{"id":136068,"date":"2026-08-18T12:04:07","date_gmt":"2026-08-18T10:04:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/washing-shoes\/"},"modified":"2026-08-18T15:19:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T13:19:00","slug":"washing-shoes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alpinetrek.co.uk\/blog\/washing-shoes\/","title":{"rendered":"Washing shoes: How to get your shoes clean again"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Muddy paths, dusty trails, sweaty training sessions or simply day-to-day wear… your shoes go through a lot. Sooner or later, simply shaking them out isn\u2019t enough any more, and the question arises: how do I wash my shoes properly?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clean shoes look better, smell nicer and last longer. Whether they\u2019re everyday trainers, trail running <\/a>shoes or wellies<\/a>, with the right method you can remove dirt, mud and odours<\/strong> without damaging the material or compromising the fit. In this article, you\u2019ll find out which shoes can go in the washing machine, when hand washing is better, and what you should bear in mind when drying and looking after them.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Dirty<\/a>
After mud, rain or everyday grime, trainers need the right care<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Quick check: Can I put my shoes in the washing machine?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you can wash shoes in the washing machine depends <\/strong>primarily on the material, <\/strong>the construction <\/strong>and the manufacturer\u2019s instructions.<\/strong> As a general rule: sturdy textile and mesh shoes can sometimes be machine-washed. Delicate materials such as leather, suede, membranes, heavily glued constructions or shoes with special cushioning are best cleaned by hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always check the care label or the manufacturer\u2019s instructions before washing. If this information is missing, hand washing is the safer option.<\/strong> This protects the material, adhesives, cushioning and fit. The following table gives you a quick overview:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shoe type \/ Upper material<\/strong><\/td>Suitable for machine washing?<\/strong><\/td>Recommended alternative<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
Smooth leather<\/td>No<\/td>Wipe with a damp cloth, use a leather cleaner if necessary, then treat with a leather care cream or wax and reproof.<\/td><\/tr>
Suede and nubuck<\/td>No<\/td>Remove dry dirt with a suede brush, treat stains with a specialist cleaner, then buff the surface after drying and waterproof.<\/td><\/tr>
Durable fabric and mesh<\/td>In some cases, only if approved by the manufacturer<\/td>Clean by hand using lukewarm water, a soft brush and a mild detergent.<\/td><\/tr>
Delicate mesh<\/td>Best avoided<\/td>Clean carefully by hand to preserve the structure of the material.<\/td><\/tr>
Shoes with a membrane<\/td>Only with the manufacturer\u2019s express approval<\/td>Hand wash using a suitable functional cleaner. Then waterproof according to the material and manufacturer\u2019s instructions.<\/td><\/tr>
Synthetics and coated fabrics<\/td>Only if approved by the manufacturer<\/td>Clean by hand using lukewarm water, a soft brush and a mild detergent.<\/td><\/tr>
Rubber, EVA and plastic<\/td>Rarely necessary<\/td>Clean with water and mild soap, then allow to dry thoroughly.<\/td><\/tr>
Shoes with sensitive cushioning<\/td>Best avoided<\/td>Clean by hand to preserve the cushioning, bonding and fit.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tip:<\/strong> Hiking boots require different care to classic trainers. If you want to clean your outdoor or trekking boots, you\u2019ll find suitable instructions here: Cleaning hiking boots<\/a>. You shouldn\u2019t simply pop climbing shoes in the washing machine either. They have a particularly delicate construction and can lose their fit due to heat, water and agitation. You can find out more here: Washing climbing shoes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before every clean, it\u2019s worth doing a quick check:<\/strong> Are the seams, glued joints and sole edges intact? Open seams, loose glue or tears can be made worse by water and movement. In this case, you should have the shoes repaired first<\/strong> or, alternatively, clean them gently by hand.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Washing<\/a>
Not every shoe should go in the washing machine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

How to wash shoes in the washing machine: a step-by-step guide<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your trainers, plimsolls or sports shoes are machine-washable, it\u2019s best to proceed with care. This reduces the risk of damage to the material, the sole or the washing machine. The following step-by-step guide<\/strong> shows you what to look out for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Remove coarse dirt<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before putting your shoes in the washing machine, you should prepare them thoroughly so that dirt doesn\u2019t end up in the washing machine unnecessarily and your shoes get cleaned more evenly. Pay attention to the following points:<\/p>\n\n\n\n