How to Wash Sneakers at a Laundromat

Your favourite sneakers have been through a lot. Muddy trails, gym sessions, weekend markets, daily commutes — after a while, even the freshest kicks start looking (and smelling) a bit rough. The good news is that most sneakers can be safely machine washed, and a laundromat is one of the best places to do it. Here's how to get your shoes looking clean without wrecking them in the process.

Can You Actually Machine Wash Sneakers?

Yes — most canvas, nylon, polyester, and mesh sneakers handle a machine wash just fine. This includes the majority of running shoes, casual trainers, and everyday kicks. However, there are a few exceptions. Leather, suede, and shoes with delicate embellishments or glued-on details are best cleaned by hand. If you're unsure, check the care label inside the tongue or on the shoe box. When in doubt, a gentle cold wash is the safest bet.

Step-by-Step: Washing Sneakers at a Laundromat

1. Remove the Laces and Insoles

Before you head to the laundromat, pull out the laces and insoles from each shoe. Laces can get tangled around the drum or caught in the door seal, and removing them lets the detergent reach every part of the shoe properly. Set the insoles aside — you can wash these separately by hand with a bit of warm water and mild soap, or pop them in the machine alongside the shoes in their own mesh bag.

2. Knock Off Loose Dirt

Give your sneakers a good bang together over a bin or outside to shake off any dried mud, gravel, or loose dirt. If there's caked-on mud on the soles, use an old toothbrush or a stiff brush to scrub it off. Getting rid of the bulk of the grime before the wash means the machine can focus on the deeper clean rather than just rinsing off surface muck.

3. Use a Mesh Laundry Bag

This is the single most important step for protecting your sneakers — and the machine. Place your shoes inside a mesh laundry bag (sometimes called a delicates bag). If you don't have one, a pillowcase tied at the open end works in a pinch. The bag prevents your shoes from banging around inside the drum, which protects both the shoe structure and the machine's interior. It also stops small parts like eyelets or loose stitching from getting caught.

4. Add Towels for Cushioning

Toss in a few old towels alongside the bagged sneakers. The towels act as a buffer, absorbing some of the impact as the drum spins. This reduces the loud thudding noise and, more importantly, prevents your shoes from being thrown against the drum walls repeatedly. It also helps balance the load so the machine runs smoothly.

5. Select a Cold, Gentle Cycle

Choose the coldest water temperature available and a gentle or delicate cycle. Hot water can warp the shape of your sneakers, weaken adhesives that hold the sole to the upper, and cause colours to bleed or fade. A cold gentle cycle gives you a thorough clean without any of those risks. As for detergent, a standard amount of liquid detergent is all you need — skip the powder, which can leave residue in the mesh and fabric.

6. Air Dry Completely

Once the wash cycle finishes, take your sneakers out promptly. Stuff each shoe with scrunched newspaper or clean paper towels — this draws out moisture from the inside and helps maintain the shoe's shape as it dries. Place them in a well-ventilated spot out of direct sunlight. Direct sun can fade colours and cause the rubber to crack over time. Depending on the shoe and the weather, expect them to take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours to dry fully. Replace the newspaper once or twice during this time if it gets saturated.

What About the Laces?

You can toss the laces into the same mesh bag as the shoes, or wash them separately. For white laces that have gone grey, soak them in a mixture of warm water and a splash of bicarbonate of soda for 30 minutes before washing. They'll come out noticeably brighter. Once clean, hang them up to dry — they'll be ready well before the shoes are.

How Often Should You Wash Your Sneakers?

There's no hard rule, but a good guideline is every two to four weeks if you're wearing them daily, or whenever they start to look or smell noticeably grubby. Gym shoes and running shoes tend to need washing more frequently than casual wear. Regular cleaning extends the life of your shoes and keeps them looking presentable for longer.

Wash Your Sneakers at Laundry Day

At Laundry Day, you'll find modern machines perfect for washing sneakers alongside your regular laundry. Detergent is free with every wash, so there's no need to bring your own, and we never charge card fees — just tap and go. Our locations at Brunswick East (220 Lygon St), St Albans (4/329 Main Road East), and Maribyrnong (103 Rosamond Rd) are open 7 days from 6 AM to 10 PM.

Next time your sneakers are looking worse for wear, grab a mesh bag, head to your nearest Laundry Day, and give them the refresh they deserve. You'll be surprised how much of a difference a proper wash makes.