What Cycle to Wash Shoes on Washing Machine

Washing shoes in a washing machine can save time, but choosing the wrong cycle may cause shrinking, color fading, misshaping, or damage to the soles. The best cycle for most washable canvas, cotton, nylon, and synthetic sneakers is usually a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water.

A short, low-agitation cycle is generally safer than a normal or heavy-duty wash because shoes can be rough on both the machine and the footwear.

Quick answer:

Cycle: Delicate, gentle, or hand-wash cycle
Water temperature: Cold
Spin: Low or medium
Detergent: Small amount of mild liquid detergent
Drying: Air-dry naturally
Avoid: Hot water, heavy-duty cycles, bleach, and high-heat drying

Fact: Heat and aggressive agitation can weaken adhesives, distort foam, and damage some synthetic materials.

Why the Washing Cycle Matters for Shoes?

Unlike clothing, shoes have several materials combined into one item. A pair may contain fabric, rubber, foam, stitching, glue, leather-like sections, and decorative details.

The washing cycle affects each component differently.

Gentle Cycle vs. Normal Cycle

A gentle cycle uses less aggressive movement and is generally preferable for washable shoes.

Gentle/delicate: Best overall choice for suitable fabric shoes
Normal: May be acceptable for sturdy canvas or synthetic sneakers, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions
Heavy duty: Usually too aggressive
Quick wash: Can work for lightly soiled shoes if the cycle uses gentle agitation
Hand-wash cycle: Excellent option when available

Fact: The gentler the mechanical action, the lower the chance of shoes becoming misshapen during washing.

What Shoes Can Usually Go in a Washing Machine?

Not every pair of shoes belongs in a washing machine. Before selecting a cycle, check the care label or manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

Generally Suitable Materials

Some shoes are commonly washable when their care instructions permit machine washing.

Canvas sneakers
Cotton fabric shoes
Nylon shoes
Polyester sneakers
Some synthetic athletic shoes
Fabric slip-ons
Some mesh shoes

Important: “Washable material” does not automatically mean “machine washable.” Construction and manufacturer instructions also matter.

Shoes You Should Usually Keep Out of the Washer

Avoid machine washing shoes made from materials that can be damaged by soaking or aggressive movement.

Leather
Suede
Nubuck
Shoes with delicate decorations
Shoes with loose glued components
Shoes containing electronic components
Shoes with extensive metal embellishments
Specialty footwear without machine-wash instructions

Fact: Suede and leather can experience texture, finish, shape, or color changes when exposed to excessive water.

What Water Temperature Should You Use?

Cold water is usually the safest choice for machine-washing washable shoes.

Cold water helps reduce the risk of:

Color bleeding
Material shrinkage
Adhesive deterioration
Fabric distortion
Excessive heat exposure

Warm water may be appropriate for certain washable shoes if the manufacturer’s instructions specifically allow it.

Why Hot Water Is Risky

Hot water can be particularly problematic when shoes contain adhesives or heat-sensitive synthetic materials.

Fact: Heat can soften or weaken some shoe adhesives, potentially causing components to separate.

How Much Detergent Should You Use?

More detergent does not necessarily mean cleaner shoes. Excess detergent can remain inside fabric, mesh, and padding.

Use:

A small amount of mild liquid laundry detergent
Enough detergent for a small/light load
A detergent recommended for the shoe material when specified

Avoid using excessive detergent simply because the shoes are dirty.

Should You Use Bleach?

Usually, no.

Bleach can:

Damage colored fabrics
Weaken certain fibers
Affect synthetic materials
Cause uneven discoloration
Damage decorative components

For stubborn stains, pretreat the affected area according to the shoe manufacturer’s cleaning instructions rather than automatically adding bleach.

What Spin Speed Is Best for Shoes?

A low or medium spin speed is generally preferable.

High-speed spinning can create substantial mechanical stress as the shoes repeatedly hit the drum.

A safer approach is:

Choose low spin when available
Use medium spin only when appropriate
Avoid the highest spin setting
Remove the shoes promptly after the cycle

Fact: Lower mechanical stress can help shoes retain their original shape.

How to Prepare Shoes Before Washing

Proper preparation can make a bigger difference than simply selecting the correct cycle.

Remove Laces and Insoles

Take out removable shoelaces and insoles before washing whenever the care instructions permit.

This helps you:

Clean laces separately
Reach dirt underneath the insoles
Improve airflow during drying
Reduce trapped moisture
Prevent small parts from becoming tangled

Wash removable laces in a mesh laundry bag.

Remove Loose Dirt First

Brush off:

Mud
Sand
Grass
Pebbles
Dried dirt

A soft brush or old toothbrush can help clean around the outsole and seams.

Fact: Removing loose dirt before washing reduces the amount of debris entering the washing machine.

Should You Put Shoes in a Laundry Bag?

Yes, a mesh laundry bag can provide an extra layer of protection.

Place the shoes inside the bag and close it securely.

A laundry bag can:

Reduce direct impact against the drum
Help contain laces
Prevent shoes from becoming separated
Reduce noise
Protect delicate fabric surfaces

Can You Wash Shoes With Clothes?

It is better to avoid washing shoes with your regular clothing.

Instead, add a few old towels if your machine and shoe-care instructions allow it.

Towels can:

Cushion the shoes
Reduce banging
Help balance the load
Prevent direct repeated impacts against the drum

Do not overload the washer.

What Cycle to Wash Shoes on Washing Machine:

Step-by-Step: How to Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine

Once you’ve confirmed that the shoes are machine washable, follow a simple process.

Step 1: Check the Care Instructions

Look at the shoe label, manufacturer’s website, or product instructions.

If machine washing is prohibited, clean the shoes by hand instead.

Step 2: Remove Accessories

Take out:

Laces
Removable insoles
Loose inserts
Any removable decorations

Step 3: Brush Away Dirt

Remove as much dry dirt and mud as possible.

Step 4: Pretreat Stains

Apply a small amount of suitable mild detergent to noticeable stains and gently work it into the fabric.

Step 5: Place Shoes in a Mesh Bag

Put the shoes into a protective laundry bag.

Step 6: Select the Washing Cycle

Choose:

Delicate
Gentle
Hand-wash

Use cold water and a low or medium spin.

Step 7: Add Mild Detergent

Use a modest amount of liquid detergent.

Step 8: Start the Washer

Allow the gentle cycle to complete.

Do not add fabric softener unless the shoe manufacturer specifically recommends it.

Step 9: Remove Shoes Immediately

Take the shoes out once the cycle finishes.

Step 10: Air-Dry Thoroughly

Stuff the shoes loosely with clean white paper or towels to help maintain their shape.

Place them somewhere:

Cool
Dry
Well ventilated
Away from direct high heat

How to Dry Shoes After Machine Washing

The washing cycle is only half of the process. Drying incorrectly can undo the benefits of gentle washing.

The Safest Drying Method

Air drying is generally the safest approach for washable fabric shoes.

Remove insoles
Loosen the tongue
Open the shoes as much as possible
Place them in a ventilated area
Allow plenty of drying time
Replace insoles only after everything is completely dry

Fact: Trapped moisture inside shoes can contribute to unpleasant odors and microbial growth.

Can You Put Shoes in the Dryer?

Check the manufacturer’s instructions first.

If the shoes are not specifically dryer-safe, avoid using high heat.

High temperatures may:

Damage adhesives
Deform foam
Shrink fabrics
Alter the shape
Damage synthetic components

If drying instructions allow a dryer, use the lowest suitable heat setting and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Common Washing Machine Mistakes to Avoid

Even washable shoes can be damaged by poor washing practices.

Mistake 1: Using Hot Water

Hot water may affect colors, adhesives, and materials.

Better: Choose cold water unless the care instructions specify otherwise.

Mistake 2: Choosing Heavy Duty

Heavy-duty agitation is unnecessary for most washable shoes.

Better: Use delicate or gentle.

Mistake 3: Adding Too Much Detergent

Extra detergent can leave residue.

Better: Use a small amount of mild detergent.

Mistake 4: Washing Mud-Covered Shoes Directly

Large amounts of dirt can enter the washer.

Better: Brush off loose dirt first.

Mistake 5: Using High Heat to Dry

High heat can damage shoe construction.

Better: Air-dry whenever possible.

Mistake 6: Overloading the Washer

Too many items can prevent proper cleaning and increase impact.

Better: Keep the load light and balanced.

Mistake 7: Ignoring the Care Label

A shoe that looks washable may still have components that aren’t designed for machine washing.

Better: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions first.

Best Washing Machine Settings for Different Shoe Types

The ideal setting can vary according to construction.

Canvas Shoes

Cycle: Delicate/gentle
Water: Cold
Spin: Low
Detergent: Mild
Drying: Air dry

Canvas generally tolerates washing better than delicate leather or suede, but the manufacturer’s instructions still take priority.

Mesh Running Shoes

Cycle: Gentle
Water: Cold
Spin: Low
Protection: Mesh laundry bag
Drying: Air dry

Mesh can trap dirt and detergent, so use only a small amount of detergent and rinse thoroughly.

Synthetic Sneakers

Cycle: Gentle
Water: Cold
Spin: Low or medium
Detergent: Mild
Drying: Air dry

Check for glued decorative elements before washing.

White Fabric Shoes

White shoes can usually be cleaned with a gentle cycle when machine washing is permitted.

Avoid automatically using chlorine bleach.

Instead:

Brush away dirt
Pretreat stains
Use mild detergent
Wash with cold water
Air-dry completely

How Often Should You Machine Wash Shoes?

There is no universal schedule.

Washing too frequently may unnecessarily stress the materials.

Instead, clean shoes when they have:

Visible dirt
Persistent stains
Noticeable odor
Heavy sweat buildup
Outdoor grime

For everyday footwear, regular brushing and spot cleaning can reduce the need for full washing.

How to Keep Shoes Cleaner for Longer

A few simple habits can reduce washing frequency.

Quick Maintenance Routine

After wearing shoes:

Remove loose dirt
Let them air out
Keep them dry
Clean stains promptly
Store them in a ventilated location
Avoid wearing fabric shoes in conditions they’re not designed for

Fact: Promptly treating stains is often easier than removing an old, set-in stain after repeated wear.

When Hand Washing Is Better

Machine washing isn’t always the best solution.

Hand washing is preferable when shoes have:

Delicate stitching
Fragile decorations
Sensitive materials
Loose components
Manufacturer instructions requiring hand washing

Use a soft brush, mild detergent, and cool water, then rinse carefully and air-dry.

A Simple Shoe-Washing Checklist

Before pressing the start button, check this list:

The Bottom Line

If you’re wondering what cycle to wash shoes on a washing machine, the safest general answer is a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water and low spin—provided the shoes are specifically suitable for machine washing.

Avoid aggressive cycles and high temperatures, and focus just as much on preparation and drying as the wash itself. When in doubt, the shoe manufacturer’s care instructions should always take priority over general washing advice.

FAQs

Can I wash shoes on a normal cycle?

Some sturdy washable shoes can tolerate a normal cycle, but a gentle or delicate cycle is generally safer because it reduces agitation and impact.

What temperature should I wash shoes in?

Cold water is usually the safest option for machine-washable shoes.

Can I wash sneakers in the washing machine?

Many fabric and synthetic sneakers can be machine washed, but always check their care instructions first.

Should I use delicate cycle for shoes?

Yes. A delicate or gentle cycle is generally a good choice because it uses less aggressive mechanical action.

Can I put shoes in the washing machine with towels?

A few old towels can help cushion shoes and reduce banging, provided the shoe and washer instructions allow it. Avoid overloading the machine.

Can I use regular laundry detergent on shoes?

A small amount of mild liquid laundry detergent is generally suitable for washable fabric shoes. Avoid excessive detergent.

Should I wash shoes with hot or cold water?

Cold water is generally the better choice because it reduces the risk of material, color, and adhesive damage.

Can I put washed shoes in the dryer?

Only if the manufacturer says they are dryer-safe. Otherwise, air drying is the safer option.

How long do shoes take to air dry?

Drying time varies with material, humidity, airflow, and how wet the shoes are. Allow them to dry completely before wearing them again.

Why do shoes smell after washing?

Odor can occur when moisture remains trapped inside padding or insoles. Remove insoles when possible and allow the shoes to dry completely in a well-ventilated area.