Complete Guide: How To Wash Gym Shoes Easily & Safely

Can you wash gym shoes? Yes! You absolutely can wash gym shoes. What is the best way to wash gym shoes? It often depends on the shoe material, but hand washing is usually the safest. This guide will show you how to clean your gym shoes the easy and safe way, making them look and smell fresh again.

Gym shoes work hard. They get sweaty inside. They get dirty outside. Cleaning them helps them last longer. It makes them smell much better. It also keeps them looking new. Let’s get those shoes clean!

Image Source: www.thespruce.com

Getting Ready To Wash Your Shoes

Before you start cleaning sneakers, you need to get them ready. This first step is important. It helps you clean them better. It also protects the shoes.

Gathering Your Supplies

You need a few things to clean your gym shoes. Most items you likely already have.

Here is a list of helpful tools and cleaning stuff:

• A soft brush or old toothbrush
• A stiff brush (like a scrub brush)
• Mild soap or detergent (dish soap or laundry detergent works)
• Baking soda
• A few old towels
• A washcloth or sponge
• A bucket or sink
• Maybe a laundry bag for machine washing
• Newspaper or paper towels (for drying)

Item	What it’s good for
Soft Brush/Toothbrush	Gentle cleaning, scrubbing small spots
Stiff Brush	Scrubbing off tough dirt and mud
Mild Soap/Detergent	Breaking down sweat, dirt, and grime
Baking Soda	Removing bad smells (Remove shoe odor)
Old Towels	Drying, protecting washing machine (if used)
Washcloth/Sponge	Wiping shoes, applying soap
Bucket/Sink	Holding water for hand washing
Laundry Bag	Protecting shoes in the washing machine
Newspaper/Paper Towels	Helping shoes dry inside (How to dry wet shoes)

Preparing the Shoes

Take off your shoes. Shake them to get loose dirt out. Now, get them ready for cleaning.

Step 1: Remove the Laces and Insoles

Pull out the shoe laces. Take out the insoles. Insoles are the soft pads inside the shoe you step on. These parts need cleaning too. Cleaning insoles and laces separately is best.

Step 2: Get Rid of Loose Dirt and Mud

Take your shoes outside if they are very dirty. Use a stiff brush. Brush off any dirt, mud, or gunk on the outside of the shoes. Get into the grooves on the bottom. This is how to clean mud off shoes effectively before getting them wet. If there is dried mud, let it dry completely first. Then it brushes off more easily. Knock the bottoms together to loosen dirt.

Ways to Wash Your Gym Shoes

There are two main ways to wash gym shoes: by hand or in a machine. Hand washing athletic footwear is often safer for the shoe. Machine wash running shoes can work for some shoes, but you must be careful. The best method for washing sneakers depends on the shoe type and how dirty they are.

Method 1: Hand Washing Athletic Footwear (Often the Safest)

Hand washing is gentle. It is good for shoes made of delicate materials. It is also the best method for washing sneakers that are very expensive or have special parts.

Step-by-Step Guide for Hand Washing:

H5 Soaking the Laces

Put the shoelaces in a small bowl or sink. Add warm water. Add a little mild soap or detergent. Let them soak while you clean the shoes. This makes it easy to wash shoe laces later.

H5 Cleaning the Insoles

The insoles can get very smelly. This is a key step to remove shoe odor.

• Shake off any loose dirt from the insoles.
• You can sprinkle baking soda on them. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight. This helps absorb smells.
• For a deeper clean, mix warm water and a little soap in a sink or bucket.
• Put the insoles in the soapy water.
• Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the insoles. Clean both sides.
• Rinse them well with clean water.
• Squeeze out extra water.
• Set them aside to air dry completely. Do not put them back in the shoe if they are still wet.

H5 Cleaning the Outside of the Shoes

Now, let’s clean the main part of the shoe.

• Fill a bucket or sink with warm water.
• Add a small amount of mild soap or detergent to the water. Mix it around.
• Dip your soft brush, stiff brush (for tough spots), or washcloth into the soapy water.
• Start scrubbing the outside of the shoe.
• Focus on the dirty areas. Clean the sides, the top, and the rubber parts.
• For tough spots or stains, put a little soap directly on the brush. Scrub gently.
• Pay attention to different materials. Mesh parts can be delicate. Scrub them softly. This is important when cleaning sneakers, especially clean white mesh shoes. White shoes show dirt easily.
• Keep a separate small bowl of clean water nearby. Rinse your brush or cloth often. This stops you from spreading dirt around.
• Once the outside looks clean, rinse the shoes carefully. You can hold them under running water. Or you can use a clean cloth dipped in clean water to wipe away all the soap. Make sure all the soap is gone. Soap left behind can attract more dirt or leave marks.

H5 Cleaning the Inside of the Shoes

The inside of the shoe needs cleaning too. Sweat builds up there. This causes bad smells.

• Mix a little soap with water in a small bowl.
• Dip a cloth or sponge in the soapy water. Squeeze out most of the water. You don’t want to make the inside soaking wet.
• Wipe the inside surfaces of the shoe. Gently rub the fabric inside.
• For extra smell fighting, you can mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste. You can use this paste on the inside if needed. Scrub gently with a brush.
• Wipe away the soap or paste with a clean, damp cloth. Use as little water as possible.

H5 Final Rinse (if needed)

If you used a lot of soap inside or out, you might need another quick rinse. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down all surfaces again. Be sure no soap is left.

Method 2: Machine Wash Running Shoes (Use With Caution)

Machine washing is faster. But it can be rough on shoes. It can damage delicate materials, glue, or stitching. Some shoe companies say not to machine wash their shoes. Check the shoe label if you can. If you decide to machine wash, follow these steps to do it safely.

H5 Check if Your Shoes Can Be Machine Washed

Most running shoes or basic fabric gym shoes can handle the machine. But shoes with leather, suede, delicate parts, or ones that are very expensive should probably be hand washed. If in doubt, hand wash.

H5 Prepare the Shoes (Same as Hand Washing)

• Remove laces and insoles. Clean these separately by hand as described above.
• Brush off all loose dirt and mud from the outside. Get rid of stuck-on dirt. This protects your washing machine filter.

H5 Protecting Your Shoes in the Machine

• Put each shoe in a separate mesh laundry bag. This protects them from hitting the sides of the machine too hard. It also stops the laces from getting tangled.
• If you don’t have laundry bags, you can use a pillowcase. Tie the end shut.
• Add a few old towels to the washing machine drum with the shoes. The towels act like cushions. They stop the shoes from banging around too much. This helps protect both the shoes and the machine.

H5 Setting Up the Washing Machine

This part is very important for machine wash running shoes safely.

• Use cold water. Hot water can damage shoe glue and materials.
• Choose a gentle cycle. A delicate or permanent press cycle is best.
• Use a small amount of mild laundry detergent. Do not use too much soap. Avoid bleach, especially on colored shoes. Bleach can also weaken materials.
• Do not use the dryer cycle. Heat is very bad for shoes. It can shrink them, melt glue, and damage materials.

H5 Start the Wash

Put the shoes (in bags, with towels) into the machine. Add the detergent. Start the gentle cycle with cold water.

Specific Cleaning Tasks

Sometimes you have special cleaning needs. Here’s how to handle them.

Cleaning Insoles (More Detail)

Insoles are odor magnets. Cleaning insoles is crucial to remove shoe odor.

• Simple Deodorizing: Take them out after every run or workout. Let them air out. Sprinkle baking soda on them when you are not wearing the shoes. Tap it off later.
• Washing: Mix warm water and gentle soap. Scrub them with a brush. Rinse fully. Squeeze gently to remove water. Air dry completely. You can prop them up or hang them. Do not put them back in the shoe even if slightly damp. They must be totally dry. This can take a day or two.

Wash Shoe Laces

Shoe laces get dirty and grey.

• Soak them in warm, soapy water (as mentioned earlier).
• After soaking, you can rub them together in your hands.
• For tough dirt, lay a lace on a hard surface. Use a brush (like a toothbrush) and soapy water to scrub it clean.
• Rinse the laces well with clean water.
• Hang them up to air dry. You can hang them on a clothesline or lay them flat.

Clean White Mesh Shoes

White shoes look great when clean. But they show dirt easily. Cleaning white mesh shoes takes a little extra care.

• Act Fast: Clean white shoes as soon as they get dirty. Stains are harder to remove later.
• Gentle Scrubbing: Use a soft brush or toothbrush. Mix mild soap with water. Gently scrub the white mesh in small circles. Don’t scrub too hard, or you could damage the mesh.
• Baking Soda Paste: For tough stains on white mesh or rubber parts, make a paste of baking soda and water. Put the paste on the stain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then gently scrub with a wet brush. Wipe the paste away with a clean, damp cloth.
• Wipe Carefully: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away all soap and dirt. Rinse your cloth often. You don’t want to spread dirt or soap scum.
• Avoid Bleach: Even on white shoes, bleach can yellow the material over time or damage the glue. Stick to soap and baking soda.
• Stuff While Drying: After cleaning, stuff white shoes with white paper towels or white cloth. Do not use newspaper, as the ink can transfer. This helps the shoes keep their shape. It also helps absorb moisture.

How to Clean Mud Off Shoes (More Detail)

Mud is a common problem for gym shoes, especially running shoes used outside.

• Let it Dry: This is the most important step. Do not try to clean wet mud. It will just smear. Let the mud dry completely.
• Brush it Off: Once the mud is dry, take the shoes outside. Use a stiff brush (like a scrubbing brush or old toothbrush). Brush off as much dry mud as you can. Get into the treads on the bottom. Knock the shoes together.
• Use a Stick: A stick or dull knife can help scrape mud from deep treads. Be careful not to cut the shoe.
• Then Wash: After brushing off the dry mud, proceed with hand washing or machine washing as described above. The pre-cleaning step makes the washing much more effective.

Getting Rid of Bad Smells

Remove shoe odor is a big reason people wash gym shoes. Sweat and bacteria inside the shoe cause bad smells.

• Cleaning is Key: Washing the insoles and the inside of the shoe removes the source of the smell (bacteria and sweat).
• Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda generously inside the shoes when you are not wearing them. Let it sit for several hours or overnight. Baking soda absorbs smells. Tap or vacuum it out later.
• Air Them Out: Always take your shoes off after wearing them. Do not keep them in a gym bag. Let them air out in a well-ventilated spot. Pull out the insoles to help them dry faster.
• Sunlight (Carefully): Sunlight can help kill bacteria and remove odor. You can place shoes in direct sunlight for a few hours. Be careful, though. Too much sun can fade colors or damage materials.
• Special Sprays: There are shoe deodorizer sprays you can buy. Look for ones that kill bacteria, not just cover up smells.
• Dryer Sheets: Some people put fresh dryer sheets inside their shoes to make them smell nice. This only covers smell, it doesn’t remove the cause.

Drying Your Wet Shoes

How to dry wet shoes correctly is super important. Drying them wrong can damage the shoes. It can also make them smell bad again if they don’t dry fully.

H4 Do NOT Use Heat!

Never put gym shoes in a clothes dryer. Never use a hairdryer directly on them for a long time. High heat will:

• Melt the glue that holds the shoe together.
• Shrink certain materials.
• Cause parts of the shoe to change shape.
• Damage plastic or rubber pieces.

Heat drying can ruin your shoes.

H4 The Best Way: Air Drying

Air drying is the safest and best way to dry wet shoes.

• Remove Laces and Insoles: Make sure you took these out before washing. Dry them separately.
• Open Them Up: Pull the tongue of the shoe forward. Open the shoe up as much as possible. This helps air get inside.
• Stuff Them: Stuff the inside of the shoes with newspaper or paper towels. This helps soak up water from the inside. It also helps the shoe keep its shape as it dries. Use plain newspaper or white paper towels to avoid ink transfer. Change the newspaper or paper towels every few hours as they get damp.
• Find a Good Spot: Place the shoes in a place with good airflow. A porch, near an open window, or in front of a fan works well.
• Avoid Direct Sun/Heat: Do not place them in direct hot sunlight or near a heater. Room temperature air drying is best.
• Give Them Time: Drying can take a long time, sometimes 24 to 48 hours. Make sure they are completely dry before you wear them or put the insoles and laces back in. If they are even a little damp, smells can come back.

Putting Your Shoes Back Together

Once your shoes, insoles, and laces are all clean and completely dry, it’s time to put them back together.

• Put the dry insoles back into the shoes. Make sure they are flat and in the right place.
• Thread the dry laces back through the eyelets. Tie them up.

Your gym shoes should now be clean, fresh, and ready for your next workout!

Keeping Your Shoes Fresh Between Washes

Washing your shoes often is good. But you can do things to keep them fresh between washes.

• Air Them Out: Always take shoes out of your gym bag after using them. Let them air out in a cool, dry place.
• Remove Insoles: Pull out the insoles after wearing to help them dry faster. This is a great way to reduce odor.
• Use Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda inside when not wearing them.
• Wear Socks: Always wear socks with your gym shoes. Socks soak up sweat.
• Rotate Shoes: If possible, don’t wear the same gym shoes every day. Letting shoes rest for a day or two helps them dry out fully. This prevents bacteria growth and odor.
• Quick Clean Ups: If you get a small dirt spot or scuff, wipe it off right away with a damp cloth. Don’t let dirt build up.

Comprehending Shoe Materials and Cleaning Needs

Different shoes are made of different things. Knowing this helps you clean them right.

• Mesh: Many gym shoes have mesh fabric. It is light and lets feet breathe. Mesh can be delicate. Use soft brushes and gentle scrubbing. This is key for clean white mesh shoes.
• Synthetics: Plastics, fake leather, and rubber are common. These are usually durable. You can scrub these parts more firmly, especially the soles.
• Leather/Suede: Some athletic shoes have leather or suede parts. These materials need special care. Do not soak leather or suede. Do not put them in the washing machine. Use cleaners made for leather or suede.
• Foam: The midsoles (the thick, soft part above the sole) are often foam. Foam can be cleaned with soap and water. Be careful not to soak it too much.

Always check the shoe label if there is one. Or look up the shoe online for cleaning advice from the maker. When in doubt, hand wash gently.

Choosing The Best Method For Washing Sneakers

We talked about hand washing and machine washing. What is the best method for washing sneakers?

• Hand Washing: This is generally the safest method. It is best for:

  • Delicate shoes
  • Expensive shoes
  • Shoes with leather, suede, or special parts
  • Shoes you are worried about damaging
  • Targeted cleaning of very dirty spots

• Machine Washing: This can be okay for:

  • Durable running shoes or basic fabric trainers
  • Shoes you’ve machine washed before without problems
  • When you need a quicker clean

Always use cold water, a gentle cycle, and a laundry bag if machine washing. And NEVER machine dry!

If you want your shoes to last as long as possible and stay in the best shape, hand washing athletic footwear is often the winning choice.

A Note on Products

You don’t need fancy cleaners to wash gym shoes.

• Mild dish soap (like the kind for washing dishes by hand) works well. It cuts through grease and dirt.
• Mild laundry detergent is also fine. Use just a little bit.
• Baking soda is great for smells and gentle scrubbing.
• Water is the main cleaner.

You can buy special shoe cleaning kits. They are not always needed. The simple supplies you have at home often work just as well and are safe.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Smell is Still There: Did you clean the insoles well? Are the shoes completely dry? If they are damp inside, smell bacteria can grow again. Try more baking soda. Make sure they air out fully after every use.
• Stains Won’t Come Out: Some stains, like set-in grass stains or oil, can be very hard to remove completely. You can try a stain remover made for fabric. Test it on a small, hidden spot first. Be gentle. Sometimes a faint stain might remain, especially on white shoes.
• Shoes Look Faded: Washing too often or using harsh chemicals can make shoes look faded. Stick to gentle methods and mild soap. Air drying away from direct sun helps prevent fading.
• Shoes Feel Stiff After Washing: This can happen if too much soap was left in the fabric. Rinse them again thoroughly with clean water. Stuff them well while drying to help them keep their shape and softness.

Washing gym shoes takes a little time. But it saves you money by helping your shoes last longer. It also makes your feet happier (and those around you!) because your shoes smell fresh. Follow these steps for cleaning sneakers safely and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

H5 Can I put my gym shoes in the dryer?

No, you should never put gym shoes in the dryer. The heat can damage the shoes. It can melt glue, shrink materials, and ruin the shape. Always air dry your shoes.

H5 How often should I wash my gym shoes?

There is no set rule. It depends on how often you wear them and how much you sweat. If they start to smell bad or look dirty, it’s time to wash them. Some people wash them every few months. Others wash them more often if they use them intensely.

H5 Is it better to hand wash or machine wash gym shoes?

Hand washing athletic footwear is generally the safest method. It is less harsh on the shoes. Machine wash running shoes can work for durable shoes, but always use cold water, a gentle cycle, and protective bags/towels. When in doubt, hand wash.

H5 Can I use bleach on white gym shoes?

It is best to avoid bleach, even on white shoes. Bleach can weaken shoe materials and glue over time. It can also sometimes cause white materials to turn yellow. Try baking soda and mild soap first for cleaning white mesh shoes.

H5 How long does it take for gym shoes to dry after washing?

It can take 24 to 48 hours for gym shoes to dry completely after washing. This depends on how much water they soaked up and the air circulation where you dry them. Stuffing them with newspaper and placing them near a fan helps them dry faster. Make sure they are fully dry before wearing them again.

H5 How do I get bad smells out of my gym shoes?

Cleaning the shoes well, especially the insoles and inside fabric, helps a lot. Baking soda is excellent for absorbing smells. Sprinkle it inside the shoes and insoles when not wearing them. Always air out your shoes after use. Let them dry completely.

H5 What kind of soap should I use to wash my gym shoes?

A small amount of mild dish soap or mild laundry detergent works well. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or strong stain removers that could damage the shoe materials.

H5 Can I wash my running shoes in the washing machine?

Many running shoes can be machine washed if they are made of durable materials like mesh and synthetic fabrics. Use cold water, a gentle cycle, a laundry bag, and add towels for cushioning. Always remove laces and insoles first. Do not machine dry. Hand washing is still often the safer choice for expensive or delicate running shoes.

H5 How do I clean mud off my shoes before washing?

Let the mud dry completely first. Then use a stiff brush (like a scrub brush or old toothbrush) to brush off all the dry mud from the outside and the bottom treads. This protects your washing machine if you choose that method and makes hand washing easier.

This guide covers the steps to get your gym shoes clean and fresh safely. Take good care of your shoes, and they will take good care of you! Keep them clean to remove shoe odor, make them last, and look great. Happy cleaning!