To clean insoles, take them out of the shoes, scrub both sides gently with a soft brush and warm soapy water, wipe off the suds with a damp cloth and let them air dry completely before putting them back. For smell, sprinkle baking soda on dry insoles overnight or wipe them with a half-and-half mix of white vinegar and water. Do not soak foam insoles or dry them with heat, which can warp them and break down the glue.
In this guide
What you need
- Soft brush or old toothbrush
- Mild liquid soap or laundry detergent
- Bowl of warm water and a clean cloth
- Baking soda
- White vinegar or rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle (optional)
- A towel
Which method for which insole?
| Insole type | How to clean | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Foam (EVA, memory foam) | Light scrub with soapy water; do not saturate | Soaking, wringing, heat |
| Gel | Wipe with soapy cloth; rinse quickly | Hot water, harsh chemicals |
| Fabric-topped sports insoles | Brush with soapy water; some are hand-washable | Machine drying |
| Leather | Wipe with a barely damp cloth and saddle soap; condition lightly | Soaking, vinegar, direct sun |
| Cork footbeds | Wipe with a damp cloth; baking soda paste for stains | Submerging in water |
| Wool or sheepskin | Hand wash cool with wool detergent; reshape | Hot water, tumble dryer |
| Custom orthotics | Wipe with mild soap and water | Soaking, heat; follow your provider’s advice |
Step-by-step: washing insoles by hand
- Remove the insoles and knock off loose dirt.
- Mix a few drops of soap into warm water.
- Scrub gently in small circles with the brush, paying attention to the heel and toe areas. Turn over and do the underside.
- Wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove soap. Avoid holding foam insoles under a running tap for long.
- Press between the folds of a towel to draw out water. Do not twist.
- Dry flat or standing on edge in moving air, out of direct sun, for 12 to 24 hours.
- Refit only when completely dry.
Related: How to Stretch Shoes That Are Too Tight
How to deodorise insoles
- Baking soda: sprinkle a thin layer over dry insoles, leave overnight and brush or vacuum it off.
- Vinegar spray: mist with equal parts white vinegar and water, then air dry. The vinegar smell fades as it dries. Not for leather.
- Rubbing alcohol: a light spray kills odour-causing bacteria and evaporates quickly.
- Freezer: sealing dry insoles in a bag overnight can reduce smell temporarily, but washing works better.
- Sunlight and air: an hour or two of fresh air helps; avoid long, hot sun exposure for foam and leather.
If the shoes smell too, treat them at the same time: see how to get rid of shoe odor.
Can you put insoles in the washing machine?
Usually not. The agitation and spin can delaminate the layers and deform the shape. A few fabric sports insoles are labelled machine washable; if so, use a cold, gentle cycle in a laundry bag and air dry. When in doubt, wash by hand.
How to keep insoles fresh for longer
- Wear moisture-wicking socks; see merino vs synthetic socks.
- Rotate shoes so each pair has a day to dry.
- Remove insoles after wet or very sweaty wear; see how to dry shoes.
- Wash your feet and dry between the toes before putting shoes on.
- Clean insoles every few weeks in shoes you wear often.
When to replace insoles
- The foam stays flat and does not spring back
- The top cover is peeling, cracked or worn through
- The smell returns within a day of cleaning
- You feel new pressure points or aches
Most insoles last six to twelve months with daily use. For replacements, see the best insoles for standing all day. Related cleaning guides: how to clean running shoes, how to wash shoes and how to clean Birkenstocks.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you wash insoles?
Every few weeks for shoes worn daily, and straight after they get soaked or very sweaty.
Can I use baking soda on all insoles?
It is safe on foam, fabric, gel and cork. On leather, use it sparingly and brush it off, as it can dry the surface.
How long do insoles take to dry?
Usually 12 to 24 hours at room temperature. A fan speeds it up; heat can damage them.
Why do my insoles smell even after washing?
Bacteria may be living deep in worn foam, or the shoes themselves are still damp. Treat the shoes too, and replace old insoles.
