How to Wash Trainers in the Washing Machine: How it Works

You can wash many trainers in the washing machine, but it needs to be done properly. Get it wrong, and you risk wrecking the shoes or your washing machine. But if you follow the right steps, it’s a quick way to freshen up dirty, muddy, or smelly trainers — especially after a festival, run, or rainy dog walk.

Step-by-Step: Washing Trainers in the Machine

1. Check the Label First

Before anything else, check the care label on your trainers. Some shoes, especially those with leather, suede, or foam soles, should never go in the washing machine. If in doubt, hand-wash instead.

2. Remove Laces and Insoles

Take out the shoelaces and insoles. These can trap a lot of dirt and wash better separately.

• Wash the laces in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase

• Clean the insoles by hand with warm soapy water and let them air dry

3. Give Them a Rinse First

Knock off any excess mud or dirt outside or over a bin. For really muddy shoes, give them a quick rinse in the sink or under the hose to avoid clogging your machine.

4. Put Them in a Wash Bag or Pillowcase

To protect both your trainers and the washing machine drum, place your trainers in a mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase tied shut. This prevents damage and reduces noise.

5. Add Towels to Balance the Load

Throw in 2–4 old towels with the trainers. This cushions the impact during the spin cycle and keeps the drum balanced.

6. Use a Gentle Cycle

Select a cold or 30°C wash on a delicate or synthetic cycle with slow spin. Avoid high temperatures as heat can warp the glue and materials in your trainers.

Use a mild detergent — no bleach or fabric softener.

Aftercare: Drying Trainers Properly

Never tumble dry trainers. The heat can shrink or warp them.

• Stuff the shoes with newspaper or clean tea towels to help them hold their shape and absorb moisture

• Let them air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat or sunlight

• Flip them occasionally to speed up drying

They might take a full 24–48 hours to dry completely, depending on thickness.

What Types of Trainers Shouldn’t Go in the Machine?

Avoid machine washing if your trainers are made of:

• Leather or suede – these need specialist cleaning

• Shoes with lights or batteries – like kids’ light-up trainers

• Delicate or handmade materials – risk of damage is too high

For these, spot clean with a damp cloth or use a suede brush and cleaner as appropriate.

Final Thought

Washing your trainers in the machine can be a game-changer — as long as you follow a few basic steps. Stick to cold water, gentle cycles, and air drying, and your shoes will come out clean and fresh without falling apart. Just don’t forget the towels — and definitely don’t chuck in your Nikes with your whites.