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:

• Leather shoes

• 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.

A cool rinse is much safer than a hot, heavy wash. Heat is one of the main reasons shoes lose their shape.

7. Dry the shoes naturally

Remove the shoes as soon as the cycle ends. Open the tongue and loosen the structure so air can move inside.

Stuff the shoes with clean paper towels or plain paper. Replace the paper when it becomes damp.

Keep shoes away from radiators, dryers, ovens, and direct high heat. Sunlight may also fade some fabrics.

A Better Way to Clean Most Shoes by Hand

Hand washing is usually safer, easier, and more controlled than using a dishwasher. It lets you clean only the dirty areas without soaking the whole shoe.

Use this simple method:

1. Remove the laces and insoles.

2. Brush away dry dirt.

3. Mix warm water with a small amount of mild soap.

4. Dip a soft brush or cloth into the mixture.

5. Scrub the upper, sole, and tread gently.

6. Wipe away soap with a clean, damp cloth.

7. Air-dry the shoes with paper inside.

Do not soak shoes for a long time. Extended soaking can weaken glue and allow water to reach foam layers.

For white rubber soles, a soft toothbrush and mild soap often work well. A melamine sponge may remove marks, but test it first because it can dull some surfaces.

For fabric shoes, use light pressure. Hard scrubbing can push dirt deeper into the fibers or create a worn patch.

In my own shoe-cleaning tests, the biggest mistake was drying shoes too quickly with heat. The outside looked dry, but the sole adhesive became soft and the shoe lost its shape. Slow air drying took longer but gave a much better result.

How to Dry Shoes After Washing

Drying is just as important as washing. Damp shoes can develop odors, mildew, and weak internal materials.

Follow these practical tips:

• Remove the insoles and dry them separately.

• Open the shoes as widely as possible.

• Stuff them with white paper towels or newspaper without overfilling.

• Replace damp paper every few hours.

• Place shoes in a cool, well-ventilated room.

• Use a fan nearby, but do not use intense heat.

Avoid placing wet shoes in a clothes dryer. The tumbling action can damage the shape, while heat may weaken glue and melt synthetic materials.

Do not leave wet shoes in a closed bag or dark closet. They need air circulation to dry fully.

Most fabric shoes take about 24 hours to dry. Thick shoes may need longer. Do not wear them until the inside feels completely dry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Knowing can you wash shoes in the dishwasher is useful, but the wrong method can still cause damage.

Using a hot cycle

Hot water can warp rubber, loosen glue, and shrink fabric. Always choose the coolest setting available.

Adding too much detergent

More detergent does not mean cleaner shoes. Excess soap can remain inside the fabric and attract more dirt.

Washing shoes with dishes

Never place shoes in a dishwasher with plates, glasses, or utensils. Run the machine empty after cleaning footwear if you are concerned about dirt or odor.

Skipping the care label

A shoe may look like canvas but contain leather panels, foam inserts, or heat-sensitive glue. Always check the full construction.

Drying shoes with direct heat

A heater or hair dryer may seem convenient. It can also cause cracking, shrinkage, and sole separation.

Washing expensive shoes without testing

If the shoes are costly or difficult to replace, test the cleaning method on a small hidden area first. When in doubt, clean them by hand.

Dishwasher Cleaning Versus Hand Washing

The dishwasher may save effort, but hand washing gives you more control. It is also better for shoes with mixed materials.

Dishwasher cleaning has a few possible advantages:

• It can remove heavy dirt from rubber soles.

• It requires little scrubbing.

• It may clean simple plastic footwear evenly.

• It can be useful for waterproof garden shoes.

The disadvantages are more serious:

• Heat can damage glue and foam.

• Detergent may fade or weaken materials.

• Water can remain trapped inside the shoe.

• The dishwasher can become dirty or clogged.

• The method may void the shoe warranty.

For most sneakers, hand washing is the better choice. Use the dishwasher only for sturdy, water-safe shoes that the manufacturer permits you to wash.

How to Remove Shoe Odor Without a Dishwasher

You do not need a dishwasher to freshen smelly shoes. Odor usually comes from sweat, bacteria, and moisture trapped in the lining.

Try these methods:

• Let shoes dry fully after each use.

• Remove and wash the insoles separately.

• Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside overnight, then shake it out.

• Use a shoe deodorizer made for footwear.

• Rotate shoes so each pair has time to air out.

• Wear clean moisture-wicking socks.

Do not mix baking soda with wet shoes and leave it inside for days. Powder can settle into seams and become difficult to remove.

If an odor remains after cleaning and drying, the insole may need replacing. Persistent odor can also signal that the inside foam is holding moisture.

When to Replace Shoes Instead of Washing Them

Cleaning cannot fix every shoe problem. Replace shoes when the sole is separating, the cushioning is badly compressed, or the tread is worn smooth.

For athletic shoes, inspect the midsole and outsole. If the shoe bends too easily, feels uneven, or no longer supports your foot, washing it will not restore its performance.

A strong chemical smell, visible mold, or damaged lining is another reason to stop using the shoes. Mold can spread into materials that are hard to clean fully.

A clean shoe is not always a safe shoe. Appearance matters, but structure and support matter more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Can You Wash Shoes in the Dishwasher

Can you wash shoes in the dishwasher with regular detergent?

You can wash some sturdy shoes in the dishwasher, but regular dishwasher detergent may be too harsh. Use the mildest suitable product, choose a cool cycle, and avoid heated drying.

Can you wash sneakers in the dishwasher?

Some canvas or basic fabric sneakers may survive a cool dishwasher cycle. Running shoes, leather sneakers, and shoes with foam or glued decorations are safer to clean by hand.

Can you wash shoes in the dishwasher without damaging them?

There is no guarantee that shoes will remain undamaged. Reduce the risk by checking the care label, using the top rack, choosing low heat, and air-drying the shoes.

Can you put leather shoes in the dishwasher?

No, leather shoes should not go in the dishwasher. Water, heat, and strong detergent can cause cracking, stains, stiffness, and finish damage.

Can you wash rubber shoes in the dishwasher?

Rubber shoes are often the best type for dishwasher cleaning. Use a cool cycle and keep them on the top rack because high heat can warp some rubber.

Should you wash shoe insoles in the dishwasher?

Most insoles should be washed by hand. Dishwasher heat and strong spray can damage foam, fabric, and adhesive layers.

How long do dishwasher-washed shoes take to dry?

Most shoes need about 24 hours to air-dry, though thick footwear may take longer. Do not wear them until the inside and sole feel fully dry.

Conclusion

So, can you wash shoes in the dishwasher? You can wash some rubber, plastic, canvas, and simple fabric shoes, but only with a cool cycle, mild cleaning product, and natural drying.

Leather, suede, dress shoes, running shoes, and delicate footwear should be cleaned by hand. When you are unsure, protect the shoes by using a soft brush, mild soap, and plenty of air.

Choose the gentlest method first. Your shoes will last longer, and your dishwasher will stay cleaner. Share your shoe-cleaning experience or explore more care tips to keep every pair fresh and ready to wear.