May 16, 2026, 6:26 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Hardcore enthusiasts never put them away, while everyone else happily brings them out in the spring: The mild temperatures bring out the Chucks! However, depending on how they were left last year, they might need a wash first. Our myHOMEBOOK author Carmen Dörfler tested which methods are available and which is the best.
Follow myHOMEBOOK on WhatsApp now
How to Wash Your Chucks Properly
1. Washing Chucks in the Washing Machine
What we do with clothes should work for shoes too, right? Open the washing machine, add detergent, wait for the cycle, clean laundry. It’s just as simple with Chucks—in theory. Start by removing the laces from the shoes to prevent them from getting caught in the drum holes and causing damage. Also, remove the insoles before the wash cycle.
Place the shoes and laces in a laundry bag and cushion the washing machine with some towels to dampen the shoes’ tumbling. Then, place the bag with the shoes inside, close the door, and select a gentle cleaning program. No more than 86 degrees Fahrenheit and a low spin cycle. Add detergent, and off you go.
The test result: Probably one of the most popular and easiest methods to clean Chucks. Accordingly, I was disappointed with the result. While many websites recommend cleaning Chucks in the washing machine, I was not satisfied with the cleanliness achieved. To be fair, my shoes had quite a few grass stains from playing with my dog. Nevertheless, there were still residues visible after the wash cycle that should have been removed. Additionally, experts warn that washing in the machine can make the rubber and adhesive areas of the Chucks brittle. So, you shouldn’t rely on this cleaning method too often.
Also interesting: How to Move a Washing Machine
2. Washing the Rubber of Chucks with Detergent
The caps and soles of Chucks are made of rubber. There are various cleaning options here: Acetone-based nail polish remover can help, as can vinegar, oven cleaner spray, magic erasers, or bleach. However, with all caustic cleaners like bleach, nail polish remover, or vinegar, be careful to apply them only to the rubber areas. Otherwise, the color of the shoe’s canvas fabric may change.
In years of personal experience, I have tested the following remedy: baking soda and water. These two components create a foaming cleaning agent that makes the white rubber areas shine. Simply apply with a sponge, let it sit for a bit if heavily soiled, and rinse off. Similarly, the acetone in nail polish remover and the acetic acid in vinegar also help with yellowed caps. You may need to repeat the treatment once more. However, be mindful of the condition of the Chucks. If the rubber areas are already brittle, they may not withstand the acid treatment well.
3. Washing Chucks in the Dishwasher
I was skeptical here. On one hand, I found it somewhat unhygienic to wash my street shoes in the machine where my dishes are supposed to get clean. On the other hand, I strongly doubted that the cleaning performance would meet my expectations. And I was completely wrong. The shoe should be placed sole up in the top rack of the dishwasher. I chose the eco cycle and the half-load button to save at least some water. Then, insert a dishwasher tab and off you go.
The test result: Said and done. After almost two hours, I take the shoe out of the dishwasher and am amazed: It is significantly cleaner than the one from the washing machine!
Cleaning Your Washing Machine With a Dishwasher Tablet? Expert Explains
6 Things You Shouldn’t Clean in the Washing Machine
Properly Drying Chucks
Finally, place lint-free kitchen paper inside the shoes and set them in the sun to dry. After just a few hours, the Chucks are ready to wear again.
Conclusion
Clean shoes are a nice thing, no question. And even though the dishwasher method surprised me, the guilt is too great. Both the washing machine and dishwasher usually run with just one pair of Chucks. That seems like a lot of water and energy consumption for cleaning shoes. However, if you own multiple pairs, you can wash them together. But be careful! The shoes, especially if they are still relatively new, can bleed!
As for me, I stick with the traditional method using a shoe brush, cloth, and some water and dish soap. After all, my Chucks are meant for living and that’s how they get their charm. A little patina isn’t a bad thing, in my opinion.