How to Wash Your Sneakers: Step-by-Step Guide for Clean, Fresh Footwear

Dirty sneakers don’t have to mean worn-out footwear—learn the proper way to wash your sneakers and restore them to pristine condition with simple, effective techniques.

Washing your sneakers correctly preserves colors, fabric, and structure. Start by gently removing loose dirt with a soft brush or cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a mild detergent mixed with warm water, avoiding harsh chemicals that can damage materials. Submerge the upper parts (but not rubber soles) in a basin, scrub gently with a soft toothbrush, then rinse thoroughly. Let them air dry away from direct heat to prevent shrinking or discoloration.

Before washing, check the care label for material-specific instructions—some sneakers require professional treatment. Remove laces and insoles, and gently shake off debris. For tough stains, pre-treat with a specialized cleaner, but always test a small area first to prevent damage. Never machine-wash or use bleach, as this can weaken fibers and fade colors.

After washing, reshape the sneakers using a shoe tree or folded towel to maintain their form. Allow them to dry completely in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space—never use direct sunlight or heaters. Once dry, brush off excess moisture and apply a protective spray if needed to extend lifespan and prevent future dirt buildup.

Mastering how to wash your sneakers extends their life and keeps them looking fresh every day. Follow these simple steps to maintain your favorite pair and stay stylish with confidence. Try it today and give your sneakers the care they deserve.

Experts share three ways to clean sneakers and remove dirt, grass stains, grease, scuffs, and more. Methods include machine washing, hand washing, spot cleaning, plus tips for removing odor to keep sneakers looking and smelling fresh. When it's time to clean your dirty sneakers, a good wash is all they need.

Learn how to wash dirty sneakers with or without a machine. Here's the best way to clean sneakers, according to pros, including two things you should *always* do before tossing your shoes into a washing machine. Cleaning sneakers and other soft-soled shoes in the washing machine is usually safe, but there are some things to consider before you toss your shoes in the wash to avoid expensive damage to your machine.

Learn how to ensure your shoes and your washing machine will come out safely if you decide to clean your shoes in the washing machine. Always Check Manufacturer Instructions Before tossing your sneakers in the machine, make sure to check the manufacturer's instructions. If your sneakers are made of fabric and don't have a "do not wash in machine" label, you're good to go!

How to wash sneakers the right way How you wash sneakers will largely depend on the materials used to make them. While some sneakers are safe to put in the washing machine, sneakers with leather components are better hand-washed. With that in mind, here is how to wash sneakers both ways without incurring damage.

How Do You Properly Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine? To properly wash shoes in a washing machine, you should first prepare the shoes, select the right settings, and take steps for drying them correctly. Knowing how to clean sneakers can make your favorite footwear last that much longer. Even if you own one of the best washing machines, we tend to be uneasy when it comes to cleaning sneakers.

How to wash in the washing machine How to wash by hand FAQs Can you wash only the inside of sneakers? Looking at your favorite sneakers and think they could use a clean? It's probably time to give them some TLC. I have been putting my running trainers to work training for a half marathon, and they're in desperate need of a scrub. Washing your shoes in the washing machine can save you time and effort when keeping your favorite sneakers clean and ready to wear.

Not sure how to get started? Follow this guide to learn how to clean shoes in the washer and by hand.