leather And Suede Accents
For shoes with leather or suede panels, avoid soaking these areas. Instead, use a barely damp cloth to spot-clean. For suede, a specialized suede brush can be used to lift dirt and restore the nap after it dries. There are also specific cleaners formulated for these delicate materials that you can find at shoe stores.
Dealing With Mesh And Knit Uppers
Mesh and knit uppers are generally durable for hand or machine washing. The main concern is snagging. When brushing, use gentle pressure. For machine washing, the mesh laundry bag is essential. These materials usually dry relatively quickly due to their breathable nature.
Removing Stubborn Stains And Odors
Sometimes general washing isn’t enough for set-in stains or persistent smells. These targeted approaches can help.
Eliminating Grass And Mud Stains
For dried mud, brush it off first. For grass stains, a pre-treatment can help. Apply a small dab of dish soap or a paste of baking soda and water directly to the stain. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then gently scrub with your brush before proceeding with your normal washing routine. The enzymes in some laundry detergents are also effective on organic stains.
Targeting Scuff Marks On Soles
Scuff marks on rubber midsoles or outsoles often respond well to a magic eraser melamine foam sponge. Dampen the sponge and gently rub the mark. For tougher marks, a small amount of non-gel toothpaste on an old toothbrush can act as a mild abrasive. Always test any cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Neutralizing Persistent Bad Smells
If odors remain after washing, the culprit is likely bacteria inside the shoe. Sprinkle baking soda liberally inside the dry shoes and let it sit overnight, then shake it out. For a stronger treatment, lightly spray the interior with a mixture of one part white vinegar to one part water, let it air dry, then follow with baking soda. This combination kills odor-causing bacteria effectively.
Maintenance Tips Between Washes
Regular upkeep reduces the frequency of deep cleans and keeps your shoes in better condition for longer.
Daily And Weekly Care Routines
After each workout, wipe down the outsoles with a damp cloth to prevent dirt from being tracked and ground in. If the shoes are damp from sweat, stuff them with paper towels to absorb moisture immediately. This simple habit prevents the growth of mildew and bacteria that cause odors.
Preventing Odor Build-Up
Allow your shoes to air out completely between uses. Don’t store them in a dark gym bag or closet while they are still damp. Using moisture-wicking socks can also significantly reduce the amount of sweat that absorbs into the shoe’s interior lining. Rotating between two pairs of gym shoes gives each pair ample time to dry out fully.
Proper Storage Solutions
Store your clean, dry shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid keeping them in airtight containers, as this can trap moisture and promote mildew. A shoe rack with good air circulation is ideal. For long-term storage, ensure they are completely clean and dry first, and consider using a moisture-absorbing product in the storage area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Put All Gym Shoes In The Washing Machine?
No, you cannot put all gym shoes in the washing machine. Shoes made of leather, suede, or those with lots of glued-on details should always be hand-washed. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions first. When in doubt, hand-washing is the safer choice to avoid damaging the materials or structure of the shoe.
How Often Should You Clean Your Workout Shoes?
A good rule is to perform a light clean every few weeks if you use them regularly, and a deep clean every couple of months. However, frequency depends on your activity level and conditions. If your shoes are visibly dirty, have odors, or you’ve been using them in wet conditions, it’s time for a clean. Don’t wait for them to become extremely soiled.
What Is The Fastest Way To Clean White Gym Shoes?
For a quick refresh of white gym shoes, create a paste from baking soda and water. Apply it to the white midsole and upper with a soft brush, scrub gently, then wipe off with a damp cloth. For a full clean, the hand-washing method with a baking soda paste on stained areas is most effective for restoring brightness without yellowing.
Is It Safe To Use Bleach On Athletic Shoes?
It is generally not recommended to use bleach on athletic shoes. Chlorine bleach can weaken fabrics, break down elastic components, and cause yellowing on white materials over time. It can also be harsh on colored details. Stick to mild detergents and specialized sneaker cleaners for colored uppers, and use baking soda for whitening instead.
Why Do My Shoes Smell Worse After Washing?
If shoes smell worse after washing, it is often because they were not dried thoroughly. Dampness trapped inside promotes mildew and bacterial growth, which causes a musty odor. Ensure you remove insoles to dry separately, stuff the shoes with absorbent material, and allow them to dry completely in a well-ventilated area, which may take 24-48 hours.