How to Machine Wash Kids' Shoes Without Ruining Them

It's a classic parenting moment: your kid comes home from a day of serious play, and their shoes are caked in a special mix of mud, grass, and who-knows-what. While your first instinct might be to just hide them in the closet, there's a better way. Tossing them in the wash can feel like a risky move, but this guide will walk you through how to do it safely, taking the guesswork out of getting shoes clean.

More Than Just Looks Why Clean Shoes Matter

A clean pair of shoes definitely looks nicer, but the real benefits go much deeper. Kids' feet sweat, turning their shoes into a warm, damp place where smelly bacteria and fungus love to grow. Regular washing is a simple hygiene step that helps get rid of those odor-causing germs and keeps your child's feet healthy and comfortable.

Besides the health perks, cleaning shoes actually helps them last longer. All that gritty dirt and sand stuck in the fabric and seams can act like sandpaper, slowly wearing down the material. A little effort to wash away the grime protects your investment and makes sure their favorite sneakers or walking shoes are ready for many more adventures. A clean shoe is a happy, durable shoe.

To Wash or Not to Wash That Is the Question

Before you do anything else, you need to figure out if the shoes can even handle the machine. This is the most important step, as a wrong move here can lead to a shrunken, warped mess. The best place to start is the care tag, usually hiding under the shoe’s tongue or along an inside seam. If it says "Do Not Machine Wash" or "Hand-Wash Only," take it seriously.

No tag? No problem. You can usually tell by the material. Shoes made from canvas, cotton, nylon, or other synthetics are generally safe for the washing machine. Most everyday casual shoes and athletic sneakers are made from these durable fabrics and can handle a gentle cycle just fine.

On the other hand, some materials are a definite no-go for the washer:

• Leather and Suede: Water will make them crack, stain, and lose their shape.
• Shoes with Glued-On Bling: Anything with delicate sequins, beads, or jewels will likely fall apart.
• Light-Up or Electronic Shoes: Water and batteries are a disastrous combination.
• Shoes with Cork or Jute Soles: These natural materials can fall apart or get deformed when soaked.

If you're on the fence, it's always smarter to play it safe and wash them by hand.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Washable Shoe

The best shoes for the job are sturdy and made from tough materials. Classic canvas sneakers are a prime example; their simple design and strong fabric are a great match for the washing machine. Likewise, many modern athletic walking shoes use performance meshes like nylon and polyester, which hold up incredibly well to a good wash.

Check how the soles are attached. Shoes with stitched-on soles tend to be more durable in the wash than those that are just glued. While a cold-water wash is usually fine for glued soles, the stitching adds extra security. Simpler designs are also better. Shoes without a lot of foam decorations or metal hardware are less likely to get damaged or cause damage to your machine.

The Step-by-Step Guide From Muddy to Fresh

Once you’ve confirmed the shoes are machine-safe, just follow these steps to get them looking great again.

1. Prep Work is Key

First, get rid of as much loose dirt as you can. Bang the soles together outside to knock off the big clumps of mud, then use an old toothbrush to scrub away any lingering grit. This keeps your washing machine from turning into a muddy mess. After that, take out the shoelaces and insoles. Washing these parts separately gets everything cleaner and stops the laces from becoming a tangled knot.

2. Pre-Treat Tough Stains

For really stubborn spots like grass or grease, a little extra attention goes a long way. Dab a bit of mild liquid laundry detergent or a simple paste of baking soda and water directly onto the stain. Let it work its magic for about 15-20 minutes before they go into the wash.

3. Bag Them Up

This step is a must for protecting your shoes and your machine. Put the shoes, laces, and insoles into a mesh laundry bag. It stops them from banging loudly against the drum, which can scuff the shoes and even damage the washer. If you don't have a mesh bag, a zippered pillowcase will do the trick.

4. Pick the Right Cycle

Always use the delicate or gentle cycle with cold water. Hot water is the ultimate enemy of shoes—it can melt the glue, warp plastic parts, and make colors fade or bleed. Add a small amount of a mild, liquid detergent. Powdered detergents sometimes don't dissolve completely in cold water and can leave a chalky film. Also, skip the fabric softener; it can leave a residue that actually attracts more dirt.

5. Add Some Padding

Never wash shoes on their own. The load will be unbalanced and sound like a construction zone. To fix this, toss in a few old towels or a couple of sturdy blankets. They’ll cushion the shoes as they tumble and help the machine run smoothly.

6. Air-Dry Only

When the cycle finishes, take the shoes out and whatever you do, do not put them in the dryer. The high heat will absolutely destroy them by shrinking the fabric, warping the soles, and melting the glue.

The only safe method is air-drying. Stuff the shoes with paper towels or plain white tissue paper to soak up moisture and help them keep their shape. Don't use newspaper, as the ink can bleed onto the fabric. Set the shoes, insoles, and laces in a spot with good air circulation, away from direct sunlight or a heater. It might take a day or so for them to dry completely, but your patience will pay off.

Tackling Tough Stains and Smells

Sometimes, a regular wash isn't enough to handle set-in stains or smells that just won't quit. For an extra cleaning boost, try adding a half-cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar is a great natural disinfectant that helps kill odor-causing bacteria without any harsh chemicals.

If odors are still hanging around after the shoes are dry, baking soda is your secret weapon. Sprinkle a good amount inside each shoe and let them sit overnight. The baking soda will absorb any lingering smells and moisture. Just shake out the powder in the morning. This is also a great trick to freshen up shoes between washes.

4 FAQs About Machine Washing Shoes

Q1: How often should I be washing my kid's shoes?

There’s really no magic number. It's best to just wash them as they need it. For everyday casual shoes, that might be once a month. But if they get really dirty after a day at the park, it's a good idea to wash them sooner rather than later before stains and smells have a chance to settle in for good.

Q2: Is it okay to use bleach on white canvas shoes?

You'll want to skip the regular chlorine bleach. It seems like it would work, but it can actually turn white canvas yellow and weaken the fabric over time. For extra whitening, look for an oxygen-based bleach, which is much gentler. Always test it on a small, hidden spot first to be safe.

Q3: What if the shoes have insoles that don't come out?

You can still wash them, but you’ll have to be extra careful with drying. Since you can't take the insole out, you’ll need to be very thorough with the paper towel stuffing to draw out all the moisture. You might even need to swap out the damp paper towels for dry ones a few times. Just make sure they are completely dry before being worn to avoid mildew.

Q4: Can I put glitter shoes in the machine?

It’s best not to. The water and tumbling action will likely strip off most of the glitter, ruining the shoes and leaving a sparkly mess in your washing machine that will haunt your laundry for weeks. For shoes with glitter or other glued-on decorations, gently cleaning spots by hand is the only way to go.

Play, Wash, Repeat The Joy of Stress-Free Adventures

With these tips, you can face down the muddiest shoes with confidence. A proper machine wash is an amazing tool for any parent, making cleanup easy and stress-free. So go ahead and let your kids explore, splash, and get dirty. You can rest easy knowing that their favorite kid's shoes can be washed and ready for whatever new adventure comes their way tomorrow.