How To Wash Running Shoes In Washer

Your running shoes can look new again with a careful machine wash that protects their structure. Learning how to wash running shoes in washer is a simple process that can extend their life and keep them smelling fresh. Many runners avoid cleaning their shoes for fear of damage, but with the right prep and settings, your machine can handle the job safely. This guide will walk you through every step, from pre-treatment to air drying, to ensure your shoes come out clean without losing their shape or cushioning.

Washing running shoes in a washing machine is a straightforward method when done correctly. The key is to mimic the gentle care you’d give to delicate clothing. Modern running shoes are durable, but their glues and foams can be sensitive to heat and agitation. Following a systematic approach will give you the best results and prevent common mistakes that lead to damaged shoes.

Preparing Your Shoes For The Washer

Proper preparation is the most important step for a successful wash. Rushing this part can lead to damaged shoes or a messy washing machine. Take a few minutes to get your shoes ready, and you’ll see much better results.

Remove Laces And Insoles

Always take out the laces and removable insoles before washing. This allows water and detergent to reach all areas of the shoe and prevents the laces from tangling. You can wash the laces and insoles separately in a small mesh laundry bag for protection.

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, dirt, and gravel. Pay special attention to the outsole treads and the area where the upper meets the midsole. Removing this debris prevents it from clogging your washer’s drain or scratching the shoe’s material.

Check For Specific Care Instructions

Look inside the shoe tongue or on the box for any manufacturer cleaning guidelines. While most shoes are washer-safe, some materials or specialty shoes might have specific recommendations. If the label explicitly says “Do Not Machine Wash,” it’s best to follow those instructions and clean them by hand instead.

Choosing The Right Washer Settings

Modern washing machines offer many cycles, but only a few are suitable for running shoes. Selecting the wrong setting is a common reason shoes get misshapen. Your goal is to use a cycle that provides a thorough clean with minimal stress on the materials.

Cold Water: Always select a cold water wash. Hot water can weaken adhesives, cause colors to bleed, and may warp certain synthetic materials.
Gentle or Delicate Cycle: This setting provides the low agitation and slower spin speed that shoes need. It cleans effectively without being too harsh.
Low Spin Speed: If your machine allows you to adjust spin speed separately, choose the lowest option. A high-speed spin can throw shoes against the drum, damaging their structure.
Avoid Heavy-Duty or Sanitize Cycles: These cycles use more agitation and often higher heat, which can be detremental to your shoes.

Selecting And Using Detergent

The type of cleaner you use matters just as much as the washer settings. Harsh chemicals can break down the fabrics and foams that make your shoes comfortable and supportive.

Mild Liquid Detergent: A small amount of standard liquid laundry detergent is perfect. Powdered detergents sometimes don’t fully dissolve in cold water and can leave residues.
Avoid Bleach and Fabric Softener: Bleach can discolor shoes and weaken fibers. Fabric softener can coat materials, reducing their breathability and affecting moisture-wicking properties.
Specialty Sports Detergents: These are formulated to tackle odor-causing bacteria and are a great option for performance gear. They are gentler than standard detergents.
Amount: Use about half the detergent you would for a normal load of laundry. Too much soap can be difficult to rinse out completely from the dense shoe materials.

The Step-By-Step Washing Process

Now that your shoes are prepped and your machine is set, it’s time to start the wash. Following these steps in order will ensure a safe and effective cleaning.

Load the Washer: Place your shoes in the washing machine drum. For balance, place them on opposite sides of the center agitator or evenly around the drum in a front-loader. You can add a couple of old towels to help balance the load and cushion the shoes during the cycle.
Add Detergent: Pour the mild liquid detergent into the dispenser, not directly onto the shoes, to prevent concentrated soap stains.
Start the Cycle: Double-check that you’ve selected cold water and a gentle cycle. Close the lid and start the machine.
Consider a Second Rinse: If your machine has the option, an extra rinse cycle can help ensure all soap suds are removed from the deep layers of the shoe foam.

Drying Your Running Shoes Correctly

How you dry your shoes is arguably more important than how you wash them. Applying heat is the fastest way to ruin a good pair of running shoes. Patience during the drying phase is essential.

Never Use A Clothes Dryer

The heat from a tumble dryer can melt glues, shrink materials, and warp the midsole foam. This permanently compromises the shoe’s cushioning and fit. Always air dry your running shoes.

Air Dry In A Well-Ventilated Space

Find a spot with good air circulation, like near a fan, in a breezy hallway, or on a covered porch. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as UV rays can also degrade materials and fade colors over time.

Stuff With Paper To Absorb Moisture

After washing, stuff the toe box and heel of each shoe with crumpled paper towels or white newspaper. This helps absorb internal moisture and maintains the shoe’s shape as it dries. Replace the paper every few hours if it becomes very damp.

Remove Insoles To Dry Separately

Take the insoles out and lay them flat to dry. This allows both the insole and the inside of the shoe to dry faster, preventing the growth of mold and mildew which cause odors.

Maintaining Shoes Between Washes

You don’t need to machine wash your shoes after every run. Regular spot cleaning and maintenance can keep them fresh longer and reduce the frequency of full washes.

Wipe Down After Use: Use a damp cloth to wipe off mud and dirt from the uppers and soles after running on wet or dirty trails.
Use a Deodorizer: Sprinkling baking soda inside the shoes overnight helps absorb moisture and neutralize odors. Shake it out in the morning.
Air Them Out: After your run, remove the insoles and let your shoes air dry in a open space, away from damp lockers or gym bags.
Rotate Your Pairs: Having two pairs of running shoes and alternating them gives each pair more time to fully dry and recover its cushioning between runs.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Being aware of these frequent errors can save your shoes from premature retirement. Even small missteps during the cleaning process can have lasting effects.

Using Hot Water or Heat to Dry: This bears repeating. Heat is the enemy of running shoe integrity.
Overloading the Washer: Washing shoes with a large, heavy load increases agitation and impact. Wash them alone or with a few light towels.
Skipping the Prep Work: Not removing laces, insoles, or caked-on mud leads to an incomplete clean and potential machine damage.
Using Too Much Detergent: Excess soap gets trapped in the foam and can lead to residue buildup and skin irritation later.
Putting Shoes Away Damp: Storing shoes before they are completely dry inside and out is a primary cause of mildew and persistent bad smells.

When To Avoid The Washing Machine

While the washer is convenient, it’s not suitable for every type of running shoe. Recognizing when to hand wash shows you understand proper shoe care.

Leather or Suede Uppers: These materials require specific cleaning products and methods. Machine washing can ruin their texture and appearance.
Electronics or Lights: Some shoes have embedded LEDs or sensors. Water will damage these components.
Very Old or Delicate Shoes: If the shoes are already falling apart or the materials seem brittle, hand washing is a safer choice to get a bit more life out of them.
Specialty Racing Shoes: Ultra-lightweight racing flats often use minimal glue and very thin materials that may not hold up to any machine agitation.

FAQ About Washing Running Shoes

Here are answers to some of the most common questions runners have about cleaning their gear.

Can You Put Running Shoes In The Washing Machine?

Yes, you can safely put most running shoes in the washing machine if you use cold water, a gentle cycle, and air dry them completely. Always check the manufacturer’s label first and remove laces and insoles.

How Often Should You Wash Running Shoes?

A full machine wash is recommended every 4-6 weeks with regular use, or when they become visibly dirty or develop odors. Over-washing can stress the materials, so rely on spot cleaning and airing out between deep cleans.

What Is The Best Way To Clean White Running Shoes?

For white shoes, follow the same machine washing steps. For stubborn stains on the mesh or midsole, you can pre-treat with a paste of baking soda and water or a small amount of mild detergent applied with a soft brush before the wash.

How Do You Get The Smell Out Of Running Shoes?

Machine washing with a sports detergent is effective. For maintenance, use baking soda or commercial shoe deodorizers. Ensuring shoes are completely dry before storage is the most important factor in preventing odor.

Is It Safe To Wash Shoes With Clothes?

It’s generally not recommended. Shoes can bang against clothing and zippers during the cycle, potentially damaging both. The dirt from shoes can also transfer to your clothes. Washing them with a couple of towels is a better option for cushioning.