How To Wash Trainers In A Machine Safely
Trainers pick up mud, sweat, and everyday dirt fast. A quick wipe often isn’t enough, which is why many people want to know how to wash trainers in a machine. Done right, it’s safe, simple, and brings your shoes back to life.
In this guide, we’ll cover whether you can put trainers in the washing machine, which settings to use, and the best approach for different materials. You’ll also find a step-by-step method, tips on drying trainers and advice on the right detergent to choose.
Can You Put Trainers In The Washing Machine
The short answer is yes. You can put many trainers in the washing machine. Fabric trainers, running shoes, and gym shoes made from canvas or synthetic materials usually cope well with a gentle cycle.
Not every pair is machine-safe though. Leather, suede, and some specialist sports trainers need a different approach. Washing these in the machine can damage the material or loosen the glue. For those, stick to a hand clean with a damp cloth or specialist cleaner instead.
When in doubt, always check the care label inside your trainers. If it says they’re machine washable, you’re safe to go ahead. If not, it’s best to avoid the risk.
Best Washing Machine Settings for Trainers
Choosing the right cycle protects both your trainers and your machine. Always select a gentle or delicate setting. A slow spin reduces impact on the shoes and helps them keep their shape.
Keep the temperature low. A cold or 30°C wash is best for most trainers. Hot water can warp materials and weaken glue.
Place trainers in a mesh bag or pillowcase and add a couple of towels to balance the drum. This cushions the shoes, reduces noise, and prevents damage inside the machine.
Using the correct washing machine setting for trainers makes the clean effective without risking shrinkage or wear.
Step by step: How To Wash Trainers In A Machine
Follow these steps to get a safe, effective clean without damaging your shoes or washing machine.
Check the care label before washing
Look inside your trainers for the manufacturer’s label. If it says they are machine washable, you can continue. If not, stick to hand washing.
Remove laces and insoles for a deeper clean
Take out the laces and insoles. This stops them from tangling and ensures the shoes wash more thoroughly. You can wash laces separately in a mesh bag.
Brush off mud and pre treat stains
Use a soft brush to remove loose dirt and mud. For stubborn marks, dab on a little mild detergent or stain remover before putting them in the wash.
Use a mesh bag and add towels for protection
Place your trainers in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase. Add a couple of towels to the drum. This cushions the shoes and prevents loud banging during the cycle.
Select a gentle cycle with a low spin
Pick a delicate setting with a slow spin speed. This is the safest washing machine setting for trainers because it protects the fabric and helps your shoes hold their shape.
Add an eco-friendly laundry detergent
Use a natural laundry detergent that is safe for colours and fabrics. Laundry Detergent GreenSheets™ fully dissolve, wash effectively, and are kind to the planet.
Reshape and air dry naturally
When the cycle finishes, reshape the trainers while they are damp. Stuff them with newspaper or a dry cloth to absorb moisture. Let them air dry in a warm, well ventilated space.
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What Temperature To Wash Trainers
Temperature plays a big role in keeping your trainers safe in the wash. Hot water can warp fabrics, weaken glue, and cause colours to fade. That is why the best answer to what temperature to wash trainers is usually cold or 30°C.
Most natural laundry detergents, perform well at low temperatures. You do not need heat to get a deep clean. If your trainers are very muddy, give them a quick rinse or brush. Then put them in the machine rather than increasing the temperature.
Always stick to the lowest setting recommended on the care label. This protects the shoes while still giving them a thorough clean.
How To Dry Trainers After Washing
Drying is just as important as washing. The wrong method can undo your hard work and even shorten the life of your shoes. The safest answer to how to dry trainers after washing is always to let them air dry.
Start by removing the trainers from the machine and gently reshaping them. Stuff each shoe with newspaper, paper towels, or a dry cloth. This helps them hold their shape and absorb excess water. Change the stuffing every few hours until the shoes feel dry inside.
Place the trainers in a warm, well ventilated space. A windowsill, an airing cupboard, or near a fan are all good options. Avoid direct heat such as radiators, hair dryers, or tumble dryers. High heat can warp soles, weaken glue, and make trainers uncomfortable to wear.
Air drying does take longer, usually between 12 and 24 hours depending on the material and weather. Planning ahead is key. If you need trainers for the next morning, it is best to wash them a day or two in advance.
For freshness, remove the insoles and dry them separate. This speeds up the process and keeps odours at bay. You can also sprinkle a little bicarbonate of soda inside the shoes once they are almost dry to help absorb moisture and neutralise smells.
Mistakes To Avoid When You Wash Trainers In The Washing Machine
Washing trainers in the machine is safe if you prepare them properly. Most problems come from a handful of common mistakes that are easy to avoid.
Skipping preparation is the biggest issue. Putting muddy trainers straight into the drum spreads dirt through the wash and can even damage the machine. Always brush off mud, remove the laces and insoles, and place the trainers in a mesh bag before you start. This one step is essential if you want to know how to wash trainers without ruining them.
Choosing the wrong cycle is another mistake. A fast spin or high temperature can warp fabrics, weaken glue, and leave trainers misshapen. The best approach is always a gentle cycle with a slow spin and cold or 30°C water. This is the safest washing machine setting for trainers and protects both the shoes and the drum.
Using the wrong detergent can also cause problems. Harsh chemicals, bleach, or too much liquid detergent can fade colours and damage the fabric. A small amount of a gentle product like Laundry Detergent GreenSheets™ gives a deep clean without the risk. They dissolve fully, wash effectively at low temperatures, and are eco friendly too.
Drying trainers the wrong way can undo all the effort. Putting them in a tumble dryer or near a radiator can warp soles and shrink fabrics. The only safe answer to how to dry trainers after washing is to let them air dry naturally.
Finally, do not forget about where you store them afterwards. A damp or dirty trainer cupboard can bring smells back quickly. Wipe down the area with natural cleaning products to keep your storage fresh and bacteria free.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can keep your trainers clean, fresh, and long-lasting. You'll also protect your washing machine.
How To Wash White Trainers In A Machine
White trainers look crisp and clean when new, but they show dirt and stains more than any other style. That's why knowing how to wash white trainers in the washing machine is so useful.
Start by removing the laces and insoles. Laces pick up a lot of dirt, so wash them separately in a mesh bag or soak them in warm soapy water. Brush off loose mud from the shoes before putting them in the machine to prevent stains from setting.
Choose a gentle cycle at 30°C or below. This is the safest washing machine setting for trainers. Higher temperatures can dull bright whites or cause yellowing. Add a couple of towels to the drum to protect the trainers and reduce noise.
Always use a natural laundry detergent. They clean powerfully at low temperatures without bleach, keeping fabrics safe. Whitening agents or strong chemicals can weaken the material and often lead to discolouration.
When the wash is finished, reshape your trainers and let them air dry in a bright but shaded area. Direct sunlight can cause fading or yellow marks. Pick a spot with good airflow indoors or outside in the shade. Stuffing the shoes with paper helps them dry faster and keeps them looking box-fresh.
To maintain white trainers for longer, give them a quick wipe after each wear and wash the laces regularly. Storing them in a clean, dry space also helps prevent yellowing and scuff marks.
Keep Your Trainers Clean The Simple Way
Learning how to wash trainers in a machine makes it easy to keep your shoes fresh without damaging them. The key steps are always the same: prepare them, choose a gentle cycle, wash at a low temperature, and let them air dry.
Choosing the right detergent makes a big difference too. Laundry Detergent GreenSheets™ are gentle on fabrics, safe for colours, and eco friendly. They dissolve completely in the wash, give a deep clean at low temperatures, and save space in your cupboard.
