How to Clean Mesh Sneakers in a Washing Machine

Check the upper before you choose a cleaning method

Mesh uppers show up on running, training, and everyday sneakers because they are lightweight and breathable. Not every mesh sneaker is the same: some use thin engineered mesh, while others add leather, suede, synthetic overlays, or a waterproof membrane. The washing machine is safest for an all-mesh or mostly-mesh sneaker without delicate trim.

Before you start, check for a care label and inspect the upper for loose stitching, peeling overlays, or separated soles. A sneaker that is already damaged may not survive a wash cycle. For the general process, see how to wash sneakers in a washing machine; for materials, see how to clean sneakers and the shoe upper materials guide.

Prep the sneaker for the washer

Good prep protects the sneaker and keeps dirt from grinding into the fibers. Removing the laces and insoles is a necessary step: laces can tangle around the drum, and insoles hold moisture and odor. Cleaning them separately gives better results.

Do not put heavily caked sneakers straight into the washer. Loose dirt should come off before water touches the upper.

• Remove the laces and set them aside. Wash the laces separately or clean them by hand.
• Take out the insoles and clean them on their own; see how to clean sneaker insoles.
• Brush loose dirt and mud off the outsole and lower mesh with a soft brush or your hands.
• Tap the soles together outdoors to knock off grit before they enter the washer.
• Put the sneakers in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase if you have one, so they do not bang hard against the drum.

Pick a gentle cycle with cold water

Choose the gentlest cycle your washing machine offers: delicate, hand-wash, or gentle. Use cold water instead of hot, because heat can weaken glue and distort mesh. Keep the spin speed as low as the machine allows so the upper is not crushed. If the drum seems too active, add a few clean towels as cushioning, but do not overload the machine.

Check the care label for any warnings about washing. Many mesh sneakers can handle the machine, but some are labeled hand-wash only. If the label is missing or worn away, use the most conservative settings: gentle cycle, cold water, low spin.

When you use detergent, follow the label and keep the area ventilated. NIOSH is a research agency focused on worker safety and health. At home, simple precautions like ventilation still matter.

Air-dry, never machine-dry

When the wash finishes, take the sneakers out promptly and reshape the upper with your hands. Place them in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heaters. Do not put mesh sneakers in a tumble dryer: heat can warp the sole and shrink or melt synthetic fibers.

Air circulation is the key. Do not seal sneakers in a plastic bag or leave them in a damp backpack. Give them enough space to dry from both the outside and the inside.

To speed drying, stuff the sneakers with clean, dry towels or paper and change the stuffing when it feels damp. For more methods, see how to dry sneakers fast.

Know when to wash by hand instead

Some sneakers should stay out of the washing machine even if they have mesh panels. Leather, suede, nubuck, patent leather, and waterproof membranes usually need gentler care. Court styles and sneakers with heavy glued construction are also safer to hand-wash. When in doubt, spot-clean the upper instead.

If a mesh sneaker is safe for the washer but stains remain after the cycle, wait until it is dry and treat the stains again. See how to remove sneaker stains and how to clean white sneakers. For knit uppers, the same general approach works; see how to clean knit sneakers.

Waterproof styles need special care because the membrane can be affected by machine washing; see how to care for gore-tex sneakers.

Keep mesh sneakers cleaner between washes

Machine washing should not be the only step in your care routine. Let sneakers air out after wear, rotate between pairs so each pair can dry fully, and use shoe trees or stuffing to help them hold their shape. Odor control is easier when sneakers start dry; see how to deodorize sneakers.

Choose care habits that reduce the need for deep cleaning: brush mesh after dusty days, use shoe trees, and let sneakers air out overnight. For more on storage, see how to store sneakers.

Foot comfort starts with clean, dry footwear. OrthoInfo, the patient education site of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, publishes patient resources on foot and ankle topics developed and reviewed by orthopaedic experts.

How often to wash mesh sneakers

There is no fixed schedule for washing mesh sneakers. A pair worn for short errands needs less attention than a pair used for running or training. If the upper looks dirty, if the sneakers smell, or if you have just finished a heavy workout, a wash can help.

Between washes, brush off dust and let the shoes air out. This reduces how often they need a full cycle. If you are looking for a pair that is easy to care for, browse the best everyday sneakers guide.

Check the results after drying

Once the sneakers are dry, check the mesh for remaining dirt and look at the seams and overlays. Another wash is sometimes needed for stains that did not lift, but repeated machine cycles can wear out a sneaker faster than hand spot-cleaning.

Use a dry brush to refresh the mesh and treat stubborn spots before reaching for another wash. For stain techniques, refer to the stain-removal guides listed earlier.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Can I wash mesh sneakers with other clothes?

It is better to wash sneakers on their own. Other items can wrap around the shoes, and zippers or buttons can snag the mesh. If you add anything, use a few clean towels as cushioning and keep the load light.

Should I put mesh sneakers in a mesh bag?

Yes. A mesh laundry bag or pillowcase limits banging, keeps the sneakers together, and protects the machine. Use the gentle cycle either way.

Can I put mesh sneakers in the dryer?

No. Machine drying can shrink mesh, weaken adhesives, and warp the sole. Stuff the sneakers with clean towels or paper and air-dry in a ventilated spot away from direct heat.

Does hot water damage mesh sneakers?

Hot water can weaken glue and distort some mesh fibers. Use cold water for routine washes and save warm water for hand spot-cleaning only when the care label allows.

What if my mesh sneakers still smell after washing?

Make sure they are completely dry before wearing or storing, because moisture lets odor build. If the smell lingers, clean the insoles separately and use an odor-control routine.