Can You Put Climbing Shoes in the Washing Machine? Safe Cleaning Methods

Climbing shoes get dirty and smelly after lots of use. Sweat, chalk, and dirt build up inside them over time. Many climbers wonder if tossing them in the washing machine is a safe way to clean them.

Most climbing shoe manufacturers do not recommend putting climbing shoes in the washing machine because it can damage the glue, rubber, and shape of the shoes. The machine’s spinning and heat can break down the adhesives that hold the shoe together. It can also warp the rubber sole and change how the shoe fits.

There are better ways to clean climbing shoes that work well without risking damage. Hand washing with mild soap and water is safer and still gets rid of most dirt and odors. This article explains the risks of machine washing and shares the best methods to keep climbing shoes clean and in good condition.

Key Takeaways

Machine washing climbing shoes can damage the glue, rubber, and overall structure of the shoes
Hand washing with mild soap and water is the safest cleaning method for climbing shoes
Proper cleaning techniques help remove odors and dirt while keeping shoes in good condition

Can You Put Climbing Shoes In The Washing Machine?

Technically, many climbing shoes will survive a gentle, cold machine cycle, but hand washing is the safer choice and the method most care advice favors. The material type and construction method affect how well shoes handle any washing.

Machine Washing Versus Hand Washing Climbing Shoes

Machine washing climbing shoes offers convenience but comes with risks. The agitation and spinning can damage the glue that holds the sole to the upper, potentially causing delamination. Hand washing gives climbers more control over the cleaning process and reduces stress on the shoe’s construction.

Hand washing takes more time but protects the investment. A soft brush, mild soap, and lukewarm water work well for most climbing shoes. The gentler approach helps preserve the rubber and prevents the materials from breaking down too quickly.

If you choose machine washing anyway, the trade-off is speed versus potential damage, so check your shoe maker’s care instructions first. Shoes with heavily worn rubber or visible separation should never go in the machine. Hand washing remains the recommended method for expensive or competition-grade shoes.

Understanding Climbing Shoe Materials: Synthetic vs. Leather

Synthetic climbing shoes generally handle washing better than leather ones. Materials like synthetic leather and mesh dry faster and tend to hold their shape more consistently.

Leather climbing shoes require more careful treatment. Unlined leather can stretch when wet and may not return to its original fit. Lined leather offers more stability but still needs gentle handling to prevent permanent stretching or shape loss.

The rubber sole remains the most vulnerable part regardless of upper material. Heat and harsh agitation can separate the rand from the sole or damage the adhesive. Both synthetic and leather shoes need cold water and gentle cycles if machine washing.

Preparing Climbing Shoes For The Washing Machine

Remove the laces before washing lace-up climbing shoes. Laces can tangle around other items or the agitator. Most climbing shoes don’t have removable insoles, so there’s usually nothing else to take out.

Place shoes in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase. This protective barrier reduces direct impact against the drum walls and other items. It also helps protect hook-and-loop straps from snagging other items.

Check shoes for major damage before washing. Loose soles, separated rand, or torn uppers can worsen in the machine. Spot-treat heavily soiled areas with a soft brush and mild detergent before machine washing for best results.

Washing Machine Settings And Detergents For Climbing Shoes

Use cold water on the gentlest cycle available. Hot water can soften adhesives and damage rubber compounds. The delicate or hand-wash setting provides enough agitation to clean without excessive stress on the shoe construction.

Choose a mild detergent without bleach or harsh chemicals. Sport-specific detergents work well, but regular mild soap is sufficient. Use half the normal amount of detergent since climbing shoes are small and don’t need excessive suds.

Setting	Recommendation
Water Temperature	Cold only
Cycle Type	Delicate/Hand wash
Spin Speed	Low or no spin
Detergent Amount	Half the normal dose

Skip the spin cycle or use the lowest speed. High-speed spinning throws shoes against the drum with significant force. Air drying works better anyway, so removing excess water through spinning isn’t necessary.

Aftercare: Drying And Maintaining Climbing Shoes

Never put climbing shoes in the dryer. The heat can damage rubber, weaken glue, and warp the shoe shape permanently. Air drying is the only safe method for drying climbing shoes after washing.

Stuff shoes with newspaper or paper towels to maintain shape while drying. Change the paper every few hours as it absorbs moisture. This speeds up drying time and prevents the shoes from curling or collapsing.

Place shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Sunlight can degrade rubber over time. A fan pointed at the shoes helps speed up the process without adding damaging heat.

Cleaning Alternatives: Deodorizing And Spot-Treating Shoes

Baking soda and water create an effective paste for spot-treating stains. Apply the mixture to dirty areas, scrub gently with a soft brush, and wipe clean with a damp cloth. This method targets problem spots without full immersion.

Shoe deodorizer products or homemade solutions control odor between deep cleans. Go easy on baking soda with leather shoes, since some sources warn it can dry leather out. Spray the interior after each climbing session and let the shoes air out. Baking soda sprinkled inside overnight absorbs smells naturally.

A damp cloth with mild soap handles routine cleaning without washing. Wipe down the exterior and interior after climbing sessions to prevent dirt buildup. This simple maintenance reduces how often shoes need full washing and extends their usable life. Letting shoes dry fully between sessions also matters, since athlete’s foot thrives in damp, closed shoes.