Dirty sneakers happen—muddy walks, sweaty workouts, everyday wear. If you’re wondering how to wash shoes in a washing machine without ruining them, you’re in the right place. Done correctly, machine-washing can bring shoes back to life and save you serious scrubbing time.

This guide walks you through the safest, most effective steps, including smart alternatives if you don’t have a mesh bag and tips for popular machines like Samsung washers.

Can You Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine?

Yes—most casual shoes can be machine-washed safely.

Shoes That Are Usually Safe to Machine Wash

• Canvas sneakers (like Converse)

• Running shoes (synthetic uppers)

• Fabric slip-ons

Shoes You Should NOT Machine Wash

• Leather or suede shoes

• Dress shoes

• Shoes with glued-on embellishments

Always check the manufacturer’s label before washing.

How to Wash Shoes in Washing Machine: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to clean your shoes while protecting both the footwear and your washer.

1. Prep Your Shoes First

• Remove laces and insoles

• Shake off loose dirt or mud

• Rinse heavy grime with cold water

2. Protect Your Washer and Shoes

If you’re using a mesh laundry bag—great. If not, don’t worry (more on that below).

Add:

• Old towels to balance the load

• Mild liquid detergent (avoid powder)

3. Choose the Right Washing Settings

• Cycle: Gentle or delicate

• Water: Cold only

• Spin: Low or medium

This method works for most brands, including how to wash shoes in washing machine Samsung models, which often include a dedicated delicate cycle.

How to Wash Shoes in Washing Machine Without Mesh Bag

No mesh bag? No problem.

Safe Alternatives

• Use a pillowcase and tie the end securely

• Wrap shoes inside thick towels

• Place shoes opposite each other for balance

This method prevents shoes from banging around and damaging the drum.

How to Wash Shoes in Washing Machine With Pillowcase

A pillowcase is one of the easiest hacks—and it works surprisingly well.

Quick Pillowcase Method

1. Put shoes inside a pillowcase

2. Tie a knot or use a hair tie

3. Add towels to the load

4. Wash on gentle with cold water

This approach is perfect if you’re searching for how to wash shoes in washing machine with pillowcase safely and effectively.

Drying Shoes the Right Way (Very Important!)

Never put shoes in the dryer unless the label explicitly allows it.

Best Drying Tips

• Air-dry at room temperature

• Stuff shoes with paper towels to hold shape

• Keep away from direct sunlight or heaters

Dryers can warp soles and weaken glue.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these errors to extend the life of your shoes:

• Using hot water

• Skipping shoe prep

• Washing without padding (towels or bag)

• Drying with high heat

A little care goes a long way.

FAQs: Washing Shoes in a Washing Machine

Can I wash shoes in a Samsung washing machine?

Yes. Use the delicate cycle with cold water for best results.

Is it safe to wash shoes without a mesh bag?

Yes, if you use a pillowcase or towels to cushion them.

How often should I wash my shoes?

Only when visibly dirty or smelly—overwashing can shorten their lifespan.

Can I wash shoelaces and insoles together?

Yes. Wash laces in a mesh bag and hand-wash insoles separately for best results.

Conclusion

Learning how to wash shoes in a washing machine doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right prep, gentle settings, and simple protective tricks—like using a pillowcase—you can keep your shoes clean without damaging them.

If you want to go deeper, check out our guides on deodorizing shoes, cleaning white sneakers, or choosing the best detergents for delicate fabrics. Clean shoes, less effort—win-win.