Can You Wash Tennis Shoes In The Washer?

Washing your shoes in the washing machine can be a great way to clean them and kill any bacteria that may be lingering.

Introduction

Washing your tennis shoes in the washer is generally safe for the shoes and the washer. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind to avoid damaging your shoes or your washer.

Can You Wash Tennis Shoes In The Washer?

It is safe to wash tennis shoes in the washer as long as you use the delicate or gentle cycle, cold water and a mild detergent. You should also put your shoes in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from getting damaged in the washer.

Pros of Washing Tennis Shoes in the Washer

If you have a pair of tennis shoes that are particularly dirty or smelly, washing them in the washer can be a great way to get them clean. Washing machines have come a long way in recent years, and most now have features that are specifically designed for delicate items like shoes.

Some of the newer washing machines even have a “shoe wash” cycle that will clean your shoes without damaging them. If your washing machine doesn’t have this feature, you can still carefully wash your shoes in the machine by using the delicate or hand-wash cycle.

When washing your shoes in the washer, it’s important to use a gentle detergent and to avoid using too much detergent. You should also avoid putting your shoes in the dryer; instead, let them air dry to prevent damage.

Cons of Washing Tennis Shoes in the Washer

Washing your tennis shoes in the washing machine comes with a few drawbacks. One is that the machine can be tough on the shoes, breaking down the materials and causing them to degrade more quickly. Additionally, washing machines can be harsh on laces and other delicate details on shoes, causing them to fray or even break. Finally, if your washing machine isn’t large enough, you run the risk of damaging your shoes by squeezing them in too tight – so make sure to check the size of your machine before you start!

How to Wash Tennis Shoes in the Washer

Tennis shoes can be washed in the washer, but there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you should always check the care label on your shoes to see if they can be machine washed. If they can, then you should wash them on a delicate cycle in cold water. You can also add a mild detergent or shoe cleaner to the wash. Let’s take a look at some tips for washing your tennis shoes in the washer.

Step One: Preparing your Tennis Shoes for the Washer

Before you wash your tennis shoes in the washing machine, you need to take a few steps to prep them. First, check the label on your shoes to see if they are machine-washable. If they are not, stop here and hand-wash them instead.

If your shoes are machine-washable, start by removing any dirt and debris from the surface with a soft brush. You can also use a toothbrush to scrub away tough grime. Then, if your shoes have laces, untie them and remove them from the shoe. Put the laces in a delicates bag or pillowcase to wash separately.

Next, stuff each shoe with a couple of hand towels. This will help protect the shape of the shoe as it agitates in the washer.

Step Two: Washing your Tennis Shoes in the Washer

Start by removing the laces and insoles from your shoes. These can usually be washed in the washer with your regular laundry, but check the care instructions first to be sure. If they’re not machine-washable, wash them by hand and set them aside to air dry.

Next, check your shoes for any mud or dirt that needs to be removed. If they’re only lightly soiled, you can just brush them off with a soft brush or cloth. If they’re very dirty, you may need to pre-treat them with a stain remover before washing.

Once you’ve removed the laces and any dirt or mud, it’s time to wash your tennis shoes in the washing machine. If you have a top-loading washer, place your shoes in first and then add laundry detergent on top. For front-loading washers, add your shoes after the detergent has been dispensed into the basin.

Be sure to use a mild detergent so as not to damage your shoes. You may also want to use a specialty sports detergent designed specifically for washing athletic gear.

Set your washer to a gentle cycle using cold water and let it run its course.

Step Three: Drying your Tennis Shoes

The third and final step is to dry your shoes. You can either let them air dry, or you can put them in the dryer on a low heat setting. If you choose to put them in the dryer, make sure to put them in a mesh laundry bag first to protect them from damage. Once they are dry, you can wear your freshly cleaned tennis shoes with pride!

Conclusion

At the end of the day, washing your tennis shoes in the washing machine is generally safe and will not damage your shoes. However, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to keep your shoes looking and smelling their best. Be sure to use a gentle cycle with cold water and avoid using bleach or fabric softener. You may also want to stuff your shoes with newspaper to help them retain their shape during the wash cycle.