Running shoes take a beating, especially Brooks models built for speed and comfort. If you’re curious about refreshing them without a trip to the cleaners, you’re in the right place. This step-by-step guide shows you how to wash Brooks shoes in washing machine safely.
First, remove laces and insoles, and brush off loose dirt. Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag to protect both the shoes and your machine. Always check the care label and avoid speed-drying or harsh detergents.
Run a cold water cycle on a gentle setting with a mild detergent. Place a few towels in the machine to balance weight and prevent banging. Let the shoes air dry away from direct sun until completely dry.
After the shoes dry, reinsert the insoles and relace them. If odor lingers, sprinkle baking soda inside overnight. For best results, repeat only every few months and store clean shoes properly.
Assessing Suitability for Machine Washing Brooks Shoes
Check the Materials and Care Label
Brooks shoes predominantly use breathable mesh uppers with synthetic overlays and foam or foam-tiber midsoles designed for flexibility and motion. The exact materials and construction determine how well they tolerate water, heat, and drum agitation. Always locate the care label inside the tongue or sock liner to confirm whether machine washing is permitted or discouraged.
If the label clearly prohibits machine washing, or if the shoe features delicate suede, leather, or glued components, treat it as hand-wash only. Even when machine washing is allowed, inspect structural features like a TPU plate or carbon plate that could crack if exposed to aggressive drum action. When adhesives and trims are visible, err on the side of caution to avoid compromising integrity.
Decide Whether to Machine Wash or Hand Wash
The decision comes down to material blend, the level of dirt, and your tolerance for potential cosmetic changes. If the upper is knit or mesh and the sides are glued, machine washing can cause shrinkage or separation if done roughly. Hand washing remains the safer option for most Brooks models.
If the shoe is heavily soiled from mud or clay, you might opt for machine washing with careful setup to reduce scrubbing time. For most Brooks models, choosing cold water and a gentle cycle minimizes material stress while still cleaning effectively. When in doubt, spot-clean first and assess after a lighter test run.
Pre-Wash Preparation
Remove Laces and Insoles, Pre-Clean, Treat Stains
Before any wash, remove laces and insoles to expose all surfaces and prevent tangling inside the machine. This step also helps you treat stains directly on the fabric rather than through the shoe’s interior. If you use a mild stain remover, apply it to the affected areas and let it sit briefly before washing. (See Also: What Kind Of Shoes Do You Wear With Jeans )
For stubborn marks, a soft-bristled brush can lift dirt from the knit and mesh without damaging fibers. Avoid harsh chemicals that can weaken adhesives or discolor fabric. Always perform a spot test on a hidden area first to gauge colorfastness and material response.
Protect the Machine and Balance Load
To protect the drum and reduce noise, place shoes in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase and seal it. Add a couple of old towels to the washer to balance the load and cushion impact. Tying or zipping the bag ensures the laces don’t snag the drum or other garments.
Always remove hard plastic accessories or insoles that could fling around inside the drum. Check pockets on garments and ensure there’s nothing loose inside the bag that could catch on the drum. Use cold water and a modest load to prevent unbalanced spins. If possible, run an empty test cycle to ensure the bag stays in place before loading the shoes.
Cleaning Materials and Gear
Detergent Choice and Water Temperature
Choose a mild liquid detergent without harsh brighteners or dyes that could stain or irritate the upper fabrics. Avoid powdered detergents that may leave residue in mesh fibers and seams. Opt for fragrance-free varieties if you have sensitive skin or a history of irritation.
Use cold water as the default to prevent shrinkage and preserve adhesives, color, and foam properties. If the dirt is stubborn, a small amount of enzyme-free detergent on pre-treated areas can help without exposing the entire shoe to heat. Never use chlorine bleach on Brooks shoes, and avoid fabric softeners that can reduce breathability.
Tools and Protective Measures (mesh Bag, Old Towels)
Equipment matters: mesh bag or pillowcase and a couple of old towels to cushion the load. Towels help balance the drum, dampen impact, and prevent shoes from clacking against metal. Secure the bag to keep the shoes from shifting during the cycle.
Always remove other accessories that could catch on the drum and ensure nothing is packed too tightly inside the bag. Have a bottle of stain remover and a soft brush handy for post-wash touch-ups. Ensure your washing machine’s gasket and drum remain dry after removal to prevent mold growth and odors.
The Washing Process
Step-by-Step Machine Run (settings)
Start by loading the bagged Brooks shoes into the washer and selecting the smallest possible load setting. Choose the delicate or gentle cycle with cold water to minimize agitation and heat exposure. Set the spin to its lowest setting to reduce stress on the soles and adhesives. (See Also: What Happened To Tsubo Shoes )
Use a short cycle duration to limit exposure and stop the cycle early if your machine lacks a pause function. If your machine has a pre-wash or rinse option, enable it to reduce detergent residue. Do not mix other athletic gear with the shoes to avoid cross-staining or dye transfer.
Post-Cycle Checks and Extra Rinse
After the cycle finishes, remove the bag and inspect for any loosened laces or detached components. Run an extra rinse if you noticed detergent residues or if the upper fabrics still feel sticky. Open the door promptly to vent and reduce mildew risk and musty odors.
Carefully unbag shoes and gently squeeze away excess water without twisting. Pat dry with a towel to remove surface moisture before air drying. Record any concerns about adhesives or seams for future care decisions and adjust future washes accordingly.
Drying and Post-Care
Air-Drying Tips and Speed
Air-drying is essential for Brooks shoes because heat can warp midsoles or soften adhesives. Place shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heater vents to prevent uneven drying. Use crumpled paper or clean newspaper stuffed inside to help hold shape and speed drying.
Change the stuffing periodically to avoid moisture buildup and odor. If you must speed up drying, point a fan at the shoes to increase airflow without applying heat. Refrain from using a clothes dryer as the tumbling action can distort the sole or pull apart seams.
Reassembly and Odor Control
Once completely dry, reinsert insoles and relace the shoes, checking that overlays and eyelets align properly. Apply odor-control measures like baking soda or activated charcoal inside the footwear overnight to keep them fresh. If odors persist, repeat the wash on a shorter, colder cycle with a fresh detergent and longer drying time.
Store shoes in a cool, dry place and avoid stacking them with damp items. Rotate footwear to extend life and reduce the need for frequent washing. Regular light cleaning after workouts can reduce the frequency of deep cleans and preserve materials longer.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Odor, Stiffness, Sole Separation
Persistent odor after washing can indicate trapped moisture or bacterial buildup that requires thorough air-drying and deodorizing. Address by allowing full ventilation, then use baking soda or charcoal to absorb residual smells. If stiffness remains, gently rub the upper with a damp cloth and let it air out longer to regain flexibility. (See Also: What Shoes Do You Wear With Long Dresses )
Sole separation or loose stitching often signals over-agitation during washing or damage from poor bagging. Stop using the machine if you notice creases or cracks and consider professional repair for structural issues. In future washes, reduce cycle duration, use gentler detergent, and ensure proper cushioning and support in the shoe’s structure.
Color Bleed and Material Damage
Color transfer can occur with new or dark shoes when using cold water, especially if the dyes are not colorfast. If color bleeding occurs, pause the wash and treat with a color-safe detergent and a rinse. Inspect after washing for any fabric pilling or fraying around knit edges and clean promptly to prevent further wear.
Material damage such as delamination or frayed seams typically results from excessive agitation or heat exposure. Pre-clean heavily soiled areas and use a bag to minimize direct drum contact. If damage is evident, consult Brooks customer care for warranty guidance and repair options.
Brooks-Specific Materials and Models
Mesh and Knit Uppers
Mesh and knit uppers are forgiving and dry quickly, but aggressive agitation can cause fiber fraying or pilling. Prioritize cold-water wash and minimize soak time to preserve stretch and breathability across the vamp and sides. Inspect seams after washing for pulled threads or loose stitches and address promptly to prevent unraveling.
Heel counters and knit tongues may deform if packed too tightly or tumbled in a harsh cycle. Use a protective bag and avoid scrubbing aggressively on knit zones. After washing, check for shape retention and re-shape gently if needed to maintain fit and comfort.
Leather Overlays and Suede
Leather overlays are less common in Brooks, but some models include synthetic leather accents that react to water by stiffening or dimming in appearance. If present, avoid soaking those parts and consider hand washing or spot cleaning only to protect the leather’s surface. Always dry leather components away from direct heat to prevent cracking or drying out.
Suede accents require special care; do not machine wash suede, and instead dab with a suede-safe cleaner and air dry away from heat. In models with mixed materials, err on the side of caution and spot clean the fabric portions while avoiding leather or suede altogether during machine washing. This preserves texture and color integrity across the shoe.
Conclusion
Washing Brooks shoes in a washing machine can be feasible, but it requires careful assessment, meticulous preparation, and strict adherence to gentle settings. By understanding the materials, choosing the right cycle, and prioritizing air-drying, you can restore cleanliness while preserving fit and function. When in doubt, favor hand cleaning and spot care to extend the life of your Brooks footwear.
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