If you've noticed that your shoes are more noticeably smelly each time you put them on, you may be wondering, "Can you put shoes in the washer and dryer?" While there are some shoes that can be cleaned in your washing machine, you shouldn't put them in your clothes dryer afterward.

Since washers and dryers are some of the most used appliances by homeowners, many people need to know the ins and outs of washing and drying shoes to keep these appliances in good working condition. Here are some tips on how to wash shoes in a washing machine and why the answer to "Can I put shoes in the dryer?" is a firm "no."

Which Shoes Are Safe to Put in the Washer?

Type of Shoe	Is it Safe for the Washer?
Leather	No
Canvas	Yes
Suede	No
Vinyl	No
Cotton	Yes
Rubber	Sometimes
Nylon	Yes

Materials considered unsafe for cleaning in your washing machine are listed as such because they can be damaged by water or your appliance's agitator.

If you're wondering how to wash shoes made of leather, the first step is to brush off any debris, use a clean cloth to apply a mixture of soap and warm water, remove the soap with a damp cloth, then dry with a towel. The process for cleaning vinyl shoes is similar, except that you should swap detergent for soap and air dry instead of towel dry. If you're cleaning suede shoes, use a suede brush and suede cleaner to help protect this delicate material. Rubber shoes can usually be washed with soap and water in a sink.

How to Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine

Now that you've determined which of your shoes are safe to put in your washing machine, here are the steps you'll need to take to ensure your shoes aren't damaged, and prevent many common washer and dryer issues:

1. Remove Laces and Insoles

Most removable insoles are designed to absorb moisture and will be hard to get dry if you run them through a washing cycle. You should clean these by hand with a cloth, soap, and warm water to prevent them from getting soaked.

Also, shoelaces can easily become wrapped around your washer's agitator and damage your appliance. You can soak and scrub these separately in a sink.

2. Preclean

Before you wash shoes in the washing machine, help prevent clogged filters by cleaning debris off the shoes with a cloth. Start by wiping the tongue, collar, upper, and toe cap, then the midsole to make sure they're free of any mud or debris. You may want to then clean the sole and midsole with a brush, to remove stubborn dirt and mud stuck in crevices.

Yellow sneakers being washed with a brush in the sink

3. Buffer Your Shoes

Can you put your shoes in the washer alone? It's not recommended, as this can damage both your footwear and the machine. You should place the shoes in a mesh garment bag that has a drawstring top, or a pillowcase with the top closed and secured with string or a rubber band. This will help prevent your shoes from being battered by the agitator, and the shoes from dislocating the basin. You can also add some clean towels when you wash your shoes for further protection.

If you're worried about other damage to your washer, learn more about our warranties for washing machines.

4. Wash in Cold Water

Be sure to wash your shoes in cold water on the delicate or "no spin" cycle, with liquid or pod detergent. Using hot water can dissolve adhesives holding the shoe together, and powder detergents may not dissolve properly in such a small and short cycle. Do not use fabric softener as this isn’t easily rinsed from the shoes and can leave a residue.

Can you put shoes in the washer with other dirty clothes? This is not the best method, as colors from your shoes can bleed onto your clothes (and vice versa), and dirt and bacteria from your shoes can contaminate your laundry.

5. Air Dry

Since you now know that you shouldn’t put shoes in the dryer, what do you do once the wash cycle is complete? Place your shoes in a warm, dry area (somewhere with direct or indirect sunlight would be ideal) and let them air dry. You may want to roll hand towels and place them in your shoes to help them keep their shape as the material contracts during drying.

White sneakers hung up to dry on a clothesline

6. Clean Your Washer

Even if you clean your shoes before putting them in the washer, there’s a chance that dirt, debris, and bacteria can remain after the cycle is complete. You can use the cleaning cycle or “clean tub” setting to clean a clothes washer after washing shoes or run the appliance's longest cycle with bleach and the hottest water setting available. If you frequently wash a whole family’s worth of shoes in your machine, be sure your washer receives regular maintenance so that any wear and tear is fixed promptly.

Why You Shouldn't Put Shoes in a Clothes Dryer

"Can I put shoes in the dryer?" No, but why, exactly? First, just like you shouldn't use hot water when washing shoes, the heat from your dryer can melt or weaken the materials used to hold your shoes together. There's a chance that after putting them in the dryer they may not come back out in one piece.

Second, even drying shoes on the "low heat" setting may be enough to significantly shrink the materials. This can warp the normal shape of your shoes and shrink them to the point that it'll take some work to stretch them back to wearable size. Putting shoes in the dryer can also cause the colors of your footwear to fade due to the heat.

Drying your shoes in the dryer can also damage your appliance. Even placing lightweight tennis shoes in the dryer can cause them to bang around the machine and damage heat sensors and other small parts.