Yes, most canvas, mesh, knit and synthetic trainers can be washed in a machine, as long as the care label or manufacturer does not rule it out. Take out the laces and insoles, put the trainers in a wash bag or old pillowcase with a couple of towels for balance, and run a cool, gentle cycle with a low spin and a little liquid detergent. Always air dry them. Leather, suede, nubuck and trainers with lights or electronics should be cleaned by hand.
Muddy school trainers and running shoes that smell are two of the most common reasons people reach for the washing machine. Done carefully, it works well. Done carelessly, it can loosen glue, warp soles and leave a dent in the drum. This guide is part of our wider advice on fresh, clean laundry in the UK.
Which Trainers Can Go in the Machine?
| Material or feature | Machine wash? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas | Usually yes | Classic plimsolls and canvas pumps cope well with a gentle cycle |
| Mesh and knit uppers | Usually yes | Many running shoes fall into this group; use a wash bag |
| Nylon and polyester | Usually yes | Synthetics are hard-wearing in water |
| Leather | No | Water can stiffen, crack or stain it |
| Suede and nubuck | No | Soaking ruins the texture and colour |
| Light-up or electronic trainers | No | Water damages the battery and circuits |
| Waterproof trainers | With care | The membrane may need re-proofing afterwards |
Appliance makers give the same advice. Bosch says the care label should decide, and recommends hand washing where the label advises against the machine. Beko also suggests leather, suede and rubber shoes are better washed by hand.
How to Machine Wash Trainers Step by Step
- Check the label or the brand's care advice. Some manufacturers specifically say not to machine wash.
- Knock off dried mud and brush the soles outdoors, so grit does not go round the drum.
- Remove laces and insoles. Laces can go in a small wash bag; insoles are better hand washed.
- Bag them up. A mesh wash bag or tied pillowcase stops trainers getting caught in the door seal and reduces banging.
- Add two or three old towels to balance the drum and cushion the shoes.
- Choose a cool, gentle cycle at 30°C or below, with a low spin speed.
- Use a small amount of liquid detergent. Powder can get trapped in mesh. Skip fabric conditioner.
If you are unsure which cycle to choose, our guide on what temperature to wash clothes at explains why cooler, gentler settings protect fabrics and glued seams.
Drying Without Damage
Never Tumble Dry Trainers
High heat softens the glue that holds soles together and can warp foam and plastic. Stuff the trainers with kitchen roll or newspaper to hold their shape and soak up moisture, replace it when it gets damp, and leave them to dry at room temperature, away from radiators and direct sunlight. Expect it to take a day or more.
Cleaning Leather and Suede Trainers by Hand
Leather
Wipe with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap, then wipe clean and let it air dry. A leather conditioner afterwards stops it drying out.
Suede and Nubuck
Let mud dry, then brush it off with a suede brush. Use a suede eraser on marks rather than water.
Rubber Soles
Scrub with warm soapy water and an old toothbrush, keeping water away from the upper.
Insoles
Hand wash in warm soapy water, rinse and air dry fully before putting them back.
Getting Rid of Trainer Smells
- Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda inside dry trainers overnight, then tip it out.
- Wash or replace insoles, which hold most of the smell.
- Let trainers dry completely between wears, and rotate pairs if you can.
- Wear clean socks that wick sweat away from the foot.
Shop Laundry Care
Detergents and laundry essentials for everything from school kit to running gear.
Shop Laundry CareFrequently Asked Questions
Will the washing machine ruin my trainers?
Not if they are made from canvas, mesh or synthetics and you use a cool, gentle cycle with a wash bag. Heat, high spins and tumble drying cause most of the damage.
Can you put trainers in the tumble dryer?
It is best not to. Heat can soften the glue in the soles and warp the shape. Air dry them stuffed with paper instead.
What temperature should trainers be washed at?
30°C or below on a gentle cycle. Hotter water does not clean them noticeably better and increases the risk of damage.
How often can you machine wash trainers?
Only when they genuinely need it. Regular brushing and spot cleaning keep them looking good and reduce wear from repeated machine washes.
Sources: Bosch UK, Washing trainers in the washing machine; Beko UK, Washing shoes FAQ.