How To Wash Shoes In The Dishwasher? (Safe Cleaning Guide)
You can wash some shoes in a dishwasher, but it’s risky and often discouraged.
Still curious? This expert guide on how to wash shoes in the dishwashe lays out the facts, risks, steps, and safer options. I share real tests, clear rules, and simple steps you can trust. Read on before you load a single sneaker.
Is it actually safe to wash shoes in a dishwasher?
Short answer: it can work, but the risk is real. Dishwashers use hot water, strong alkaline soap, and high-pressure spray. Many makers warn against washing items like shoes. Heat can weaken glue. Spray can bend shape. Soap can fade color.
That said, some canvas and rubber shoes may survive a gentle cycle. It helps to use cold water and a mesh bag. Only wash shoes alone, with no dishes. If you want to try how to wash shoes in the dishwashe, know the limits and prep well.
Key risks to note:
- Heat can reach 120–160°F. Glue and foam can warp or split.
- Detergent can bleach fabric and yellow white rubber.
- Rinse aid can leave a slick film on uppers and soles.
- Sand and grit can clog filters and scratch the tub.
- Metal eyelets can rust and stain the liner.
Which shoes can and cannot be washed this way
Best picks:
- Canvas sneakers with stitched seams.
- Rubber slides and garden clogs.
- Soccer sandals or pool flip-flops without leather.
High risk or avoid:
- Leather, suede, nubuck, or wool.
- Knit uppers with thin glue bonds.
- Running shoes with gel, air, or special foams.
- Dress shoes and hiking boots.
- Any shoe with memory foam insoles that deform in heat.
If you still plan how to wash shoes in the dishwashe, check the care tag. When in doubt, do not use the dishwasher. Hand wash or use a cold, low-spin washing machine instead.
Step-by-step: how to wash shoes in the dishwashe
This is the safest way I have found in tests.
- Empty and prep
- Remove laces and insoles. Brush off grit and mud outside.
- Spot treat stains with a drop of mild dish soap and water.
- Place each shoe in a mesh laundry bag.
- Load with care
- Place on the top rack, toe down, side by side.
- Add two old towels on the bottom rack to reduce rattle.
- Do not wash with dishes, utensils, or baby items.
- Choose settings
- Select a cold or eco cycle with no heat dry.
- Turn off sanitize or extra hot options.
- Add a small amount of mild, bleach-free dishwasher detergent. Skip rinse aid.
- Run the cycle
- Stay nearby to listen for hard knocks.
- Stop the cycle if you hear loud banging.
- Dry the right way
- Remove right after the cycle ends. Stuff with paper towels.
- Air dry away from sun and heat. Replace paper as it gets damp.
If you search how to wash shoes in the dishwashe, follow these steps and test on an old pair first.
Settings, detergents, and water temperature
Water temp is the key risk. Glue softens above about 140°F. Pick a cold or eco cycle if your appliance offers one. Turn off heated dry. Avoid sanitize.
Use a small dose of a mild, bleach-free dishwasher soap. Enzymes help with odors, but harsh alkali can strip color. Never mix bleach and dishwasher soap. Skip rinse aid to avoid residue. This setup is the least bad route for how to wash shoes in the dishwashe.
Drying and care after the wash
Never use the dishwasher’s heated dry. Also avoid a dryer. Heat warps foam and weakens glue. Air dry in a breezy spot. Keep out of direct sun.
Speed up dry time with these tips:
- Stuff shoes with plain paper towels and swap often.
- Use a boot dryer on a no-heat setting.
- Add a small bowl of baking soda nearby to cut odor.
- Brush the nap of canvas with a soft brush once dry.
These steps help if you choose how to wash shoes in the dishwashe and want to keep shape and color.
Mistakes to avoid and quick fixes
Common mistakes:
- Using hot water. This warps soles and breaks glue.
- Adding too much soap. This causes residue and stiff fabric.
- Skipping the mesh bag. This scuffs shoes and the tub.
- Washing with dishes. This is not sanitary.
- Leaving shoes for heated dry. This ruins foam.
Quick fixes if things go wrong:
- Yellowing or haze: wipe with a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water.
- Warped toe box: stuff tight with paper while damp and let it set.
- Loose sole edge: use a flexible shoe glue and clamp with binder clips.
If you plan how to wash shoes in the dishwashe, avoid heat, use a bag, and go light on soap.
Safer alternatives to get clean shoes
You may not need the dishwasher at all. These options are gentler and work well.
- Hand wash: Mix cool water with a small drop of mild liquid soap. Use a soft brush. Rinse with a damp cloth. Air dry.
- Washing machine: Place shoes in a mesh bag with two towels. Cold water, gentle cycle, low spin. No heat dry.
- Spot clean: Magic eraser for rubber. Baking soda paste for white midsoles. Enzyme spray for odor.
These methods beat how to wash shoes in the dishwashe for most people. They clean well and lower the risk of harm.
My hands-on notes from many test washes
I have tested this on budget canvas pairs and rubber clogs. Cold cycles worked best. Mesh bags saved the finish. One pair with thin glue lines still split near the toe after a hot dry by mistake. A white pair turned slightly yellow with a strong tablet soap.
What worked for me:
- Cold or eco wash only.
- No rinse aid. A tiny squeeze of mild liquid soap, not a full tablet.
- Top rack, plus towels below to cut noise.
- Air dry with paper inside for 24–48 hours.
If you must try how to wash shoes in the dishwashe, test on an old sneaker first. Do not risk a pricey running shoe.
Frequently Asked Questions of how to wash shoes in the dishwashe
Can all shoes go in the dishwasher?
No. Avoid leather, suede, knit, dress shoes, and high-tech runners. Canvas and rubber-only shoes are the safest bets.
What cycle should I use if I try it?
Pick a cold or eco cycle and turn off heated dry. Avoid sanitize or extra hot settings.
Which detergent is best for this?
Use a small amount of mild, bleach-free dishwasher soap. Skip rinse aid to avoid residue on fabric and rubber.
How do I stop shoes from banging around?
Place shoes in mesh laundry bags and set them on the top rack. Add two towels to the bottom rack to absorb impact.
Will the dishwasher remove bad odors?
It can help, but not always. Use enzyme spray after the wash and let shoes air out fully.
Can I put shoelaces and insoles in there too?
Yes for laces, inside a small mesh bag. Insoles should be hand washed and air dried to keep their shape.
Is washing shoes with dishes safe?
No. Wash shoes alone. Mixing shoes and dishes is not sanitary and may spread soil and microbes.
Conclusion
You can wash some shoes in a dishwasher, but it is not the best tool for the job. Heat, harsh soap, and hard spray add risk. If you still want to try how to wash shoes in the dishwashe, use cold water, mild soap, mesh bags, and air dry only.
Use the steps and checks above to protect your shoes and your machine. Start with an old pair, learn what works, and move slow. Ready to get cleaner kicks with less risk? Try the hand-wash method first, then share your results or questions in the comments.
