How to Clean the Insoles of Your Shoes, 3 Ways
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Shoes can develop strong odors after lots of wear. But this smell doesn't always actually come from the shoe itself—instead, it can come from the insoles. The insoles are the padded part of the shoe that your foot rests on, and they can become dirty and smelly after time and lots of wear.
Cleaning your insoles can help curb those smelly shoes, and it's not difficult. Learn how to clean the insoles of your shoes using one of these three simple methods.
How to Remove Your Shoes' Insoles
In order to give your insoles the most thorough clean, you'll need to remove them. Some shoes come with removable insoles, making taking them out to be cleaned a simple task. However, for insoles that have been glued on, you'll need to try a little harder. If you're worried that removing your glued-on insoles will damage your shoes, skip ahead to the third method.
If your shoes have laces, unlace them in order to reveal as much of the insole as possible.
Grab a hairdryer and turn it to the High setting. Blow the hot air across the length of your insole for a few minutes.
The heat will start to soften and melt the glue that's adhering your insole to your shoes. You should be able to slowly peel and lift it up, working from the heel to the toe.
To re-adhere your insoles to your shoe, use the hairdryer to reheat the cooled glue and place the insole back in. Press down to secure it.
The Spruce / Tessa Cooper
How to Clean Shoe Insoles in a Wash Basin
One of the best ways to clean your shoe's insoles is by using a wash basin. However, this method requires removable insoles, so if your insoles can't or shouldn't be removed, try the spray method instead.
First, peel and lift the insoles out of your shoes, starting at the heel and working down to the toe.
Next, use a brush (hard or soft-bristled is fine) and rub it across the surface of the insole, over a trash can. This will get rid of or loosen any surface-level dirt or grime.
Place the insoles inside a wash basin or extra-large bowl filled with two to three tablespoons of dish soap. Let them sit in the water for five minutes.
After this time has passed, scrub at the insoles with a scrub brush, allowing them to get sudsy. Scrub in small circular motions, paying special attention to the area where your heel and toes touch the insole.
Rinse the insoles out underneath cool running water. Pat them dry with a clean dishcloth or paper towels, then let them air-dry overnight.
Once the insoles are completely dry, place them back in your shoes.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
How to Clean Shoe Insoles With Vinegar
If your insoles are particularly smelly, add some vinegar to your cleaning routine. This method works similarly to the first method, but with an extra ingredient (and some extra time) thrown in.
Begin by removing the insoles of your shoes, peeling and lifting them out from back to front.
Use an old toothbrush or scrub brush to gently scrub at the insoles to remove surface-level dirt or dust. Do this over a trashcan to prevent making a mess.
Prepare your cleaning solution by filling a wash basin or large bowl with equal parts hot water and vinegar. Place your insoles inside the water-vinegar mixture.
Let your insoles sit in the cleaning solution for two to three hours, depending on how much they need to be cleaned. The vinegar will work as both a cleaning agent and a deodorant.
If the insoles still look dirty after their soak, place a small amount of dish soap onto a scrub brush and scrub it onto the insole until the stains disappear.
Thoroughly rinse your cleaned insole underneath cool running water so they don't end up smelling like vinegar.
Pat the insoles dry, then let them air-dry overnight before placing them back inside your shoes.
The Spruce / Fiona Campbell
How to Clean Shoe Insoles With a Homemade Spray
If your shoe's insoles can't or shouldn't be removed, as may be the case in high-end sneakers or worn-out shoes, this is the best method.
Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water inside a small spray bottle. Shake to combine.
Spray the alcohol cleaning solution inside your shoes, paying special attention to where your foot comes into direct contact with the insole at the heel and toe.
The alcohol will kill bacteria and helps your shoe to smell a little less pungent.
If your insoles are still smelly and not clean enough for your liking, sprinkle baking soda on them and let it sit overnight.
In the morning, use a small handheld vacuum, or a brush attachment on your regular vacuum, to suck up the odor-absorbing baking soda. Immediately dispose of the used baking soda.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you wash the inside of your shoes?
You can wash the inside of your shoes with a mixture of dish soap and water, then wipe down the inside of the shoe with a cloth damped with this solution. Wipe away any remaining solution with a clean cloth and let the inside of your shoes air dry.
How often should you wash shoe insoles?
Shoe insoles should be washed about once a month to keep them odor-free and to keep your shoes smelling fresh.
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