Can You Put Golf Shoes in the Washing Machine?

Tossing your grass-stained, muddy golf shoes into the washing machine can feel like a tempting quick fix after a soggy round. The main question is, will it destroy them? The short answer is: maybe not. For many modern synthetic shoes, the washing machine can be an option, but you have to do it exactly right. This guide will walk you through the entire process, covering which shoes can handle a wash, a step-by-step cleaning tutorial, and the safest way to clean those premium leather shoes you’d never dream of submerging.

To Wash or Not to Wash? Understanding Your Shoes

Before you get started, the most important factor is what your golf shoes are made of. The material dictates the entire cleaning method. Throwing a pair of classic leather Wingtips into the washing machine is a recipe for a warped, cracked, and completely ruined pair of shoes. It's the equivalent of topping a driver on a short par-3, a total disaster.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Synthetic, Knit, or Polyester Uppers: Most modern, athletic-style golf shoes fall into this category. Materials like mesh, nylon, and other synthetic fabrics are generally durable enough to withstand a gentle machine wash. These are the primary candidates for the washing machine method.
• Leather or Suede Uppers: Absolutely not. Water and harsh detergents will strip the natural oils from leather, causing it to become dry, brittle, and prone to cracking. Suede is even more delicate and can be permanently damaged by water saturation and scrubbing. These require specific hand-cleaning methods.
• Waterproof Shoes with a Membrane: Even if the exterior is synthetic, be very cautious. The high-powered spinning and soaking of a washing machine could potentially damage the delicate waterproof membrane (like GORE-TEX) that keeps your feet dry on the course. Hand-washing is always the safer play here.

Your Cheat Sheet: When in doubt, check the shoe’s tongue or 'insole for a care label. If the manufacturer says "Do Not Machine Wash," respect their advice. They know the shoe's materials and glues better than anyone. If there's no label, evaluate the material yourself. If it looks and feels like a running shoe, you're likely okay to proceed with caution. If it’s leather, stop right there and jump to our hand-washing guide.

The Prep Work: Your Pre-Shot Routine for Clean Shoes

Just like you wouldn’t step up to a tee ball without a practice swing, you should never toss your shoes directly into the wash without some prep work. Dumping them in caked with mud will just turn your washing machine into a swamp and won't get the shoes properly clean. This pre-clean is non-negotiable.

Follow these quick steps first:

1. Loosen the Debris: Take your shoes outside and bang the soles together firmly. This is a surprisingly effective way to dislodge large clumps of caked-on mud and dry grass from the spikes and treads.
2. Brush Them Down: Grab a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush or a dedicated shoe brush works great) and get to work on the uppers and midsoles. Your goal is to brush away all the loose, dry dirt and sand. Don't scrub too aggressively, just use gentle, consistent strokes.
3. Detail the Soles: Use the same brush - or something with slightly stiffer bristles like a nail brush - to get into the grooves of the sole and around the plastic spikes to remove any remaining stubborn dirt. A wooden skewer or golf tee can help pick out rocks and packed-in mud.
4. Remove Laces and Insoles: Pull out the shoelaces and insoles. These need to be cleaned separately to properly remove odor and grime. Trying to clean the shoes with them still inside just traps dirt and prevents the shoe from drying properly.

Once your shoes are free of loose debris, you're ready to make a decision: machine or hand wash.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Machine Washing Golf Shoes

If you've confirmed your shoes are made of a washable synthetic material and you've completed the prep work, you can proceed to the washing machine. Follow these instructions precisely to avoid a footwear tragedy.

Step 1: Protect Your Shoes and Your Machine

Never throw shoes directly into the drum. The tumbling action can damage both the shoes and the inside of your machine. Place your shoes inside a mesh laundry bag to keep them contained. If you don't have one, an old pillowcase tied shut at the top is a perfect substitute.

Step 2: Balance the Load

Washing shoes alone creates an unbalanced load that will bang around loudly and can even damage your washing machine’s drum or alignment. To prevent this, add two or three old, thick towels to the load. This not only balances the weight but also acts as a buffer, cushioning the shoes as they tumble.

Step 3: Choose the Right Cycle and Temperature

This is where most mistakes happen. The settings you choose are fundamental to success.

• Water Temperature:ALWAYS USE COLD WATER. Hot or even warm water can weaken the adhesives and glues used in shoe construction, causing the soles to separate or the materials to warp. Cold water is non-negotiable.
• Wash Cycle: Select the most gentle option your machine has - _Delicate_, _Hand Wash_, or a low-spin cycle. You want minimal agitation and a slow spin speed.
• Detergent: Use a small amount of mild,_liquid_ detergent. Powder detergents may not dissolve fully in cold water and can leave a cakey residue on your shoes. Absolutely no bleach or fabric softener, as these harsh chemicals will damage the shoe’s synthetic materials and glues.

Step 4: The Art of Air Drying

What you do after the wash is just as important as the wash itself. Resist the urge to speed things up.

NEVER, under any circumstances, put your golf shoes in a clothes dryer.

The intense heat will catastrophically destroy your shoes. It will melt plastic components, shrink the fabrics, and completely break down the adhesives holding everything together. Your shoes will come out warped, misshapen, and probably unwearable.

Instead, follow this air-drying method:

1. Remove from the Machine: Take the shoes out of their bag as soon as the cycle finishes.
2. Stuff and Shape: To help them keep their form and absorb internal moisture, stuff your shoes with newspaper, packing paper, or paper towels. This is a classic trick that works wonders. Avoid glossy or heavily printed colored paper to prevent ink transfer.
3. Find the Right Spot: Place a towel down and set your shoes, insoles, and laces on it to dry in a well-ventilated area indoors. Keep them away from direct sunlight or direct heat sources like a radiator or vent, as concentrated heat can also cause damage.
4. Be Patient: Depending on humidity, it could take a day or two for your shoes to dry completely. Replace the stuffing paper every few hours on the first day to speed up the process. Do not wear them until they are 100% dry inside and out.

The Alternative: The Ultimate Hand-Washing Guide

If you have leather shoes or are simply not comfortable with the washing machine method, hand-washing is the safest and most reliable way to get your golf shoes looking great. The approach varies slightly depending on the material.

For Leather Golf Shoes

Leather requires care and specific products to maintain its integrity and appearance.

1. The Pre-Clean: Follow the same prep steps as above - bang the soles together and use a soft brush to remove all surface dirt. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior.
2. Use a Leather-Specific Cleaner: Mix a small bowl of mild soap (like Saddle Soap or a specific leather shoe cleaner) with a bit of water. Dip a soft cloth or brush into the suds (not the water) and gently scrub the leather in small, circular motions. Focus on the stained areas.
3. Wipe Clean: Use a new, clean damp cloth to wipe away all the soap residue. Don’t rinse the shoe under running water.
4. Condition the Leather: Once the shoes are fully dry, it’s vital to use a leather conditioner. This replenishes the oils that were stripped during cleaning, keeping the leather soft, supple, and preventing it from cracking. Apply it with a soft cloth and buff to a nice finish.
5. Drying: Follow the same air-drying method: stuff with newspaper and let them dry naturally, away from direct heat or sun.

For Synthetic Shoes (By Hand)

This is a great, safe alternative to the machine.

1. Create Your Solution: Mix a small amount of mild liquid detergent or dish soap in a bowl of cool water until it gets sudsy.
2. Scrub Gently: Dip a soft brush or cloth into the soapy water and gently scrub the exterior of the shoes. For tougher stains on the rubber midsoles, a magic eraser can work wonders.
3. Rinse and Repeat: Use a clean cloth dipped in plain water to wipe off all a soap and grime.
4. Tackle the Insoles & Laces: Submerge your laces in the bowl of soapy water and let them soak. Gently scrub your insoles with the brush and soapy water to combat odor, then rinse them clean.
5. Dry Correctly: You know the drill by now. Stuff the shoes with paper, lay everything out on a towel, and let it all air dry completely.

Final Thoughts

While the washing machine can be a viable tool for cleaning modern synthetic golf shoes, it's a process that requires care and attention to detail. Always prioritize cold water, a gentle cycle, and most importantly, never use a clothes dryer. For leather or more delicate shoes, a careful hand-wash is always the superior and safer choice to protect your investment and keep you looking sharp on the course.

Just as there’s a right and wrong way to care for your gear, there's a smart way to navigate the course. We designed Caddie AI to take the guesswork out of your game, providing the same kind of expert guidance you’d get from a professional coach. Instead of wondering if you should lay up or go for it, or being stumped by a strange lie in the rough, you can get instant, intelligent strategy in seconds. The goal is to let you play with more confidence and clarity, so you can focus on enjoying the game and hitting better shots.