Can You Wash Shoes In The Dishwasher: Safe Cleaning Tips
Yes, you can wash some shoes in the dishwasher, but only with care and never with leather or delicate footwear.
The answer to “can you wash shoes in the dishwasher” depends on the shoe material, glue, shape, and dishwasher settings. This guide explains which shoes may survive the process, which ones can be ruined, and how to clean them safely by hand when a dishwasher is a bad choice.
Can You Wash Shoes in the Dishwasher?
Yes, you can wash shoes in the dishwasher if they are made from sturdy, water-safe materials. Canvas sneakers, rubber shoes, plastic sandals, and some mesh shoes may handle a gentle wash.
However, a dishwasher is not designed for footwear. It uses hot water, strong spray arms, and detergent made for dishes. These can damage shoe glue, colors, cushioning, leather, and delicate fabrics.
Before deciding whether can you wash shoes in the dishwasher, check the care label. If the label says “hand wash only,” “do not machine wash,” or “keep away from heat,” avoid the dishwasher.
As a simple rule, dishwasher cleaning may work for:
• Rubber shoes
• Plastic clogs
• Canvas sneakers
• Basic fabric shoes
• Waterproof garden shoes
Dishwasher cleaning is risky for:
• Suede shoes
• Running shoes with foam cushioning
• Dress shoes
• Shoes with metal parts
• Shoes with glued decorations
• Shoes with memory foam insoles
Which Shoes Are Safe to Wash in a Dishwasher?
The safest shoes are simple, waterproof, and made with materials that do not react badly to heat. Even then, the lowest heat setting is best.
Canvas sneakers
Canvas sneakers may tolerate a dishwasher cycle if they have rubber soles and simple construction. Remove the laces and insoles first. Canvas can still shrink or fade, so hand washing is usually safer.
Rubber shoes
Rubber boots, shower shoes, and garden clogs are often the best candidates. They do not absorb much water, and their shape usually stays stable.
Still, high heat can soften rubber or cause it to bend. Use a cool or low-temperature cycle when possible.
Plastic sandals and clogs
Plastic footwear usually handles water well. Place the shoes on the top rack so they stay away from the heating element.
Avoid washing plastic shoes with loose charms or decorations. Small parts can fall off and block the dishwasher filter.
Mesh shoes
Some mesh shoes can be washed in a dishwasher, but this is less predictable. Mesh may survive, while the foam midsole or glued sections may not.
If the shoes are expensive athletic shoes, clean them by hand. A dishwasher may remove dirt, but it can shorten the life of the shoe.
Which Shoes Should Never Go in the Dishwasher?
Many shoes should stay far away from a dishwasher. Water alone is not the main problem. Heat, detergent, pressure, and long soaking can all cause damage.
Leather shoes
Leather can dry out, crack, stain, or lose its finish. Dishwasher detergent can strip away natural oils and protective coatings.
Use a leather cleaner, a soft cloth, and a suitable conditioner instead. Never place leather shoes in a dishwasher unless the manufacturer clearly approves it.
Suede and nubuck shoes
Suede absorbs water easily. A dishwasher can leave dark spots, stiff fibers, and uneven color.
Use a suede brush and a cleaner made for that material. For oil, salt, or deep stains, professional cleaning is the safer choice.
Athletic and running shoes
Running shoes often contain several kinds of foam, rubber, mesh, and adhesive. Heat can weaken the glue and change the shape of the foam.
A dishwasher may make the shoes look clean but reduce their support. That matters because worn cushioning can affect comfort and foot stability.
Dress shoes and formal footwear
Dress shoes may include leather, fabric lining, polish, metal pieces, or glued soles. The dishwasher can ruin both the outer finish and the inner structure.
Clean these shoes with a method suited to their material. A damp cloth is usually enough for light surface dirt.
Shoes with decorations
Sequins, beads, lights, painted designs, and glued logos can come off during a dishwasher cycle. They may also damage the dishwasher.
If the shoes have special details, clean them by hand with a soft brush and mild soap.
Why Dishwasher Heat and Detergent Can Damage Shoes
A dishwasher creates a harsh environment for footwear. It combines heat, water pressure, moisture, and chemical detergent in one cycle.
Dishwasher detergent is made to remove grease and baked-on food. It may be too strong for fabric dyes, rubber finishes, and shoe coatings.
Heat creates another problem. Many shoes are held together with glue rather than stitches. High temperatures can soften that glue, causing the sole to separate from the upper.
The heating element may also warp foam, plastic, or rubber. Even if the shoes look fine after one wash, repeated heat can make them weaker.
Water pressure can be harmful too. Spray jets may force water deep into padding and insoles. If the shoes dry slowly, they can develop a musty odor.
This is why the answer to can you wash shoes in the dishwasher is not simply yes or no. The material and construction matter more than the amount of dirt.
How to Wash Shoes in the Dishwasher Safely
If you decide that can you wash shoes in the dishwasher applies to your footwear, follow these steps carefully.
1. Read the shoe care label
Look inside the shoe or under the tongue. Check the brand’s cleaning instructions before using water or heat.
If the manufacturer warns against washing, follow that advice. A warranty may not cover damage caused by improper cleaning.
2. Remove laces and insoles
Take out the laces and insoles before washing. Laces can be washed by hand or placed in a mesh laundry bag.
Most insoles should be cleaned by hand. Soak them briefly in warm water with mild soap, then rinse and air-dry them.
3. Remove loose dirt
Brush off mud, sand, grass, and stones outdoors. Use an old toothbrush for the tread.
This step protects the dishwasher filter and prevents dirt from spreading across the machine.
4. Place shoes on the top rack
Keep shoes on the top rack. The bottom rack is closer to the heating element and receives stronger water pressure.
Place the shoes so water can reach the inside and outside. Do not block the spray arms.
5. Use a mild detergent
Use a small amount of mild dishwashing detergent only if the shoe material allows it. Avoid bleach, strong cleaners, and products with harsh additives.
Do not wash shoes with plates, cups, or cooking tools. Footwear carries dirt and bacteria that should not mix with dishes.
6. Select a cool cycle
Choose the lowest temperature and a short cycle. Turn off heated drying if your dishwasher allows it.
