How to Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine (Without the Banging)

Yes, you can wash some shoes in a washing machine—as long as the shoe manufacturer and your washer's instructions allow it. For machine-washable sneakers, a cold, gentle cycle with mild detergent is often a good starting point.

But there's one problem many people discover the hard way: shoes tumbling and banging around inside the washer.

Fortunately, there are ways to make washing your shoes easier, quieter, and less stressful on both your footwear and your washing machine.

Here's how to do it properly.

Can You Put Shoes in the Washing Machine?

The short answer is yes, but not every pair belongs in the washer.

Some sneakers made primarily from canvas, nylon, polyester, or other washable synthetic materials can handle machine washing. However, the material alone isn't enough to determine whether a shoe is machine-washable.

Always check the manufacturer's care instructions before putting shoes in the washing machine.

Shoes that may be suitable for machine washing include:

• Canvas sneakers approved for machine washing

• Certain synthetic running and athletic shoes

• Machine-washable everyday sneakers

• Some washable children's school shoes

• Certain lightweight work or casual shoes

Shoes that generally require hand-cleaning or special care include:

• Leather and suede shoes

• Wool or other delicate materials

• Shoes with delicate decorations or glued-on details

• Heavy-duty work boots and steel-toe footwear

• Shoes with specialty materials or construction that may be damaged by water or agitation

Whether you're cleaning muddy sneakers after a busy family weekend or frequently worn work shoes after a long shift, the first step is always making sure that particular pair can safely be machine-washed.

Important: No washing accessory—including Shoo-Noise—can make a shoe machine-washable if its manufacturer advises against it.

What You Need Before Washing Shoes

A little preparation makes a big difference.

Before starting the wash, gather:

• A soft brush or old toothbrush

• Mild liquid laundry detergent

• A clean cloth

• A mesh laundry bag or pillowcase, if using the conventional method

• Old towels, if recommended by your washer manufacturer for conventional shoe washing

You can also use Shoo-Noise as an alternative to letting shoes tumble inside a laundry bag. We'll cover both methods below.

1. Remove Excess Dirt and Mud

Brush away loose dirt, dried mud, gravel, and other debris, especially from the soles.

This prevents unnecessary debris from entering your washing machine and makes it easier for detergent and water to reach the remaining dirt.

2. Remove the Shoelaces

Take out the laces when possible.

Laces can become tangled during washing, so clean them separately by hand or in a securely closed laundry bag if their care instructions permit it.

3. Check the Insoles

Remove insoles if the shoe manufacturer's instructions recommend doing so.

Many insoles are better cleaned by hand because machine washing can leave them waterlogged or damage their materials.

4. Choose the Right Detergent

For shoes approved for machine washing, a small amount of mild liquid detergent is generally a sensible option.

Avoid bleach, harsh cleaning chemicals, and strong whitening additives unless the footwear manufacturer's instructions specifically permit them.

How to Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine: Step by Step

There are two main approaches to washing compatible shoes: allowing them to tumble in a cushioned laundry bag or securing them in place so they don't tumble freely.

Both use your washing machine to do the cleaning, but they handle shoe movement very differently.

Method 1: Washing Shoes With a Mesh Laundry Bag

This is the conventional method recommended by several appliance manufacturers.

Step 1: Prepare your shoes. Remove loose dirt, take out the laces, and follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding insoles.

Step 2: Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag. Use a bag large enough to contain the shoes and close it securely. A pillowcase may also be an option.

Step 3: Add old towels if your washer manufacturer recommends them. Towels can help cushion impacts and balance the load. Avoid towels that could transfer dye to your shoes.

Step 4: Select an appropriate cycle. For shoes approved for machine washing, cold water and a gentle or delicate cycle are common recommendations. Use a low-spin or no-spin setting where appropriate for the shoes and washer.

Step 5: Air-dry your shoes. Remove them after washing and let them dry completely before wearing them again.

This method can work well for suitable shoes, and manufacturers such as Whirlpool recommend variations of it.

However, there's one important limitation.

A mesh laundry bag contains your shoes, but it doesn't stop the bag and shoes from tumbling around inside the drum.

That means some banging, movement, and repeated contact with the washer can still happen.

Method 2: Washing Shoes Without the Tumbling

What if your shoes didn't have to bounce around the drum at all?

That's the idea behind Shoo-Noise, a patented, reusable magnetic shoe-washing platform designed to hold machine-washable footwear securely against the inside wall of a washing-machine drum.

Instead of putting your shoes in a loose laundry bag, you strap each shoe onto a platform and attach it magnetically to the drum.

Water and detergent can still reach the shoes during washing, but the shoes are held in place rather than freely tumbling throughout the cycle.

This eliminates the loud banging, repeated impacts, and unwanted movement commonly associated with machine-washing shoes.

And because the washer handles the cleaning, you can avoid spending unnecessary time manually scrubbing shoes that could instead be washed in your washing machine.

How to Stop Shoes From Banging Around in the Washer

If you've ever washed sneakers loose in a washing machine, you probably know the sound.

Thump. Bang. Thump.

As the drum moves, the shoes can lift, drop, and strike the interior of the machine.

Besides being annoying, repeated impacts can contribute to scuffing or stress on the shoes and may create concerns about the washer itself.

Do Mesh Laundry Bags Stop the Banging?

Mesh bags can help contain shoes and provide some cushioning, particularly when used with towels according to your appliance manufacturer's directions.

But there's a difference between containing movement and preventing free tumbling.

A mesh bag doesn't anchor your shoes to the washer drum. The entire bag can still move around, allowing shoes to bump against the drum and create noise, not to mention that they can scuff each other in the mesh bag.

There's also the durability factor.

Mesh bags can fray, stretch, or tear with repeated use, especially when regularly washing bulky footwear. Depending on their construction and how they're used, they may need frequent replacing.

That doesn't mean every mesh bag wears out quickly. A well-made laundry bag can last a bit longer. But even a durable bag still doesn't fundamentally solve the problem of shoes tumbling around inside the washer.

A Different Approach: Keep the Shoes in Place

Shoo-Noise addresses the source of the banging rather than simply cushioning it.

Its magnetic platforms hold your shoes against the washer drum, instead of letting them tumble and repeatedly strike the interior.

So you can finally have:

• Less banging and disruptive thumping

• Fewer repeated drum impacts

• Less unwanted tumbling and associated scuffing

• A more convenient machine-washing routine for compatible shoes

Unlike a thin mesh bag that may wear out and require frequent replacement, Shoo-Noise is built as a durable, reusable household accessory designed for years of regular use.

It's also backed by an Unlimited Lifetime Guarantee, reflecting our commitment to making a product intended to last.

Of course, no accessory can guarantee a completely silent washer, eliminate every chance of damage, or replace proper footwear and appliance care.

But preventing shoes from freely tumbling is a meaningful difference from simply putting them inside a bag.

How to Use Shoo-Noise in the Washing Machine

Using Shoo-Noise is straightforward, but checking compatibility and securing your shoes correctly is essential.

Step 1: Check Your Washing Machine

Shoo-Noise requires a magnetically compatible washing-machine drum.

Before using it, place a simple household magnet against the inside surface of your washer drum to check whether the material attracts a magnet.

Not all metal or stainless-steel drums are magnetic, and plastic drums won't work.

Also check your washer manufacturer's instructions to make sure the accessory's use is permitted.

Step 2: Secure Each Shoe to Its Platform

Place one shoe on each Shoo-Noise platform.

Use two adjustable straps per shoe: one over the heel opening and another over the toe.

The included straps come in different lengths, identified by their colored adjusters:

• Men's shoes: Red-adjuster strap over the heel opening; blue-adjuster strap over the toe.

• Women's and children's shoes: Blue-adjuster strap over the heel opening; white-adjuster strap over the toe.

These are the recommended starting combinations. Make sure the straps fit securely, regardless of shoe size, and follow the instructions provided with your product.

Step 3: Attach the Platforms to the Washer Drum

If you have a top-load washer, position each shoe with its heel pointing down and toe pointing up, then attach the magnetic platform firmly to the drum surface. If you have a side-load washer, the heel should be facing the back of the drum.

Ensure both straps are fastened and the platform is seated securely.

Keep your fingers clear of the space between the magnets and the drum to avoid pinching.

Step 4: Wash the Shoes by Themselves

Unlike the conventional mesh-bag method, do not add towels or other clothing when washing shoes with Shoo-Noise.

Loose laundry can collide with the platforms and potentially dislodge them.

Use a wash cycle permitted by both the shoe and washer manufacturers, following the current Shoo-Noise instructions.

Step 5: Remove and Dry

When the cycle is complete, carefully remove the platforms, release the straps, and take out your shoes.

Check the footwear manufacturer's drying instructions before moving on to the drying process.

Want to see how the magnetic platforms work? Explore Shoo-Noise and check whether it's right for your washer.

Which Washing Machine Cycle Should You Use for Shoes?

The best cycle depends on your specific shoes and washing machine.

For many shoes that are explicitly approved for machine washing, the following settings are a reasonable starting point:

Avoid assuming that every sneaker can tolerate the same cycle or spin speed.

If the shoe manufacturer specifies a particular washing method, temperature, or restriction, follow those instructions first.

Likewise, check your washing machine's manual for any restrictions on washing shoes or using accessories inside the drum.

How to Dry Shoes After Washing

Washing your shoes is only half the process. Getting them dry can sometimes take just as long—or longer.

Depending on the material, temperature, and weather, air-drying sneakers can take several hours or even overnight. And when it's cold, rainy, or humid outside, waiting for your favorite shoes to dry isn't always convenient.

Fortunately, you have a couple of options.

Option 1: Air-Drying Your Shoes

Air-drying is a good choice for shoes that shouldn't go in the dryer.

After washing:

1. Remove your shoes from the washing machine.

2. Gently blot away excess moisture with a clean towel.

3. If appropriate, loosely stuff them with clean white paper towels to absorb moisture and help maintain their shape.

4. Place them in a well-ventilated area away from excessive heat.

5. Allow them to dry completely before wearing them.

This method is simple, but it can take time, especially in cooler or humid conditions.

Option 2: Drying Your Shoes With Shoo-Noise

Here's something you might not know: Shoo-Noise isn't just for washing shoes. It can also be used in compatible dryers!

If your shoes are approved for tumble drying and your dryer has a magnetically compatible drum, you can use Shoo-Noise to help dry them without the usual tumbling and banging.

Instead of allowing your shoes to bounce around the dryer, Shoo-Noise holds them against the drum using its magnetic platforms and adjustable straps.

This offers several benefits:

• Save valuable time: Instead of waiting hours for shoes to air-dry, a dryer can speed up the process considerably.

• Reduce banging and tumbling: Keeping shoes secured helps prevent the repeated impacts and loud thumping associated with loose shoes in a dryer.

• Convenience in any weather: No need to depend on warm, sunny weather to dry your sneakers.

• Less unnecessary movement: Restricting shoe movement helps reduce repeated impacts against the dryer drum.

For dryer use, we recommend low or medium heat, never high heat, provided those settings are permitted by your footwear and dryer manufacturers. Low heat is the gentler starting point.

Just like washing, make sure the platforms are securely attached. Dry the shoes by themselves, without towels or other clothing, and follow the current Shoo-Noise instructions.

Important: Always confirm that your shoes are safe to tumble-dry and that your dryer permits the use of magnetic accessories. High temperatures can damage certain shoe materials, adhesives, and components. Shoo-Noise doesn't make heat-sensitive shoes safe for machine drying.

Whether you prefer air-drying or using a compatible dryer, make sure your shoes are completely dry before wearing them again.

Common Questions About Washing Shoes

Will Washing Shoes Damage My Washing Machine?

Not necessarily, but washing shoes improperly can create unnecessary impacts or imbalance.

Shoes tumbling freely may repeatedly strike the washer drum, especially during certain parts of the cycle. Using manufacturer-approved washing methods can help manage these risks.

Shoo-Noise is designed to eliminate free shoe movement in compatible washers, but it doesn't guarantee that damage or imbalance cannot occur.

If your washer begins making unusually loud noises, vibrating excessively, or behaving abnormally, stop the cycle and check the load and appliance instructions.

Can You Wash Shoes With Towels?

Yes, some washer manufacturers recommend adding old towels when washing shoes inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase. This can provide cushioning and help balance the load.

However, never add towels or other laundry to a Shoo-Noise wash. Its platforms are intended to be used with the shoes alone.

Will a Mesh Bag Keep Shoes From Banging in the Washer?

It can help cushion them, but it won't necessarily stop the banging.

The mesh bag can still tumble around the drum, allowing shoes to create noise and repeated impacts.

For compatible washers, Shoo-Noise offers a different approach by securing the shoes in place rather than letting them tumble freely.

Does Shoo-Noise Work in Every Washing Machine?

No. Your washer must have a magnetically compatible drum, and the accessory must be suitable for use with your machine.

A household magnet can help you check drum attraction before purchasing. Always follow your washer's instructions as well.

Can You Put Shoes in the Dryer After Washing?

Only if the footwear manufacturer's care instructions permit tumble drying.

Many shoes are better air-dried because dryer heat and agitation can harm their materials, adhesives, or shape.

When in doubt, air-dry them.

A Quieter, Easier Way to Wash Your Shoes

Keeping shoes clean shouldn't have to mean spending hours scrubbing—or listening to sneakers repeatedly slam against your washing machine.

For shoes approved for machine washing, a little preparation and the right settings can make cleaning much easier.

A mesh bag and old towels can help cushion shoes during a conventional wash. But if your goal is to reduce the tumbling itself, securing the shoes to the drum offers a different solution.

That's exactly what Shoo-Noise was designed to do.

Created from the real-world challenge of keeping frequently worn nursing work shoes clean, Shoo-Noise offers a durable, reusable alternative to letting shoes bounce around the washer.

With its patented magnetic design and Unlimited Lifetime Guarantee, it's designed to become part of your laundry routine for the long term.

Ready to wash your shoes without the usual banging?

Check that your shoes are machine-washable and your washer drum is magnetically compatible, then see how Shoo-Noise works.