How to Clean Tennis Shoes: Machine Washing, Hand Cleaning, and White Shoe Care

You can wash mesh and polyester tennis shoes in the washing machine safely. Use a gentle cycle, cold water, and a mesh laundry bag. Remove laces and insoles before washing. Air dry completely afterward. Never machine wash leather, suede, or nubuck shoes.

Washing your athletic mesh or polyester tennis shoes in the machine can feel risky, but with the right steps, you'll emerge with fresh kicks and no damage to fabric or washer. These instructions apply only to trainers with textile uppers (mesh, nylon, polyester, canvas). If your shoes are leather, suede, or nubuck, stick to gentle hand-cleaning methods and skip the washer entirely.

Note: machine washing may void the manufacturer's warranty. When in doubt, hand washing with mild soap and a soft brush is the safer choice.

Preparing Your Shoes

Before anything goes near the washer, a little prep work protects both your machine and your shoes:

1. Check the care label under the tongue or the manufacturer's website to confirm your model is washer-safe.
2. Brush loose dirt and grit off the soles and uppers with a soft brush or cloth. This prevents drain or drum clogging and reduces debris that can stain other laundry.
3. Remove shoelaces and any detachable insoles. Toss laces into a small mesh laundry bag or pillowcase so they don't tangle.
4. Hand wash insoles separately with mild soap and warm water, then let them air dry completely before reinserting.
5. Lightly stuff each toe box with crumpled paper towels or clean rags to guard against collapsing during the spin cycle.

Machine Washing Your Tennis Shoes

1. Place your shoes and laces inside a sturdy mesh laundry bag or pillowcase.
2. Surround them with a few old towels or a small load of similarly colored laundry to cushion, balance the drum, and reduce rattling.
3. Select your gentlest or delicate cycle and set the water to cold.
4. Dial the spin speed down to the lowest setting.
5. Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Avoid powdered soaps, bleach, and fabric softeners.

Do: wash on a gentle, cold cycle with cushioning towels and minimal detergent. 

Don't: use hot water, bleach, or high-spin cycles. These can warp soles and break down adhesives.

Drying Your Tennis Shoes

The dryer's heat is a shoe's worst enemy: it can melt glues, warp midsoles, and shrink fabrics. Skip the tumble dryer altogether.

1. Remove shoes and laces from the washer immediately and gently reshape them.
2. Insert fresh, dry paper towels to absorb moisture and support the structure.
3. Place shoes in a warm, well-ventilated spot indoors or in a shaded spot outdoors.
4. Rotate the stuffing once or twice as moisture dissipates, swapping in fresh paper if needed.
5. Allow at least 12 to 24 hours before wearing or reassembling.

How to Clean Tennis Shoes by Hand

Hand washing is the right approach for leather, suede, nubuck, or any shoe the manufacturer advises against machine washing. It also works well for spot cleaning between washes. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and doesn't require any specialized equipment.

What you need: soft-bristle brush, mild soap or shoe cleaner, clean cloths, warm water.

1. Remove laces and insoles.
2. Knock off loose dirt with a dry brush before introducing any moisture.
3. Mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water. Dip a soft brush or cloth into the solution without soaking it.
4. Scrub the upper in small circular motions, working one section at a time.
5. Wipe away soap residue with a clean damp cloth.
6. Use a stiffer brush on the outsole to scrub grooves and remove embedded debris.
7. Pat the upper dry, stuff with paper towels, and air dry in a ventilated area away from direct heat.

For suede and nubuck: use a dedicated suede brush only. Skip water and soap on the upper. A suede eraser handles scuffs and light stains. Finish with a suede protector spray.

For leather: use a leather cleaner or lightly dampened cloth, then condition to prevent cracking.

How to Clean White Tennis Shoes

White shoes show dirt and yellowing faster than any other color. A consistent cleaning routine keeps them looking fresh longer.

For mesh or fabric uppers:

1. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one tablespoon of mild dish soap and a small amount of warm water to form a paste.
2. Apply to the upper with a soft brush and scrub in small circles, focusing on stained areas.
3. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and repeat if needed.
4. Air dry away from direct sunlight. Sunlight accelerates yellowing on white fabric.

For midsoles and rubber outsoles: a melamine foam eraser (Magic Eraser) works well on rubber midsoles. Dampen slightly and scrub in short strokes to remove scuffs and surface grime. For stubborn yellowing, apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide with a cotton swab, let it sit a few minutes, then wipe clean.

Preventing yellowing:

• Store away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Clean promptly after each use rather than letting dirt set.
• Avoid bleach. It causes a chemical reaction on white rubber that accelerates yellowing over time.
• Apply a white shoe protector spray after cleaning to repel stains and moisture.

Final Thoughts

Machine-washing mesh and polyester tennis shoes isn't the right approach for every pair, but when done carefully it extends the life of your footwear rather than shortening it. Start with the prep, protect the shoes during the wash, and always air dry. Keep up with it regularly and your shoes will hold up a lot longer between replacements.