Is it hygienic to wash shoes in a washing machine?

Author: Dr. Akeem Lynch  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Generally speaking, shoes made of canvas, nylon, cotton and polyester can safely be washed in a washing machine; however, those made with leather, suede, rubber or vinyl should not be placed in the washer.

Is it sanitary to wash shoes in the washing machine?

Shoes made from canvas, nylon, cotton, and polyester should be fine to throw in the washing machine. Most sneakers and tennis shoes are made from fabrics that can take the rough and tumble rigors of a machine wash. Certain shoes don't belong in the washer, like those made from leather, suede, rubber, and vinyl.

What is the safest way to wash sneakers?

Use liquid detergent and run the washer on a cold, delicate cycle. Keep the water cooler to prevent the colors from your shoes running or fading. Remove the sneakers from the machine and let them air dry. Never put shoes in the dryer because the heat may warp them or damage the glue that holds them together.

How to wash stinky shoes in a washing machine?

Choose a delicate cycle to gently wash your shoes. The slower spin cycles (or sometimes no spin cycle at all) also help reduce noise. Select the coldest temperature available for the wash. A cold cycle will still remove odors, as modern laundry detergents contain enzymes that work regardless of water temperature.

Can I put my Nikes in the washing machine?

Nike does not recommend washing shoes in the washing machine. Properly hand-washing your shoes is the best way to ensure they won't be accidentally harmed in the process. Plus, it's possible to damage your washing machine by washing bulky items, like sneakers, inside.

How to WASH SHOES IN WASHING MACHINE

How to wash shoes in washing machine without mesh bag?

It's a good idea to pop your shoes, and your laces, inside a mesh laundry bag to protect them from becoming snagged on the inside of the drum. If you don't have a laundry bag, an empty pillowcase is a good alternative.

How to clean dirty shoes?

How to Clean Your Shoes, Step by Step
  1. Use a Dry Brush. Remove loose dirt from the outsole, midsole and uppers using a dry, soft-bristled shoe brush. ...
  2. Make a Mild Cleaning Solution. Mix warm water with a small amount of mild laundry detergent or dish soap. ...
  3. Hand Wash the Laces. ...
  4. Wash the Soles. ...
  5. Wash and Blot the Uppers. ...
  6. Air Dry.

How do you disinfect shoes in the washing machine?

Set your washing machine on a Delicate, cold water cycle with a slow or no-spin option. Use liquid detergent or laundry pods because powder detergent can get stuck in the shoes if it doesn't dissolve properly.

Why do my shoes smell so bad even after washing?

Overuse, sweat, skin shedding, dirt, bacteria, fungus, and lack of aeration can all contribute to stinky shoes.

How do you permanently get the smell out of shoes?

Just combine ½ cup water and ½ cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle and shake well. Apply a couple of sprays on the inside of your shoes and wipe the interiors with a cloth towel. Allow them to air dry before you wear them again.

How to deep clean sneakers?

For a deeper clean, add Signature Detergent to a basin or sink filled with cool to warm water. Gently agitate the water with a stain brush to evenly distribute soap and submerge the item. Soak for up to 30 minutes. Rinse well by running water through the sneaker until the water is no longer soapy.

Can I dry my shoes in the dryer?

Some dryers have a drying rack designed to dry shoes, but this will only work for certain shoe types, such as cotton or canvas sneakers. You'll also need to ensure you use a low heat setting to avoid damaging your shoes. If your dryer doesn't have a drying rack, you can hang the shoes from the door by the laces.

How do you disinfect shoes without washing them?

Isopropyl alcohol, or rubbing alcohol, is a powerful antiseptic that can fight odour-causing bacteria in your shoes. Simply mix some alcohol and water in a spray bottle and mist the interior of your shoes. Be sure to use an alcohol that ranges in strength from 70–99%, and let your shoes dry overnight.

What are the disadvantages of washing shoes in the washing machine?

The movement and agitation during the washing process can cause damage to both your sneakers and the other garments. It's best to use a specialized sneaker cleaning kit to clean your sneakers properly without damage.

Does washing shoes remove bacteria?

Below are a few ideas to eliminate bacteria from your feet. Wash your shoes regularly in a standard washing machine, using cold water, and at least a 12 minute minimum wash cycle, with laundry detergent.

Is it better to wash shoes alone or with clothes?

Don't wash your shoes alone.

I'm low-key and just toss them in with my normal laundry or with a load of towels, but if that is too gross for you, throw them in with a load of cleaning rags or beach towels or something. Plus, it uses less water and energy to not do them in a separate load, so it's a win all around.

Why does it smell when I open my legs?

Sweat is a combination of water, salt, and other chemicals. When it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin, it produces an odor. fungal infections: Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist areas, such as the groin area and inner thighs. They can cause a red, itchy rash and produce an unpleasant odor.

How to clean stinky shoes in a washing machine?

Select a delicate, cold cycle

A delicate cycle will help ensure your shoes are gently washed. Delicate cycles have slower spin cycles (or sometimes no spin cycle at all); this will also help reduce noise. Be sure to select the coldest temperature available for the wash. Don't worry—a cold cycle will still remove odors.

Why does my husband's towel stink after he showers?

Do your bath towels smell musty? Bad news: that sour odor you smell when drying off from your shower is caused by microbes in your towels. Every time you use a towel, you transfer bacteria, viruses and dead skin cells (which are food for microbes) from your skin onto the towel.

What is the best method for washing shoes?

Hand wash: For the shoe's outer, mix warm water and a mild detergent in a bucket or basin. Use a soft cloth or a sponge to gently clean the surface. For stubborn stains, you can use an old toothbrush or a brush with soft bristles. Avoid using abrasive materials that might damage the fabric.

Do Clorox wipes disinfect shoes?

To keep them clean and your kids looking their best, start by routinely wiping shoes down with Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes, especially white midsoles.

Can you put vinegar in the washing machine to clean shoes?

Use detergent and vinegar: Make sure that you use a good quality detergent. Natural detergents are the best to use to wash shoes because they don't contain any dyes that might get on your shoes and change the color. Add a half cup to a cup of vinegar to the detergent and wash water to get rid of any odors in the shoes.

Can I use Dawn to clean my shoes?

Take care of this issue by creating a soapy solution with just 2 simple ingredients: warm water and dish soap. Wipe down the interior of your shoes and allow them to air dry. The soap will help get rid of odors, leaving your footwear smelling fresh.

How to remove stink from shoes?

Blend equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and generously apply the solution to the insides of your stinkiest pairs. Make sure they're fully dry before putting them on again and repeat the process as often as needed, even after every wear if you'd like.

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