How to Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine Without a Mesh Bag?

Washing shoes in a washing machine can save a lot of time compared to hand washing. Mud, sweat, and daily dirt can build up fast, especially on sneakers and sports shoes. Many people use a mesh shoe washing bag to protect their shoes and the washing machine, but sometimes you may not have one available.

Maybe the bag is lost, torn, or you simply need to wash your shoes right away. In that case, you can still clean your shoes in the washing machine safely if you follow the correct process. This guide explains step by step how to wash shoes without a mesh bag while reducing the risk of damage, noise, and shape loss.

Is It Safe to Wash Shoes Without a Mesh Bag?

Yes, it can be safe, but only if you take proper precautions.

Shoes are much heavier than normal clothes. They have hard soles, thick heels, and glued parts. During the spin cycle, they can hit the metal drum of the washing machine. This can cause loud banging, damage the shoe structure, and even scratch the inside of the washer.

A mesh bag normally works like a soft shield. When you do not have one, you must create that protection using soft household items such as towels or pillowcases. These items act as padding and reduce the impact during washing.

Which Shoes Can Be Washed in a Machine?

Fabric and Sports Shoes

Shoes made from fabric, mesh, or canvas are usually safe for machine washing. These include running shoes, casual sneakers, and children’s school shoes. The materials can handle water and gentle spinning without losing their basic shape.

Shoes You Should Not Machine Wash

Leather, suede, and shoes with heavy decorations should not go into a washing machine. Water can harden leather, ruin suede texture, and loosen glue that holds stones or metal parts. These types of shoes are better cleaned by hand.

Preparing Shoes Before Washing

Removing Laces and Insoles

Always remove the laces and insoles before washing. Laces can twist around other items and may not get properly cleaned. Insoles absorb a lot of water and can take days to dry if left inside the shoe.

Wash the laces by hand with mild soap. Wipe the insoles with a damp cloth and let them air dry. This also helps remove odor.

Cleaning Off Loose Dirt

Before putting shoes into the washer, remove surface dirt. Tap the shoes together outside and brush off dried mud and small stones from the sole grooves. This protects your washing machine and prevents dirt from spreading to other laundry.

How to Protect Shoes Without a Mesh Bag?

Wrapping Shoes in Towels

Take an old towel and wrap each shoe separately. You can also place both shoes inside a thick pillowcase and tie the open end. This creates a soft barrier around the shoes.

The towel or pillowcase absorbs shock, reduces noise, and prevents direct contact between the shoes and the metal drum. This method works like a temporary shoe washing bag.

Balancing the Load

Never wash shoes alone. Add two or three thick towels or a few soft clothes to the load. This helps balance the drum during spinning and prevents strong shaking, which can damage both shoes and the machine.

Choosing the Right Washing Settings

Water Temperature

Use cold or lukewarm water. Hot water can soften glue and cause the sole to separate from the upper part of the shoe. Cold water is gentle and still effective for cleaning.

Wash Cycle

Select a gentle or delicate cycle. These cycles use slower movement and lower spin speed, which reduces stress on the shoes and keeps their shape intact.

Detergent Choice

Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Avoid bleach and strong chemicals. Harsh products can fade color, weaken fabric, and damage stitching.

Drying Shoes the Safe Way

Why You Should Never Use a Dryer

Heat is the biggest enemy of shoes. A dryer can shrink fabric, crack rubber soles, and loosen glue. Even a low-heat setting can cause long-term damage.

Air Drying Properly

After washing, remove the shoes from the towels or pillowcase. Stuff them with paper or clean cloth to help maintain their shape. Place them in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Do not put them in direct sunlight or near heaters.

Turn the shoes every few hours so all sides dry evenly. This prevents moisture from staying trapped inside.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Loud Noise During Washing

Without a mesh bag, shoes can bang against the drum. Wrapping them well in towels and adding balancing laundry helps reduce this noise.

Loss of Shoe Shape

Spinning can bend the toe box or heel. Gentle cycles and proper padding reduce this risk. Stuffing shoes while drying helps them return to their normal shape.

Weakening of Glue

Hot water and fast spinning can loosen the glue that holds the sole. Cold water and mild cycles protect these parts.

How Often Can You Wash Shoes This Way?

Washing shoes without a mesh bag is fine for occasional cleaning. However, frequent washing this way can slowly wear out stitching and glue because the shoes are not fully protected.

If you wash your shoes often, such as sports shoes or work shoes, a proper shoe washing bag becomes important for long-term care.

Why a Shoe Washing Bag Is the Better Long-Term Solution

While towels and pillowcases can work, they are not designed for shoe washing. A real shoe washing bag is built to allow full water flow while cushioning the shoes on all sides.

A good shoe washing bag:

• Reduces impact during spinning

• Protects the shoe shape

• Lowers washing noise

• Protects the washing machine drum

• Saves preparation time

• Allows better water and detergent circulation

Instead of wrapping shoes in towels every time, you simply place them in the bag and zip it closed. Here you can learn about How to Wash Shoes in Washing Machine with a mesh bag. 

When You Should Never Skip Using a Shoe Washing Bag

Always use a proper bag if:

• The shoes are expensive

• The shoes are new

• The shoes have soft glue or light fabric

• You wash your shoes every week

• You want to protect your washing machine from damage

In these cases, a shoe washing bag is not optional. It is a safety tool.

Step-by-Step Summary

Washing Shoes Without a Mesh Bag

1. Remove laces and insoles

2. Brush off dirt and stones

3. Wrap shoes in towels or place in a pillowcase

4. Add extra laundry to balance the load

5. Use cold or lukewarm water

6. Choose a gentle cycle

7. Use a mild detergent

8. Air dry only

Final Thoughts

You can wash shoes in a washing machine without a mesh bag if you follow the correct steps and use proper protection. Towels and pillowcases can act as temporary padding and help reduce damage.

However, this method requires extra care and preparation each time. For regular shoe cleaning, a dedicated shoe washing bag is the safest and most convenient solution. It protects your shoes, keeps their shape, reduces noise, and helps your washing machine last longer.

If you care about your footwear and wash shoes often, using a proper shoe washing bag is the smarter and safer choice. Hope you have understood the process of how to wash shoes without mesh bag after reading this article. Comment if you have any opinions.