Throwing your favorite sneakers into the washer can be convenient, but improper washing could ruin your shoes. Yes, you can wash shoes in a washing machine, but it’s essential to know how to properly pre-treat them and dry them afterward.
Follow this guide to keep your kicks looking fresh, and learn why FLAT SOCKS® are the best solution for keeping shoes clean and odor-free.
Keep Your Shoes Fresh with FLAT SOCKS
Properly cleaning your shoes helps prevent issues like unpleasant odors and stubborn stains, extending the lifespan of your footwear. A common challenge with keeping shoes clean is dealing with sweaty feet.
Even if foot sweat isn’t a concern, leaving shoes unwashed for too long leads to the buildup of odor-causing bacteria and fungi. Standard socks won’t address this issue effectively, which is why FLAT SOCKS are the perfect alternative.
Want a sock-free experience or a discreet no-show option for sweaty shoes?
FLAT SOCKS inserts wick away moisture, control odor, and keep your feet comfortable while maintaining the freshness of your shoes. Plus, they’re machine washable and dryer safe, so your shoes won’t smell as often, meaning fewer washes are needed.
What types of shoes are machine washable?
Before washing shoes, always check the label for care instructions. Not all shoes can be machine washed, especially those made from delicate materials.
Shoes made from canvas, nylon, cotton, or polyester—like most athletic shoes, sneakers, tennis shoes, and casual slip-ons—are typically machine washable.
However, shoes made from leather, suede, nubuck, or embellished with beading, rhinestones, embroidery, or buckles, should not be machine washed. Other non-washable shoes include foam flip flops, sheepskin boots, and heavy-duty work boots.
How to Wash Shoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Just like our guide on washing socks, this guide will walk you through the steps to clean your shoes in the washing machine. While FLAT SOCKS are easier to clean, your shoes require a bit more preparation to keep them looking and smelling fresh.
1. Check Care Instructions
Always check the care instructions on the shoe’s label, typically found inside the tongue or along the heel or ankle. For specific brands like Sketchers®, HeyDude™, or New Balance®, visit the manufacturer’s website for detailed cleaning guidelines.
2. Remove Laces & Insoles
Take out the shoelaces and put them in a mesh laundry bag along with your FLAT SOCKS. This prevents the laces from tangling inside the washing drum. For heavily soiled laces, soak them in a solution of 1:1 white vinegar and water before washing.
Remove any removable insoles and clean them by hand using a mild detergent and a damp cloth. If the insoles are too worn, consider replacing them with new ones like arch-support insoles.
3. Brush Away Dirt & Debris
Use a cloth or an old toothbrush to scrub away dirt from the soles. This pre-treatment step ensures a thorough cleaning during the wash. For scuff marks, use a mixture of dish soap and warm water or a dedicated shoe cleaner.
4. Place Shoes in a Mesh
Put the shoes inside a mesh laundry bag, either with or without the laces. Washing shoes in a mesh bag provides better cleaning and protects the washer from potential damage caused by shoes tumbling around.
No mesh bag?
If you don’t have a mesh laundry bag, use a pair of old tights or a zippered pillowcase as a substitute. These alternatives keep the shoes contained and allow water and detergent to pass through easily.
5. Wash Shoes with Towels
Always wash shoes with a few old towels or sheets to balance the load and prevent damage. Avoid washing them with clothes to prevent dye transfer or fabric stains. Overloading the washing machine will not result in cleaner shoes and may cause damage.
6. Wash Shoes on a Delicate, Cold Cycle
Add liquid detergent or eco-friendly dissolvable strips to the washer. Set the machine to a delicate cycle, using cold water with low or no spin. The wash cycle may take between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your machine.
Washing white shoes?
To brighten white shoes, add a cup of white vinegar to the wash once the shoes are submerged in water. Avoid using bleach, as it can cause discoloration.
7. Air Dry Your Shoe
Once the wash is complete, remove the shoes from the mesh bag. Reshape them by hand or stuff them with clean paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Allow your shoes to air dry, ideally in a sunny spot or hung up. Drying may take a couple of days, depending on the material.
Can shoes go in the dryer?
It’s not recommended to dry shoes in the dryer as the heat can damage adhesives and alter their shape. However, if your dryer has a shoe rack, you can place the shoes there wrapped in towels and use a no-heat or air fluff setting. Check frequently for any signs of damage.
How often should you wash your shoes?
You should wash your shoes whenever they start looking dirty, smell bad, or accumulate dirt and stains. This could mean washing them every few weeks or months, depending on usage. Factors like activity level, environment, and shoe material influence how often they need cleaning.
Brushing off dirt daily can help minimize dirt buildup, especially if you wear shoes indoors. A deep seasonal clean is beneficial for more delicate shoes, allowing you to check if it’s time for a replacement. Athletic and work shoes, as well as hiking boots, require more frequent cleaning due to moisture and wear.
Keep Shoes Clean & Stink-Free with FLAT SOCKS
Dirty shoes can spoil an otherwise stylish outfit, and bad-smelling shoes are never appealing. Follow this guide to keep your shoes clean and use FLAT SOCKS to prevent odor, ensuring your shoes stay fresh and comfortable.
