How to Wash Kids’ Trainers

Most kids’ trainers can be cleaned safely if you: check the label and materials first, remove laces and insoles, use a cooler wash on a gentle cycle inside a wash bag/pillowcase, then air-dry fully (no tumble dryer or radiator heat). Which? highlights “colder wash” and other key do’s/don’ts for washing trainers.

Kids’ trainers take a beating: school runs, playground mud, PE kits, spilled juice, and the mysterious smell that appears overnight. At Hamlet Laundry Ltd (London), we see the same issues again and again—and the good news is this: most “ruined trainer” disasters come down to a few avoidable mistakes (usually heat and too much agitation). Which? also warns against common trainer-washing mistakes and recommends checking labels and keeping things gentle.

This guide is written for anyone, anywhere—but we’ll also share what we do in a professional laundry setting, so you can copy the safest approach at home.

The 60-second trainer check: can these go in water at all?

Before you do anything, check the care label if there is one. If you can’t find a label, use this quick triage.

Quick decision table

Hamlet Laundry tip: if the sole is already peeling a little, avoid the washing machine. A gentle hand clean (or a professional clean) often saves a pair that a machine would finish off.

Why kids’ trainers smell so fast (the science—explained simply)

Inside a shoe is basically a tiny “weather system”: warm, dark, and humid. Research on footwear microclimate found that the relative humidity inside footwear can be extremely high, and this kind of environment supports microbial growth.

That doesn’t mean you need to panic—it just explains why drying properly matters as much as washing. Medical research also discusses how the internal environment of footwear (heat/humidity) is a risk factor in conditions like tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), reinforcing why fully drying shoes and avoiding persistent dampness is sensible hygiene.
And a recent review notes that footwear and textiles can contribute to reinfection cycles for dermatophyte infections, again pointing to the importance of good drying and hygiene habits.

Machine-wash method (the “don’t ruin them” routine)

This method is best for canvas/mesh/synthetic kids’ trainers that are structurally sound.

Step 1: Prep (5 minutes that saves the shoes)

1. Remove laces and insoles (wash laces separately; insoles are often the main smell trap).
2. Knock off loose dirt and let mud dry, then brush it away.
3. Pre-treat stains (a small amount of mild detergent + soft brush).
4. Put trainers in a mesh wash bag (or a pillowcase tied shut).
5. Add 2 towels in the drum to reduce banging and help balance.

Which? recommends checking labels and using a gentler approach (including a colder wash), and many mainstream laundry guides echo using protective methods to reduce damage.

Step 2: Use safe settings

Aim for “cool + gentle.” Which? explicitly advises using a colder wash and avoiding common pitfalls.

Recommended baseline settings (good for most machine-washable trainers):

• Temperature: cool/cold (often around 20–30°C if your machine offers it)
• Cycle: Delicate / gentle
• Spin: low to moderate
• Detergent: mild (if your child has sensitive skin, a mild/non-bio option is often preferred)

If your trainers have a label, follow theover any general advice. Which? leads with this point for a reason.

Step 3: What to avoid (this is where most damage happens)

• Hot washes (can soften adhesives and warp foam)
• Long, aggressive cycles
• Bleach on coloured materials
• Overloading the drum (more banging = more damage)

Hand-wash method (best for delicate pairs or mixed materials)

Hand-washing is slower but safer for trainers with glued trims, sensitive materials, or older pairs.

What you need

• A bowl of lukewarm water
• A small amount of mild detergent
• Soft brush or cloth
• Clean towel

Steps

1. Remove laces/insoles.
2. Mix mild detergent into water.
3. Dip brush/cloth, scrub gently (especially along seams).
4. Wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove soap.
5. Pat with a towel and move straight to proper drying.

Hamlet Laundry tip: If a shoe has leather panels but a fabric body, treat the whole shoe as “hand wash” and keep leather sections as dry as possible. Many consumer guides recommend avoiding machine washing leather/suede.

Drying trainers properly (the #1 way to avoid ruining them)

If there’s one section to follow perfectly, it’s this one.

Don’t do this

• ❌ Tumble dryer
• ❌ Radiator / heated airer blasting directly onto the shoe
  Which? explicitly calls out mistakes and strongly cautions around drying approaches for trainers.

Do this instead (shape + smell control)

1. Stuff the trainers with paper towels or clean paper (not newspaper ink on white fabric).
2. Place them in a well-ventilated room, away from direct heat.
3. Replace the stuffing once it becomes damp.
4. Allow 24–48 hours to dry fully (kids’ trainers with thick padding can take longer).

Why it matters (evidence-based): footwear microclimate studies show shoes can reach very high humidity internally, which supports microbial growth—so incomplete drying can undo a good wash.
And dermatophyte hygiene literature recognises that footwear/textiles can contribute to persistence/recurrence—another reason to prioritise full drying.

Stain playbook for real life (mud, grass, scuffs, food)

Parents don’t just search “how to wash”—they search “how to fix what happened today.” Here’s the quick rescue guide.

Keep kids’ trainers fresher for longer (odor & hygiene habits)

A few small habits reduce how often you need to wash:

• Rotate pairs (even 1 day off helps).
• Pull out insoles to dry overnight.
• Don’t seal damp trainers in a school bag.
• If smells persist, focus on drying + insoles first (often the culprit).

Research on footwear environments and hygiene supports the idea that moisture management matters, and dermatophyte hygiene reviews discuss footwear/textiles as a potential reservoir in recurrence cycles.

Common mistakes we see at Hamlet Laundry (so you can avoid them)

1. Hot wash to “kill germs” → warped foam, loosened glue.
2. Straight into the dryer → misshapen uppers, separated soles.
3. Washing leather or suede like canvas → stiff, blotchy finish.
4. Not removing insoles → smell returns quickly.
5. No wash bag → trainers hammer the drum (and themselves).

Which? also highlights several things you should never do when washing trainers—especially around checking instructions and keeping the process gentle.

People Also Ask

Can you wash kids’ trainers in the washing machine?

Often yes—if they’re canvas/mesh/synthetic and the caredoesn’t forbid it. Use a cooler wash, a gentle cycle, and a wash bag/pillowcase. Avoid machine washing leather, suede, or light-up shoes.

What temperature should I wash trainers at?

A cool/cold wash is typically safer than hot water for preventing warping and protecting adhesives. Which? specifically recommends using a colder wash for trainers.

Can I put trainers in the tumble dryer?

It’s risky. Heat can deform materials and weaken glue, and many trainer-washing guides caution against dryer heat. Safer: air-dry, stuffed with paper to keep shape.

How do I get rid of smell in kids’ trainers?

Start with full drying and clean/air the insoles. Very humid shoe interiors support microbial growth, so reducing moisture is key.

What if the trainers have leather or suede panels?

Treat them as hand-wash/spot-clean and keep those sections as dry as possible—many guides advise against machine washing leather or suede.

If you’re in London: when it’s smarter to get help

If you’re unsure about the material (or you’ve got a pair you really don’t want to risk), that’s exactly when a professional clean makes sense. At Hamlet Laundry Ltd (London), we can assess the trainer materials, choose the safest method (machine-safe vs hand-clean), and control the drying process so shoes come back clean, shaped, and wearable—not warped and crunchy.

Final checklist

• ✅ Check+ materials first
• ✅ Remove laces + insoles
• ✅ Cool wash, gentle cycle (for machine-safe trainers)
• ✅ Use a bag/pillowcase + towels to cushion
• ✅ Air dry fully (no tumble dryer)
• ✅ Prioritise drying to prevent smell and recurring dampness issues

Still unsure? Let Hamlet Laundry take care of it for you 👟✨

If you’re worried about damaging your child’s trainers, short on time, or simply don’t want to deal with mud, smells, and long drying times — Hamlet Laundry Ltd is here to help.

As a London-based professional laundry service, we clean trainers and everyday footwear the safe way, using material-appropriate methods and controlled drying — so shoes come back clean, fresh, and wearable, not ruined.

Why parents in London choose Hamlet Laundry 💙

• 🧼 Expert material assessment – we check the shoe type first (fabric, mixed materials, delicate trims)
• 🌡️ Safe cleaning methods – no harsh heat, no guesswork
• 👟 Odour & hygiene-focused care – proper drying to reduce lingering smells
• ⏱️ Time-saving convenience – skip the trial-and-error at home
• 📍 Local London service – trusted by families across the city

Whether it’s school trainers, PE shoes, or well-loved everyday pairs, we help extend their life — saving you money and stress.

👉 Not sure if a pair is washable?
👉 Don’t want to risk ruining them at home?

Let Hamlet Laundry handle it — carefully, professionally, and conveniently.

📞 Get in touch with Hamlet Laundry Ltd, London today and let us take one more thing off your to-do list.

Clean shoes. Less hassle. Peace of mind.