Sneakers can take a real beating. Between daily wear, scuffed toes, and grass-stained soles, knowing how to wash sneakers the right way is the difference between maintaining a fresh pair that lasts. The wrong method (think hot water or a harsh spin cycle) can shrink, warp, or discolor a shoe in one wash.
Can You Put Sneakers in the Washing Machine?
Good news: yes, in most cases.
Can you put sneakers like a pair of these men’s Air Force 1 ‘07s in the washer and expect them to come out fine? It depends entirely on what they're made of.
Machine-safe materials:
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Canvas
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Cotton
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Polyester
Hand-wash only materials:
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Leather
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Suede
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Rubber or vinyl
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Anything with beading, sequins, or embroidery
Canvas sneakers like the Nike Cortez handle a wash cycle well because the material is durable and holds up to detergent without breaking down. Always check the care tag first. It'll tell you exactly what your shoes can handle before you risk a wash.
Quick rule of thumb: if you wouldn't hand-scrub it with a bar of soap, don't put it in the machine.
Hand Wash or Machine Wash: Which Is Better?
The choice really depends on the shoe and how dirty it is.
Machine washing is faster and works well for canvas sneakers like these white Converse Chuck Taylors. Hand washing gives you more control, which matters for delicate materials or shoes you don't want to risk in a spin cycle.
A mild, liquid detergent works for either method. A dedicated sneaker cleaner like Jason Markk is also a solid choice. Powder detergent can get stuck in the fabric and leave a chalky residue behind, especially in the stitching around the sole.
Good rules of thumb to follow:
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Everyday canvas or mesh sneakers: machine wash.
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Suede, leather, or embellished pairs: hand wash only
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Anything you're unsure about: hand wash to be safe
How to Wash Sneakers in the Washing Machine
Here's how to wash sneakers in your machine so that you protect your shoes from start to finish.
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Remove the laces and insoles. Wash laces separately in a mesh laundry bag. Hand wash insoles since machine washing can leave them soggy for days.
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Pre-treat the soles. Use a soft scrub brush (an old toothbrush works) to knock loose dirt and mud before the shoes go in.
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Bag them up. Place shoes in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase so they don't slam around the drum.
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Wash on cold, delicate. Cold water protects the shape and color of the shoe. Add a mild, liquid detergent and toss in a couple of old towels to balance the load.
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Deodorize if needed. A sprinkle of baking soda inside the shoe before washing (or after, once dry) helps knock out odor.
That's really the simple process for how to wash sneakers without damaging them. No fancy equipment is required, just a bit of prep before the cycle starts.
Is Dawn Dish Soap Good for Cleaning Sneakers?
For spot-cleaning scuffs and greasy marks on the outsole, yes, a little Dawn mixed with warm water works well since it's designed to cut through grease. It's not a substitute for actual detergent in a full wash cycle, though.
Save it for pre-treating stains before the shoe goes into the machine, not for the whole wash. For spot cleaning on the go, a purpose-built option like Sofsole Instant Cleaner does the job.
How Do You Wash White Sneakers Without Turning Them Yellow?
Fresh white sneakers, like a pair of Nike Air Force 1s, can be unforgiving if washed wrong. The same core method for how to wash sneakers still applies, but a few extra steps keep them bright.
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Skip the heat. Sunlight and dryers are the top causes of yellowing.
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Rinse detergent completely. Leftover residue oxidizes and turns yellow over time.
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Make a baking soda paste for stubborn scuffs on the toe cap and midsole of a pair of fresh white sneakers.
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Finish with a protectant spray like Crep Protect to help repel future stains and keep them bright longer."
A pair of fresh white sneakers deserve this extra care since white fabric shows every shortcut. A quick wipe-down after wear also cuts down on how often they need a full wash.
How Do You Dry Sneakers Without Damaging Them?
Drying matters just as much as washing.
Air drying is the safest bet. Stuff the shoes with paper towels or clean rags to hold their shape, then let them sit somewhere with good airflow overnight. Sunlight can speed up drying, but keep it moderate since too much heat has the same risk as a dryer.
If you're short on time, a dryer with a low or no-heat setting and a drying rack works too. The rack keeps shoes elevated so they're not tumbling directly against the drum.
Avoid high heat altogether. It's the fastest, easiest way to shrink or warp a shoe you just spent real time cleaning properly.
Keep Your Kicks Looking Fresh
Washing sneakers isn't complicated once you know the steps. Cold water, the right detergent, and a little patience with drying go a long way toward keeping your pairs looking new for longer.
Whether you're maintaining an existing pair or protecting a brand-new pair women’s Air Force 1 ‘07s, this simple routine works every time you need it. No guesswork is ever involved.
