How to Clean Insoles of Shoes – The Ultimate Cleaning Guide

Insoles are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning shoes. No matter how careful you are when you wear your shoes, the insoles are going to get dirty at some point or another.

If you don’t clean shoe insoles regularly, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. Not only will this make your shoes smell bad, but it can also cause health problems like Athlete’s foot or fungal infections.

If your shoes are covered with molds, our mold removal guide will help you out.

Therefore, cleaning the insoles of your shoes is a great way to extend their life and keep your feet healthier. Before we dig into the article, here is a quick overview of what we’ll talk about:

1. Methods to clean removable shoe insoles
2. Ways to clean non-removable insoles
3. Methods to clean smelly shoe insoles
4. Ways to dry shoe insoles

Preparation

Before cleaning shoe insoles, you need to remove any loose dirt or dust. You can use an old toothbrush, paintbrush, or even a soft cloth for this step. Just make sure to be gentle, so you don’t damage the fabric of the insole.

If it is a removable insole, you can just take it out and scrub it like you would any other object. If it is not a removable insole, you have to brush it from the inside.

Alternatively, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove dirt and dust from the inside of shoes. Just be careful not to damage the insole by pressing too hard on it with the vacuum cleaner.

Once you have cleaned off all the loose dirt and dust, it’s time to get to the real cleaning.

Methods to Clean Removable Insoles

Scrubbing Insoles With Soap and Warm Water

Soap and water are a classic way to clean just about anything. All you need is the following things –

• Mild liquid dish detergent or laundry detergent
• Warm water
• Scrubbing brush
• Bowl or a bucket (big enough to fit the insoles)
• Clean cloth

Step-1 Fill a bowl or bucket with warm water and add the detergent. Mix it well until the detergent has dissolved.

Step-2 Dunk the insoles in the soapy water and let them soak for about 15 minutes. This will help loosen up any dirt or grime.

Note – If you have leather insoles, please avoid soaking them in soapy water. Instead, you should soak the scrubbing brush in soapy water and use it to clean leather insoles.

Step-3 After 15 minutes, take the insoles out and scrub them with a brush. Pay special attention to any tough stains. Make sure you clean the heel and toe area as well. The heel and toe area is the most likely spot for bacteria to build up, causing smelly insoles.

Step-4 After scrubbing, rinse the insoles thoroughly with clean water to remove all the soap residue. Squeeze out any excess water by pressing them between your hands. Avoid twisting or bending the insoles as this can damage them. Let the insole air dry thoroughly.

Step-5 Check your insole for soapy residue after it is completely dry. If there is any, wipe it off with a clean cloth.

Use Distilled White Vinegar to Clean Dirty Insoles

Distilled white vinegar is an excellent alternative to soap and water for cleaning insoles. Plus, it also has a deodorizing effect which can help get rid of smelly shoes.

Here is a list of items you will need –

• Distilled white vinegar
• Water
• Bucket or bowl (big enough to fit the insoles)
• Nylon brush

Step-1 Pour an equal amount of distilled white vinegar and water in a bucket or bowl. Mix it thoroughly.

Step-2 Submerge the insoles in the vinegar-water solution and leave them for 4 hours. The acetic acid will help break down the stains and kill the odor-causing bacteria.

Step-3 After four hours, take the insoles out and scrub them with a nylon brush. Be gentle while scrubbing, or else you might damage the insole.

Step-4 Next, rinse the insoles thoroughly with clean water. This will remove the vinegar-water solution.

Step-5 Allow the insoles to dry completely before inserting them into your shoes.

Vinegar can leave its own odor on the insoles. To avoid this, we recommend spritzing a few drops of tea tree essential oil (or any other essential oils) on the insoles after they are dry. The tea tree oil will help neutralize the vinegar smell.

Here are our top 11 picks of essential oils.

Use Rubbing Alcohol and Water to Clean Removable Shoe Insoles

If you don’t have distilled white vinegar, you can also use rubbing alcohol and water to clean your insoles. Do not use alcohol on leather insoles. Here is what you will need –

• Rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Stiff bristled brush
• Damp cloth

Step-1 In a spray bottle, mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water. Shake it well to combine the two ingredients.

Step-2 Spray the solution on the insoles and allow it to soak for a few minutes. You don’t have to worry about getting the insoles too wet because the alcohol solution dries quickly. 

Step-3 Next, take a stiff-bristled brush and scrub the insoles. Be gentle while scrubbing as you don’t want to damage them.

Step-4 Take a damp cloth and wipe off the insoles. This will remove any leftover dirt residue.

Step-5 Allow the insoles to dry before putting them back in your shoes.

Clean Shoe Insoles With Baking Soda and Water

Baking soda is a great natural cleaner and deodorizer. For this method, you will need the following things –

• Baking soda
• Water
• Bowl
• Old toothbrush
• Wet cloth and a dry cloth

Step-1 Pour one tablespoon of baking soda into a bowl and add enough water to make a paste. Make sure the paste is lump-free.

Step-2 Dampen a toothbrush and dip it into the baking soda paste. Using the toothbrush, scrub the insoles in a circular motion. Be gentle while scrubbing to avoid damaging them. Leave the baking soda paste for 10 minutes to work its magic.

Step-3 After 10 minutes, take a wet cloth and wipe off the baking soda paste. Next, dab the insole with a dry cloth to absorb moisture.

Step-4 Once your insoles are completely dry, check for any baking soda residue. If there is any, gently brush it away with a toothbrush.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean White Shoe Insole

Hydrogen peroxide is a great cleaner for white shoes. It also has a bleaching effect that can lighten your insoles’ color. Therefore, hydrogen peroxide should not be used on leather or colored insoles.

Are your white leather shoes dirty? If yes, our cleaning guide will help you out.  

Please use hydrogen peroxide with caution. Also, use this method in a well-ventilated area.

Here is what you need for this method –

• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Stiff bristled brush
• Bucket or bowl (big enough to fit the insoles)

Step-1 Pour half a cup of hydrogen peroxide and one cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake well to combine the two ingredients.

Please avoid using hot water. Hydrogen peroxide decomposes in hot water, releasing toxic fumes.

Step-2 Spray the solution on the insoles and allow it to soak in for 5 minutes.

Step-3 After 5 minutes, take a stiff-bristled brush and scrub the insoles. Scrub in circular motions for best results. Pay special attention to any stubborn stains.

Step-4 After you’ve finished scrubbing, put them in a bucket of clean water. This will get rid of the hydrogen peroxide solution and any remaining dirt.

Step-5 Take the insoles out of the bucket and squeeze out any excess water by pressing them between your hands. Let them air-dry. Once the insoles are completely dry, you can put them back in your shoes.

How to Clean Non-Removable Insoles

Cleaning a non-removable insole is more complicated than cleaning a removable insole. However, you can get them looking as good as new with a bit of effort. Here are a few methods on how to clean insoles that are glued –

Use Rubbing Alcohol and Water

Please follow the same process as mentioned above.

Consider using a toothbrush to get into all the nooks and crannies. Also, make sure you do not get the insole too wet because alcohol can damage the glue.

Use a Handheld Steamer for Cleaning Non-Removable Insoles

A handheld steamer is a great way to clean a non-removable insole. However, before using this method, make sure the shoe material is suitable for steaming. Avoid using this method if you have leather shoes or suede shoes.

Here is what you will need –

• Handheld steamer
• Toothbrush
• Dry cloth

Step-1 Loosen the laces of your shoes so that the steamer can fit inside.

Step-2 If your handheld steamer has a brush attachment, attach it and turn it on. Run the steamer over the insole for 15 seconds. The steam will loosen any dirt and make it easier to scrub off.

If your handheld steamer does not have a brush attachment, use a toothbrush to scrub the insole. Be gentle while scrubbing to avoid damaging them.

Make sure you hold the handheld steamer at an angle so that the steam can reach all areas of the insole.

Step-3 Once you are done scrubbing, take a dry cloth and dab the inside of your shoe. This will remove the excess moisture and any dirt that was loosened.

Step-4 Let your shoes dry completely before putting them on.

Use Baking Soda and Water

Please follow the same process as mentioned above.

Use Saddle Soap for Cleaning Non-Removable Insoles

Saddle soap is an effective way to clean non-removable insoles. It’s gentle and effective, and it won’t damage the glue. Saddle soap is specifically made to clean leather products.

Here is what you will need –

• Saddle soap
• Two damp cloths
• Dry cloth

Step-1 Apply a pea-sized amount of saddle soap to a damp cloth.

Step-2 Use this damp cloth to scrub the insole. This will create lather. Be sure to work in a circular motion for the best results.

You can also use an old toothbrush to scrub the insole.

Step-3 Once you have scrubbed the insole, take another damp cloth and wipe away the lather. Make sure to remove all of the soap.

Step-4 Next, take a dry cloth and dab the insole to remove excess moisture. Allow the shoe to dry thoroughly before wearing it.

How to Clean Smelly Insoles

If your shoe insole smells terrible, there is a good chance that they have become a breeding ground for bacteria. To get rid of this foul smell, you will need to kill this bacteria. Here are a few methods on how to clean smelly insoles –

Note – For best results, please clean the insole using any cleaning methods described above. 

The best way to avoid stinky shoes is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here is a guide to prevent leather shoes from smelling. 

Eliminate Unpleasant Smells Using Baking Soda

One way to eliminate the bad smell is by using baking soda. Baking soda is effective at killing bacteria and absorbing shoe odor.

All you have to do is sprinkle baking soda on the insole and let it sit in the shoes overnight. The next morning, remove the baking soda by shaking the boots. Wipe them with a clean cloth to ensure proper removal.

If you can remove the insoles from your shoes, you can place them in a container filled with baking soda. You can leave the insoles in the baking soda overnight. The next day, shake off the excess baking soda and wipe them with a clean cloth.

Consider Using Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is known for its ability to absorb bad smells and moisture. Simply put some activated charcoal in a sock and place it inside your shoes. Leave it overnight.

Use Baby Powder

Baby powder is another way to absorb bad smells and moisture. Sprinkle some baby powder on the insole and let it sit overnight. The next morning, shake off the excess powder and wipe with a clean cloth.

It is important to remember that baby powder does not kill bacteria. It’s just suitable for masking unpleasant odors. Thus, if your insoles are really stinky, avoid using baby powder.

Use Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets can also be used to keep insoles fresh. They absorb the bad odor and leave a fresh scent. Simply place a dryer sheet in each shoe and let it sit overnight. The following day, remove the dryer sheets.

However, dryer sheets do not kill bacteria but can mask foul odors. It is therefore not recommended if your insoles are extremely smelly. 

How to Dry Insoles

If your insoles are wet, it is essential to dry them as soon as possible. Wearing shoes with wet insoles is never ideal. Wearing shoes with wet insoles can lead to blisters, Athlete’s foot, and other infections. So, here are a few ways to dry wet insoles –

Air-Dry Them in the Sun

The simplest way to dry wet insoles is by air-drying them in the sun. The direct sunlight will help evaporate any moisture that is trapped inside the insole. Make sure to rotate them every once in a while to ensure even drying.

Stuff Your Shoes With Newspaper or Cloth

If you don’t have access to cedar chips or shoe trees, you can stuff your shoes with newspaper or cloth. This will help absorb the moisture in the insoles. Make sure to replace the newspapers/cloth every few hours.

Avoid using newspapers if you have colored insoles. The ink from the newspapers can transfer to your insoles and cause discoloration. Instead, use acid-free tissue paper.

Use Cedar Chips

Another way to dry wet insoles is by using cedar chips. Cedarwood is known for its ability to absorb moisture. It also leaves a pleasant smell behind.

Simply place a handful of cedar shoe chips in each shoe and let them sit overnight. The next morning, remove the chips by shaking the shoes. You can also use cedar balls or a cedar shoe tree to absorb moisture from the shoes.

Stuff Your Shoes With Uncooked Rice

Uncooked rice is another option for drying your insoles. Place a cup of uncooked white rice in each shoe and let them sit for at least 4 hours. After 4 hours, remove the rice and discard it.

If you have removable insoles, simply place them inside a container filled with uncooked rice. Leave them there for 4 hours.

Make sure you remove any leftover rice grains as they will attract bugs and pests.

The Bottom Line 

Cleaning shoe insoles are an essential part of taking care of your shoes. By following the tips in this article, you can keep shoe insoles clean and fresh. Remember to choose a method best suited to the type of insole you have.

Using mild detergent should be your go-to option if you have fabric-based insoles. If you have leather insoles, using saddle soap should do the trick.

Just cleaning the shoe inserts is not enough; you also need to disinfect them. Baking soda, rubbing alcohol, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide is great at disinfecting insoles.

You should let the shoe insoles dry completely before putting them back into your shoes. To speed up the process, you can place them under the sun. You can also fill your boots with cedar chips, uncooked rice, and newspaper/cloth to dry the insoles.

We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. We will be more than happy to help!

Happy shoe cleaning! 🙂