How to Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine

You can completely clean too dirty and smelly shoes with a washing machine. Shoes made from canvas or imitation leather can be washed easily with a gentle wash, then dried. However, you should not wash genuine leather shoes, formal shoes (such as high heels) or boots in the washing machine, but should be washed by hand.

Table of Contents

Clean shoes before washing

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Remove dirt from the shoes with an old damp cloth. You can use an old towel to wipe away dust, grass or mud on your shoes, without much scrubbing, just gently wipe to clean less. ^{[1] X Research Source}

You can also knock your shoes together or knock on the trash to get more dirt out.

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Clean the soles of shoes with a toothbrush and warm soapy water. You will pour water into a small cup, add a spoonful of dishwashing liquid, dip a toothbrush in this solution, and brush the soles of your shoes. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Remember to rub really hard, the harder you scrub, the more dirt will be removed.

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Shoe discharge. You need to remove excess soap from your shoes by holding the shoes over the bath or sink and rinsing the soles with water. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

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Remove insoles and shoelaces if necessary. For lace-up shoes, remove the laces and leave them separately in the washing machine. There can be a lot of dirt on the shoelaces and around the eyelets, so removing them and washing them separately will make it easier for the washing machine to reach and clean them. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Wash and dry

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Put the shoes in a laundry bag or pillowcase. Doing so will help protect the shoes. Remember to lock the bag before putting it in the washing machine. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

If you’re using a pillowcase, you’ll put your shoes on, and fasten the mouth of the pillowcase with a rubber band.

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Add towels to the washing machine to cushion the shoes. You should wash your shoes with at least two large towels. Remember that you will be washing them with dirty shoes so don’t choose a white towel or a towel that is too pretty. ^{[6] X Research Source}

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Wash shoes, insoles and shoelaces on a gentle cycle. You will put the shoes, insoles, shoelaces and washcloths together in the washing machine, wash in cold or warm water on gentle spin or no spin. Choose a strong rinse cycle to remove all soap after washing. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Washing with hot water may cause the shoe glue to become less sticky, crack or melt.
Do not use fabric softener when washing shoes. The stagnant water will make the shoes more prone to dust.

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Dry. You will take your shoes, insoles and shoelaces out of the washing machine, and let them air dry for about 24 hours before using them. ^{[8] X Research Source}

To make your shoes dry faster and keep their shape, you can stuff some old newspapers in them. ^{[9] X Research Source}
Drying with a dryer will damage the shoes.

Things you need

Old towels
Toothbrush
Soap water
Washing liquid
Newspapers

Steps

Clean shoes before washing

Wash and dry

Things you need

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