Can You Safely Clean Dirty Sneakers in the Dishwasher?
When your sneakers are covered in mud, dust, and everyday grime, throwing them into the dishwasher can sound like the ultimate cleaning shortcut.
After all, the machine uses hot water and detergent, so why not let it do the work?
The problem is that your dishwasher was designed for dishes, not footwear. Heat, powerful water jets, and dishwasher detergent can be rough on shoe materials, adhesives, cushioning, and finishes.
That doesn’t mean every sneaker will fall apart if it gets wet. But before putting your favorite pair on the top rack, there are a few things you should know.
Can Sneakers Go in the Dishwasher?
Sometimes—but it’s generally not the safest cleaning method.
Sturdy canvas or some synthetic-fabric sneakers may tolerate a dishwasher cycle better than delicate footwear. But shoes made from leather, suede, nubuck, memory foam, or other sensitive materials should stay out of the dishwasher.
The biggest concerns are:
- Heat can soften or weaken adhesives.
- Strong water jets can be rough on delicate materials.
- Dishwasher detergent may be too harsh for some fabrics and finishes.
- High temperatures can warp rubber or foam components.
- Shoes may lose their shape while drying.
If the manufacturer says the shoes are hand-wash only, take that recommendation seriously.
Check the Manufacturer’s Instructions First
Before trying any cleaning method, check the care label inside the shoe or look up the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
This is especially important for expensive sneakers or shoes made from multiple materials.
A sneaker may look like ordinary fabric on the outside while containing adhesives, foam, leather panels, or specialty coatings that don’t respond well to heat and moisture.
When the care instructions aren’t clear, hand washing is the safer bet.
What to Do Before Cleaning Your Sneakers
Don’t put a pair of muddy shoes straight into any appliance.
A little preparation can make cleaning easier and prevent unnecessary mess.
Remove Loose Dirt
Take the shoes outside and knock off loose mud and dirt.
Use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to remove debris from the uppers and the grooves of the soles.
This step matters because large pieces of dirt can end up in your dishwasher’s filter or spray system.
Remove the Laces
Take the shoelaces out before cleaning.
They can be washed separately in warm water with a small amount of mild detergent.
Remove the Insoles
If the insoles are removable, take them out as well.
Don’t automatically assume they’re dishwasher-safe. Many insoles contain foam or adhesives that don’t respond well to high heat.
Wash them separately according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If You Still Decide to Use the Dishwasher
For shoes that the manufacturer specifically allows to be washed this way, you can reduce the potential for damage by keeping the conditions as gentle as possible.
Put the Shoes on the Top Rack
The top rack generally exposes items to less intense heat than the bottom rack.
Keep the shoes positioned so they aren’t blocking the spray arms.
Skip the Heated Drying Cycle
This is one of the most important precautions.
High heat can soften adhesives, distort rubber, and affect foam components.
If your dishwasher has an option to turn off heated drying, use it.
Use a Gentle Cycle
Avoid aggressive cycles intended for heavily soiled cookware.
A gentler cycle reduces the amount of mechanical stress placed on the shoes.
Don’t Use a Strong Detergent
Dishwasher detergents are formulated to tackle food grease and baked-on residue—not shoe fabric.
If the manufacturer permits dishwasher cleaning, follow the recommended cleaning product and amount rather than assuming more detergent will produce cleaner shoes.
Never Wash Your Dishes at the Same Time
Even if the shoes seem relatively clean, this is still footwear that has been in contact with sidewalks, mud, floors, and other dirty surfaces.
Keep shoes completely separate from dishes, cookware, and utensils.
The Most Important Part: Drying
Cleaning the sneakers is only half the job.
How you dry them can determine whether they keep their shape.
Remove them from the dishwasher as soon as the cycle ends.
Open the shoes as much as possible and allow air to circulate inside.
You can loosely stuff them with clean paper towels to help absorb moisture and maintain their shape. Replace the paper if it becomes saturated.
Then leave the sneakers somewhere dry and well ventilated.
Avoid These Drying Mistakes
Don’t put wet sneakers:
- In a clothes dryer
- Directly on a radiator
- Under a hair dryer on high heat
- In intense direct sunlight for long periods
Too much heat can cause shrinking, warping, fading, and adhesive failure.
The Safer Option: Hand Washing
For most sneakers, hand washing is the better choice.
It gives you much more control over how much water, pressure, and cleaning solution reaches each part of the shoe.
What You’ll Need
- Warm water
- A small amount of mild detergent
- Soft brush or old toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth
- Clean paper towels
Step 1: Remove Loose Dirt
Brush away dried mud and loose debris.
Step 2: Make a Mild Cleaning Solution
Mix warm water with a small amount of mild detergent.
You don’t need a bucket full of suds. Too much detergent simply creates more residue to rinse away.
Step 3: Scrub Gently
Dip the soft brush into the solution and work gently over the fabric and rubber areas.
Spend extra time on heavily soiled areas rather than aggressively scrubbing the entire shoe.
Step 4: Remove Soap
Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the remaining detergent.
Avoid completely soaking the shoe unless the manufacturer says it’s safe.
Step 5: Air Dry
Stuff the shoes loosely with clean paper towels and let them dry naturally in a well-ventilated area.
Give them plenty of time to dry completely before wearing them again.
What About White Sneakers?
White canvas sneakers often benefit from gentle spot cleaning rather than an aggressive wash.
For small stains, you can make a simple paste from baking soda and a little water.
Apply a small amount to the stained area, gently work it in with a soft toothbrush, and wipe away the residue with a damp cloth.
Always test the method on an inconspicuous area first, especially if the shoe has colored fabric or a special finish.
Which Sneakers Should Never Go in the Dishwasher?
As a general rule, keep the following away from the dishwasher unless the manufacturer specifically says otherwise:
Leather
Water and heat can affect leather’s finish, shape, and natural oils.
Suede and Nubuck
These materials require specialized cleaning methods and can be permanently altered by excessive moisture.
Memory-Foam or Specialty Insoles
Heat can affect foam and adhesives.
Shoes With Decorative Details
Sequins, glued-on decorations, metallic elements, and specialty finishes may not survive a dishwasher cycle.
Expensive or Performance Footwear
Running shoes and technical footwear often contain several layers of foam, mesh, adhesives, and specialized materials. Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions rather than experimenting with an appliance.
A Few Ways to Keep Sneakers Cleaner
The easiest sneaker-cleaning job is the one you don’t have to do.
Try these simple habits:
- Brush off mud before it dries.
- Spot-clean stains as soon as possible.
- Don’t wear delicate sneakers in conditions they’re not designed for.
- Let damp shoes air out after wearing them.
- Rotate between pairs when possible.
- Clean the soles separately from the fabric uppers.
Regular light cleaning is much easier on sneakers than waiting until they’re heavily stained.
The Bottom Line
Putting sneakers in the dishwasher can work for some durable, manufacturer-approved shoes, but it’s far from a universal cleaning solution.
Heat, detergent, water pressure, and drying temperatures can damage adhesives, foam, rubber, and delicate materials. For most footwear, hand washing with a soft brush and mild cleaning solution gives you much more control and carries less risk.
So before treating your sneakers like another load of dishes, check the care instructions first.
A few extra minutes of gentle hand cleaning could save you from ruining the pair you actually wanted to keep.
