Want to wash your sneakers without them losing their shape or the sole coming loose? Then the main rule is simple: only canvas, textile and some synthetic trainers can sometimes go in the washing machine, and even then only on a gentle programme. Leather, suede and sneakers with lots of glued parts are better cleaned by hand. That way you prevent damage and your shoes stay looking good for longer.
Can sneakers go in the washing machine?
Yes, some sneakers can. Think of simple canvas plimsolls, fabric trainers and lightweight mesh or knit models without delicate finishes. The washing machine is especially handy when shoes smell musty, look dusty or need a general refresh.
Still, the washing machine isn't automatically the best choice. Many sneakers are made of several materials, foam layers, glue and reinforcements. As a result, water, heat and spinning can cause damage more quickly than you'd expect. So always check the care label or the brand's product information first. The same basic rule applies to gym shoes and trainers: only wash them if the material and construction allow it. Want all the steps and settings in one clear overview? Then read our guide shoes in the washing machine.
What can go wrong in the washing machine?
The most common damage is glue coming loose. Especially the sole edge, toe cap and decorative panels are vulnerable once they get wet for a long time and then dry out again. The toe of the shoe can also dent, mesh can pill and colours can become dull or blotchy. With white sneakers, you also regularly see old dirt soaking deeper into the material if you don't pre-treat them properly first.
It's not just the sneaker that's at risk. Heavy shoes banging hard around the drum can cause imbalance and extra wear in the washing machine. That's why a laundry bag or pillowcase, together with a few towels, helps to cushion the impact. So washing sneakers in the washing machine is mainly something for suitable materials, not something you automatically do with every pair.
Which sneakers can and can't you wash?
Canvas, textile and lightweight trainers
Canvas shoes, simple plimsolls and some breathable trainers are the most suitable. Fabric Converse All Stars, white canvas sneakers and lightweight training shoes can often be washed carefully on a short programme. Here too: the simpler the construction, the smaller the risk of damage.
Leather sneakers, suede and nubuck
Washing leather sneakers in the washing machine isn't recommended. Leather can dry out, become stiff and eventually crack. Suede and nubuck are even more sensitive, because water affects the fibre structure and the material can dry hard or blotchy. Want to wash leather adidas shoes or clean white leather sneakers? Then choose hand washing with a soft cloth and a mild cleaning product.
Models with lots of glue, sole technology or details
Nike Air Max, Air Force 1, some New Balance models, platform sneakers and shoes with metallic or glued finishes are better not washed in a machine. The same goes for many fashion sneakers with thick sole constructions. With shoes like these, spot cleaning is almost always safer than washing them completely.
How to wash sneakers in the washing machine step by step
If you still want to wash sneakers in the washing machine, go about it as carefully as possible. These steps limit wear on the material, stitching and sole.
Remove the laces and loose insoles from the shoe. Preferably wash them separately, so they get cleaner and the sneaker itself can be washed more evenly. Not sure whether you can wash them with other laundry? Read more about sorting your laundry.
First brush away mud, sand and small stones. Coarse dirt rubs against the material during washing and can also end up in the drum.
Pre-treat stains with a small amount of liquid detergent or mild soap. Leave it to work briefly and then rub gently with a cloth or soft brush. For mud, grass or grease stains, the guide removing stains from clothes will help.
Put the sneakers in a laundry bag or pillowcase. Add two or three towels to reduce the banging in the drum. Washing shoes in a pillowcase is therefore a practical way to limit damage.
For energy-efficient washing, choose a delicates, short or sports programme at 20 to 30 degrees. If you're wondering at what temperature it's safe to wash sneakers, 30 degrees is usually the upper limit. Higher temperatures increase the risk of shrinking, deformation and glue coming loose.
Use a small amount of liquid detergent. Washing powder can leave residue in mesh and canvas, while fabric softener can form a coating that doesn't rinse out properly.
Turn the spin cycle off or set it as low as possible. It's precisely the hard spinning that often causes the most damage to both the sneaker and the washing machine.
Washing sneakers by hand is often safer
For most sneakers, cleaning by hand is the best choice. Especially with leather, suede, white sole edges, air units and shoes with a distinct shape or structure. You usually only need lukewarm water, a soft brush or cloth and a mild cleaning product.
Work with small amounts of water and don't let the shoe get soaked. Clean the upper first, then the sole edge and finally the laces. Stubborn stains are better treated lightly several times than scrubbed aggressively once. Want to wash Nike shoes, refresh adidas sneakers or keep white plimsolls looking neat? Then hand washing gives you more control. It's also best not to use too much soda, as it can leave residue or dry out sensitive materials.
Drying without damage
Always let washed sneakers dry at room temperature in a well-ventilated place. Stuff them loosely with uncoloured paper, so moisture is absorbed faster and they keep their shape better. Replace the paper if it quickly gets wet. In good weather, drying laundry outside is a safe way to speed up the drying process.
Never put sneakers on the radiator and don't put them in the dryer. Direct heat can damage rubber, foam, plastic and glue. Trainers and sneakers with thick or technical soles in particular react badly to it.
Common mistakes when washing sneakers
Washing too hot is mistake number one. As soon as you go above 30 degrees, the risk of deformation, discolouration and glue damage increases quickly.
Too much detergent also works against you. Residue easily stays behind in mesh, canvas and seams, which can actually make shoes look duller after drying.
A high spin speed is another common mistake. It makes sneakers bang harder against the drum and increases the risk of damage to the shape and sole.
Finally, sneakers often go wrong during drying. A dryer, radiator or full sun may seem fast, but usually shortens the life of the material.
Popular brands and models
Washing Nike sneakers and Air Max
Simple textile Nike trainers can sometimes go carefully in the washing machine. For Nike Air Max, Air Max 90, Air Max 95, Air Max 270 and Air Force 1, hand washing is usually wiser. These models often have glued parts, shape-retaining panels or a sole construction that is prone to deformation.
Washing adidas sneakers
The same rule applies to adidas shoes: fabric models can sometimes go in on a gentle programme, but leather versions such as the Superstar are better not washed in a machine. Knit models too, including some Yeezy versions, often seem washable but usually stay looking better if you clean them by hand.
Converse All Stars, Skechers and New Balance
Canvas Converse All Stars and similar plimsolls can sometimes go in the washing machine, although the rubber edge and stitching often stay neater with hand washing. With Skechers, New Balance, Puma, Reebok and Fila it varies greatly per model. So don't just go by the brand, but always check the label and the material make-up of your pair.
Frequently asked questions about washing sneakers
How do I wash sneakers in the washing machine?
Remove the laces and insoles, brush away dirt, pre-treat stains, use a laundry bag or pillowcase, choose 20 to 30 degrees and use a small amount of liquid detergent. Turn the spin cycle off or set it low, and then let the shoes air-dry slowly.
At what temperature should I wash sneakers?
20 to 30 degrees is the safest. For most sneakers, 30 degrees is the maximum temperature. Washing hotter increases the risk of shrinking, discolouration and glue damage.
How do I get white sneakers clean again?
Start dry and brush away dust and dirt. Then clean the upper with a soft brush, lukewarm water and a mild product. White canvas sneakers can sometimes go in the washing machine, but white leather sneakers are better cleaned by hand.
Can I wash Nike sneakers in the washing machine?
Only if they're simple textile models and the label allows it. With Air Max, Air Force and other sneakers with lots of glued or moulded parts, cleaning by hand is safer.
Can you wash Skechers?
Some Skechers models are washable, others aren't. So always check the label or the product information for your specific pair. Models with a sturdy sole construction or mixed materials in particular are better not washed in the machine.
Can I put sneakers in the dishwasher?
No. A dishwasher uses too much heat and isn't suitable for materials such as rubber, glue, mesh and leather. The risk of deformation and permanent damage is high.
