How to Wash Sneakers in Dishwasher? Simple Tips for Thorough Dishwasher Care

Introduction

Learning how to wash sneakers in a dishwasher can be tempting when shoes become muddy, stained, or smelly, but a dishwasher is not automatically the safest cleaning method. Its strong heat, prolonged soaking, high-pressure water jets, and harsh detergents can damage glue, fade colors, warp rubber, stiffen fabrics, and cause shoes to lose their original shape. Even shoes labeled for machine washing may not be suitable for a dishwasher.

The safest approach is to check the care label and manufacturer instructions first. If the dishwasher is specifically approved, wash only one pair on the top rack using a cool, gentle cycle. Never place leather, suede, nubuck, patent leather, mesh with delicate overlays, or heavily glued sneakers in the appliance. Dry them with airflow rather than heat.

This guide explains when dishwasher cleaning may be acceptable, how to prepare the shoes, the safest conditional steps, and better alternatives for most sneakers.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Can You Put Sneakers in a Dishwasher?
• Check the Sneaker Materials
• Prepare the Sneakers
• How to Wash Sneakers in Dishwasher: Step-by-Step
• Choosing the Detergent and Cycle
• Drying Sneakers Safely
• Cleaning Method Comparison
• Safer Cleaning Alternatives
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Removing Stains and Odors
• Dishwasher and Sneaker Care Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Can You Put Sneakers in a Dishwasher?

You should not put sneakers in a dishwasher unless the manufacturer specifically permits it. A “machine washable” label usually refers to a conventional laundry washer, and even that does not necessarily mean the shoes can tolerate the dishwasher’s longer soaking time and heated drying cycle.

Most dishwashers use water temperatures high enough to affect materials inside a sneaker. The lower rack also exposes shoes to forceful water jets, while the drying process can apply heat for an extended period. These conditions may soften adhesive, distort soles, fade synthetic fabric, crack coated leather, or damage internal cushioning.

There are additional practical concerns. Two sneakers can knock against each other, rub against the rack, or become stuck in a utensil holder. Residual dishwasher detergent may leave a sticky film, while pod residue can remain on the upper. The shoes may also release dirt that settles into the dishwasher filter or sprays onto other dishes.

For most shoes, a laundry bag in a front-loading washing machine or hand washing is more appropriate. If you are unsure about your model, photograph the care label and ask the manufacturer before attempting dishwasher cleaning.

Check the Sneaker Materials

Material construction is the most important factor to consider. Two pairs of sneakers can look similar while being made from very different materials. Review the upper, lining, sole, tongue, laces, and any waterproof membrane rather than judging only by the exterior color.

• Rubber and solid canvas: These materials may tolerate careful cleaning, but prolonged heat can still cause fading, shrinkage, or distortion.
• Knit and performance mesh: A gentle wash may work, but agitation, detergent residue, and heat can alter the fabric’s texture and shape.
• Leather: Natural, suede, and nubuck leather should not normally be placed in a dishwasher. Water, detergent, and heat can stain, stiffen, shrink, or warp it.
• Patent and coated leather: Heat may soften or cloud the finish, while water can enter seams and cause peeling.
• Suede and nubuck: These materials are especially vulnerable to water marks, stiffness, color changes, and texture damage.
• Highly glued or low-cut shoes: Dishwasher conditions may weaken the bond between the upper and sole.
• Waterproof sneakers: Washing can remove a durable water-repellent finish, and moisture may remain inside the shoe for a long time.

Remove the insoles and inspect the inside for a printed cleaning symbol or model-specific instructions. When the care label and manufacturer disagree, follow the manufacturer’s guidance and avoid the dishwasher.

Prepare the Sneakers

Proper preparation reduces staining, mechanical damage, and detergent exposure. Begin by gently brushing away dried dirt from the soles and uppers. A soft toothbrush or soft-bristled brush works well, but avoid stiff brushes on suede, nubuck, mesh, or coated surfaces.

Remove the laces and insoles. Laces can usually be washed separately by hand, while insoles may need only a damp cloth and gentle soap. Taking these parts out also gives water and air a better chance to reach the inside of the shoe.

Empty all loose debris and check beneath the tongue. Use a soft brush to remove dried mud rather than soaking it first. If a stain is still visible, treat it according to the material rather than assuming the dishwasher will remove it.

Inspect the soles for embedded stones, glass, or sharp objects. Place the shoes in a sturdy laundry bag, a pillowcase, or a purpose-designed shoe-cleaning bag if approved. Do not use loose mesh produce bags because they can allow the shoes to rub against the dishwasher rack.

Make sure the dishwasher is empty. Run a short cool rinse if you are concerned about old residue, and wipe the lower rack and filter area before adding the shoes. Clean items should not share the load with dishes, cookware, or detergents containing bleach.

How to Wash Sneakers in Dishwasher: Step-by-Step

The following method is appropriate only for sturdy, fully machine-washable sneakers whose manufacturer has not warned against dishwasher use. If any part of the shoe could be damaged, stop and use a safer method instead.

1. Confirm that the shoes are dishwasher-safe. Check the care label, model instructions, and material composition. A general machine-washing recommendation is a necessary starting point, not proof that every appliance or cycle is suitable.
2. Clean the sneakers before washing. Remove dried mud, loose dirt, pebbles, and debris. Knock the soles together outdoors and brush the upper and outsole with a soft brush.
3. Remove the laces and insoles. This exposes hidden areas to cleaning and prevents small components from pressing into the upper during the cycle.
4. Pre-treat stubborn marks. Apply a small amount of suitable cleaner to an inconspicuous area first. Stop if the color, finish, or material changes.
5. Place detergent in the dispenser, not on the shoes. Use a small measured amount of mild liquid detergent designed for delicates. Premeasured pods should be placed securely in the dispenser when the dishwasher supports it.
6. Place one pair on the top rack. Position the shoes away from spray arms and sharp rack edges. Keep them together in a protective laundry bag if the manual permits bagged items. Wash only one pair so the shoes do not bang against each other.
7. Add no dishes or other unsuitable items. Separate the sneaker cycle from normal dishwashing. Do not add utensils that may catch the shoes or items that can press against the uppers.
8. Select the coolest, shortest cycle available. Avoid heated dry, sanitize, steam, intensive, or heavy-duty programs. These options are the most likely to cause color fading, material damage, or adhesive failure.
9. Start the dishwasher. Keep the door closed until the cycle is complete. If the appliance has an air-dry or door-open option, choose the setting recommended for air-only drying.
10. Remove the shoes promptly. Check the soles and rack for residue. Do not rerun the cycle automatically if the shoes appear distorted, discolored, or softer than expected.

Keep in mind that even a successful cycle does not guarantee a like-new result. Dishwasher cleaning may remove factory finishes, alter color contrast, or leave detergent behind. Air drying is mandatory after this process.

Choosing the Detergent and Cycle

Use a small amount of mild detergent. Excess detergent is more likely to leave a sticky film on fabric, collect in mesh, or remain inside the shoes. A clear liquid detergent formulated for delicates is generally easier to rinse away than a heavily scented or concentrated product.

Avoid chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach when the material is unknown, and enzymes that may discolor protein-based materials. Do not pour detergent directly over the sneakers, especially if pods or powdered cleaners are involved. Powder can form concentrated patches that are difficult to rinse completely.

Choose the shortest cool or cold program offered. Pressure wash, intensive, sanitize, and eco cycles may use longer soaking times or hotter water despite their energy-saving labels. Disable heated drying and any finish that relies on steam or high-temperature condensation.

If the dishwasher cannot cool-dry the shoes, the sneakers will remain wet for a long time. That is especially undesirable for leather, suede, insulated boots, or shoes with foam linings. In that situation, use the washing machine or hand-washing method instead.

Drying Sneakers Safely

Heat is often as damaging as water. Remove the sneakers from the dishwasher as soon as the cycle ends, rinse out any visible detergent with a clean damp cloth, and blot rather than rub.

Stuff the shoes loosely with clean towels, paper towels, or shoe-tree forms. Change the material after 30 to 60 minutes as it becomes damp. This improves airflow and helps the shoes maintain their original shape. Stuffing should not overfill the upper or force it outward.

Place the sneakers in a well-ventilated area away from radiators, dryers, fireplaces, sunlight, and heated shoe cabinets. Open the tongues and pull the laces loose so moisture can escape. Allow several hours, or overnight, before wearing them.

Do not use a tumble dryer, hair dryer, clothes iron, or direct heater. Paper should not be crammed tightly inside a shoe because it can restrict airflow. Newspaper ink may also transfer to a light-colored lining, so plain absorbent paper or clean fabric is safer.

After the shoes are completely dry, inspect them for stiffness, fading, loose threads, separation between the sole and upper, or uneven color. Apply a material-appropriate cleaner only if the manufacturer recommends it, and expect that a dishwasher may have removed a protective finish.

Cleaning Method Comparison

The best cleaning method depends on the sneaker’s materials and the manufacturer’s instructions. The table below compares common options.

For expensive, limited-edition, leather, suede, collectible, or heavily constructed sneakers, use the gentler method even when the overall upper looks washable.

Safer Cleaning Alternatives

Hand washing is the best general alternative to searching for ways to wash sneakers in a dishwasher. Start by removing the insoles and laces. Add cool water to a basin and mix in a small amount of mild liquid detergent until the water is lightly sudsy.

Dip a soft brush into the solution and work it over the upper in small sections. Avoid saturating the shoe or scrubbing one area excessively. Wipe the brush and change the water if it becomes dirty. A second rinse with a clean cloth helps prevent detergent from remaining in the mesh or seams.

For stronger colorfast canvas shoes, place them in a pillowcase or laundry bag and run a short, cold, gentle cycle in a front-loading washing machine. Choose a mild detergent and skip the heated dryer. Wash only shoes that the manufacturer identifies as machine washable.

Leather should generally be cleaned with a soft, barely damp cloth and a product approved for that leather type. Blot the surface and allow it to dry naturally. Suede and nubuck require dry brushing or a material-specific cleaner; saturating them may leave permanent marks.

For shoes that cannot get wet, use a shoe-cleaning foam, cornstarch, or another material-safe odor absorber. Remove the insoles, treat them separately, and replace insoles that retain a persistent smell.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the care label: A dishwasher can permanently damage a shoe even when the laundry label says “machine washable.” Follow model-specific instructions whenever available.
• Using the bottom rack: Water jets and detergents are strongest there, increasing the likelihood of shape changes and finish damage.
• Choosing a hot or sanitizing cycle: High temperatures can soften adhesive, warp soles, shrink fabric, and alter colors.
• Adding bleach: Bleach may cause permanent fading, yellowing, fiber damage, or uneven color loss.
• Pouring detergent over the shoes: Concentrated liquid or powder can leave patches and irritate skin on the next wear.
• Washing several pairs at once: Shoes can bang, scrape, or become tangled. Washing one pair is generally more controlled.
• Leaving the shoes unattended in the appliance: Remove them promptly so they do not sit in warm water or detergent residue.
• Using a heated dryer: Heat may be useful for some ordinary laundry, but it is inappropriate for most sneakers.
• Assuming the dishwasher removes every stain: Oil, dye, grass, and protein-based stains may set or become more noticeable after washing.
• Cleaning the dishwasher’s filter afterward with harsh chemicals: Remove loose debris with gloves and follow the appliance manufacturer’s instructions instead.

Removing Stains and Odors

Begin with the least aggressive treatment. Brush away surface dirt, blot liquid stains, and identify the material before using any product. A general household cleaner may work on colorfast mesh but permanently damage a bonded panel, coated surface, or suede upper.

For fresh mud, let the spot dry, break up the clumps, and brush them away. Do not scrub wet mud into the fabric. For fresh grass or color stains, blot from the outside of the stain toward the center so the original area does not spread.

Odors usually need more than detergent. Remove the shoes and insoles, brush away debris, and place the shoes in a ventilated location. Baking soda or a shoe deodorizer can absorb moisture and reduce mild odors, but it should be removed after absorbing moisture. Cleaning the insoles separately is important because the main source of smell often remains inside the shoe.

For heavily soiled or foul-smelling shoes, a professional sneaker-cleaning service is safer than aggressive DIY treatment. Specialists can assess delicate materials, adhesives, and discoloration before using stronger methods.

Dishwasher and Sneaker Care Tips

• Follow the care label first and contact the manufacturer when dishwasher safety is unclear.
• Test every cleaner on a hidden area for several minutes before applying it broadly.
• Wash one pair at a time and keep the sneakers in a protected section of the top rack.
• Use the shortest cool cycle, a small amount of mild detergent, and air-only drying.
• Remove insoles and laces because they can be cleaned separately and improve airflow.
• Do not combine sneaker cleaning with dishes, cookware, bleach, or cleaning tablets.
• Let shoes dry completely before wearing them, and inspect for loose glue or distorted soles.
• Use a laundry bag only if it is sturdy enough to prevent scratching and does not trap the shoes against the rack.
• Air-dry at room temperature, using clean inserts to maintain the shoe’s shape.
• For mixed-material, leather, suede, or collectible sneakers, choose hand washing or professional care instead of experimenting.

Routine care also reduces the need for severe cleaning. Wipe shoes after wear, allow damp shoes to air out before storing them, and keep them away from prolonged heat. A consistent cleaning habit is less risky than periodically soaking a neglected pair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sneakers dishwasher-safe?

Some sturdy canvas, knit, or mesh sneakers may be dishwasher-safe, but this is not true of all sneakers. The manufacturer must specifically approve the method, or at minimum clearly confirm that the complete shoe can tolerate the selected washing and drying conditions. Leather, suede, nubuck, coated materials, and shoes with delicate glue are generally not dishwasher-safe.

Should sneakers go on the top or bottom rack?

If the manufacturer permits dishwasher cleaning, use the top rack. The bottom rack exposes shoes to stronger jets, heavier detergent contact, and greater impact. Keep the sneakers away from the spray arm, and check the manual to determine whether a protective bag is required. Never wedge shoes between dishes or utensils.

What dishwasher cycle is best for sneakers?

Use the coolest, shortest, gentlest cycle available. Avoid heated dry, sanitize, steam, intensive, pressure-wash, and heavy-duty programs. If the dishwasher has a dedicated air-dry or door-open drying option, use it. If every available program finishes with significant heat, wash the shoes by hand or in an approved laundry cycle instead.

Can I use a dishwasher tablet to clean sneakers?

Dishwasher tablets are not recommended for sneakers unless the sneaker manufacturer explicitly approves them. Tablets can contain bleach, enzymes, fragrance, and surfactants that may fade or irritate fabrics. Powder or detergent residue may also remain inside the shoes. If approved, place the tablet in the dispenser rather than directly in the shoe or on the upper.

Can I dry sneakers in a clothes dryer?

No. Clothes dryers generate sustained heat and tumbling action that can weaken glue, shrink fabric, warp soles, crack faux leather, and damage cushioning. Air-dry the shoes with clean absorbent inserts, away from direct heat. If the shoes remain damp after several hours, continue changing the inserts until they dry completely.

Can leather or suede sneakers be washed in the dishwasher?

Generally, no. Natural leather can develop stains, stiffness, or discoloration, while suede and nubuck often develop water marks and flattened texture. Heat can also damage coatings and adhesives. Clean these shoes with material-specific products and spot methods recommended by the manufacturer.

If sneakers are machine washable, can I use a dishwasher?

Not necessarily. “Machine washable” often refers to a front-loading laundry washer on a cold, gentle cycle. Dishwashers use stronger jets, longer soaking times, heated water, and heated drying. Unless the manufacturer confirms dishwasher use, use a laundry bag and a short cold laundry cycle or wash the pair by hand.

Will dishwasher cleaning make my sneakers fade?

It can. Heat, detergent, and prolonged water exposure may weaken dyes or alter the finish on mesh, canvas, rubber, and coated materials. Wash one pair first if the manufacturer provides general washing guidance, and inspect for color bleeding before cleaning the second pair. Some multicolor shoes may never regain a perfectly even appearance after machine cleaning.

Conclusion

The answer to how to wash sneakers in a dishwasher is conditional: do it only when the manufacturer confirms that the complete pair can handle it. For most sneakers, hand washing or a short cold laundry cycle is safer. If dishwasher use is approved, remove the insoles and laces, pre-brush the shoes, use mild detergent, place one pair on the top rack, select a cool cycle, and disable heated drying.

Always air-dry at room temperature and inspect the shoes for fading, stiffness, or loose adhesive. When the materials include leather, suede, nubuck, coated finishes, or fragile glue, choose spot cleaning, hand cleaning, or professional sneaker care. The extra effort is worthwhile when avoiding permanent damage.