5 Most Easy Ways To Clean Insoles Of Shoes in 2023

Cleaning your shoes regularly is important to maintain their lifespan and prevent bad odors. If you wear your shoes without socks, your feet can sweat and the moisture can lead to bacteria growth. This can cause your shoes to smell bad. Keeping your shoe insoles clean will help reduce foot odor and keep your shoes smelling fresh.

As shoes can get dirty mostly your white shoes, then you clean your white shoes to get dirt out of them, just like that insoles (inner of shoes) can also get dirty and require proper cleaning.

Types of Insoles In Shoes

There are two types of insoles in shoes: removable and non-removable. As the name suggests, removable insoles can be taken out of the shoe, while non-removable insoles are permanently attached to the shoe. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks when it comes to cleaning.

Why Insoles Get Dirty?

The insole of a shoe is the part that comes into contact with your foot. It’s also the part of the shoe that is most likely to come into contact with dirt, dust, and other debris. Over time, all of this build-up can make your insoles look dirty and dingy.

Get you shoes on dirty feet or socks is the main reason of dirty insoles. Moreover, if you keep your shoes in dusty environment, that can also be a cause.

Ways To Clean Removeable Insoles of Shoes

Removable Insoles can be separated from shoes , and then can be cleaned with different ways.

Washing Insoles In Washing Machine

So, Many people ask if they can wash insoles? The answer is yes, but you should be careful to avoid larger amount of detergent and with washing machine speed, because this can result in either dissolving or tearing shoe insoles.

One of the quickest and easiest ways to clean your insoles is to simply toss them in the washing machine. This method is best for shoes with removable insoles. Just remove the insoles from your shoes and put them in the washing machine on a delicate cycle mild detergent.

Steps

• Firstly take out the laces and any other removable parts,
• then put your insoles into a mesh laundry bag.
• Set your washer to the delicate cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
• After washing, air dry them.
• Put cleaned insoles back in shoes.

Washing By Hand

Washing by hand is also an option. You can soak your insoles in warm water and mild detergent for about 15 minutes. Then scrub them gently with a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris. Rinse them thoroughly and air dry them.

Using Baking Soda

If your insoles are really dirty or smelly, you can try cleaning them with baking soda.

Steps:

• Make a paste out of equal parts water and baking soda.
• Rub the paste onto the insoles and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
• Then scrub the paste off with a soft brush and rinse the insoles clean. air dry them.

Cleaning Non Removable Shoe Insoles

If your shoe insoles are not removable and glued permanently, you can still clean them. Start by vacuuming them to remove any loose dirt or debris. Then use vinegar cleaning method.

Using Vinegar

• Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a bowl.
• Dip a cloth into the mixture.
• Wipe down the insoles with the cloth and let the vinegar solution sit for about 15 minutes.
• Rinse the insoles clean with cool water and air dry them.

You can also put vinegar solution in shoes but be carefully to avoid using excessive solution.

Video Guide to Clean Insoles With Household Methods

Disinfecting Insoles With Rinsing Alcohol

Disinfecting insoles by using rubbing alcohol kills germs and bacteria that can be a cause of bad smell from insoles. By disinfecting them you can get rid of bad shoe smell from insoles, moreover it can be helpful to avoid feet diseases.

• Pour some rubbing alcohol into a bowl.
• Add same quantity of water.
• Put The Solution in spray bottle.
• Spray this solution on insoles (you can put insoles in solution if they are removable).

Can You Wash Shoe Insoles?

Yes, you can wash shoe insoles in a washing machine if they are made up of machine-washable materials. You can also hand-wash them by using a mild detergent and lukewarm water as we mentioned above.

Can You Put Shoe Insoles In Dryer?

You can, but avoid doing this because high heat can damage the materials of your insoles. Instead, let them air-dry.

Are Dirty Insoles a Cause of Bad Shoe Odor?

Dirty insoles can be one of the causes of bad shoe odor. The sweat and bacteria that have accumulated on the insoles will cause your shoes to smell bad. Thus, it is important to clean your insoles regularly to prevent this from happening.