How to wash sneakers in the washing machine or by hand — I tried both methods and one came out on top

Looking at your favorite sneakers and think they could use a clean? It's probably time to give them some TLC.

I have been putting my running trainers to work training for a half marathon, and they're in desperate need of a scrub. So, I've asked cleaning experts how to clean sneakers in the washing machine and how to clean sneakers by hand. Then, I've put their tips to work myself on each shoe in order to show you the results for each.

All you need to do is gather up your cleaning supplies (luckily, you don't need many), take a couple of hours to clean them, and leave them to dry.

Good to know

Time: About 1–2 hours to clean, 24–48 hours to dry.

Difficulty: Easy.

Helpful hints: Take a look at the material your shoe is made of. This is often on the tongue of the sneaker, the sole, or on the original box. (Check the website if you can't find it.) This will help you determine how to properly clean your sneakers and avoid ruining any finicky fabrics like suede.

Sneaker cleaning essentials

• Mild laundry detergent or dish soap — Tide's Free & Gentle on Amazon is a team favorite
• A cloth bag — the Muchfun Laundry Bags from Amazon are the site's choice
• A soft cleaning brush — I used a brush in my cupboard, but the CJCY.DO Laundry Brush from Amazon is soft and comfortable to hold, according to shoppers
• Baking soda — Arm & Hammer's on Amazon is always our pick
• Cleaning paste — The Pink Stuff is on Amazon and is a fan-favorite

How to wash sneakers in the washing machine

Go for speed and efficiency by washing your sneakers in the washing machine.

Step 1: Remove the laces and insoles

First of all, it’s important to remove delicate parts of your sneakers, so they don’t get damaged or stuck in your best washing machine.

“Laces can be washed separately or placed in a mesh laundry bag,” explains Vanessa Terra Bossart, cleaning expert and owner of Green Terra Cleaning.

“Meanwhile, insoles are best scrubbed by hand to avoid damage,” she adds.

Step 2: Remove and treat excess dirt

Making sure to remove any extra dirt before will not only ensure you can keep your washing machine as sparkling as possible but will also leave you with a better result when cleaning your sneakers.

“Use an old toothbrush or soft brush to remove loose dirt and debris from the sneakers' surface,” Vanessa says.

I used a shoe cleaning brush I already had in my cupboards, but if you do want a cleaning brush, the OXO Good Grips Deep Clean Brush Set from Amazon is highly rated and has durable bristles. Or, if you want to choose a sustainable solution, just use an old toothbrush.

You can also use this time to treat any heavy dirt spots. Mine had a few from running in the woods, so I mixed a mild detergent and gently scrubbed these with a soft cloth.

Step 3: Load the washing machine properly

Whether you’re cleaning Nike shoes (like me!) or not, it’s a good idea to ensure your footwear is protected for its journey in the washing machine.

“Put the sneakers in a mesh laundry bag to minimize the risk of damage from them moving around in the machine,” says Vanessa.

She also advises adding a few towels to the wash to help balance the load and reduce noise. Just make sure not to use your best towels, so you don’t ruin them.

From here, Vanessa says to make sure to pick a gentle cycle with lukewarm water to protect the sneakers, as well as only using a small amount of mild detergent.

Step 4: Leave to dry

Once the washing cycle is complete, take the sneakers out and let them air dry in a warm, dry, and — if outside — shady spot. I’d only put them in direct sunlight if they're all-white. 

“Avoid using a dryer, as the heat can warp the shoes,” Vanessa says.

She also advises stuffing them with paper towels, so to help retain their shape and absorb moisture. You can switch these out every couple of hours to maintain freshness.

When completely dry, simply reinsert the insoles and lace up the shoes. 

Sneakers still smelly after all that? Sprinkle baking soda inside them and leave them overnight. The next day, shake them out and you should be good to go.

How to wash sneakers by hand

If you're worried about damaging your shoes, washing sneakers by hand is a safe bet.

Step 1: Remove laces and insoles

As with machine washing your sneakers, make sure to remove the laces and insoles. 

“Soak the laces in soapy water, rinse, and let them air dry,” Vanessa says. 

Once you’ve done this, you can simply clean the insoles separately with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Step 2: Prepare your cleaning solutions

For the whole shoe, you’re going to need a bucket of water that’s big enough to fit both your shoes.

Vanessa explains, “For soaking, fill a bucket or basin with warm water and add a mild detergent.”

She also recommends mixing baking soda (trusted Arm & Hammer's on Amazon is always our pick) and water in a smaller bowl to make a paste for tough stains. 

It's worth having baking soda cleaning tips in your pocket, as this is a great natural solution that can be used around the house.

Step 3: Hand wash the sneakers

I put on a pair of rubber gloves in order to do this, so to protect my hands from the bristles. The Mr Clean lined gloves on Amazon are touted for their durability and comfort.

Once you've got yours on, pick up an old toothbrush or (clean) shoe-cleaning brush and work the paste into the spots.

“Gently scrub using the cleaning solution and the brush on any difficult marks,” says Daniel Brown, cleaning expert and CEO of Handy Cleaners.

After this, you can submerge your sneakers in the soapy water for 15 minutes. “Using circular motions, wash over the entire part of the sneakers, focusing on the soles of the shoes,” he adds.

I put too much detergent in my bucket, so I advise just using a dash in order to get your trainers clean.

Once you’re done, clean off the soap residues by rinsing them under a tap and give your trainers a good wipe.

Step 4: Dry your shoes

Dry the sneakers in a well-ventilated area but away from direct sunlight, so as not to damage the material.

“If you don’t have paper towels, I also recommend using newspaper to restore the shape and absorb extra moisture,” Daniel says.

It may take a day or two, sometimes longer depending on the material — 72 hours is best.

FAQs

Can sneakers get ruined in the washing machine?

While sneakers made from animal products such as leather or suede can sustain water damage, suede can develop water spots, so shouldn't be washed in the machine. On the other hand, trainers made from nylon and polyester are more hard-wearing and can withstand multiple washing machine washes.

Do I have to wash sneakers on a cold cycle?

A cold wash is highly unlikely to get rid of tough stains. As a general rule, if your trainers are white, they can safely be wash on a 40°C cycle. If they are bright-colored or dark, it's best to stick to 30°C. 

Can you wash Nike sneakers in the washing machine?

Nike does not recommend washing its trainers in the washing machine. However, we have — with mixed results. The biggest problem with washing Nikes in a washing machine isn't that they'll get damaged, but that they won't necessarily come out much cleaner than before. This especially applies to the Flyknit range and anything made from texture fabric. These are best washed by hand. 

Can you wash only the inside of sneakers?

If you only need to wash the interior of your shoes, use a soft cloth and warm water mixed with detergent, wipe the area down, and let dry.

I cleaned both my sneakers using these methods. For me, while cleaning by hand was effective at getting mud off, I found the process of cleaning sneakers in the washing machine a lot quicker. As you can see in my photo, the one that went in (on the right) also came out slightly cleaner.

If you go with my preferred method, I suggest learning how to clean your washing machine or how to clean your top-loading washing machine after, so you can make yours fresh before putting in your favorite clothes.