How to Wash Trainers in Washing Machine: Reddit’s Best Tips & Tricks

Wondering how to properly wash your trainers in the washing machine without ruining them? Reddit users share expert insights on the best techniques to keep your footwear fresh, clean, and long-lasting.

Reddit forums like r/ShoeCare and r/homeworklaundry reveal a simple, effective method: place trainers inside a mesh laundry bag, select the gentle cycle with cold water, and avoid fabric softeners. Many users emphasize drying trainers flat or on a drying rack to prevent stretching. For stubborn dirt, a mix of mild detergent and vinegar helps loosen grime without harming soles or materials. Always check care labels first—some trainers require hand washing only.

Many new users make the error of using high heat or heavy spin cycles, which can warp materials and damage glue joints. Reddit veterans warn against washing trainers with delicate fabrics like suede or leather without proper separation. Also, avoid overcrowding the machine—this limits water circulation and cleaning effectiveness. Using a detergent labeled safe for textiles helps maintain color and fabric integrity.

Community favorites include pre-treating stains with baking soda paste and air-drying after washing to preserve shape and comfort. Some users swear by adding a dryer sheet (in moderation) to reduce static, while others recommend vinegar rinse cycles to neutralize odors. For maximum longevity, always remove laces before washing—removing them prevents creasing and material stress. These tried-and-true tips come directly from Reddit’s cleaning experts.

Washing trainers in the washing machine doesn’t have to be risky—Reddit’s community offers smart, actionable advice to keep your footwear clean and fresh. By following gentle cycles, proper packing, and careful drying, you’ll extend your trainers’ lifespan significantly. Share your experience in the comments—let’s keep trainers in top shape together!

A cold wash cycle with minimal or no tumbling should be okay, but DO NOT use a regular hot wash cycle and avoid machine drying them entirely. The heat will likely damage/destroy the foam. Running shoes should only be air dried.

Do you wash your trainers in the washing machine? If so, what settings would you recommend to get them clean but nit damage them? Archived post. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. If you chose to wash the using a gentle cycle remove the insoles and laces, use a mild detergent, and finally air dry the shoes.

It is important to keep in mind that even with the best care, washing shoes in the machine can shorten their lifespan, so only use it as a last resort. Clean them as well as you can with Jason Markk, then spot clean any trouble spots, place them in a pillow case or a washing machine case, use standard detergent, wash cold, air dry. Go get some shoe trees, shoe washing bags and a shoe dryer you'll probably spend $30-$50 range and also wash your shoes on delicate cycle in cold water and warm water for tuff stains.

Avoid washing your shoes in the washing machine. They won't last very long. Use textile cleaner to remove dirt and have them white again.

You do not actually need to have full washing cycle. The most time consuming part is waiting them to dry off. This can take some time because shoes should dry in normal temperature without heating.

I usually put my sneakers in the washing machine once they are all muddy and stinky. Now a friend of mine claims it dissolves the glue and does a lot of damage to the dampening. Washing running shoes will clean them, but it shortens their lifespan.

I've cleaned shoes with a washing machine once, after a particularly muddy trail run, and it worked great. Use a low temperature, and no spin cycle, if you can. Once they're washed, fill them with newspaper to absorb all the moisture.

With the right preparation, cleaning products, and drying methods, your trainers can come out of the wash looking and smelling fresh without compromising their structure or durability. This guide takes you through everything you need to know about how to safely wash trainers in a washing machine. From checking the label to using a colder wash, the Which? experts run down the key things you should and shouldn't do when washing your trainers.