Regular isopropyl alcohol has powerful antibacterial properties, making it perfect for cleaning delicate clothing items. If you don’t happen to have any rubbing alcohol on hand, a slightly higher concentration of distilled white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide will also do the trick. Be warned, however—vinegar can leave behind its own odor that may take a few wears to fade. [2] X Research source
As an alternative to a spray bottle, you can soak the corner of a clean cloth in alcohol and rub it into the insoles by hand. This method can be used to clean the rest of the shoe, as well.
Don’t wear the shoes again until they’ve had time to dry. Doing so will just introduce new germs and moisture.
Make sure that the container you choose has a lid or some other means of closing and sealing. Baking soda is often touted for its ability to absorb and trap stubborn smells so that they can be dealt with without the need for deep-cleaning. [5] X Research source
The insoles should be mostly dry before you apply the baking soda. If you’re unable to find a suitable container, set the insoles out and sprinkle the baking soda directly over the top. [7] X Research source
For best results, the baking soda should be allowed to do its thing for at least 6–8 hours. Baking soda is one of the simplest solutions for persistent odors, as it doesn’t require any scrubbing, wiping or washing. [9] X Research source
Baking soda treatments can be used as often as you need to keep your insoles from stinking up your shoes.
If your shoes don’t have removable insoles, you’ll have to carefully clean inside the shoe by hand. An unused toothbrush can come in handy in these situations. Put machine washable shoes through a gentle cycle while you work on the insoles. [11] X Research source
Hot water will work better than cold for loosening stuck-on dirt and stains. In most cases, a gentle scrub with soap and water will be enough to eliminate unpleasant smells from lightly-worn insoles. [13] X Research source
The key to successfully cleaning most shoe insoles is not to oversaturate them with water. Too much moisture can damage insoles made from leather, foam and composite materials. [15] X Research source You can also use a soft dish sponge regular cotton washcloth to do your scrubbing.
Rewet the brush with fresh soap solution as needed. After scrubbing the insoles, clear away visible soap residue with a clean cloth or sponge. [17] X Research source
You can speed up the drying process by leaving the insoles in a well-ventilated area or propping them up near an air conditioner or space heater. If the weather is good, place the insoles out in the sun to dry. Not only will this air them out faster, the UV radiation from sunlight will actually help kill any lingering germs that the soap solution may have missed. [19] X Research source
