Do washing machines really reduce the life of your sneakers?

Sneakers are an essential part of our daily wardrobe, whether for sports, casual wear, or even work. Over time, they get dirty, and cleaning them becomes necessary. While some people prefer handwashing, others simply toss their sneakers into the washing machine. But is this really a good idea? Does using a washing machine shorten the lifespan of your sneakers?

Can you wash sneakers in a washing machine?

The short answer is yes, but with caution. Many sneakers, especially those made of fabric or mesh, can handle a gentle cycle in the washing machine. However, not all sneakers are suitable for machine washing.

Sneakers that can be machine-washed:

✅ Canvas sneakers - String and durable, canvas sneakers can usually withstand machine washing.

✅ Mesh or fabric sneakers - Breathable running shoes made of mesh can be machine washed with care.

✅ Textile casual sneakers - Sneakers made of textile materials like polyster, nylon, cotton are generally safe for washing machines.

Sneakers that shouldn’t be machine-washed:

❌ Leather sneakers - Water can cause leather to crack and lose its shine.

❌ Suede or nubuck sneakers - These materials are highly sensitive to water and can stain easily.

❌ Sneakers with glued soles - Strong detergents and machine agitation can weaken the glue, causing the sole to detach.

If your sneakers are machine-washable, using the right method is important to avoid damage.

How to machine wash sneakers without damaging them?

If you must wash your sneakers in a washing machine, follow these steps to minimize damage and keep them looking fresh:

Step 1: Remove laces & insoles

• Take out the laces and insoles before washing.

• Laces can be washed separately, and insoles should be cleaned by hand to avoid water retention.

Step 2: Use a Shoe Laundry Kit: Mesh Shoe Laundry Bag & Shoe Laundry Cubes

• Place your sneakers inside shoe laundry bags to protect them from the machine's aggressive spinning.
• Add a shoe cleaning cube to one of the bag's pockets.
• Secure the shoes in the laundry bags using thestrings in the bag.

Step 3: Choose a gentle cycle

• Run a 30-minute cold wash in the washing machine.

• Air dries overnight, and they’re ready to wear!

The better alternative: Hand cleaning with a shoe kit

If you want to ensure yur sneakers last longer, handwashing is the safest method. A shoe cleaning kit contains all the essential tools for deep cleaning without causing damage.

You don’t need to clean your sneakers in the washing machine every time if you have a shoe cleaning kit. Only wash them when the insoles become too dirty or smelly; otherwise, it’s best to clean your sneakers using alternative methods.

For suede sneakers you can use a suede shoes cleaner kit to maintain the texture.

Final verdict: Does machine washing shorten sneaker life?

Yes, frequent machine washing can reduce the lifespan of your sneakers by weakening the structure, fading colors, and damaging soles. However, if you must use a washing machine, always use a shoe laundry bag and follow the correct methods to minimize damage.

For long-lasting sneakers, using a shoe cleaning kit for regular cleaning is the best option. Handwashing keeps your shoes fresh, maintains their durability, and prevents unnecessary wear and tear.