Here Are Three Methods to Maintain Fresh, Clean Insoles

1. 1

   Blend equal parts of alcohol and water in a mini spray bottle. Be sure the liquids are evenly distributed by pouring them in and shaking the container.

   • Antibacterial regular isopropyl alcohol is safe to use on fabrics and is ideal for cleaning delicate items.
   • For those times when you don't have any rubbing alcohol on hand, a solution of distilled white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide with a slightly higher concentration will also do the trick. But vinegar can leave its own smell, and it might take a few washes before it disappears. [2]
2. 

   2

   Apply the alcohol solution to the insoles and spray them. First, make sure the insoles are on a level, watertight surface. Spray both sides of each one with water. Indulge your alcohol consumption needs to the fullest. Getting the insoles wet won't be a problem because it dries fast.

   • If you don't have a spray bottle handy, you can also use a corner of a clean cloth soaked in alcohol to manually clean the insoles.
   • The rest of the shoe can be cleaned in the same way.

   Advertisement

   1. 3

      Dry the insoles where they can air out. Place them in a more ventilated area, preferably outside. Within a short amount of time, the alcohol will evaporate along with the water, leaving your insoles dry, sterile, and smelling great once more. 1

      • Until the shoes have dried, you shouldn't wear them again. This will only serve to spread more bacteria and water.

   Advertisement

1. 

   1

   Put the baking soda into the large container. Put some baking soda in a quart-sized Ziploc bag or Tupperware container and give it a good shake.

   • Be sure the container you use has a lid or other means of closing and sealing.
   • Many people use baking soda because it is said to neutralize odors effectively and efficiently.
2. 

   2

   Insert the insoles into the packaging. Put the insoles into the baking soda, submerging them entirely. The powder will stick to the upper surface more effectively if you turn them upside down. For maximum effectiveness, spread the baking soda over a larger area. [6]

   • Before applying the baking soda, make sure the insoles are mostly dry.
   • If you don't have anything to put the insoles in, just lay them out and sprinkle the baking soda on top of them. [7]

3. 3

   The insoles need a full night to soak. Place the lid on the container and put it somewhere out of the way. When you wake up in the morning, the baking soda should have permanently neutralized even the most potent odors.

   • Baking soda needs at least 6-8 hours to do its thing for optimal results.
   • Because it doesn't require any scrubbing, wiping, or washing, baking soda is one of the quickest and easiest ways to get rid of lingering odors. [9]

4. 4

   Take out the insoles and swap them out. Remove the baking soda from its container and throw it away. Shake the excess powder from the insoles and allow them to air out for a few minutes before replacing them in your shoes. Soon after that, you shouldn't be able to detect any foul odors.

   • If your insoles are a breeding ground for odor, use baking soda as often as necessary to get rid of the problem.

Advertisement

1. 1

   Take out your shoe inserts When the insoles are removed from the footbed, the shoe can be worn without the soles. To better target the dirty areas, first brush away any loose dirt, dust, lint, or other debris. Before you start cleaning, put your shoes' insoles in a convenient location to air out.

   • You'll have to do some careful hand cleaning in there if your shoes don't have removable insoles. In cases like these, an old toothbrush can be a lifesaver.
   • To clean shoes that can be washed in the washing machine before replacing the insoles, simply put them through a delicate cycle. [11]

2. 2

   In a large bucket, mix together the liquid soap and the boiling water. Squirt a few drops of a gentle liquid dish detergent that dissolves quickly in water into the sink or a separate bucket. Combine the soap with the water and stir until a solution is formed. [12]

   • To remove stubborn stains and dirt, hot water is preferable to cold.
   • The smell of mildly used insoles can usually be removed with a simple soap and water scrub.

3. 3

   Use the soapy water to scrub a hard surface with a bristle brush. Use something like a nylon dish brush or an equivalent tool for this. Shake off any excess cleaning solution after wetting the bristles. When washing the insoles, you should only use a very small amount of soapy water at a time so that the insoles don't get ruined. [14]

   • Most shoe insoles can be cleaned by soaking them in water, but you shouldn't do that. Insoles made of leather, foam, or composite materials are susceptible to damage from excess moisture.
   • Scrubbing can also be done with a regular cotton washcloth or a gentle dish sponge.
4. 

   4

   Use the soapy water to thoroughly scrub the insole. Use a stiff brush and small, circular motions to scrub the soap solution into the insoles. Pay special attention to the smelly and stained spots on the soles of your feet, particularly between the toes and the heel. After cleaning the tops of the insoles, turn them over and clean the bottoms. [16]

   • It's okay to re-soap the brush as often as you like.
   • If any soap residue is still visible after scrubbing the insoles, wipe it away with a clean sponge or cloth. This method can be used to clean the rest of the shoe, as well

5. 5

   Please let the insoles dry naturally. Make sure the insoles are completely dry before putting them back into the shoes after washing. Bacteria that cause odors thrive in warm, damp environments, so this will keep them at bay. Put them back into your shoes after they've dried and give them a good workout. [18]

   • The insoles can dry more quickly if left in a well-ventilated area or if you place them near a space heater or air conditioner.
   • Put the insoles in the sun to dry if the weather permits. This will allow them to dry more quickly, and the sunlight's ultraviolet rays will help kill any germs that the soap solution missed. [19]

Advertisement

Put a Question Out There