Yes — but only for some types of shoes, on gentle cycles, and with caution to avoid damage.
I’ve tested shoe-cleaning tricks for years and I’ve read repair guides and product care labels. If you’re asking can you wash shoes in the dishwasher, this guide will walk you through which shoes survive, which don’t, the safest method, alternatives, and real-world tips from my experience. Read on to learn when the dishwasher helps and when it will ruin your footwear.
How dishwashers work and why people consider washing shoes in them
Dishwashers use hot water, soap, water jets, and drying heat. That mix cleans well. It is tempting to treat dishwashers like a no-scrub cleaning shortcut for dirty sneakers.
People ask can you wash shoes in the dishwasher because dishwashers are convenient. They remove mud and odor without scrubbing. But heat, strong jets, and detergents can harm glue, foam, and trims. Know how dishwashers work before you try it.
Which shoes are safe to wash in the dishwasher
Canvas and certain rubber shoes are the best candidates. These materials tolerate water and mild heat. Examples include:
- Canvas sneakers with glued or stitched soles
- Rubber clogs or slip-ons without heavy foam or glued layers
- Simple water-resistant garden shoes
When you ask can you wash shoes in the dishwasher, think about construction. If seams look stitched and soles feel sturdy, the dishwasher may work. Always remove insoles and laces first. Test one shoe at a time if you have doubts.
Which shoes you should never wash in the dishwasher
Avoid washing dress shoes, leather, suede, running shoes with foam midsoles, and shoes with glued decorations. These items can warp, delaminate, or shrink.
- Leather and suede lose texture and finish.
- Foam midsoles and cushioning can detach or crumble.
- Shoes with metal trim may rust or scratch the dishwasher.
Asking can you wash shoes in the dishwasher is smart; sometimes the right answer is no.
Step-by-step guide: How to wash shoes in the dishwasher safely
If you decide to proceed, follow careful steps to reduce risk.
- Prepare the shoes
- Remove laces, insoles, and any loose dirt by tapping or brushing.
- Check that no parts are glued loosely.
- Protect the shoes and dishwasher
- Place shoes on the top rack to reduce direct heat exposure.
- Lay a towel over the bottom rack to catch debris and protect the dishwasher surface.
- Choose gentle settings
- Use a short, gentle cycle with cool or warm water, not hot.
- Skip heated dry. Let shoes air dry to avoid glue failure.
- Use mild detergent
- Use a small amount of mild, phosphate-free detergent.
- Avoid dishwasher pods with bleach or heavy enzymes.
- Dry properly
- Air dry shoes at room temperature on a ventilated rack.
- Reinsert insoles and laces only when shoes are fully dry.
Following these steps reduces the chance of damage when you test if you can wash shoes in the dishwasher.
Risks, damage, and better alternatives
Dishwasher cleaning is not risk-free. Heat can melt glue. Jets can bend soles. Detergents can fade colors. You might save time, but you could also shorten a shoe’s life.
Safer alternatives include:
- Washing machine on a gentle cycle inside a mesh bag
- Hand washing with soft brush and mild soap
- Spot cleaning with water-based cleaner and cloth
If you still wonder can you wash shoes in the dishwasher, weigh the cost of replacement versus convenience. For cheap canvas shoes it may be worth the risk. For expensive or performance footwear, use gentler methods.
People also ask
What about sneakers with foam midsoles?
- Foam midsoles often fail in dishwashers. Heat and detergent break down foam and adhesives. Avoid putting performance sneakers in the dishwasher.
Will the dishwasher sanitize shoes?
- Dishwashers can reduce bacteria via heat and detergent, but they are not a medical-grade sanitizer. Air drying and occasional deodorizing remain important.
Can dishwasher detergent damage colors?
- Yes. Strong dishwasher detergents or bleach-like agents can fade dyes. Use mild detergent and skip bleach.
Personal experience and lessons learned
I once put cheap canvas shoes in my dishwasher to remove mud. They came out cleaner, but the glue at the heel peeled after a month. I learned to test one shoe first and never use heated dry.
From my experience:
- Test on an old or inexpensive pair first.
- Remove insoles and wash them by hand.
- Always air dry. Heat is the biggest enemy.
These small habits let you try to wash shoes in the dishwasher with fewer surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions of can you wash shoes in the dishwasher
Will the dishwasher ruin my running shoes?
Yes, running shoes often have foam and glued parts that break down in dishwashers. Use the washing machine’s gentle cycle or hand wash instead.
Can I put Crocs or rubber clogs in the dishwasher?
Yes, many rubber clogs tolerate dishwasher cleaning on a gentle, cool cycle. Skip heated dry and remove debris first.
Is it safe to wash shoe laces in the dishwasher?
You can wash laces in a mesh bag on a gentle cycle, but hand washing is safer for delicate or decorative laces.
Can washing shoes in the dishwasher remove odor?
Dishwashers can reduce surface dirt and some bacteria, which helps odor, but deep odors may need baking soda, sun drying, or a specialized cleaner.
How often can I wash shoes in the dishwasher?
Limit dishwasher cleaning to occasional use. Frequent cycles increase wear and glue failure. Use gentler methods for regular maintenance.
Conclusion
Washing shoes in the dishwasher can work for certain cheap, simple shoes but carries real risks for most footwear. Use careful preparation, mild detergent, gentle cycles, and always air dry to minimize damage. My recommendation: treat the dishwasher as a last-resort tool for sturdy canvas or rubber shoes, and choose gentler options for anything valuable or performance-oriented.
Try a small test first. Share your results or questions below, subscribe for more shoe-care tips, or comment with your worst dishwasher shoe story.
Rubel Miah is the Senior Editor at MyStyleGrid.com, where he brings a sharp editorial eye and an unshakable love for fashion to everything he does. A true style addict, Rubel lives and breathes trends, from streetwear to high fashion, and has a knack for turning inspiration into impactful stories. With years of experience in fashion journalism and digital media, he curates content that empowers readers to express themselves through style. When he’s not editing features or forecasting the next big thing, you’ll find him hunting down vintage pieces or capturing street style moments around the city.
