The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Sneakers in the Dishwasher: Safety, Steps, and Secrets Revealed

Not every sneaker is built the same. Canvas, nylon, polyester, and other woven synthetics are essentially fabric—they can handle water, heat, and the occasional tumble without warping. Think classic canvas Vans, mesh running shoes, or budget-friendly trainers. In contrast, full‑grain leather, nubuck, and suede rely on natural oils that dissolve in hot water, leading to stiff, cracked uppers. Even a single metallic eyelet can melt or discolor under high heat. Before you even think about the dishwasher, check the manufacturer’s care label or test a hidden spot with a damp cloth. If the material feels supple and water‑repellent, you’re likely safe; if it turns stiff or dark, steer clear.

Treat laces like laundry—they’re better off in a mesh bag on a regular wash cycle. Pull them out before the shoes go in; tangled laces can jam the spray arms and create uneven cleaning. Insoles are a different story: most foam or orthotic inserts absorb water, swell, and lose cushioning if heated. Take them out, give them a quick hand‑wipe with a mild soap solution, and let them air‑dry separately. If you forget to remove them, you’ll end up with a soggy, misshapen shoe that never returns to its original comfort level.

A quick pre‑rinse makes a world of difference. Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to dislodge mud, sand, and dried mud from the tread. For sticky residue—think caramel or tar—apply a dab of dish soap directly on the spot, let it sit for a minute, then scrub gently. Once the surface is mostly clean, place each shoe upside down in a dishwasher‑safe silicone rack or a sturdy mesh bag. This prevents them from bouncing around, protects the spray arms, and keeps the interior of the machine free of debris.

The dishwasher is a kitchen appliance, not a laundry machine, so you need to dial back the intensity. Select a short, low‑temperature cycle—often labeled “quick wash,” “eco,” or “light rinse.” Avoid heated dry options; the heat can melt glue and warp midsoles. Turn off any pre‑wash or heavy‑spray features, and set the water temperature to around 120°F (49°C) or lower if you can manually adjust it. A gentle cycle mimics a hand‑rinse, flushing out grime without soaking the shoe’s internal layers.

Surprisingly, you don’t want any detergent in the dishwasher when cleaning sneakers. Suds can leave residue in the mesh, cling to the shoe’s fabric, and cause a foamy overflow that harms the machine’s pump. Instead, run the cycle with plain water. If you’re battling stubborn stains, add a teaspoon of baking soda to the bottom of the dishwasher; it boosts cleaning power without creating bubbles. For a fresh scent, a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball placed on the rack can do the trick.

Once the cycle finishes, resist the urge to pop the shoes into a dryer. Heat will melt adhesives and shrink synthetic midsoles. Instead, remove the shoes, gently shake out excess water, and stuff each toe box with crumpled newspaper or clean, dry towels. This absorbs moisture and keeps the silhouette from collapsing. Place the shoes in a well‑ventilated area—ideally near a fan or on a balcony—until they feel completely dry to the touch, which can take 12–24 hours depending on humidity. For extra odor control, sprinkle a light layer of baking soda inside the shoe before stuffing it.

Orthopedic sneakers often feature extra cushioning, gel inserts, and reinforced heel counters. Those components are not dishwasher‑friendly; the heat can degrade the gel and loosen the stitching. Performance shoes with carbon plates, responsive foams, or proprietary bonding agents demand the same caution. A single dishwasher run can compromise the shoe’s energy return, turning a high‑performance runner into a limp foot. For these models, stick to hand‑washing with a soft brush and a mild detergent, then air‑dry.

Sneakers that sport metallic eyelets, glitter, sequins, or reflective strips are eye‑catching, but they’re also vulnerable. Metal can oxidize, and glitter can melt or clump when exposed to hot water. The dishwasher’s spray can dislodge tiny embellishments, leaving a patchy look. If you absolutely must clean them in the machine, wrap the decorative parts in a mesh laundry bag, use the coldest cycle available, and skip the drying heat. Even then, expect some loss of sparkle.

Treat dishwasher cleaning as a rescue operation, not a weekly habit. The high humidity and occasional heat cycles weaken adhesives that hold midsoles and outsoles together. After about three to four washes, you’ll likely notice the sole starting to separate or the upper becoming stiffer. For most casual sneakers, a dishwasher clean once every two to three months is sufficient to keep them looking fresh without sacrificing structural integrity. Between washes, spot‑clean with a damp cloth and let the shoes air out after heavy use.

Suede’s nap is a delicate, porous surface that absorbs water like a sponge. When you dunk it in a dishwasher, the water saturates the fibers, causing them to swell, darken, and lose their signature velvety feel. Leather, especially full‑grain or buttery leather, relies on natural oils that dissolve in hot water, leading to cracks and a hardened surface. The only safe route for these premium materials is a leather‑specific cleaner, a soft brush, and a conditioning balm afterward. Attempting a dishwasher wash will almost always ruin the look and longevity.

If you leave the insoles inside the dishwasher, they absorb water, swell, and can become a breeding ground for mold. Even after drying, they may develop an unpleasant odor and lose their shock‑absorbing properties. The safest practice is to remove them, hand‑wash gently with a mild soap, rinse thoroughly, and air‑dry flat on a towel. Some high‑tech insoles—like memory foam or orthotic inserts—should never be exposed to water at all; check the manufacturer’s guidelines before attempting any cleaning.

A common mistake is piling other dishes, pots, or even more shoes on top of the sneakers. The extra weight can cause the shoes to shift, banging against the spray arms and potentially cracking the dishwasher’s interior. Use a dedicated rack or a sturdy mesh bag that isolates the shoes from the rest of the load. Avoid placing heavy items like casserole dishes directly on top; they can press the shoes flat, deforming the sole and compromising the cleaning action.