Shoe insoles tend to accumulate dirt over time, especially if they are inserted into a pair of shoes you wear frequently. At any moment you may notice that they smell bad or that they are stained. Luckily, they can be cleaned easily using a mixture of warm soapy water or vinegar and water. If necessary, you can also use bicarbonate, antistatic sheets for the dryer or a special spray for cleaning shoes. Once the insoles are clean, take steps to protect them from dirt and keep them in perfect condition.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Clean the Insoles with Warm Water and Soap
Step 1. Fill a basin with hot water
If you prefer you can use the bathroom sink; in this case it is not necessary to fill it, a suitable quantity of water is sufficient to rub and clean the insoles.
Step 2. Add soap or liquid detergent
Just pour a few drops into the water. If you don't have a suitable cleanser, you can use plain liquid hand soap.
Step 3. Scrub the insoles with a soft bristle brush
If you don't have a suitable brush, you can use a clean rag. Either way, scrub them gently to remove dirt and stains.
If the insoles are made of leather, it is best not to wet them too much as they could deform. Just blot them with a rag soaked in soap and water
Step 4. Rinse the insoles
After cleaning them thoroughly, remove the soap using a damp sponge or a damp clean rag.
Step 5. Let them dry overnight
Place them on a towel and let them dry until the next day. Alternatively, you can spread them on a clothesline or place them on the clothesline.
Make sure they are completely dry before putting them back in your shoes
Method 2 of 4: Disinfect the Insoles with Water and Vinegar
Step 1. Mix the water and vinegar in equal parts
Vinegar neutralizes bad odors, so it's perfect for cleaning smelly insoles. It is also capable of killing germs and bacteria. Mix distilled white vinegar with hot water (in a ratio of 1: 1) in a large bowl or bathroom sink.
Step 2. Soak the insoles
Soak them in the mixture of hot water and white vinegar, then let them soak for at least 3 hours.
If the insoles are really smelly, you can add a few drops of a fragrant essential oil, such as pine or tea tree (tea tree). Pour a few drops into the hot water and vinegar mixture and let the insoles soak for the indicated time
Step 3. Rinse the insoles
After allowing them to soak for the necessary time, remove them from the dirty water and rinse them under that clean current. Make sure you rinse them thoroughly of the vinegar before continuing.
Step 4. Let them dry overnight
Place them on a towel and let them dry until the following day. Alternatively, you can spread them on a clothesline or place them on the clothesline.
Method 3 of 4: Use Baking Soda, Tumble Dry Wraps, or Shoe Cleaning Spray
Step 1. Use baking soda if you want to neutralize odors and kill bacteria
Pour 1-2 teaspoons into a plastic bag, then place your shoe insoles in and shake it repeatedly to distribute the powder evenly.
Leave the insoles in the bag until the following day. The next morning, shake them off the excess baking soda and use a clean rag to scrub them and remove any stuck grains
Step 2. Attenuate bad smells with the notes that are used in the dryer to counteract static electricity and perfume fabrics
In this case, leave the insoles inside the shoes. Cut a piece of paper in half and slip each half into a shoe. At this point, let it work overnight, perfuming your shoes and insoles.
This method is perfect if you don't have time to wash and let the insoles dry. It is a quick and effective solution to neutralize bad odors
Step 3. Clean the insoles with a dry cleaning spray
You can take them out of the shoes or spray the product directly inside, in the direction of the insoles. You can buy the spray at the supermarket, in shoe stores or online.
Generally sprays of this type also have antibacterial properties and are formulated to dry quickly without leaving stains
Method 4 of 4: Preserve the Insoles
Step 1. Clean them regularly
Get into the good habit of cleaning the insoles of your shoes once every 10-15 days, especially those of the shoes you use most frequently, to prevent dirt and bad odors from accumulating.
You may want to set a monthly date to wash the insoles of all of your shoes
Step 2. Do not wear shoes without socks
To reduce odors and sweat build-up, always wear socks with footwear that has insoles. The socks will retain sweat and dirt, which will therefore not be absorbed by the insoles.
Also try not to wear the same pair of shoes all the time, to prevent the insoles from wearing out and starting to smell
Step 3. Replace the old slabs
When you start to notice that they are worn out, buy a new pair. Many models of footwear provide that the insoles can be replaced. Buy them new online or at your local shoe store. Replace the insoles of the shoes you wear frequently to ensure a clean environment and quality support for your feet.
