Shoe insoles often get overlooked when it comes to regular cleaning and maintenance, leaving them feeling worn out and uncomfortable.
Dirty, worn out shoe insoles can cause blisters, athlete’s foot, and other nasty illnesses. Plus, they look bad too!
Keep your feet clean and comfortable with our guide on how you clean and maintain shoe insoles.
How Do You Take Care of Insoles?
First things first, let’s take those bad boys out of your shoes.
We know, it’s a tough goodbye, but trust us, it’ll be worth it in the end. Now, give them a good shake to get rid of any loose dirt or debris. This step is crucial, otherwise, you’ll just be spreading dirt around when you go to clean them.
Next, grab a damp cloth or sponge and give your insoles a good wipe down.
Focus on any areas that have stains or dirt buildup. If your insoles have a strong odor, you can add a sprinkle of baking soda before wiping them down.
This will help to neutralize any odors and leave your insoles smelling fresh and clean.
That said, cleaning your insoles is an important step in maintaining their shape, structure, and overall effectiveness.
Here are some step-by-step instructions on how to properly clean your insoles:
- Remove the insoles from your shoes.
- Brush off any loose dirt or debris.
- Use a damp cloth or sponge to gently wipe down the insoles, removing any dirt or stains.
- If the insoles have a strong odor, you can sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on them before wiping them down.
- Allow the insoles to air dry completely before putting them back in your shoes.
Can You Wash Your Shoe Insoles?
So, can you toss them in the washing machine?
It depends on the insoles.
Some insoles are machine-washable, while others are not. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure. If they are machine-washable, use a mild detergent and a gentle cycle.
If they’re not, don’t worry, hand-washing will do the trick just fine.
Once your insoles are clean, it’s important to let them air dry completely before putting them back in your shoes.
This will prevent any bacteria or fungus from growing and will also help maintain the shape and structure of the insoles.
But why stop there? If you want to take your insoles to the next level, you can give them a little extra TLC by using a disinfectant spray or placing them in the freezer overnight (yes, you read that right!).
This will kill any lingering germs and freshen them up even more.
Should You Clean Insoles?
Now, you might be thinking, “Do I really need to clean my insoles?”
The answer is yes!
Keeping your insoles clean is important for maintaining foot health and comfort. Dirty insoles can cause foot odor and lead to infection or other foot problems.
Washing your insoles regularly can help to prevent these issues and ensure that your feet stay healthy and happy.
If you are interested, here are two articles about shoe insoles for various cases.
How Often Should You Clean Shoe Insoles?
We recommend at least once a month, or more frequently if you notice an odor or excessive dirt buildup.
Factors like the type of shoe, frequency of use, and foot perspiration will also play a role in determining how often you should wash your insoles.
Conclusion
Cleaning your shoe insoles may not be the most glamorous task, but it’s definitely a necessary one.
Not only will it improve the overall health and hygiene of your feet, but it’ll also extend the life of your insoles.
And who doesn’t love a good excuse to give their feet a little extra love?
Happy cleaning!