It’s the piece of our outfit that collects the most filth, yet gets cleaned the least. Shoes tend to be forgotten but require cleaning nonetheless, and in most cases, it’s fairly easy to do. In this short article, we explain the best way to clean shoes, plus alternative cleaning methods and a few extra tips.
About this guide: Compiled by the HomeNerdy Editorial Team, this article was last reviewed in September 2026.
Scope: This guide covers cleaning most everyday shoes by washing machine and by hand, plus care tips for leather and suede.
Can You Clean Shoes in the Washing Machine?
A lot of people aren’t aware that it’s perfectly fine to wash shoes in the washing machine — in fact, most shoes come out looking brand new. There are a couple of exceptions: leather and suede shoes, and any shoes with specific washing instructions from the manufacturer. The list of exceptions is short, but that doesn’t mean shoes can just be washed exactly like clothes.
How to Clean Shoes in the Washing Machine
Required items: pillowcase or laundry bag, detergent, a washing machine.
Time to complete: about 5 minutes of actual work, plus under 60 minutes for the wash cycle itself.
Follow these steps:
- Clean the worst filth from your shoes. They don’t need to be perfectly clean, but remove anything that comes off easily beforehand, so you don’t end up needing to clean your washing machine afterward.
- Remove the laces.
- Put your shoes in a laundry bag or pillowcase to protect them from damage. You can add the laces in there too, as long as they can’t escape.
- Put the packed shoes in the washing machine. Optionally, add one or two towels to reduce noise.
- Apply the minimum amount of detergent and no fabric softener.
- Set the washing machine to a cold or eco program, around 80–90°F (30°C).
- Skip the spinning cycle.
Afterward, let the shoes air dry. Do not put them in the dryer, as this will ruin your shoes — just leave them to dry as you would after getting caught in the rain.
Also read: The Complete Laundry Guide | No More Laundromats if your shoes didn’t come out as clean as you’d hoped, since a baking-soda wash can help.
Cleaning Shoes by Hand
The less fun, less easy way is to clean your shoes by hand.
Required items: a cloth or soft brush, mild soap, a sink with running water.
Time to complete: about 15 minutes.
Follow these steps:
- Open the faucet and keep it running with warm water.
- Apply mild soap to the shoes.
- Brush the shoes with a cloth or brush.
There’s not much more to it, except when dealing with leather or suede. In that case, carefully follow the steps in a dedicated leather-cleaning guide, or consider letting a professional handle it for you.
Extra Tips for Keeping Shoes Clean Longer
If you want to prevent shoes from getting filthy, certain sprays can help protect them, though honestly this often isn’t needed since you can simply put most shoes in the washing machine (you wouldn’t put protective sprays on your regular clothing either). Leather and suede shoes remain the exception here — given how much harder and more expensive it is to clean those, it’s worth preventing them from getting filthy in the first place.
Alternatively, look for shoes with Gore-Tex fabric, typically found in waterproof boots and other heavy-duty footwear. Since water and filth don’t get absorbed by the fabric, these shoes tend to stay clean for much longer. Doing some research before you purchase shoes can save you time in the long run.
Conclusion
It’s not that hard to keep most types of shoes clean. Simply put them in the washing machine or clean them by hand under the faucet. If you own leather or suede shoes, you’ll have to do some more work, or get someone to do it for you. Either way, we hope this quick tutorial made your shoes look brand new again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put any shoe in the washing machine?
Most shoes are fine, with two exceptions: leather and suede shoes, and any shoes with specific washing instructions from the manufacturer. When in doubt, check the shoe’s care label first.
Why shouldn’t I put shoes in the dryer?
Heat and tumbling can warp the shape of the shoe, damage the adhesive holding it together, and shrink certain materials. Air drying is slower but much safer.
Do I need to remove the laces before washing?
Yes. Removing the laces helps the shoes and laces both get cleaned more evenly, and it reduces the chance of tangling inside the wash bag.
What if my shoes still smell after washing?
Make sure they’re completely dry before wearing them again, since lingering dampness is a common cause of odor. A baking-soda treatment can also help with stubborn smells.
