Is it OK to use laundry detergent on shoes?

Author: Cassidy Schamberger PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Remember that a delicate, cold-water cycle is best and will help keep your fabric shoes free from harm. Avoid powder detergent, which can get caught in shoe soles and shoelace holes. Instead, use liquid detergent or laundry pods.

Is laundry detergent safe for shoes?

You can rinse & scrub the shoes, or also let them soak. I use a gentle laundry detergent, or Dawn dish soap, mixed with 2 tsp Oxi clean powder in a small collapsible tub, and use an old toothbrush to scrub the stains and dirty bits. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, fragrances and harsh detergents.

What detergent to use for cleaning shoes?

You can use regular detergent to wash your shoes, but be sure to wash them with cold water. And if you want, you can add a scoop of oxygen bleach to the laundry.

Can I use Tide to clean white shoes?

Yes, you can use tide powder to clean your white shoes.

What to avoid when cleaning shoes?

Too much water or detergent can easily ruin your shoes. Avoid using high-pressure hoses, as this could drive dirt and moisture deep into the material and cause staining or stretching. Instead, use a damp cloth to gently wipe away dirt and use minimal amounts of detergent if necessary.

How to WASH SHOES IN WASHING MACHINE

What is the best remedy to clean shoes?

Wash the shoes by hand using a small amount of liquid laundry detergent mixed with water. Pre-treat stains by applying detergent directly to the spot and allowing it to sit for at least 15 minutes. Clean the entire shoe by scrubbing with a sponge or cloth dipped in the detergent solution.

Is it bad to clean shoes with dish soap?

Dish soap is known for its ability to cut through grease and grime, making it a gentle yet effective cleaner for a variety of surfaces, including your shoes. Its mild formula makes sure that it won't damage delicate materials while still lifting away dirt and stains.

What is the best thing to wash white shoes with?

Hydrogen peroxide: A mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can work wonders to brighten the soles of white shoes. Vinegar: If the outside of your white shoes is composed of fabric, a soak in a diluted vinegar solution can help remove stains.

Can you use Tide to clean?

This stuff is seriously powerful and can get even the most stubborn stains out of your clothes, upholstery (always spot-test first), floors, baseboards, tubs, and more. The best thing about Tide is that it's safe for almost all fabrics and colors, so we recommend doing a test spot first, but it is a pretty safe bet.

Do you have to put shoes in a pillowcase to wash them?

Excessive heat and water can damage sensitive materials and may impact the construction of the shoe. Shoes made with harder materials may also impact the machine drum itself, so you should always wash them in a protective item such as a pillowcase.

How to stop shoes from smelling?

How to make your shoes not smell
  1. We all like to smell nice and the scent of our shoes is no exception to this, but it's not always easy to keep them smelling fresh. ...
  2. Wash your shoes regularly. ...
  3. Use an odour neutraliser. ...
  4. Dry your shoes between uses. ...
  5. Reduce the amount your feet sweat. ...
  6. Replace the insoles.

How to sanitize shoes?

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.

Can I wash my shoes with other laundry?

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.

How long do you leave shoes in detergent?

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.

How to clean white shoelaces?

If you have white laces, use bleach. You'll only need a tiny amount of bleach or detergent to get the job done — a ratio of 3 tablespoons of cleaner for a gallon of water — but make sure there is enough water to fully submerge the laces. Before submerging them, brush the laces off with the spare toothbrush.

Why not to use Tide detergent?

EPA has classified 1,4-dioxane as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.” 1,4-dioxane is commonly found in Tide and many other major brands of laundry detergent. This is true whether or not you see it listed as an ingredient.

Can you use laundry detergent to clean rugs?

Household items like laundry stain remover, dish soap, and even enzyme liquid detergents like Tide Ultra Stain Release can not only help remove carpet stains but also keep your carpets feeling fresh and looking stain-free.

Can you use laundry detergent to clean a bathroom?

Bathtubs

Dilute laundry detergent in water to make a tub-cleaning agent that will break down soap scum, which is a mix of soap and bio-based elements like sebum and dead skin, quickly and effectively.

Can I clean my white shoes with laundry detergent?

Mix warm water with a small amount of mild laundry detergent or dish soap. For white and light-colored shoes, you can also make an effective cleaning paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and water. Note: When it comes to using dish soap, it's important to take caution and dilute the soap with plenty of water.

How to clean white shoes in 5 minutes?

Mix dish soap into 1 c (240 ml) of warm water.

Use about 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of soap so the water is sudsy but still clear. Stir the cleaning solution so it's evenly mixed. Then, using a soft cloth or toothbrush, gently scrub the shoes with the mixture, working in circular motions.

How to get white socks white again?

Your best bet is to give your socks a soak in a warm sink filled with a liberal sprinkling of baking soda for several hours. Then, after wringing them dry, wash them in your machine by adding 150-200 ml of baking soda to the detergent drawer, along with your normal powder or liquid.

What not to use to clean shoes?

DO NOT use rubbing alcohol, bleach, scented laundry detergent or fabric softeners. These dry out and crack the shoe's soles and leave greasy residue.

What is the best homemade shoe cleaner?

Baking soda offers a great solution to a smelly situation. Letting the powder sit on your shoes before scrubbing it away with a toothbrush will eliminate any foul smells. To further clean your rubber flip flops, adding a little vinegar to your wash cycle will bring them back to looking brand new.

Is it okay to soak shoes in detergent?

Wash your shoes on a delicate cycle with cold water, then let them air dry. To hand wash leather, vinyl, or rubber shoes, first remove the laces and soak them in soapy water. Then, scrub the outside of your shoes with a soft-bristled brush, like a clean toothbrush, to remove any dirt and debris.

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