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How to Wash Shoes & Sneakers in a Washing Machine or By Hand
From muddy kids' shoes to sweaty gym sneakers, shoes can quickly collect dirt, stains and odors from everyday wear. Learn how to wash shoes in the washing machine or by hand, remove tough stains and odors, and keep white sneakers looking their best. Whether you're cleaning athletic shoes, canvas sneakers or kids' shoes, these simple steps can help keep footwear fresh, clean and ready for the next adventure.
Can you wash shoes in the washing machine?
Yes, many types of shoes can be washed safely, especially sneakers made from canvas, cloth, mesh or nylon. These materials are durable enough to handle gentle cleaning, whether by hand or in a washing machine.
However, not all shoes are washable. Leather, suede, and shoes with delicate materials or built-in electronics (like light-up shoes) should be cleaned using spot methods only. Always check the care label before washing.
What shoes can be washed
Most everyday sneakers can be washed, but material matters.
You can safely wash:
- Canvas shoes
- Cloth sneakers
- Mesh sneakers
- Nylon shoes
- Most sports shoes and tennis shoes
Wash with caution:
- Gym shoes (check odor buildup and material condition)
- Light-up shoes (electronic components may be damaged)
Avoid washing:
- Leather shoes
- Suede shoes
- Delicate or structured footwear that can lose shape
What to use to wash shoes
Gather these supplies before you start:
Mesh laundry bag or pillowcase
Soft brush or cloth
Mild detergent
Paper towels
How to wash shoes in the washing machine
Prep the shoes
Remove laces and insoles. Use Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes to quickly wipe away surface dirt, mud and grime before washing. This helps prevent debris from spreading in the wash.
Pretreat stains
Apply Clorox 2™ for Colors Laundry & Fabric Stain Remover directly to visible stains like grass, food or sweat marks. Gently rub it into the fabric and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before washing.
Protect the shoes
Place shoes in a mesh laundry bag to reduce friction and protect stitching during the cycle.
Wash
Select cold water and the delicate cycle, add Clorox 2™ for Colors Laundry & Fabric Stain Remover along with your regular detergent, then start the washer.
Air dry only
Remove shoes immediately after washing and allow them to air dry completely. Avoid using a dryer, which can damage materials and shape.
How to wash shoes by hand
Wipe and prep
Before soaking, use Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes to remove loose dirt and surface grime from the shoes, especially soles and high-contact areas.
Prepare cleaning solution
Fill a sink or bowl with warm water and add 1 capful of liquid Clorox 2™ for Colors Laundry & Fabric Stain Remover to 1 quart of water.
Clean laces and insoles
Remove laces and soak them separately in the cleaning solution. Wash insoles gently and allow them to air dry fully.
Scrub the shoes
Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the shoes, focusing on dirty areas like soles, toe caps, and fabric uppers. For fabric shoes (not leather or suede), you can apply Clorox 2™ for Colors Laundry & Fabric Stain Remover directly to the shoe before rinsing.
TipFor tougher stains on durable, bleach-safe materials (like some white canvas sneakers), a highly diluted solution of Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach can be used carefully.
Rinse thoroughly
Wipe or rinse shoes with clean water to remove all soap or product residue.
Air dry
Stuff each shoe with a few paper towels and place away from sunlight in a warm room with a fan nearby to circulate air and speed up drying time.
How do you whiten shoes? Can you use bleach?
The best way to whiten shoes depends on the material. For bleach-safe white canvas shoes, you can use Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach according to the product label to help remove stains and brighten the fabric. For washable colored or delicate shoes, follow the manufacturer's care instructions and use products appropriate for the material. Before cleaning, brush away loose dirt, remove the laces and insoles, and allow shoes to air dry completely after washing to help maintain their shape and appearance.
How to disinfect and sanitize shoes & sneakers
Regular cleaning removes dirt and stains, but if you also want to disinfect or sanitize shoes, start by checking the manufacturer's care instructions to make sure the materials can tolerate the cleaning method. For hard, nonporous parts of shoes, such as rubber soles and toe caps, Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes can be used according to the product label to clean and disinfect. After cleaning, allow shoes to air dry completely before wearing them again to help prevent moisture buildup and odors. For fabric uppers, always follow the shoe manufacturer's care instructions, as not all materials are suitable for disinfecting products.
How to wash kids' shoes
Kids' shoes get dirty quickly from outdoor play, spills and everyday wear. Begin by removing laces and insoles, then use Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes to quickly clean off mud, dirt and sticky residue from the surface before washing.
For stain removal, apply Clorox 2™ for Colors Laundry & Fabric Stain Remover to areas like toe caps or fabric uppers and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before washing. Depending on the material, shoes can be hand washed or machine washed on a gentle cycle. For durable, bleach-safe shoes, a diluted Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach solution can be used carefully. Always air dry shoes completely to maintain shape and prevent odor buildup.
How to clean smelly shoes
Shoe odor is often caused by sweat, moisture, and odor-causing bacteria that become trapped in fabric, insoles and other hard-to-reach areas. For deep odor removal, wash washable shoes using the hand-wash or machine-wash method appropriate for the material. Add Clorox™ FreshGuard™ Laundry Odor Remover as an additive with your detergent to help eliminate tough, trapped odors from fabric sneakers and athletic shoes while leaving them smelling fresh. Once clean, allow shoes and insoles to air dry completely before wearing to help prevent odors from returning.
Tip
For shoes that are not washable, Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes can be used for spot cleaning hard, nonporous surfaces and help prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Clorox products vs. natural household ingredients: Which cleans better?
| Cleaner | Best for | Disinfects? | Sanitizes? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach | Whitening bleach-safe white canvas shoes and removing stains and odors (when permitted by the shoe manufacturer) | Yes | Yes |
| Clorox 2™ for Colors Laundry & Fabric Stain Remover | Removing stains from washable colored fabric shoes while helping protect colors | No | No |
| Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes | Cleaning rubber soles, midsoles and other hard, nonporous parts of shoes between washes | Yes | Yes |
| White vinegar | Helping reduce light odors and loosen surface dirt on some washable shoes | No | No |
| Baking soda | Absorbing odors and deodorizing the inside of shoes | No | No |
| Hydrogen peroxide (3%) | Spot treating light-colored fabric shoes before washing (test in an inconspicuous area first) | Partial | Partial |
Tips for using bleach to clean shoes and sneakers
- Not sure what bleach-to-water ratio you need? Check out our handy chart.
- Use freshly mixed solutions. Bleach degrades over time when diluted.
- Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or any other cleaner; doing so can create dangerous fumes.
- Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation during use.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you put shoes in the washer?
Only a few shoe manufacturers recommend machine washing; many instead recommend hand washing or spot cleaning. This helps protect adhesives, prevent shrinkage, and preserve delicate materials such as leather, suede, or embellishments. For spot cleaning hard, nonporous surfaces, Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes are a great alternative for shoes that cannot be machine washed.
- Can you put shoes in the dryer?
Regardless of how you wash shoes and sneakers, keep them out of the dryer unless recommended specifically by the manufacturer. High dryer heat can damage shoes, so letting them air dry is usually the way to go.
- What's the best way to wash shoes and sneakers?
The best way to clean shoes and sneakers depends on the material, but most canvas, mesh, and synthetic shoes can be cleaned by removing loose dirt, taking out the laces and insoles, and washing according to the manufacturer's care instructions. For many machine-washable shoes, use a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent and Clorox 2™ for Colors Laundry & Fabric Stain Remover, then air dry completely to help protect the materials and shape. Leather, suede, and nubuck shoes should generally be cleaned by hand using products designed for those materials. For bleach-safe materials, you can spot clean with a diluted Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach solution before machine washing.
- Can I wash shoes with clothes?
It's generally best to wash shoes separately from clothing to help prevent dirt transfer and reduce wear. If needed, wash shoes with a few old towels to cushion them during the cycle, and always follow the manufacturer's care instructions.
- What is the best temperature to wash shoes?
Cold water is usually best for washing shoes. A cold, gentle cycle helps clean most canvas, mesh, and synthetic shoes while reducing the risk of shrinking, fading, or damaging adhesives. Always follow the care label or manufacturer's instructions, as some shoes should not be machine washed.