Over time, the insoles can take on a dirty and worn appearance. With every step you take, the porous material absorbs dust, sweat and dirt, which in the long run can cause mold or bacteria to develop. Killing germs and eliminating the bad smells they cause is not easy, but it is possible as long as you know how. If the fumes are mild, cleaning the insoles with soap and water may suffice. For more difficult cases, you may need to adopt more effective solutions, for example using baking soda or alcohol.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Clean the Insoles with Soap and Water
Step 1. Take the insoles out of the shoes
Separate them from the shoe by lifting them up and slide them back towards the opening. At this point, brush them to remove dirt, dust, lint or other residues on the surface; when you are done you can concentrate on the dirtiest parts. If you have used them recently, leave them in the open air for a few minutes before you start cleaning them.
- If you have a pair of shoes where the insoles cannot be removed, you will need to clean them very gently without taking them out. In these cases it may be helpful to use a new toothbrush.
- If the shoes can be machine washed, wash them on a gentle cycle while hand cleaning the insoles.
Step 2. Prepare the soapy water in a large bowl
If you prefer you can also use the bathroom sink. In any case, fill the container of your choice with water and add a few drops of mild dish soap (dish soap is the best choice because it dissolves easily in water); move the water so that it is evenly distributed.
- Hot water is more suitable than cold water for dissolving dirt and stains.
- If the shoes have been used moderately, it is likely that rubbing the insoles gently with soap and water will be enough to eliminate unpleasant odors.
Step 3. Dampen a stiff bristled toothbrush with soap and water
You can use what you use to wash dishes or clothes. Dip the bristles into the soapy water, then shake the toothbrush to get rid of the excess. This is an important step to prevent the insoles from getting too wet.
- The key to effectively cleaning most insoles is not to saturate them with water. Excessive humidity could damage the material they are made of, whether it is leather, latex or other breathable elements.
- You can also scrub the insoles with a classic dish sponge (using the soft side) or a simple cotton rag.
Step 4. Scrub the entire surface of the base with the soapy water
Make small circular movements and focus especially on the areas where the heel and toes rest, which are generally the dirtiest and smelly ones. After cleaning the top of the insole, turn it over and start scrubbing the other side as well.
- Wet your toothbrush again with the soapy water if you feel it is necessary.
- After scrubbing the insoles, remove any clearly visible soap residue with a clean sponge or cloth.
Step 5. Let them air dry
Now that the insoles are clean again you need to wait for them to dry completely before putting them back in your shoes and being able to use them. Leaving them to air dry prevents the bacteria that cause the bad smell from re-forming, as they proliferate very easily in hot and humid places. When they are perfectly dry, slide them inside your shoes and go back to normal use.
- You can make them dry faster by placing them in a well-ventilated place or hanging them in front of an air conditioner or fan heater.
- If the weather permits, put them to dry in the sun. In addition to drying them faster, the ultraviolet rays will help kill any germs that have survived the soap and water treatment.
Method 2 of 3: Disinfect the Insoles with Alcohol
Step 1. Make a mixture of water and alcohol in a small spray container
Use the same amount of water and alcohol, then shake the container vigorously to mix the two ingredients.
- Regular denatured alcohol (the pink one, so to speak) has antibacterial properties, so it is perfect for cleaning delicate clothing and accessories.
- If you don't have alcohol at home, you can replace it with white wine vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. In these cases the solution will need to be slightly more concentrated. However, remember that it may take a while for the vinegar smell to leave the insoles.
Step 2. Spray the insoles with the mixture of water and alcohol
Place them on a flat, waterproof surface. Generously moisten them on both sides. The alcohol evaporates quickly, so you don't have to worry about the insoles getting too wet.
- If you don't have a spray container handy, you can wet the corner of a clean rag and use it to scrub the top and bottom surfaces of the insoles.
- This method can also be used to clean other parts of the shoes.
Step 3. Let the insoles dry
Place them outdoors or in a well-ventilated area of the house. The alcohol will evaporate quickly along with the water. As a result the insoles will be cleaned, disinfected and will smell new.
Do not put the insoles back into your shoes until they are completely dry, otherwise the moisture will attract germs again
Method 3 of 3: Scent the Insoles with Baking Soda
Step 1. Fill a large container with baking soda
Pour about 100g of baking soda into a resealable food bag or Tupperware-type container.
- Make sure you have the lid on the container. Alternatively, you can seal it with cling film.
- Baking soda has the ability to absorb and trap unpleasant odors, which is why it is often used in cases where it is not possible to wash an object as is normally done with soap and water.
Step 2. Put the insoles into the container
Sprinkle them completely with baking soda: they must be completely covered. It is best to place them upside down, so that the top is securely in contact with the dust. The larger the area covered by the baking soda, the better the final result will be.
- Make sure the insoles are perfectly dry before using baking soda.
- If you don't have a suitable container available for this purpose, place the insoles on a work surface and sprinkle them directly with baking soda.
Step 3. Leave the baking soda on overnight
Close the container and put it in a safe place. By the next day the powder should have absorbed and trapped all bad smells.
- The ideal is to let the baking soda work for at least 6-8 hours.
- Baking soda is one of the simplest tools for eliminating lingering odors because it does not need to be scrubbed, cleaned or washed.
Step 4. Remove the insoles from the container and put them back into the shoes
Remove the lid, discard the dust and shake the insoles to remove any residue that sticks. Leave them in the open air for a few minutes before slipping them back into your shoes. At that point you should no longer perceive any unpleasant odors.
You can use baking soda this way as often as needed to prevent bad odors from spreading inside your shoes
Advice
- Get in the habit of disinfecting and deodorizing shoe insoles every 1-2 months or even more frequently if you have a habit of walking or wearing them a lot.
- If the insoles are particularly worn, try cleaning them by combining different methods. For example, start by scrubbing them with soapy water, then sprinkle them with the alcohol-based solution or baking soda (or both).
- In addition to cleaning the insoles regularly, you should use a deodorant powder for the feet which has the function of absorbing sweat and bad odors.
- Generally the insoles are dirty and smelly due to sweat and bacteria transmitted from the body, so it is very important to take care of the hygiene of the feet.
Warnings
- Do not put the insoles in the washing machine. Penetrating inside, the water could ruin the materials that compose them, causing them to fall apart.
- In most cases the insoles can be cleaned and recovered, but not always. If they remain smelly after trying to clean them with different methods, it is best to throw them away and replace them with a new pair.
