Should You Wash Your Sneakers in the Washing Machine?

Short answer: No — you should not wash your sneakers in the washing machine.

While it might seem like a quick and easy way to clean dirty shoes, machine washing can damage your sneakers in ways that shorten their lifespan, ruin their shape, and weaken their materials. Below, you’ll find a clear, search-optimized explanation of why this method isn’t recommended—and what to do instead.

Why You Shouldn’t Put Sneakers in the Washing Machine

1. It Can Damage the Structure of Your Shoes

Sneakers are designed with glued and stitched components that aren’t built to handle the aggressive spinning and tumbling of a washing machine. Over time—or even after one wash—this can cause:

• Separation of the sole
• Warping of the shoe shape
• Reduced support and comfort

2. Heat Can Break Down Materials

Even on a cold cycle, washing machines can generate friction and heat. If you accidentally use warm water or a dryer afterward, you risk:

• Shrinking fabric uppers
• Warping rubber soles
• Weakening adhesives

3. It Reduces Durability

Repeated machine washing wears down cushioning, stitching, and protective coatings. This means your sneakers will:

• Wear out faster
• Lose shock absorption
• Become less comfortable

4. It Can Damage Your Washing Machine

Sneakers—especially heavier ones—can bang around during cycles, potentially:

• Damaging the drum
• Causing imbalance during spin cycles
• Creating loud noise and wear on the machine

5. Not All Sneakers Are Machine-Safe

Some materials are particularly vulnerable, including:

• Leather
• Suede
• Mesh with delicate overlays

These can crack, fade, or lose their texture completely when machine washed.

What Should You Do Instead?

A safer and more effective method is hand cleaning:

• Use a soft brush or cloth
• Mix mild detergent with warm (not hot) water
• Gently scrub dirt and stains
• Air dry at room temperature

This method preserves both the appearance and lifespan of your sneakers. Read more about how to take care of you sneakers here.

Final Verdict

Do not wash your sneakers in the washing machine.
Although it’s convenient, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Proper hand cleaning keeps your shoes looking fresh without compromising their quality.

FAQ: Washing Sneakers

Can you ever wash sneakers in a washing machine?

Some manufacturers may label certain sneakers as machine-washable, but it’s still risky. Even in those cases, use a gentle cycle, cold water, and a protective bag—but hand washing remains the safer choice.

What happens if I already washed my sneakers in the machine?

If they still look intact, let them air dry completely and check for damage like loose soles or weakened structure. Avoid repeating the process.

How often should I clean my sneakers?

Light cleaning every couple of weeks and deeper cleaning once a month (depending on use) helps maintain them without causing wear.

Can I put sneakers in the dryer?

No. Dryers use heat that can warp soles and damage materials. Always air dry.

What’s the best way to remove odor?

The best way to remove odor is by using Pure effect (also works great on clothes) or Tåbira from Sneakerstvätten. These products removes the bad bacteria that creates the smell.