Can You Wash On Cloud Shoes In The Washer

Can You Wash On Cloud Shoes in the Washer? The Complete Guide

The short, direct answer is: you should not machine wash your On Cloud shoes. While it might be tempting to toss your favorite, well-worn pair into the washing machine for a quick refresh, this common shortcut poses a significant risk of causing permanent damage. On Cloud footwear, celebrated for its innovative CloudTec® cushioning and typically lightweight, engineered mesh uppers, is not designed to withstand the aggressive agitation, prolonged submersion, and harsh detergents of a standard washing cycle. Doing so can compromise the shoe's structural integrity, performance, and aesthetic appeal. This guide will detail exactly why machine washing is detrimental and provide you with the definitive, safe method to clean your On Cloud shoes effectively, ensuring they last for hundreds more miles.

Understanding the Risks: Why the Washing Machine is a Bad Idea

Before exploring the correct cleaning method, it's crucial to understand the specific dangers a washing machine presents to your On Cloud investment. The components that make these shoes exceptional are precisely what makes them vulnerable.

• Damage to Adhesives and Construction: The CloudTec® pods and other structural elements are bonded to the midsole and outsole using specialized, performance-grade adhesives. The turbulent, high-spin cycles of a washer create intense stress on these bonds. This can lead to delamination, where the pods or sole layers begin to separate, creating a soft, unstable feel and ultimately rendering the shoe unusable. The heat from warm or hot wash cycles further weakens these adhesives.
• Destruction of Engineered Mesh and Knit Uppers: The upper material of most On Cloud models is a delicate, breathable engineered mesh or knit. The washing machine's agitator (in top-loaders) or the constant tumbling (in front-loaders) can cause the mesh to tear, pilling, or lose its precise shape. The tiny fibers can fray, leading to runs or holes, especially in high-wear areas like the toe box or heel counter.
• Foam and Cushioning Degradation: The proprietary foam in the CloudTec® pods and the inner midsole is designed to be resilient and responsive. Soaking it in water and subjecting it to spin cycles can force water deep into the foam cells. While it may dry eventually, this process can break down the foam's cellular structure over time, leading to a permanent loss of cushioning, a "mushy" feel, and a reduction in the energy return you expect from On Cloud shoes.
• Discoloration and Material Warping: Harsh detergents and bleach (even color-safe types) can strip away the dyes and protective coatings on the mesh and rubber components, causing fading, yellowing, or uneven coloration. The intense spinning can also warp the shape of the shoe, particularly the heel counter, leading to a poor fit and potential blisters.
• Damage to Machine and Other Laundry: Loose dirt, small stones trapped in the outsole, or even a detached piece of foam can damage the washing machine's drum or drain pump. Furthermore, any color bleeding from the shoes could stain other items in the same load.

Given these substantial risks, machine washing is never recommended by On or by footwear care experts. The potential for irreversible damage far outweighs any perceived convenience.

The Correct Method: How to Properly Hand Wash On Cloud Shoes

Hand washing is the only safe and effective way to clean your On Cloud shoes while preserving their performance and longevity. This process is straightforward, requires minimal supplies, and takes about 30-45 minutes of active time, plus drying.

What You'll Need:

• A soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works perfectly)
• A small bowl or bucket
• Mild detergent (a few drops of dish soap or a dedicated sneaker cleaner)
• Cold water
• Microfiber cloths or paper towels
• Optional: a sneaker protector spray for after cleaning

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide:

1. Remove Loose Dirt and Debris: Take the shoes outside or over a trash can. Use the soft-bristled brush to vigorously scrub the outsole, CloudTec® pods, and any textured areas to dislodge dried mud, grass, and gravel. Pay special attention to the crevices around the pods and the tread pattern. Tap the shoes together to knock out any remaining grit.
2. Prepare Your Cleaning Solution: Fill your bowl or bucket with cold water. Add 2-3 drops of mild detergent. Mix until sudsy. Avoid hot water, as it can set stains and damage adhesives.
3. Wash the Uppers: Dip your brush into the soapy water and gently scrub the mesh or knit upper. Work in small sections, using light pressure. The goal is to lift dirt, not scrub the fibers apart. For stubborn stains on the toe box or heel, apply a tiny drop of detergent directly to the brush and focus on that spot.
4. Clean the Soles and Pods: Use the same soapy brush on the rubber outsole and the CloudTec® pods. These are more durable but still benefit from gentle agitation. Ensure you clean the sides and bottoms of the pods where dirt accumulates.
5. Address the Insoles and Laces: Remove the insoles and laces. Wash the laces separately in the soapy water, rubbing them between your palms. Gently scrub the top and bottom of the insoles with the brush. Note: Some On Cloud models have removable, washable insoles, while others are fixed. Check your specific model.
6. Rinse Thoroughly: This is the most critical step to prevent detergent residue, which can attract more dirt and degrade materials. Fill your bowl with clean, cold water. Using a clean microfiber cloth, wipe down all areas you washed, rinsing the cloth frequently. Alternatively, hold the shoe under a gentle stream of cold tap water, ensuring all soap is flushed from the mesh and pod crevices. Continue until the water runs clear and no suds remain.
7. Dry Properly (See Next Section): Do not wring or twist the shoes, as this can distort their shape.

The Art of Drying: Patience is Non-Negotiable

How you dry your On Cloud shoes is just as important as how you wash them. Never use a dryer, radiator, heater, or direct sunlight. Intense, direct heat is the fastest way to melt adhesives, warp plastics, and shrink mesh uppers.

• The Ideal Method: Stuff the interior of each shoe generously with crumpled white paper towels or clean, dry microfiber cloths. This absorbs moisture from the inside, helps the shoe retain its shape, and speeds up the drying process. Place the shoes in a