How to Wash Sneakers in Dishwasher: Easy, Safe, and Quick Guide

Have you ever wondered if your dishwasher could do more than just clean your plates? What if it could also refresh your sneakers?

If your shoes are looking tired and dirty, you might be surprised to learn that the dishwasher could be a quick and easy way to clean them. But before you toss your sneakers in, there are some important tips you need to know to avoid ruining them.

Keep reading to discover the simple steps you can follow to get your sneakers sparkling clean using your dishwasher—without any damage. Your shoes will thank you!

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Why Use A Dishwasher For Sneakers

Using a dishwasher to clean sneakers saves timeand effort. The hot water and strong jets can remove dirtand grimewell. It is a gentle way to clean shoes without scrubbing hard. This method is eco-friendlybecause it uses less water than hand washing. Plus, the dishwasher dries shoes faster than air drying. It also keeps sneakers in better shape by avoiding harsh chemicals.

Do not washdelicate or leather shoes in a dishwasher. Sneakers with glued parts might get damaged by heat. Avoid dishwasher cleaning if shoes have decorations or fragile materials. Also, very dirty or muddy sneakers might need pre-cleaning first. Use this method only for sneakers that the manufacturer says are machine washable.

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Preparing Sneakers For Dishwasher

Remove the laces and insolesbefore washing. This stops damage and cleans better. Put laces and insoles in a small mesh bag or pillowcase to keep them safe.

Brush off dirt and debrisusing a soft brush or cloth. This gets rid of mud and dust. Clean sneakers last longer and wash better.

Secure sneakers properlyto avoid damage in the dishwasher. Place them upright on the top rack. Avoid letting them hit the dishwasher walls or other dishes.

Choosing The Right Dishwasher Settings

Choose a gentle cycleto protect your sneakers. Use low or medium temperaturesettings to avoid damage. Hot water may cause glue to weaken or colors to fade. Avoid using harsh detergentsthat can harm fabric and colors. Mild soap or dishwasher pods made for delicate items work best.

Remove laces and insoles before washing. Place sneakers on the top rack only. This keeps them away from intense heat at the bottom. Use a dishwasher basket or mesh bag to keep shoes stable. Avoid using the drying cycle; air dry sneakers instead.

Step-by-step Washing Process

Remove any loose dirt from your sneakers before placing them in the dishwasher. Use the top rack to avoid damage. Make sure shoes are stable and won’t move during the cycle. Avoid placing metal parts near heating elements to prevent rust.

Select a gentle or normal wash cycle with warm water. Skip the drying cycle to protect your shoes. Use a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals that can harm the material.

After the cycle ends, carefully take out your sneakers. Check for any leftover dirt or damage. Let your shoes air dry completely before wearing them again. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources to keep shape intact.

Drying And Maintaining Sneakers

After washing, let sneakers air drynaturally. Place them in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent color fading. Do not use a dryer or heater as heat can cause warping and damage. Stuff sneakers with paper towels to keep their shape while drying.

Remove laces and insoles before drying. Wash laces separately by hand using mild soap and water. Insoles can be cleaned with a soft brush and gentle detergent. Allow both to dry completely before putting them back into sneakers.

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Tips For Different Sneaker Materials

Canvas sneakershandle dishwashers well. Remove the laces first. Use a gentle cycle with cold water. Place sneakers on the top rack to avoid damage. Avoid strong detergents that can fade colors. Air dry them after washing to keep shape.

Leather sneakersneed more care. Avoid washing them in the dishwasher directly. Use a soft brush to clean dirt gently. Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. Let them dry naturally away from heat. Dishwasher water can ruin leather’s texture.

Mesh and synthetic fabricsare more durable. Remove loose dirt before washing. Use a gentle cycle and cold water. Place sneakers inside a mesh laundry bag for extra protection. Avoid high heat drying to keep materials strong. Air dry is best.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Using high heat settingscan damage your sneakers. The heat may melt glue or warp materials. Choose a gentle or low heat cycle instead.

Skipping pre-cleaning stepsleaves dirt and grime on shoes. Always remove loose dirt with a brush or cloth before washing. This helps the dishwasher clean better.

Overloading the dishwasherstops proper cleaning. Shoes need space for water and soap to reach all areas. Place sneakers carefully without crowding the racks.

Alternative Cleaning Methods

Hand washing sneakersworks well for gentle cleaning. Use a soft brush and mild soap. Scrub dirt and stains carefully. Rinse with clean water. Let sneakers air dry away from direct sun.

Using washing machines needs care. Remove laces and insoles first. Put sneakers in a mesh laundry bag. Choose a gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid strong detergents and hot water. Air dry sneakers after washing.

Spot cleaning is good for small stains. Use a damp cloth with mild soap. Dab the stain gently. Rinse the cloth and remove soap. Repeat if needed. Let the spot dry naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Wash All Types Of Sneakers In A Dishwasher?

Not all sneakers are dishwasher-safe. Avoid washing leather or delicate materials. Use this method only for sturdy, synthetic shoes.

How Do I Prepare Sneakers Before Dishwasher Cleaning?

Remove laces and insoles. Brush off loose dirt. Place sneakers securely on the top rack to avoid damage.

What Dishwasher Settings Are Best For Cleaning Sneakers?

Use a gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid heated drying. Choose a mild detergent to prevent material damage.

Will Washing Sneakers In A Dishwasher Damage Them?

Properly prepared sneakers usually remain undamaged. However, repeated dishwasher washing can weaken glue and materials over time.

Conclusion

Washing sneakers in a dishwasher can save time and effort. Use gentle settings and avoid high heat to protect shoes. Remove dirt and laces before placing sneakers inside. Keep an eye on the process to avoid damage. This method works best for certain sneaker types only.

Always check care labels before starting the wash. Clean sneakers look fresh and last longer. Try this simple trick for easy sneaker cleaning. It helps keep your shoes looking their best every day.