How To Wash Running Shoes In The Washer

Learning how to wash running shoes in the washer can save your favorite pair and keep them fresh. Placing running shoes in the washer requires a few specific steps to ensure they come out clean, not damaged. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from prep to drying, so your shoes survive the cycle and look great.

Using a washing machine is a fast way to clean your running shoes. However, you cannot just toss them in and hope for the best. The agitator, heat, and spin cycles can harm materials if you are not careful. Following a methodical approach protects the shoe’s structure, cushioning, and fabric.

Pre-Wash Preparation Steps

Proper preparation is the most important part of the process. Skipping these steps can lead to damaged shoes or a damaged washer. Set aside ten minutes to get your shoes ready.

Remove Laces and Insoles

Always take out the laces and removable insoles. This allows for a thorough clean and prevents tangling. You can wash these seperately, often in a mesh laundry bag for safety.

Brush Off Excess Dirt and Debris

Use a dry brush, like an old toothbrush or a soft-bristled scrub brush, to knock off loose mud, sand, and gravel. This prevents these abrasives from grinding into the fabric during the wash and keeps your washing machine cleaner.

Check the Manufacturer’s Care Label

Look inside the shoe or on the manufacturer’s website for cleaning instructions. While many modern running shoes are washer-safe, some materials or specialty shoes may require hand-washing. This is a critical step many runners overlook.

Choosing The Right Washer Settings

Modern washers have many cycles. Choosing the wrong one is a common mistake. The goal is a gentle clean with minimal stress on the shoes.

Cycle Type: Select a gentle, delicate, or hand-wash cycle. These cycles use slower agitation and spin speeds.
Water Temperature: Always use cold water. Hot water can warp glues, degrade cushioning foams, and cause colors to run or fade.
Spin Speed: Opt for a low or no-spin setting if available. High-speed spinning can throw shoes against the drum, damaging them and the machine.

Loading The Washer Correctly

How you load the shoes impacts the wash quality and machine balance. Never wash shoes with just one shoe; always wash them in pairs.

Use a Mesh Laundry Bag: Place each shoe inside its own sturdy mesh garment bag. This provides an extra layer of protection from the agitator or drum.
Add Towels for Balance: Add two or three old towels to the load. They cushion the shoes, prevent loud banging, and help balance the machine for a smoother cycle.
Position Shoes Evenly: Place the bagged shoes on opposite sides of the drum, with the towels distributed around them. This maintains balance during the spin cycle.

Selecting Detergent And Additives

The products you use are as important as the settings. Harsh chemicals can break down the technical fabrics and adhesives in your shoes.

Mild Detergent: Use a small amount of mild liquid laundry detergent. Powdered detergents may not fully dissolve in cold water and can leave residues.
Avoid Bleach and Fabric Softener: Never use chlorine bleach or fabric softener. Bleach damages materials and discolors shoes, while softener coats fabrics, reducing their breathability and moisture-wicking ability.
Optional: Deodorizer: For stubborn odors, you can add a half-cup of baking soda or white vinegar to the detergent dispenser. Both are natural deodorizers that are gentle on shoes.

The Washing Cycle And Immediate Post-Wash Steps

Once you start the cycle, your job is not quite done. What you do immediately after the wash stops is crucial for preventing mildew and preserving shape.

Starting the Cycle and Supervision

Start the washer and listen for the first few minutes. If you hear excessive banging, pause and redistribute the load. It’s a good idea to stay nearby incase an imbalance occurs.

Removing Shoes Promptly

As soon as the cycle finishes, remove the shoes, laces, and insoles. Do not let them sit wet in the machine, as this is a primary cause of mildew growth and unpleasant, set-in odors.

Stuffing for Shape and Absorbency

Stuff the toe box and heel of each shoe with crumpled white paper towels or clean, dry dish towels. This helps absorb moisture from the inside out, maintains the shoe’s shape as it dries, and speeds up drying time significantly.

Proper Drying Techniques

Drying is where many people make errors that ruin shoes. Never, under any circumstances, use direct heat like a clothes dryer, radiator, or hairdryer.

Air Dry in a Ventilated Space: Place the stuffed shoes in a well-ventilated area, like near a fan or in a room with good air flow. Avoid damp, enclosed spaces like a bathroom.
Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat: Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heaters. Intense heat and UV rays can cause materials to become brittle, crack, or yellow.
Rotate and Remove Stuffing: Rotate the shoes every few hours and replace the damp paper towels with dry ones. This ensures even drying and prevents interior moisture buildup.

Cleaning Laces And Insoles Seperately

For a complete refresh, give your laces and insoles individual attention. They harbor a lot of sweat and bacteria.

Laces: Place them in a small mesh bag and wash them with the shoes or by hand in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
Insoles: Hand-wash insoles gently using a soft brush and mild detergent. Rinse all soap out completely. Never put them in the dryer; air dry them flat.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Being aware of these pitfalls will ensure your shoes last through many washes.

Using a Top-Load Washer with Agitator: If you have an older top-load machine with a central agitator, it’s riskier. The agitator can snag and tear shoes. Consider hand-washing or using a laundromat’s front-loader instead.
Skipping the Mesh Bag: The mesh bag is a simple barrier that prevents lugs from catching on the drum and fabric from snagging.
Overusing the Washer: Washing shoes after every run is unnecessary and accelerates wear. Wash them only when visibly dirty or smelly. Spot clean minor stains between full washes.
Ignoring Wear and Tear: Washing will not fix broken-down cushioning or worn-out soles. If your shoes have over 300-500 miles on them, cleaning might refresh them, but it won’t restore lost support.

When Not To Use The Washing Machine

Some shoes are not candidates for machine washing. Recognizing these exceptions saves you from a laundry disaster.

Leather or Suede Shoes: These materials require specific cleaning products and methods. Water can stain and ruin them.
Specialty Shoes: Shoes with built-in electronics (like smart chips), metal components, or very delicate, non-synthetic uppers should be hand-cleaned.
Extremely Mud-Caked Shoes: If shoes are covered in thick, wet mud, let them dry completely first, then brush off all the dried mud before attempting any wash. Mud in the washer can clog the drain.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about washing running shoes.

Can You Put Running Shoes in the Dryer?

No, you should not put running shoes in the dryer. The intense, direct heat can melt glues, warp the midsole foam, shrink materials, and significantly shorten the lifespan of the shoe. Always air dry them.

How Often Should You Wash Running Shoes?

There is no set rule, but a good guideline is to wash them every 4-6 weeks of regular use, or whenever they become visibly soiled or develop odors. Over-washing can stress the materials, so spot cleaning is a good interim solution.

Is It Safe to Wash Shoes in a Front Load Washer?

Yes, front-loading washing machines are generally safer for shoes than top-loaders with agitators. The tumbling action of a front-loader is more gentle. Still, use a delicate cycle, cold water, and mesh bags for protection.

What is the Best Way to Remove Odors from Running Shoes?

After washing, ensure they are completely dry. For ongoing odor control, use moisture-wicking socks, let shoes air out after each run, and occasionally sprinkle baking soda inside them overnight before shaking it out.

Can I Wash My Running Shoes by Hand Instead?

Absolutely. Hand-washing is the gentlest method. Use a soft brush, cold water, and mild detergent to scrub the uppers, midsoles, and outsoles. Rinse thoroughly and follow the same air-drying steps with stuffing. This is often recomended for high-end or fragile shoes.