Expert Guide: How to Safely Clean Your Trainers in the Washing Machine
Whether you prefer chunky Nike styles, gorpcore Salomons, or streamlined Adidas silhouettes, trainers are a cornerstone of any wardrobe. The right pair can support your everyday look for years, especially when kept fresh with regular cleaning. Trainers can get scuffed up quickly, but the solution is often as simple as tossing them in the washing machine. However, mistakes can lead to damage, such as shrinkage or colour running. To help you avoid these errors, we consulted washing machine and shoe cleaning experts for their top tips on maintaining your favourite trainers in tip-top condition.
Which Trainers Can Safely Go in a Washing Machine?
"Trainers made from canvas, mesh, or polyester are usually safe to wash in the washing machine," says Sophie Lane, Miele’s product training manager. While this provides a good general guideline, Salah Sun from Beko adds, "It’s always best to check your shoe manufacturer’s website or care labels for specific wash instructions before cleaning your trainers in a washing machine."
Some trainer styles, such as those made from suede or leather, should never go in the washing machine. "They don’t respond well to being fully saturated and can easily lose their finish," explains Natasha Barwell-Jones from the shoe polish brand Cherry Blossom. "Instead, suede shoes should be gently brushed with a dry cloth to remove dirt and debris, while leather shoes are best cleaned with a damp cloth to preserve their quality," Sun advises.
How to Prepare Trainers for the Washing Machine
Proper preparation is key to avoiding damage. "Start by removing the laces to prevent them from catching on the drum or door during washing," Sun explains. Ian Palmer-Smith, appliance expert at Domestic & General, adds, "To ensure your trainers come out of the machine in pristine condition, it’s important to spot clean and scrub any caked-on dirt off the trainers first. This will also stop the built-up dirt and mud from clogging up and damaging your appliance, potentially leading to a washing machine repair."
A simple way to protect your trainers is to place a protective layer between them and the washing machine drum. Most experts recommend using an old pillowcase or a mesh laundry bag to shield the shoes during the wash cycle.
Which Washing Machine Settings Should You Use?
"In most instances, selecting a delicate or hand wash cycle is advisable, and for optimal results, we recommend using a delicate cycle at a cool temperature," Sun says. "This setting ensures efficient and safe cleaning by avoiding overheating the glue in your trainers." Lower temperature cycles still provide a thorough clean while reducing the risk of damage to both your shoes and the washing machine drum.
Sun also suggests adding some old towels to the load to distribute the weight evenly. "It's important to avoid cycles with excessively high spin speeds or unbalanced loads, as these can cause potential problems during the wash."
Another top tip is to use a small amount of liquid detergent and avoid fabric conditioner. "I would recommend using half a cup," Palmer-Smith says. "Additionally, you should stick to gel or liquid detergent, as powder may not properly dissolve inside your trainers due to less water circulation."
How to Dry Your Trainers Properly
According to Barwell-Jones, drying is where most mistakes occur. "Don’t tumble dry or leave them on a radiator – high heat can warp soles and weaken glue," she explains. "Let them air dry naturally and stuff them with paper to help hold their shape as they dry."
Alternative Methods for Cleaning Trainers
Barwell-Jones emphasises that machine washing shouldn’t be your go-to method for every clean. "Spot cleaning or using dedicated trainer products little and often is a much safer way to keep them looking good, especially for everyday wear," she explains. "It avoids the wear and tear that comes with a full wash."
By following these expert guidelines, you can extend the life of your trainers and keep them looking fresh without risking damage from improper cleaning techniques.
