How To Wash Gym Shoes Like a Pro

To wash gym shoes, pull out the laces and insoles, vacuum out loose dirt, and rinse off heavy grime. Put fabric or synthetic shoes in a mesh bag and run them through the washing machine with a few towels, then air dry — never use the dryer, since heat can warp the shoe. Leather and suede shoes can’t go in the machine; clean those by hand with a damp, soapy cloth and a soft brush.

If you own gym shoes — and who doesn’t? — you know how fast they go from box-fresh to dirty, smelly, and gross. You’ve got to clean them, but what’s the best way? Our Pros break down why gym shoes need regular cleaning, which products work best on dirt and odors, and the whole process, whether you’re cleaning your own shoes, run a cleaning business, or are looking for someone to clean your home and belongings.

Can you wash gym shoes?

Gym shoes can and should be washed regularly. They may be designed to breathe, but sweat and dirt still build up on the surface, inside, and in the insoles.

The material determines both the process and the products. Fabric and many synthetics can go in the washing machine — but suede or leather shoes must stay out of it and be cleaned by other methods, which we’ll explain.

How often should you wash gym shoes?

Search for how often to wash athletic shoes and you’ll find conflicting advice — some say every six months, while Nike encourages cleaning every two weeks or whenever they look dirty.

A good rule of thumb is once every two to three months — more often if they’re:

• Looking dirty or stained
• Smelling bad
• In need of a refresh

It’s also a good idea to own two pairs and alternate them, which prolongs their lifespan.

What products do you need to clean gym shoes?

You’ll need some basic products and equipment. Here’s an overview, followed by what each does.

What each product does:

• Heavy-duty detergent removes dirt and helps lift stains.
• White vinegar and baking soda both help remove odors from insoles and shoes.
• A clean cloth and paper towels lift heavy dirt and stains and speed up drying.
• Shoe polish, conditioner, and protective spray put the final touches on your shoes.

And the equipment:

• The mesh laundry bag protects your shoes in the washing machine.
• Your washing machine saturates the shoes with detergent to clean them.
• Towels and drying racks dry your shoes.
• A vacuum removes debris from inside and from the soles before washing.

We’ll cover the special products for suede or leather shoes later.

How do you wash gym shoes in the washing machine?

Step 1: Remove the shoelaces. Don’t leave shoelaces in — they may not get clean and could tangle in the machine.

Step 2: Remove and clean the insoles. Insoles shouldn’t go in the machine. Clean them with a mix of one cup of warm water and one tablespoon of baking soda, then let them air dry. For stinky insoles, sprinkle on baking soda to absorb odors — the same way it works in your fridge.

Step 3: Vacuum your shoes. A smaller attachment works well. Vacuum inside to grab dirt or gravel, and do the soles to clear anything stuck in them.

Step 4: Rinse your shoes. For stains or heavy dirt on the outside, run them under water and brush away debris. This gives your machine the best chance of getting them clean.

Step 5: Bag them and load the washer. The mesh bag protects your shoes. The Spruce recommends washing athletic shoes with a load of similarly colored towels, which muffles the thuds and keeps the washer from going off-balance.

Step 6: Air dry. After the cycle, take the bag out. We don’t recommend the dryer, since heat can destroy the shoe’s structure. Stuff the shoes with a dry cloth or paper towels to absorb moisture, replacing the paper as it gets wet — don’t use newspaper, which stains the insides.

Step 7: Treat your shoes. Once dry, treat fabric with a protective spray. Use white or black shoe polish on midsole stains, taking care not to stain the rest of the shoe.

The process is simple and takes an hour or so at most. The same method works for running shoes — just remember it’s not the right approach for leather or suede.

Should you use bleach on white shoes?

What about bleach for white shoes? In some cases it can help, but know the risks.

You may be able to make white shoes look new with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, both of which remove stains. For particularly stubborn stains or very dirty shoes, use a mix of one part bleach to five parts water — but be careful, since too much can turn shoes yellow.

How do you wash gym shoes by hand?

If you’d rather not machine-wash, or aren’t sure your shoes can survive the spin cycle, here’s how to wash them by hand.

Step 1: Use a brush or vacuum to remove heavy dirt and debris.

Step 2: Fill a sink or tub with warm water and heavy-duty detergent.

Step 3: Soak the shoes.

Step 4: Use a soft brush to remove stubborn stains.

Step 5: Rinse thoroughly.

Step 6: Air dry as above.

Anyone worried the washing machine is too rough on their shoes can use this method.

How do you wash leather or mixed-material shoes?

Washing leather or suede shoes (or shoes with leather parts) takes a different method — leather can’t go in the machine. Here’s a rundown, with the full process in the video below.

Step 1: Fill a bowl with warm water and one scoop of detergent.

Step 2: Remove the laces and put them in the bowl to soak.

Step 3: Use a damp cloth to remove heavy dirt and debris.

Step 4: Dip a soft scrubbing brush in the soapy water and gently clean the entire leather surface in circular motions.

Step 5: Remove suds with a dry cloth.

Step 6: For any remaining stains, use a toothbrush and toothpaste, or a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser if you prefer.

Step 7: Wipe residue away with a clean, dry cloth.

Step 8: Once the laces are dry, re-lace the shoes.

Step 9: Treat the leather with a leather spray to protect it.

Products to have on hand:

• Laundry detergent
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
• Leather spray

Watch the process in the following video:

FAQ

Final thoughts

Now you know exactly how to clean gym shoes, whether they’re yours or someone else’s. This method works for fabric, leather, or combination shoes and makes them look brand new — with the right products and these simple steps, your gym shoes will always look their best.