Can You Wash Shoes at a Laundromat? How to Wash Sneakers Safely

Dirty sneakers can be surprisingly difficult to clean by hand.

Mud gets trapped around the soles. Sweat and odor build up inside. White fabric turns gray. And after a few months of regular wear, shoes that technically still have plenty of life left can start looking like they need to be replaced.

That leads to a common question:

Can you wash shoes at a laundromat?

For many machine-washable fabric sneakers and athletic shoes, the answer is yes. A laundromat can be a convenient place to wash sneakers, especially when you would rather keep heavily soiled shoes out of your home washing machine.

But not every pair of shoes belongs in a washer.

Leather, suede, structured dress shoes, shoes containing delicate decorative materials, and footwear whose manufacturer prohibits machine washing should be cleaned using another method.

The most important rule is simple:

Check the shoe manufacturer's care instructions before putting footwear into any washing machine.

If the shoes are machine washable, proper preparation, detergent amount, water temperature, wash cycle and drying method all matter.

Here's how to wash sneakers at a laundromat without unnecessarily damaging your shoes—or the washing machine.

Quick Answer: Can You Wash Shoes at a Laundromat?

Yes, many fabric sneakers and athletic shoes can be washed at a laundromat if the manufacturer says they are machine washable.

A good basic process is:

1. Check the shoe-care instructions.
2. Remove loose dirt and mud.
3. Take out the laces and removable insoles.
4. Place the shoes in an appropriate mesh laundry bag when possible.
5. Add towels or other appropriate items to help balance the load.
6. Use an appropriate amount of detergent.
7. Select the water temperature and cycle recommended for the shoes.
8. Remove them promptly after washing.
9. Air dry unless the manufacturer specifically permits machine drying.

The washer can clean the shoes.

The bigger risk often comes from drying them incorrectly afterward.

Which Shoes Can You Wash in a Washing Machine?

Machine washing is generally best suited to shoes constructed primarily from washable textiles.

Potential candidates can include some:

• Canvas sneakers
• Fabric sneakers
• Nylon athletic shoes
• Polyester athletic shoes
• Certain running shoes
• Certain casual sneakers
• Washable children's sneakers

But material alone does not guarantee that the entire shoe can be washed.

A sneaker can contain:

• Fabric uppers
• Foam
• Rubber
• Adhesives
• Decorative trim
• Printed logos
• Specialty cushioning
• Structural components

That's why you should look for the manufacturer's cleaning instructions for your specific pair whenever possible.

Don't decide that a pair of shoes is machine washable simply because another pair that looked similar survived the washer.

What Shoes Should You Not Put in a Laundromat Washing Machine?

There are several categories that generally deserve much more caution.

Leather Shoes

Leather can change when exposed to prolonged water, detergent and mechanical washing.

Depending on the shoe, machine washing can contribute to:

• Drying
• Cracking
• Stiffness
• Color changes
• Shape changes

Use a cleaning method designed for the specific leather instead.

Suede Shoes

Suede is especially sensitive to moisture and improper cleaning.

A normal washing-machine cycle is usually not the right place to experiment with suede.

Dress Shoes

Structured dress shoes often contain materials and adhesives that aren't designed for immersion in water.

High-End or Designer Sneakers

Some luxury sneakers use combinations of leather, suede, specialty fabrics, trim and adhesives.

Even if one portion looks washable, the entire shoe may not be.

Shoes With Decorative Elements

Be cautious with:

• Rhinestones
• Sequins
• Loose embellishments
• Specialty printing
• Attached decorations

Mechanical movement can damage them.

Shoes With Existing Damage

If the sole is already separating or stitching is failing, washing can make the problem worse.

Check the Manufacturer's Instructions First

This deserves its own section because it prevents a lot of avoidable damage.

Look for cleaning instructions:

• On a tag
• Inside the shoe
• On the box
• On the manufacturer's website
• In the product-care information

The recommendation might say:

Machine washable

Hand wash

Spot clean only

or provide a specific cleaning process.

Follow that guidance.

A laundromat gives you access to washing equipment.

It does not override the manufacturer's instructions.

This is the same principle that applies when washing other unusual household items at a laundromat. Our guide to washing curtains at a laundromat explains why having access to commercial equipment doesn't automatically make every textile machine washable.

Should You Remove Mud Before Washing Shoes?

Yes.

Do not put shoes covered in thick mud, gravel, sand or loose debris directly into a washing machine.

Let heavy mud dry if necessary, then remove as much as possible before washing.

You can use an appropriate brush or cloth to remove:

• Dried mud
• Grass
• Sand
• Gravel
• Loose dirt
• Debris caught in the tread

Pay attention to the soles.

Small stones and heavy debris don't need to enter the washer just because the shoes do.

The washing machine should be used to wash the shoes, not to remove chunks of the outdoors.

Should You Remove the Shoelaces?

Usually, yes.

Removing the laces gives you two advantages.

First, it allows water and detergent to reach areas of the shoe that the laces normally cover.

Second, it lets you clean the laces separately.

You can place washable laces into a small mesh laundry bag so they don't become tangled or disappear among other items.

Heavily stained white laces sometimes need more pretreatment than the shoes themselves.

Should You Remove the Insoles?

If the insoles are removable, check their care instructions separately.

Don't assume that because the shoe can be washed, the insole should go through the same process.

Some insoles contain:

• Foam
• Adhesive
• Specialty cushioning
• Orthotic materials

These may require hand cleaning rather than machine washing.

Removing them can also help the inside of the shoe dry more thoroughly afterward.

Should You Use a Mesh Laundry Bag for Shoes?

A sturdy mesh laundry bag can help contain the shoes and reduce some of the direct banging inside the drum.

You may also place washable laces in a separate smaller bag.

The bag isn't what makes the shoes safe to wash—the manufacturer instructions still matter—but it can make the process more controlled.

Why Do People Wash Shoes With Towels?

A pair of shoes by itself can repeatedly hit the inside of the washer.

Adding several appropriate, washable towels can provide cushioning and help balance the load.

That can:

• Reduce banging
• Help distribute the load
• Make the wash cycle smoother

But use common sense.

Don't put your best white bath towels into a load with filthy mud-covered sneakers.

Use towels you're comfortable washing alongside the shoes, and consider color compatibility.

How Do You Wash Shoes at a Laundromat?

Once you've confirmed that your shoes are machine washable, preparation matters more than simply throwing them in the first available machine.

Step 1: Remove Loose Dirt

Brush away mud, sand, gravel and debris.

Step 2: Remove Laces

Wash them separately in a mesh bag when appropriate.

Step 3: Remove Washable or Non-Washable Insoles as Directed

Clean them according to their own instructions.

Step 4: Pretreat Stains When Appropriate

Look for:

• Mud
• Grass
• Food
• Dirt around the toe
• Marks on fabric panels

Use a treatment appropriate for the shoe material.

Step 5: Put the Shoes in a Mesh Bag

This can reduce direct impact during washing.

Step 6: Add Appropriate Towels

They can cushion the load and help keep it balanced.

Step 7: Use the Correct Amount of Detergent

More soap is not better.

Step 8: Select the Appropriate Cycle

Follow the manufacturer's temperature and cycle recommendations.

Step 9: Remove the Shoes Promptly

Don't leave wet shoes sitting in a machine or bag for hours.

Step 10: Dry Them Correctly

For many sneakers, this means air drying rather than using a hot dryer.

What Water Temperature Should You Use for Sneakers?

Follow the manufacturer instructions.

For many machine-washable sneakers, cooler water is often preferred because excessive heat can potentially affect:

• Adhesives
• Shape
• Colors
• Materials

But don't use one universal rule for every shoe.

The actual construction matters.

The important point is that hotter water does not automatically mean cleaner shoes.

If the manufacturer specifies cold or cool washing, follow it.

What Wash Cycle Should You Use for Shoes?

Again, follow the shoe's instructions.

When machine washing is permitted, a gentler cycle is often preferable to unnecessarily aggressive washing.

Shoes don't need to be slammed around the washer at maximum intensity to get clean.

A moderate or gentle process can reduce stress on:

• Stitching
• Glue
• Fabric
• Trim
• Structure

How Much Detergent Should You Use?

Don't pour a large amount of detergent into the machine because the shoes look dirty.

Excess detergent can be harder to rinse completely from thick materials and padded shoe interiors.

Residual detergent can contribute to:

• Stiffness
• Residue
• Odor
• Skin irritation for some wearers

Use an appropriate amount based on:

• Detergent concentration
• Washer instructions
• Load size

Commercial washer size doesn't mean the detergent dispenser needs to be filled to the maximum every time.

Should You Use Fabric Softener on Shoes?

Generally, there's little reason to add fabric softener unless the shoe manufacturer specifically indicates that it's appropriate.

Sneakers can contain:

• Performance materials
• Mesh
• Foam
• Specialty finishes

Adding unnecessary products can leave residue.

For shoes, the goal is usually simple:

Remove dirt, sweat and odor while protecting the materials.

Can You Use Bleach on White Sneakers?

Don't assume white shoes automatically mean bleach is safe.

White sneakers may contain:

• Colored logos
• Rubber
• Foam
• Adhesive
• Synthetic mesh
• Decorative components

Chlorine bleach can affect some of these materials.

If the manufacturer specifically permits a whitening treatment, follow those instructions.

Otherwise, use a cleaner designed for the shoe material rather than trying to make the shoes aggressively white with bleach.

Can You Wash White Sneakers at a Laundromat?

Many machine-washable white fabric sneakers can be washed at a laundromat.

The biggest challenge is usually restoring the appearance of:

• White fabric
• White laces
• Rubber midsoles

Remember that the washing machine primarily cleans the washable textile portions.

Scuffs on a rubber sole may still need separate cleaning.

So don't assume that one machine wash will make every component of an older sneaker look brand new.

Can You Wash Running Shoes at a Laundromat?

Maybe—but check the manufacturer's guidance carefully.

Running shoes can contain sophisticated construction involving:

• Engineered mesh
• Foam midsoles
• Cushioning compounds
• Glued components
• Carbon plates in some models
• Specialized insoles

Some manufacturers recommend hand cleaning instead of machine washing.

For an expensive pair of running shoes, the safest approach is to follow the brand's instructions rather than assume that all athletic shoes belong in a washer.

Can You Wash Nike Shoes at a Laundromat?

Don't make the decision based only on the brand name.

Different Nike models use different materials and constructions.

The same applies to:

• Adidas
• New Balance
• ASICS
• Brooks
• HOKA
• On
• Converse
• Vans

Look up the care guidance for the specific shoe model.

A canvas casual sneaker and a premium performance running shoe from the same manufacturer may require completely different cleaning methods.

Can You Wash Converse in a Washing Machine?

Some canvas sneakers may tolerate washing differently from leather or specialty footwear, but you should still check the manufacturer's current cleaning recommendations.

Canvas itself may seem straightforward.

The entire shoe still contains:

• Rubber
• Adhesive
• Stitching
• Eyelets
• Printing

Treat the shoe as one constructed product rather than focusing only on the canvas upper.

Can You Wash Vans at a Laundromat?

The same rule applies.

Different Vans shoes use different materials.

Some may be canvas.

Others may contain suede, leather or combinations of materials.

Don't treat all shoes from one brand as if they're identical.

Check the specific material and manufacturer care instructions.

Can You Wash Children's Shoes at a Laundromat?

Many parents consider machine washing children's fabric sneakers because kids' shoes can get dirty quickly.

Potential stains include:

• Mud
• Grass
• Food
• Playground dirt
• Sand
• Spills

If the shoes are machine washable, a laundromat can be convenient because you can wash several appropriate pairs without putting them into your home washer.

But inspect children's shoes carefully.

Kids can be hard on footwear, and a shoe with an already-loose sole may not respond well to machine agitation.

Can You Wash Multiple Pairs of Shoes Together?

Potentially, provided:

• They're all machine washable
• They're compatible colors
• The washer isn't overloaded
• You include appropriate balancing/cushioning items
• The manufacturer's instructions allow it

Don't pack a machine full of shoes just because there's room.

Shoes are dense and behave differently from ordinary clothing inside a washer.

A laundromat gives you the option to use more than one machine when you have several loads.

That's one reason Wash Works can make larger laundry days faster. Our guide to how to do laundry faster at a laundromat explains how running appropriate loads simultaneously can save time compared with doing everything sequentially at home.

What Size Laundromat Washer Do You Need for Shoes?

You generally don't need a giant commercial washer just to wash one or two pairs of sneakers.

This is different from washing:

• King-size comforters
• Oversized blankets
• Large rugs
• Curtains

The objective is simply to choose a machine that comfortably accommodates the shoes, cushioning towels and any other appropriate items without being overloaded.

Wash Works has multiple machine sizes, including larger commercial-capacity equipment, so you don't need to choose one washer size for every type of load. The laundromat has more than 100 washers and dryers overall.

For genuinely large loads, our guide to how much laundry fits in a 60 lb washer explains why commercial washer capacity should be matched to the actual load rather than simply choosing the biggest machine available.

Can Washing Shoes Damage a Laundromat Washer?

Appropriate machine-washable sneakers prepared correctly are very different from putting unsuitable footwear or debris-filled shoes into a machine.

Potential problems come from things such as:

• Rocks trapped in soles
• Metal objects
• Heavy boots
• Loose hardware
• Shoes not designed for machine washing
• Excessively unbalanced loads

This is why preparation matters.

If you're uncertain whether your footwear belongs in a washer, ask an attendant rather than guessing.

Wash Works is fully attended, so customers have staff available when they need help choosing equipment or determining whether something is appropriate for self-service washing.

Can You Put Sneakers in a Laundromat Dryer?

This is where you should be especially cautious.

Do not assume that machine-washable shoes are automatically machine-dryable.

High dryer temperatures can potentially affect:

• Glue
• Foam
• Rubber
• Shape
• Cushioning
• Synthetic materials

The repetitive tumbling itself may also be hard on certain shoes.

Unless the manufacturer specifically says tumble drying is appropriate, air drying is usually the lower-risk option.

Why Can Dryer Heat Damage Shoes?

Most sneakers aren't just one piece of fabric.

They're assembled using combinations of:

• Stitching
• Adhesive
• Foam
• Rubber
• Plastic
• Fabric

These materials can react differently to heat.

The shoe may come out dry but:

• Warped
• Shrunken
• Misshapen
• Partially separated

Saving an hour of drying time isn't worth ruining an expensive pair of sneakers.

How Should You Air-Dry Sneakers?

After washing:

1. Remove the shoes promptly.
2. Open the tongue and shoe as much as possible.
3. Remove insoles if appropriate.
4. Place them in a well-ventilated location.
5. Keep them away from unnecessarily intense direct heat.
6. Allow the interior to dry completely before wearing them.

You can loosely stuff the shoe with clean absorbent paper or another manufacturer-approved material to help absorb moisture and maintain shape.

Replace damp material as necessary.

Avoid printed newspaper if there's a risk of ink transfer.

How Long Do Sneakers Take to Dry?

Air-drying time varies considerably.

It depends on:

• Shoe thickness
• Material
• Padding
• Room temperature
• Humidity
• Air circulation
• How much water the washer extracted

Thin canvas shoes may dry much faster than heavily padded athletic sneakers.

Don't judge only by the outside.

The toe box, padding and interior can still be damp when the exterior feels dry.

Why Do Shoes Smell After Washing?

If sneakers still smell after washing, there are several possibilities.

They Aren't Completely Dry

Moisture trapped inside padding can create a musty odor.

The Insoles Need Separate Cleaning

The main odor source may be the removable footbed rather than the exterior.

Detergent Didn't Rinse Completely

Using too much soap can leave residue.

The Shoes Have Significant Long-Term Buildup

One wash may not completely reverse months of repeated moisture and odor.

Before washing the shoes again, make sure they're actually dry.

Can Washing Shoes Get Rid of Foot Odor?

It can help when the odor comes from washable dirt, sweat and buildup.

But persistent shoe odor can also involve:

• Insoles
• Repeated moisture
• Shoes not drying between wears
• Socks
• Long-term material buildup

Clean shoes still need to be allowed to dry between uses.

If you wear the same pair every day and they never completely dry internally, odor can return quickly.

Can You Wash Muddy Sneakers at a Laundromat?

Yes, if the shoes are machine washable—but remove heavy mud first.

Don't take a pair of shoes covered in wet mud and put them directly into a washer.

Allow thick mud to dry if necessary, then brush or scrape away the loose material.

Clean packed mud from the tread.

Once you've removed the heavy debris, machine washing can handle the remaining washable soil more effectively.

Can You Wash Grass-Stained Sneakers?

Potentially.

First confirm that the shoe itself is machine washable.

Then pretreat the affected fabric with a product appropriate for the shoe's material and color.

Grass stains can involve chlorophyll and other plant material, so they don't always disappear simply because the entire shoe went through a wash cycle.

Can You Wash Shoes With Pet Hair on Them?

Yes, but remove loose pet hair first when practical.

This is the same principle used with other textiles.

There's no advantage to sending large amounts of easily removable hair into the washer.

Brush, vacuum or otherwise remove loose hair using a method appropriate for the shoe.

Then wash if the manufacturer permits it.

Should You Wash Shoes With Regular Clothes?

Usually, I'd keep heavily soiled shoes separate from your normal everyday clothing.

Technically, some washable items may be compatible, but think about what has been on the bottom of the shoes.

Sidewalks.

Parking lots.

Bathrooms.

Grass.

Mud.

Public floors.

If you're adding fabric to cushion the load, use towels or other items you're comfortable washing with footwear rather than your everyday shirts and underwear.

Is It Better to Wash Shoes at Home or at a Laundromat?

If your shoes are machine washable, either can work.

A laundromat may be preferable when:

• The shoes are particularly dirty
• You don't want footwear in your home washer
• You're cleaning several pairs
• You already have other laundry to do
• You want access to multiple machines
• You want staff nearby if you have a question

If you only need to wash one pair and you're comfortable using your home machine, traveling to a laundromat solely for those shoes may not be necessary.

The best solution depends on the situation.

Can You Wash Shoes While Doing the Rest of Your Laundry?

This is one of the more convenient reasons to bring machine-washable shoes to a laundromat.

You can run:

Your normal clothing load

and

Your shoe/towel load

at the same time.

You're not forced to wait for one load to finish before beginning the next.

That parallel washing is one of the biggest advantages of using a laundromat for a larger laundry day.

Wash Works' guide to how long laundry takes at a laundromat explains how washer and dryer times combine and why using several machines simultaneously can reduce the total time you spend doing laundry.

How Often Should You Wash Sneakers?

There isn't one schedule for everyone.

You probably don't need to machine wash sneakers every week just because you wore them.

Cleaning frequency depends on:

• How often you wear them
• Activity
• Weather
• Dirt
• Sweat
• Odor
• Shoe material

Between full washes, regular maintenance can help.

That might include:

• Brushing off dry dirt
• Cleaning rubber soles
• Airing shoes out
• Removing and cleaning laces
• Allowing footwear to dry fully between wears

Machine washing should be a cleaning tool, not necessarily the default after every use.

What Are the Biggest Mistakes When Washing Shoes at a Laundromat?

1. Not Checking Whether the Shoes Are Machine Washable

This is the biggest mistake.

2. Leaving Rocks and Mud in the Soles

Remove debris before using a washer.

3. Leaving Laces Tangled in the Shoes

Remove them when appropriate.

4. Washing Delicate Insoles Without Checking Them

Insoles may require separate care.

5. Washing Shoes Alone Without Balancing the Load

Appropriate towels can help reduce banging.

6. Using Too Much Detergent

The padded interior can hold detergent residue.

7. Using Excessive Heat

Hot water and high dryer heat can damage certain footwear materials.

8. Putting Shoes in the Dryer Automatically

Machine washable does not mean machine dryable.

9. Washing Leather or Suede Like Fabric Sneakers

Different materials require different care.

10. Assuming Every Pair From the Same Brand Is Washable

Model and material matter more than the logo.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Shoes at a Laundromat

Can you wash shoes at a laundromat?

Many machine-washable fabric sneakers and athletic shoes can be washed at a laundromat. Check the manufacturer's care instructions first and avoid machine washing leather, suede or other footwear that isn't designed for it.

Can you put sneakers in a laundromat washing machine?

Yes, if the sneakers are machine washable. Remove loose debris, laces and appropriate insoles first, and consider using a mesh laundry bag and cushioning towels.

Can you put shoes in a laundromat dryer?

Only if the manufacturer says tumble drying is safe. High dryer heat can affect adhesives, foam, rubber and shoe shape, so many sneakers are better air dried.

Should you remove shoelaces before washing sneakers?

Usually, yes. Removing the laces helps clean the tongue and eyelet area and prevents the laces from becoming tangled. Wash appropriate laces in a mesh bag.

Should you remove insoles before washing shoes?

Remove removable insoles and check their individual care instructions. Some foam or specialty insoles shouldn't go through a washing machine.

What cycle should you use to wash shoes?

Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Machine-washable shoes often benefit from a gentler cycle, but there isn't one setting that's correct for every pair.

Should you use hot or cold water to wash sneakers?

Follow the shoe manufacturer's directions. Cooler water is often recommended for machine-washable sneakers because excessive heat can affect certain materials and adhesives.

Can you wash running shoes in a washing machine?

Some may be machine washable, while manufacturers of other performance running shoes recommend hand cleaning. Check the instructions for your specific model.

Can you wash several pairs of sneakers together?

Potentially, if they're all machine washable, compatible in color and the load remains balanced and appropriately sized.

Can you wash muddy shoes at a laundromat?

Remove heavy mud, gravel and loose debris before using the washing machine. Once the shoes are properly prepared, machine-washable footwear can be washed according to its care instructions.

Is it better to wash sneakers at a laundromat?

A laundromat can be especially convenient if the shoes are very dirty, you're washing several pairs, or you want to keep shoes out of your home washing machine.

Wash Machine-Washable Sneakers at Wash Works in Stamford

So, can you wash shoes at a laundromat?

For many machine-washable fabric sneakers, yes.

The key is doing it correctly:

Check the manufacturer's instructions.

Remove dirt and debris.

Take out appropriate laces and insoles.

Use a mesh bag when appropriate.

Balance the load with suitable towels.

Use the correct amount of detergent.

Choose an appropriate cycle.

Be especially cautious with drying.

And don't put leather, suede, high-end specialty footwear or shoes labeled for another cleaning method into a washing machine just because they fit.

Wash Works has served Stamford for more than 20 years and offers a fully attended laundromat with more than 100 washers and dryers, multiple machine sizes, folding areas, laundry products, free Wi-Fi and attendants available to help customers with their laundry.

We're located at 953 East Main Street in Stamford, Connecticut.

Whether you're washing one week's clothing, machine-washable sneakers, curtains, blankets or other household laundry, Wash Works gives you the equipment and space to get it done without spending all day running one load after another at home.