How to Clean Tennis Shoes in the Washer

Washing tennis shoes in a machine can be an efficient cleaning method when done carefully. This guide covers practical steps, tools, and safety tips to refresh sneakers without damaging them or the washer.

Following best practices helps extend shoe life, remove odors, and keep your laundry routine simple. The focus is on common materials, dirt patterns, and consumer-safe techniques suitable for most athletic footwear.

Quick Answer

Use a gentle cycle with cold water, place shoes inside a mesh laundry bag, and run with a load of towels to balance the drum. Add a pre-wash stain remover spray if needed, and finish with odor-removing sheets to keep sneakers fresh.

What You’ll Need

sneaker cleaning brush set for washing machine — for scrubbing surfaces safely
mesh laundry bag for sneakers washing machine — protects shoes and the drum
soft bristle sneaker cleaning brush — gentle cleaning on delicate areas
pre-wash sneaker stain remover spray — targets tough stains before washing
odor removing sneaker laundry deodorizer sheets — helps neutralize odors after washing

	Spray ‘N Wash Max Laundry Strain Remover 16 oz, Packaging May Vary
	Activated Charcoal Odor Absorber, 6 Pack Natural Shoe Odor Eliminator, Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags, Sneaker Deodorizer and Moisture Absorbers for Clean Footwear, Shoe Odor Remover
	Vivifying Shoe Washing Machine Bag, 2 Pack Honeycomb Mesh Laundry Bag with Zipper for Sneakers, Running Shoes, Sock, Bras, Delicates and Toys

Before You Start

Check shoe labels for care instructions and avoid heat-heavy cycles that could warp soles or deform uppers. Remove laces and insoles if possible, washing them separately or by hand. Use a small amount of mild detergent—excess soap can leave residue or odors. For delicate fabrics or leather components, consider hand cleaning or spot treatment instead of machine washing.

Safety notes: do not wash leather or suede sneakers in the machine, and never place shoes directly on the drum’s interior if the model warns against it. Consider a quieter cycle to minimize vibration on sensitive machines, and run an empty wash cycle afterward if your washer is prone to odors.

Estimated time: prep 5–10 minutes, wash 30–40 minutes, dry 2–6 hours depending on materials and drying method.

Step-By-Step: How To Clean Tennis Shoes In The Washer

Remove laces and insoles; wash laces separately in a mesh bag or by hand, and let insoles air dry.
Brush off loose dirt using the soft bristle sneaker cleaning brush to minimize sediment in the drum.
If stains are visible, apply the pre-wash sneaker stain remover spray to stained areas and let stand for a few minutes.
Place each shoe in a mesh laundry bag for sneakers washing machine to protect both the shoes and the washer drum.
Load the bagged shoes with towels or other soft items to balance the load and cushion movement.
Run a gentle cycle with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent; avoid hot water and high spin speeds for most sneakers.
After the cycle, remove shoes promptly; rinse if necessary to remove any remaining detergent residue.
Pat dry with a towel and stuff with paper towels to help retain shape; air dry away from direct heat or sunlight.
Optionally, use the odor removing sneaker laundry deodorizer sheets in the dryer or near the drying area to maintain freshness.
Reinsert clean insoles and laces once completely dry; inspect for any remaining odor or stains and spot-treat as needed.
Maintain regular cleaning by repeating the process when shoes look dirty or smell noticeable.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Likely Cause	Fix	Prevention
Stains remain after wash	Stubborn spots not treated beforehand	Re-apply pre-wash sneaker stain remover spray and run a short wash again	Pre-treat stains before washing
Odor persists	Insufficient drying or buildup	Dry thoroughly; re-run with odor removing sneaker laundry deodorizer sheets	Ensure complete drying between wears
Colors fading or bleeding	Bleeding dyes or improper cycle	Switch to cold water and gentle cycle; test on small area	Wash new colored sneakers separately first
Excess vibration or noise	Unbalanced load	Add towels or other items to balance; remove one shoe if needed	Distribute weight evenly in future washes
Detergent residue on shoes	Too much detergent	Use a smaller amount of mild detergent	Wash with minimal soap

Common Mistakes

Washing leather or suede sneakers in the machine
Using hot water or high heat settings
Skipping the mesh bag, risking scuffs or drum damage
Overloading the washer or under-balancing the load
Not pre-treating tough stains before washing

Tips For Best Results

Always remove the insole and laces for thorough cleaning; machine washing insoles alone can cause moisture issues.
Turn sneakers right side out if possible to expose outer fabric evenly to cleaner.
Use cold water to protect colors and fabrics; hot water can shrink or warp some materials.
Air drying is safer than machine drying; stuffing with paper helps retain shape and speed drying.
Clean the washing machine drum afterward if you notice residue or odors after a sneaker wash.

Call A Professional

Contact a professional if sneakers are made of delicate materials (premium leathers, high-end suede) or if persistent stains resist home methods. Stop and seek expert care if the shoes show cracking, unusual odors, or if the fabric feels structurally compromised after washing.

FAQ

Can I wash all tennis shoes in the washer?

Most athletic sneakers can be machine washed with caution, but avoid leather, suede, or embellished footwear unless the care label allows it.

What cycle should I use for washing sneakers?

Choose a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water to protect materials and reduce wear.

Should I use bleach or fabric softener?

Avoid bleach and limit fabric softeners; use a mild detergent suitable for athletic fabrics.

How long should sneakers air dry after washing?

Allow 6–24 hours depending on material, humidity, and airflow. Ensure they are completely dry before wearing.

Buying Guide

When choosing products to support cleaning tennis shoes in the washer, consider factors such as size compatibility, material safety, and ease of use. A dedicated sneaker cleaning brush set helps lift dirt without damaging fabric, while a mesh laundry bag protects both shoes and the machine. Pre-wash stain remover sprays are handy for tough spots, and deodorizer sheets help maintain freshness after washing. For best results, pair these tools with a gentle washing routine and proper drying methods.

Key Buying Factors

<bSize and fit: Ensure the cleaning tools accommodate the typical sizes of your sneakers and fit inside your washer’s drum without obstruction.
<bNoise and vibration: Look for washing machines with quieter cycles if you do frequent footwear care midweek.
<bEnergy efficiency: Use cold water cycles to save energy and protect fabrics, especially for frequent sneaker cleaning.
<bControls and presets: Simple, dedicated presets for delicate loads help maintain consistent results.
<bPlacement: A utility area with good airflow aids drying and reduces odor buildup; consider near a window or fan for faster air-dry times.
<bDurability of tools: Choose sturdy brushes and a robust mesh bag to withstand repeated use.