Can You Put Jordans in the Washing Machine? Understanding the Smart Way to Care for Your Home’s Appliances

Everyone wants their favorite shoes looking fresh, and Jordans are no exception. Understandably, many wonder if the convenience of a washing machine can safely restore their sneakers’ shine. It’s a modern homeowner’s question—born at the intersection of home care and personal essentials. But what lies beneath that circular logic spin cycle is something even more crucial: understanding how your home appliances work, their limitations, and the potential consequences of misuse. Particularly when it comes to the washing machine, improper use doesn’t just impact fashion; it risks expensive breakdowns. If you’ve ever asked, “Can I wash my Jordans in the washing machine?”—you’re not alone. But the better question might be, “What’s the right way to care for my washing machine in the long term?”

What Exactly Does a Washing Machine Do?

Your washing machine isn’t just a box of swirls and soap. It’s a technically complex home appliance designed to use water, detergent, and mechanical agitation to clean fabric-based clothing or linens. At its core, there are two types: top-load and front-load washers. Both rely on key systems: a motor, a water pump, an internal drum, intake and drain valves, and an electronic control board. Once the cycle begins, water fills the machine, mixes with detergent, and the motor initiates a cycle of agitation. Dirt is dislodged, rinsed, and drained—leaving garments clean.

This process, while automated for the user, has carefully engineered tolerances. Heavy items, unbalanced loads, and non-fabric materials can disrupt the mechanism. That includes out-of-place footwear. Which brings us back to our shoes—and the considerable strain they can put on these delicately tuned systems.

Can You Put Jordans in the Washing Machine?

Technically, yes. Practically, proceed with caution. Most Jordans are made from a mix of leather, synthetic, rubber, and mesh. While mesh and textiles may fare fine, leather components shrink or warp under heat and agitation. Synthetic soles can also become brittle over time if repeatedly exposed to water immersion. From the standpoint of fabric care, manufacturers do not recommend machine washing for high-end sneakers.

The washing machine, designed for soft, flexible items, is not optimized for objects with hard soles or uneven shapes. Tossing in heavy footwear risks damaging the drum, tempering hardware, or worse—offsetting the weight distribution, which can cause the machine to thump violently or trigger a shutdown. So it’s not just your Jordans on the line—it’s the long-term health of your washer, too.

Understanding Potential Appliance Damage

Machines wear out in two ways: gradually via normal use, and suddenly due to avoidable misuse. Putting sneakers in an unprotected load accelerates both. Repeated exposure to hard items may dent or distort the internal drum, compromising the balance system. Bearings and seals—designed to withstand water against rigid but smooth surfaces—are put under excess stress. Over time, these stresses result in leaks, system misalignment, or even motor damage.

Then there’s the electrical board—essentially the brain controlling water levels, temperature, and cycle timing. If off-kilter usage causes the system to overcorrect or imbalance continuously, it could shorten this board’s lifespan. Repairs here aren’t just inconvenient—they’re pricey. Sometimes unexpectedly so.

What Are the Safer Alternatives?

The smart approach is knowing when to hand it off—to your hands, we mean. For Jordans, especially limited editions or leather styles, stick to a manual clean. Use a soft brush with diluted mild detergent. Spot clean the upper with a damp cloth, and avoid submerging the shoe entirely. The insole should be air-dried separately, and always avoid direct heat like hair dryers or radiators.

If you must use a washing machine, use a laundry bag specifically designed for shoes, remove the laces and insoles, and add towels or sheets to stabilize the load. Select the gentlest cycle, turn off the spin if possible, and use cold water only. Even then, you’re inching close to appliance risk, especially if done regularly. Consider it a last resort, not your routine go-to.

Impact on Home Warranty Coverage

Now, here’s the practical reality: If your washing machine breaks due to repeated misuse—like washing incompatible items—your manufacturer’s warranty may not cover it. Most appliance warranties exclude damage caused by user error or abuse. Even home warranty plans can be limited if the breakdown is negligence-based.

A washing machine damaged because of improper use, like washing multiple pairs of heavy sneakers without protection, may not qualify for repair under your plan. That’s why it’s important to understand the terms of service and to back your home with a service partner who educates and protects—not punishes—homeowners for small mistakes.

Washing Machine Longevity: What Homeowners Should Know

The average washing machine lasts around 10 to 13 years. Its lifespan depends heavily on frequency of use, maintenance habits, and—yes—what you put inside it. Overloading and washing improper materials, like shoes, can shave years off that timeline. Simple routine habits go a long way: cleaning the lint filter (if present), using the right detergent, and keeping the drum dry between washes prevent both mechanical and mold issues.

If your machine shakes, thumps, or leaks, something’s off. These early signs of imbalance or strain are worth addressing before costlier damage sets in. Pay attention to performance shifts, and when in doubt, defer to the manual or speak with a qualified technician.

Why Trust Armadillo to Protect Your Home’s Essential Appliances

Your home is more than a place to store treasured items—it’s where systems function to support your lifestyle. Appliances like washing machines are workhorses, but they’re not invincible. Keeping them protected from accidental damage—and the inevitable wear that comes with time—is critical to avoiding unexpected costs and downtime.

That’s where Armadillo steps in. Designed to simplify homeownership, Armadillo offers modern home warranty protection with plans tailored to real household needs. Not only does it cover major appliances and systems—like your washer—it also provides fast, digital-first service from pros who respond when your coverage matters most.

If you’re unsure how long your washing machine will keep spinning strong, or you’ve had one too many DIY sneaker-cleaning regrets, it may be time to level up your home protection. Learn more about how Armadillo can support you at armadillo.one, or start customizing your coverage today with our easy-to-use plan builder at this link. Protect the machines that power your world—so you can worry a little less about your Jordans and a lot more about what really matters.