Most Australian families already do, despite manufacturer guidance against it. We do not tell you to do it. We protect what happens when you do.
The short version: yes, canvas, mesh and synthetic sneakers can go in the washing machine if you use the right method. Leather and suede cannot. Manufacturers do not recommend it because they cannot guarantee what happens in your particular machine, on your particular cycle, with your particular detergent.
What you need to know:
- Material first. Canvas, mesh, synthetic - yes. Leather, suede, work boots - no.
- Cycle settings. 30 degrees Celsius, delicate cycle, half-dose liquid detergent. No bleach.
- Protection. Use a proper shoe wash bag - not a $3 mesh pouch from the supermarket. Cheap bags transfer dye onto white runners and open mid-cycle.
- Drying. Air dry only. Tumble drying warps the structure.
Our full 5-step method is here. The Shoe Wash Kit is built specifically for this method. Launching July 2026.