Can You Put Shoes in The Dryer? How To Wash Shoes In The Washing Machine
Putting your sneakers in the dryer is ok. But, it is not recommended because most sneakers are held together with glues. And putting them into the dry can cause the material to separate.
When you clean your sneaker or tennis shoes in the washing machine, have a heavy sweat during your workout or run, or your shoes have gotten soaked in the rain; you may not have a day or 2 to wait for your shoes to dry and the dryer may be your quickest option.
But, can you put shoes in the dryer? Is it safe for the material? The answer to these questions are all dependent on what the shoes are made of; leather, gel-core, gore-tex, and clogs are not good candidates for the dryer.
In comparison, you can throw your canvas, nylon, cotton, and polyester shoes into the dryer.
Is it OK to put sneakers in the dryer?
Putting your sneakers in the dryer is ok. But, it is not recommended because most sneakers are held together with glues. And putting them into the dry can cause the material to separate.
If you use the dryer to dry your shoes quickly, do not use any high heat temperatures.
The shoe materials that are dryer safe are:
- Cotton
- Nylon
- Canvas
- Polyester
You should find the information about the material your sneakers are made from on the inside of the shoe. Also, keep in mind drying your shoes in the dryer can age the material your sneakers are made of and result in you replacing your shoes more frequently.
So, if you have the time, stuff your shoes with newspaper or clothes and let them air dry out of direct sunlight.
Is it better to let shoes air dry or put them in the dryer?
Air drying shoes out of direct sunlight is the preferred method to using the dryer to dry shoes. This helps prevent the shoe’s material from shrinking, wrinkling, and warping.
You may be wondering, ‘if air drying is the preferred method of drying my shoes, can you put tennis shoes in the dryer?’
The simple answer is yes.
How do you put shoes in the dryer without ruining them?
To dry your shoes in the dryer without ruining them, you will need to use the following steps:
- Take your clean shoe strings and lace them through the first row of holes on your shoes
- Tie the shoelaces of both shoes into a bow
- Hang the shoelaces over the door of the dryer and close the door
- Set the dryer to delicate, low heat, or no heat
- Dry your shoes for 20 to 25 minutes
Doing this will allow the shoes to dry without making a lot of noise in the dryer. If you have a drying rack available for your dryer, it is an ideal way to secure your shoes.
To avoid shrinking, wrinkling, or warping your shoe material, periodically check on your shoes to make sure there have not been any changes.
Can you tumble dry sneakers?
Yes, you can tumble dry your sneakers.
Wrapping your shoes in a towel and adding towels to the dryer while your shoes dry can help minimize the noise your shoes will make while they are rolling around. And help reduce the off-balancing of your shoes in the dryer, which can cause damage to your dryer.
Will putting shoes in the dryer damage the dryer?
To dry shoes in the dryer without damaging the dryer, you will want to make sure your heavy wet shoes are not in the dryer alone.
- Try hanging your shoes from the door
- Use the drying rack
- Add towels to the dryer while your shoes are drying
By adding towels or preventing your shoes from rolling around in the dryer independently, you will avoid throwing your dryer’s drum out of balance.
Is it safe to put shoes in the washer?
Yes, it is safe to put your shoes in the washer. Washing shoes in the washer is a quick and effective way to get your shoes clean when you do not have the time to scrub them yourself manually.
And the steps on how to wash sneakers are simple.
- Remove the shoestrings from your sneakers or tennis shoes
- Put your shoe strings into a mesh bag
- Using a damp old cloth, old t-shirt, or old soft toothbrush, remove any excess dirt
- Place your sneakers in a mesh bag or pillowcase
- Turn your washer machine the gentle cycle
- Pop your shoes in the wash
Remember only to use mild liquid detergent and cold water. When your shoes are done washing, take them out of the washing machine and let them air dry out of direct sunlight. Or follow the steps above for a faster drying process in the dryer.
Set your washer machine to low or no spin if the option is available.
All shoes are not created equal
The shoes that can go into the washer are:
- Canvas
- Fabric sneakers/trainers
- Mesh shoes
- PVC/rubber shoes
The following shoes should not go into the washer machine for quick clean leather, suede, patent/imitation leather, velvet, velour, silk, Nubuck, cork soled shoes, wool shoes, and shoes with beading.