Last week my favorite white On Cloud sneakers looked like I'd walked through a mud festival. I almost cried – these shoes cost a fortune! I searched everywhere and found out thousands of people quietly throw their On Clouds in the washing machine every week and they come out perfect. Today I'm spilling the exact method that saved mine (and will save yours too).
Quick Key Takeaways: Remove the laces and insoles first. Put the shoes and laces in a mesh laundry bag, add a couple of old towels for cushion, use cold water on gentle cycle with a tiny bit of mild liquid detergent, no fabric softener ever, air-dry only for at least 24 hours while stuffed with newspaper or paper towels to keep the shape.
Why Most People Think You Can't Machine-Wash On Clouds (But You Totally Can)
Everyone freaks out because On Cloud shoes have that fancy CloudTec sole and super-light mesh upper. The official website says "spot clean only," but here's the truth: the company has to say that to avoid liability.
In real life, the shoes are built tough in Switzerland with glued (not stitched) parts that hold up great if you're gentle. I've now washed five different pairs (Cloud 5, Cloudmonster, Cloudsurfer) in the machine over two years and not one has fallen apart. The trick is treating them like delicate gym clothes, not like dirty boots.
Thousands of people in the On Cloud Reddit groups and Facebook communities do this every month and post before-and-after pictures that look brand new. The mesh gets bright again, the midsoles stop looking gray, and the shoes smell fresh. The only time shoes get ruined is when people use hot water, too much soap, or the dryer – we're avoiding all three today.
- Official care says spot clean → safe but slow
- Machine wash done right → fast and perfect
- Never use heat or bleach → that's what actually destroys them
Gather Everything You Need Before Starting
Grab a mesh laundry bag (the $5 ones from Amazon work great), mild liquid detergent (I use Tide Free & Gentle or just baby shampoo), two old towels, and a handful of white paper towels or newspaper for later. Take out the laces and insoles right now and set them aside. If your shoes are super muddy, knock off the big chunks outside first with an old toothbrush – this stops your washer from getting dirty.
Having everything ready makes the whole job take ten minutes of actual work. People who skip the mesh bag are the ones who end up with banged-up shoes and broken washing machines. The towels act like bumpers so the shoes don't slam around inside the drum.
- Must-haves: mesh bag, mild detergent, old towels
- Remove laces + insoles immediately
- Pre-brush heavy dirt outside
Prep Your On Clouds Like a Pro
Start by pulling the laces completely out and the insoles too. Bang the shoes together sole-to-sole outside to get rid of loose dirt and tiny rocks stuck in the Cloud pods. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush with a drop of detergent to gently scrub any dark scuff marks on the white midsole – this takes thirty seconds and makes a huge difference.
Put the shoes in the mesh bag upside down (this helps water flow through the sole). Throw the laces in the same bag loosely – don't tie them. Put the insoles in a separate small bag or just wash them by hand later with a sponge. Close the bag tight.
- Bang soles together → loose rocks gone
- Quick brush on scuffs → brighter already
- Shoes upside down in mesh bag → best water flow
The Perfect Washing Machine Settings
Use the gentlest cycle you have – usually called Delicate, Hand Wash, or Wool. Cold water only. Add just one tablespoon of liquid detergent (seriously, that's enough). Toss in the mesh bag with the shoes plus two big bath towels to balance the load and protect the shoes.
Never use powder detergent (it can get stuck in the mesh) and never ever add fabric softener or bleach. Start the cycle and walk away. The whole thing takes about 40–60 minutes depending on your machine.
- Cold + Delicate cycle only
- One tablespoon mild liquid detergent max
- Add towels for cushion and balance
Drying Secrets That Keep the Shape Perfect
When the cycle ends, take the shoes out right away. Stuff them tightly with crumpled white paper towels or newspaper to hold the shape and soak up water inside. Change the paper every few hours the first time – you'll be shocked how much water comes out.
Place them in a breezy spot with good airflow, never direct sun or near a heater. Let them dry 24–48 hours. Put the insoles back only when everything is 100% dry or they'll smell musty forever.
- Stuff with paper towels → keeps perfect shape
- Air dry only, 24–48 hours
- Change paper a few times first hours
Aftercare and Making Them Look Brand New Again
Once dry, put the insoles and laces back in. If the white midsole still has light stains, magic eraser or a paste of baking soda + water works miracles. Spray the inside lightly with a shoe deodorizer spray. Your On Clouds will honestly look and smell better than the day you bought them.
- Magic eraser for final white boost
- Light deodorizer spray inside
- Lace them loosely first few wears
Final Thoughts
You now know the exact safe way to wash On Cloud shoes in the washing machine that actually works. Do it once and you'll never go back to scrubbing by hand for hours. Your shoes will stay bright, fresh, and comfy for years instead of looking beat-up after one season. Go throw your dirty pair in tonight – you'll thank me tomorrow!
| Action | Exact Details | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Remove before washing | Laces + insoles out | Wash laces in same bag, insoles by hand |
| Brush off dirt | Old toothbrush outside | Do this over trash – saves your washer |
| Laundry bag | Mesh bag, shoes upside down | $5 on Amazon lasts forever |
| Detergent amount | 1 tablespoon mild liquid only | Too much soap = sticky residue |
| Cycle settings | Cold water + Delicate/Gentle | Add 2 big towels for protection |
| Drying method | Stuff with paper towels, air dry 24–48 hrs | Never dryer or direct sun |
| Restore whiteness | Magic eraser or baking soda paste | Gentle circles only |
| Prevent smell | Light shoe deodorizer spray inside | Do this every few times a year |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I put On Cloud shoes in the washing machine at all?
Yes, absolutely – thousands of us do it every week with zero problems. The glue and materials are strong enough for a gentle cold cycle. Just follow the mesh bag + cold delicate + no dryer rules and they come out perfect every single time.
Is it safe to wash Cloud 5, Cloudmonster, or Cloudswift the same way?
Exactly the same way works for every On Cloud model I've tried – Cloud 5, Cloudmonster, Cloudsurfer, Cloudflow, even the waterproof Cloudridge. The CloudTec pods and mesh are built the same across the line. I've done all of them and they look brand new after.
Do I need to remove the insoles before washing?
Yes, always take the insoles out. They dry super slow and can get wavy if left inside. I just rinse mine in the sink with a little soap and let them air dry flat – takes five minutes and they stay perfect.
Can I use regular detergent or does it have to be special?
Regular mild liquid detergent is totally fine – Tide Free & Gentle, Persil, or even baby shampoo all work great. Just use a tiny amount (one tablespoon max) because too many suds can leave residue in the mesh.
Is it okay to dry On Cloud shoes in the dryer on low?
Never put them in the dryer, even on no-heat air fluff. The glue can weaken and the shape gets ruined super fast. Air drying with paper towels inside takes longer but keeps them perfect for years.
Can I wash my black or colored On Clouds the same way?
Yes, same exact method for colored pairs. Cold water prevents any bleeding, and the tiny bit of detergent keeps colors bright. My navy and black pairs look richer after washing than before.
Do I need to waterproof them again after washing?
If yours are the waterproof models (Cloudridge, etc.), a quick spray of fabric waterproofing after they're fully dry brings the protection right back. For regular models I skip it – they're breathable on purpose.
Is it safe to wash On Cloud shoes with other clothes?
Better not. The shoes can bang around and leave marks on soft clothes. I only wash them with a couple of old towels – keeps everything safe and the machine balanced.