How to Wash Trainers Without Damaging Them

If you’re wondering how to wash your trainers without ruining them, you’re not alone. Trainers often accumulate dirt, mud, and unpleasant smells, but cleaning them incorrectly can cause damage to materials, adhesives, and shape. 

Our guide gently walks you through the most effective ways to clean your sneakers, whether by hand or in the washing machine, with advice tailored to different shoe types and materials. Your trainers will look fresher and last longer for all your sporting adventures.

Can You Wash Trainers in a Washing Machine?

Washing trainers in a washing machine can be safe if done properly, but only certain types of trainers are suitable. 

Shoes made from synthetic fabrics like canvas, nylon, polyester, and mesh generally tolerate machine washing well. However, avoid putting leather, suede, nubuck, or shoes with glued designs in the washer, as water and heat can loosen adhesives, deform the shape, or damage the material.

Before washing, always check the care label on your shoes or the manufacturer’s guidance. When the label allows machine washing, there are important steps to protect both your shoes and your machine.

How to Prepare Your Trainers for Washing

Preparation is key to a successful wash cycle that won’t harm your shoes:

• Remove the laces and insoles. The insoles often contain foam and can take a long time to dry, while laces should be washed separately to avoid tangling or colour transfer.
• Brush off loose dirt, mud, and debris with a soft shoe brush or an old toothbrush to prevent clogging your machine.
• Place the shoes in a mesh shoe washing bag or securely tie them inside a pillowcase to prevent heavy banging against the washing drum.
• Add 2 to 4 old towels or thick clothing items to the wash load to cushion the shoes and balance the machine drum.

Best Washing Machine Settings for Trainers

To protect your shoes and ensure a thorough clean:

• Use the gentlest cycle available, such as “delicate,” “wool,” or “hand wash.”
• Select a cold wash or 30°C temperature. Higher heat settings can warp materials and break adhesives.
• Use the lowest possible spin speed to minimise tumbling impact.
• Include an extra rinse cycle if your machine allows, to remove all detergent residue.

Another tip is to avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and powder detergents. The powder may not fully dissolve and this can cause your white trainers to turn yellow or off-white. Instead, you should use a liquid detergent to be safe.

If your white trainers are losing their fresh colour, then a paste of baking soda and washing-up liquid lightly scrubbed and wiped clean can help restore whiteness.

How to Dry Trainers Properly After Washing

Drying your trainers properly is just as important as washing them. While it might be tempting to speed things up, heat is one of the quickest ways to damage a good pair of trainers.

Never put trainers in the tumble dryer. High temperatures can melt the glue that holds them together and cause rubber soles to warp. The same goes for drying them on radiators or leaving them in direct sunlight, both can lead to fading, cracking or shrinkage.

Instead, leave your trainers to dry naturally in a well-ventilated room at normal indoor temperature. Stuffing them with crumpled white paper towels or newspaper helps absorb moisture from the inside while supporting their shape as they dry. Depending on the material and the conditions, expect the process to take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours.

If your trainers still smell musty after being washed and dried, then try sprinkling baking soda inside the shoes and letting it sit overnight before shaking it out. Replace insoles if odours persist.

How to Hand Wash Trainers Safely

Some trainers are better cleaned by hand, particularly if they’re made from delicate materials or the care label advises against machine washing.

Start by removing the laces and insoles. The laces can soak in warm, soapy water while you gently clean the insoles by hand. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water, then use a soft cloth or an old toothbrush to clean the uppers, midsoles and soles without scrubbing too aggressively.

If you’re dealing with stubborn marks or white trainers that have started to look dull, a simple paste made from baking soda and a little water, or white vinegar, can help lift stains and freshen the shoes. Once you’ve finished cleaning, wipe away any remaining soap with a damp cloth before leaving the trainers to air dry naturally.

Special Considerations for Different Materials

• Leather Trainers: Avoid soaking leather. Wipe gently with damp cloths and use leather conditioners to maintain suppleness.
• Suede Trainers: Never saturate suede with water. Use a suede brush and special erasers. For stains, dab lightly with white vinegar.
• Mesh or Knit Trainers: These often tolerate gentle hand washing or machine washing on delicate cycles due to their fabric construction.
• Memory Foam Shoes (e.g., Skechers): If machine washable (check label), follow machine washing advice carefully; otherwise hand wash to preserve foam integrity.

Can Fabric Softener Be Used When Washing Trainers?

Using fabric softener when washing trainers is not recommended. Fabric softeners can damage the fibres and adhesives in the shoes, reducing their lifespan and compromising their structure. Stick to a mild liquid detergent without additives for best results.

How to Keep Your Trainers Clean for Longer

A little regular maintenance goes a long way. Cleaning off mud before it dries and allowing trainers to air out after each wear helps prevent dirt and odours from building up. Rotating between two or more pairs also gives each pair time to dry fully between wears, reducing moisture inside the shoes.

Once your trainers are clean and completely dry, applying a waterproof spray that’s suitable for the material can help protect them against stains and wet weather. Finally, store them somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight, so they’re ready to wear the next time you need them.