Ever glanced down at your favorite pair of New Balance sneakers and wondered if tossing them in the washing machine could revive their look—or ruin them? You’re not alone. Keeping your shoes clean without damaging them is a common concern, especially when you want that fresh-out-of-the-box feeling.
This article guides you through the safe and effective way to machine wash your New Balance shoes. Expect step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and expert insights to ensure your shoes come out spotless and unscathed.
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Can You Wash New Balance Shoes in the Washing Machine?
When your favorite New Balance shoes start looking a bit worse for wear, it’s natural to want a quick and thorough cleaning solution. You might wonder if tossing them in the washing machine is a good idea. While machine washing can seem convenient, it’s important to know that New Balance themselves recommend hand cleaning for most of their shoes to maintain quality and longevity. However, there are circumstances where carefully washing New Balance shoes in a machine is possible—with the right precautions.
Let’s break down the safest way to wash your New Balance shoes in a washing machine, explore tips for optimal results, and answer common questions to help you keep your sneakers fresh.
Understanding the Risks: Why Caution Matters
Machine washing is fast, but it isn’t always gentle. The materials in New Balance shoes—leather, suede, mesh, or synthetic fabrics—can react differently to agitation, heat, and moisture. Here are some points to consider before you proceed:
- Potential for Damage: The heat and spinning action can weaken glue, warp midsole foam, and crack leather or suede.
- Color Fading: Bright and dark colors may fade or bleed.
- Warranty Void: Some manufacturers will not cover damage from machine washes.
For best protection, always check the care instructions on your specific New Balance model.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wash New Balance Shoes in the Washing Machine
Ready to proceed with machine washing? Follow these detailed steps to protect your sneakers and maximize cleaning power.
1. Check the Label and Your Shoes
Before anything else:
- Look for washing instructions on your shoe’s care label or the official website.
- Assess the material. Machine washing is safest for synthetic, fabric, or mesh shoes. Avoid machine washing leather or suede.
2. Gather What You Need
To wash your New Balance shoes in the machine, you’ll need:
- A soft cloth or soft-bristle brush
- Mild detergent (non-bleach, non-bio)
- Old pillowcase or mesh laundry bag
- A couple of old towels
- Warm (not hot) water
3. Pre-Clean Your Shoes
- Remove the laces and insoles. Wash them separately by hand for best results.
- Use a brush or dry cloth to knock off excess dirt, mud, or debris from the soles and upper.
4. Optional: Spot-Treat Stains
- Gently scrub any stubborn stains with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water.
- Focus on visible spots to avoid unnecessary full soaking.
5. Bag Them Up
- Place your shoes inside a mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase. This reduces banging and friction.
- You can also put laces and insoles in a separate small mesh bag.
6. Add Protective Padding
- Toss a few old towels into the machine with your shoes. Towels balance the load and cushion the shoes from impact during the wash cycle.
7. Select the Right Wash Settings
- Choose a gentle or delicate cycle.
- Use cold or warm water (never hot—heat damages glue and synthetic materials).
- Add a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid bleach or fabric softener, as these can degrade shoe materials.
8. Start the Wash
- Run the selected cycle. Do not use the dryer or heat settings.
9. Dry Your Shoes Properly
- Remove the shoes immediately after washing.
- Stuff them loosely with paper towels or white newspaper to help absorb moisture and maintain shape.
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Air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat or sunlight. Avoid radiators, dryers, or hairdryers.
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Check on your shoes after a few hours and replace the wet paper inside if needed.
- Let the shoes dry completely before wearing them again—this could take up to 24 hours or longer depending on humidity.
Benefits of Machine Washing (When Done Right)
Machine washing, when handled correctly, offers several benefits:
- Thorough Cleaning – Reaches dirt in mesh and fabric crevices that hand cleaning might miss.
- Convenience – Easy and less time-consuming compared to scrubbing each pair by hand.
- Odor Removal – Helps eliminate deep-seated odors, especially when combined with pre-treatments.
Challenges and Risks
Despite the convenience, there are important downsides to consider:
- Material Wear – Repeated washing breaks down adhesives and midsoles faster.
- Shape Distortion – Water saturation can warp or shrink shoe components.
- Color Bleeding – Some dyes discharge or fade in machine washes.
- Water Trapping – Shoes with lots of foam or padding may hold water, taking longer to dry and possibly leading to odor.
Best Practices & Expert Tips
To keep your New Balance sneakers looking and performing their best, follow these expert cleaning tips:
- Hand Wash When Possible: Only machine wash shoes that are clearly labeled as machine-washable, or when your shoes are mainly synthetic or mesh.
- Remove Insoles & Laces: Clean these separately by hand for optimal cleanliness and to avoid tangling.
- Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals: Stick to gentle, non-bleach detergents.
- Never Use a Dryer: Heat can ruin shoe glue, cause shrinkage, and deform cushioning.
- Stuff for Shape: Always dry shoes stuffed with clean paper to keep their form.
- Clean Regularly: Spot-clean after heavy dirt or mud to reduce buildup and the need for machine washing.
- Check After Washing: Inspect glues, seams, and soles for any signs of separation or damage after each machine wash. If noticed, switch to hand-cleaning next time.
When Is Machine Washing NOT Recommended?
Machine washing is risky for certain types of New Balance shoes:
- Leather or Suede Models: These materials dry out, crack, or lose their finish in the wash.
- Shoes with Special Glues or Decorations: Embellishments may detach or discolor.
- Custom or Limited-Edition Shoes: Protect unique features by hand washing only.
For these shoes, opt for:
- Spot cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- Specialized suede or leather cleaners for those materials.
Alternative: Hand Washing Your New Balance Shoes
Hand washing is the safest method for all New Balance shoe types. Here’s a quick overview:
- Brush off loose dirt with a soft brush.
- Mix a small amount of mild detergent in cool water.
- Dip a sponge or brush into the solution.
- Gently scrub the shoe, focusing on dirty areas.
- Rinse with a clean damp cloth.
- Air dry as described above.
Concluding Summary
Washing New Balance shoes in the washing machine is sometimes possible, especially for synthetic or mesh models, but always approach with care. Hand cleaning remains the gold standard to protect your investment, retain shape, and keep colors vibrant. Whenever you do use the machine, remember to check your labels, use mild detergent, stuff the shoes for drying, and skip the heat. With a little effort, your New Balance sneakers can look and feel fresh for many miles to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can all New Balance shoes be washed in the washing machine?
No. Only fabric or mesh New Balance shoes, and those labeled as “machine-washable,” are safe for the washing machine. Leather, suede, and shoes with special adhesives or designs should always be cleaned by hand.
What temperature should I use when machine washing my New Balance shoes?
Always use cold or lukewarm (never hot) water. High temperatures can weaken adhesives, distort foam, and damage shoe materials.
Can I put my New Balance shoes in the dryer after washing?
No, you should never put your New Balance shoes in the dryer. The heat can warp the shoes, cause shrinkage, and damage glue. Always air dry and stuff with paper to maintain shape.
How often should I wash my New Balance shoes?
Only wash them when they’re noticeably dirty or after heavy use. Frequent washing can accelerate wear and tear. For regular maintenance, spot-clean or brush dirt off after each use.
What kind of detergent should I use for cleaning my New Balance shoes?
Use a mild, non-bleach detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or fabric softeners, which may discolor or damage the materials. Using too much detergent can also leave residue, so keep it minimal.
With these guidelines, you’re equipped to keep your New Balance shoes clean with confidence—so you can stay focused on your next adventure, run, or workout!