Can you wash sneakers in the washing machine?

Canvas, mesh and synthetic uppers wash without harm on a cold gentle cycle. What fails is the glue: the adhesive bonding sole to upper softens with heat, so hot water and especially a tumble dryer are what cause soles to separate, not the washing itself. Leather dries out and cracks, and suede mats permanently — neither belongs in a machine. Remove laces and insoles and wash them separately, put the shoes in a mesh bag or pillowcase, and add towels to stop the drum hammering. Air dry only, stuffed with paper to hold their shape.

How to do it properly

1. Take out laces and insoles; wash those separately by hand or in a bag.
2. Knock off loose dirt and scrub the soles first — mud clogs the machine filter.
3. Bag the shoes and add two or three towels to cushion the drum.
4. Cold water, gentle cycle, mild detergent, no bleach.
5. Air dry stuffed with paper. Never tumble dry — that is what unglues the sole.

Other options

• Hand-scrub leather and suede with a dedicated cleaner and a soft brush.
• Use a suede eraser and brush for scuffs rather than any water at all.

Other "can you wash" questions

• Can you wash pillows? It depends — Down and polyester pillows wash fine. Memory foam and latex must never go in the machine.
• Can you wash memory foam? No — No. Memory foam disintegrates in a washing machine and cannot be dried through.
• Can you wash a weighted blanket? It depends — Usually yes, but check the weight — most domestic machines top out around 7 kg dry.
• Can you wash silk? It depends — Hand wash cold with a pH-neutral detergent. Never use biological powder or hot water.
• Can you wash wool? It depends — Yes, cold and without agitation. Heat plus movement is what felts it, not water alone.
• Can you wash stuffed animals? It depends — Most wash fine in a pillowcase on cold gentle. Anything with electronics or glued parts does not.
• Can you wash a down jacket? Yes — Yes, and you should — but it must be tumble dried with dryer balls or the down stays clumped.