How to Wash Nike Air Max 90 in Washing Machine Safely

Can You Even Wash Nike Air Max 90 in a Machine?

Let’s cut to the chase: Nike officially says don’t wash your Air Max 90s in the washing machine. Shocking? Not really. These kicks are engineered for style and comfort, not to survive a spinning, high-impact laundry cycle. The machine can mess with the shoe’s materials, adhesives, and shape — and no one wants their investment to look like a soggy mess.

But hey, life happens. Maybe mud happened. Or post-workout grime has surpassed your sneaker resilience. So if you’re stubborn or desperate enough to trust the washing machine, buckle up for a survival guide to keep the damage minimal.

Step 1: Prep Your Nike Air Max 90 Properly

Before throwing your sneakers into the spin cycle, there’s some fiddling to do. You don’t want to wash your whole shoe package willy-nilly.

Remove the insoles and laces. These can get a separate, gentler cleaning treatment. Plus, it prevents tangling and wear inside your machine.
Brush off any dry dirt or debris with a soft brush. Getting rid of excess muck means less chance of it grinding into the fabric.
Place your Air Max 90s in a pillowcase or laundry bag to shield both the shoes and your machine’s drum from damage.
Throw in a towel or two as a buffer. It cushions the impact and reduces noise—because your neighbors probably don’t care about your laundry jam.

Step 2: Choose the Right Settings on Your Washing Machine

This is not the time to crank up the temperatures or go on a heavy-duty cycle rampage. Treat your kicks like the delicate gems they are.

Water temperature: Use cold water only. Warm or hot water can mess with the glue and fabric integrity.
Cycle: Select a gentle or delicate cycle to minimize agitation and spinning force.
Detergent: Use a mild liquid detergent suitable for delicate fabrics. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals that can discolor or degrade the materials.

Step 3: The Washing Process

Once you’ve prepped and chosen the settings, it’s time to let the machine do its thing—carefully.

Double check the shoes are snug inside the pillowcase or laundry bag and zipped or tied up securely.
Start the gentle wash cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
Resist the urge to add fabric softener—your sneakers don’t want to feel like a cozy sweater.

Step 4: Drying Your Nike Air Max 90—Patience is a Virtue

Hot tip: Never toss your Air Max 90s in the dryer. Heat is the enemy of sneaker structure.

Stuff your sneakers with paper towels or dry cloths to help maintain their shape while drying.
Air dry them in a well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight or heat sources that can cause discoloration or deformation.
It might take a day or two, but your patience will pay off with shoes that look fresher, not fried.

Bonus: Hand Washing for the Sneaker Purists

If you want to play it safe and truly pamper your kicks, hand washing is the gold standard, according to Nike’s own advice.

Here’s how:

Mix a mild detergent or dish soap with warm water to create a gentle cleaning solution.
Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to gently scrub the sneaker’s surface. Medium-bristle brushes work best for most areas.
Tackle stubborn stains with a paste of baking soda and water or a splash of white vinegar for whitening effects.
Rinse gently with clean water and wipe with a clean cloth.
Air dry completely before lacing them up again.

This method keeps your sneakers safe and sound, making your Air Max 90s last longer and looking sharp.

Final Thoughts: Are Washing Machines Your Sneaker’s Friend or Foe?

Bottom line: Nike Air Max 90 sneakers are delicate enough that hand washing is your safest bet to protect them from damage. If you can’t resist using the washing machine, take all the precautionary steps we covered to minimize risks. Your kicks deserve this TLC, trust me.

For tools to help you keep those kicks clean and cozy, check out these recommended shoe care essentials on Amazon India and Amazon Global including USA.