How to Clean Shoes in Washing Machine

What You'll Need

• Mesh laundry bag or pillowcase
• Soap-Man Power Wash Laundry Detergent
• Old towels
• Soft-bristle brush
• Newspaper or paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Remove laces and insoles

   Take out the laces and insoles and wash them separately by hand or in a small mesh bag. Knock off loose dirt and debris from the shoes.

2. 2

   Pre-treat stains

   Apply a small amount of laundry detergent directly to visible stains and scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Place shoes in a mesh bag

   Put both shoes in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase tied shut. Add 4-6 old towels to the load to balance the drum and cushion the shoes.

4. 4

   Wash on cold and gentle

   Run a cold water cycle on the delicate or gentle setting with Soap-Man Power Wash Laundry Detergent. Never use hot water -- it warps soles and melts adhesives.

5. 5

   Air dry completely

   Stuff shoes with newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture and hold shape. Air dry at room temperature away from direct heat. Replace the paper every few hours.

Pro Tips

• TIPOnly machine wash canvas, nylon, and polyester shoes. Never machine wash leather, suede, or dress shoes.
• TIPRemove the shoes promptly after the cycle ends to prevent odor and mildew from sitting in a damp drum.
• TIPPlace a tennis ball in the dryer with the towels (not the shoes) to speed up the drying process for the towels.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XUsing hot water or a regular cycle, which can warp the soles, dissolve glue, and damage the shoe structure.
• XPutting shoes in the dryer, where the heat warps soles, shrinks materials, and can damage the drum.
• XWashing shoes without towels or padding, which causes loud banging that can damage both the shoes and the washing machine.

Frequently Asked Questions