Ever wondered how to clean used shoes properly? Finding a pair of well-kept second-hand shoes is an excellent way to save money and find rocking vintage footwear that you can’t bag elsewhere.
There are, however, issues to look out for, such as fungus and other bacteria. This is why it’s important to know how to disinfect used shoes.
We’re going to cover the most effective methods for cleaning used shoes so that you can wear them in no time.
How to clean, disinfect and sanitize used shoes include:
Why it’s important to clean used shoes.
How to hand wash delicate shoes.
Cleaning shoes in the washer.
How to sanitize used shoes.
Disinfecting shoes
CLEANING USED SHOES
When you first buy a pair of used shoes, it’s essential to clean them to regain freshness. Depending on the shoes’ age and usage, there might be a few scuff or dirt marks to deal with.
Furthermore, bacteria, fungi and other viruses can be thriving within the soles, posing a health risk for you.
CLEANING THE INSOLES
There are a few ways you can tackle this task—you can learn more about it in our complete guide on how to clean smelly shoe insoles. However, we found this to be the most effective method. Here’s what you’ll need:
One large bowl.
Hot tap water (not boiling).
Laundry detergent or dish soap.
Hard-bristled brush (nail brushes are excellent for insoles due to the size).
The method:
Remove the insoles from the shoes.
If they’re very filthy, brush them to remove loose dirt and dust.
Fill the bowl or container with hot water.
Add a few drops of laundry detergent or dish soap and swirl it around until it dissolves completely.
Place the insoles in the water and allow them to soak for a minute. Squeeze them a few times to work the water and detergent through.
Take one insole at a time and scrub it using the brush. Repeat with the other.
Flip the insoles over to clean the underneath.
Once they’re looking clean, rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess dirt and soap.
Place the insoles on a clean towel and allow them to dry thoroughly. You can also place them on a clothesline or a dish rack.
Make sure the insoles are completely dry before popping them back into your shoes. Wet or damp insoles can quickly become a breeding ground for mold and other fungi.
PRO TIPS:
If the insole is particularly grubby, don’t be afraid to scrub hard. Pay close attention to the area around the toes and heel since these tend to be dirtiest areas.
If the sun is out, place the newly-washed insoles outside to dry. The sun is an effective disinfectant—the intense UV rays kill bacteria.
On particularly stubborn stains, try a dab of toothpaste. Toothpaste has a lightening effect that won’t d
CLEANING SHOES IN THE WASHER
Cloth shoes such as canvas, sneakers, running and fabric shoes can be washed in the washer. Check any labels beforehand or do a quick search to ensure the shoes won’t be damaged.
The method:
Place the shoes in the washer and set it to a warm cycle with a low spin. This will prevent damage to the machine.
Use a concentrated laundry detergent to remove stains and dirt.
PRO TIPS:
Proceed with caution when using the dryer. The heat will trap possible smells in the fabric. It can also shrink the shoes, warp the soles or even melt the glue.
If possible, dry the shoes outside in the sun. You can also place them in front of a fan to speed up the process.
Add one or two towels to top-loading machines. This will help to balance the weight of the sneakers. Furthermore, the towels will act as gentle “scrubbers.”
Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from the washer.
HOW TO SANITIZE SHOES
Leftover germs and bacteria aren’t welcome in our shoes. These can cause unpleasant odors to form as well as spread bacteria throughout your house as you walk around. Here are a few effective disinfecting methods to try:
RUBBING ALCOHOL
With delicate shoes, simply wet a section of cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently wipe the inside and outside of the shoe. If needed, you can spray a small amount of alcohol on the insoles—alcohol evaporates faster than water, it also dries dry quicker.
Sneakers can be soaked in rubbing alcohol without damaging the material. Allow the shoes to soak for an hour, remove and leave them to air-dry.
BLEACH
Bleach is a very powerful disinfectant. However, you should always dilute it with water and never apply it to colored shoes.
You can make your own disinfectant spray for shoes by mixing a tablespoon of bleach in a spray bottle filled with water. Give it a good shake and it’s ready to use.
Spritz the inside of your shoes and allow them to dry.
ANTIBACTERIAL SPRAY
If you have an antibacterial spray at home, you can quickly disinfect your shoes. Spray the insides, paying close attention to the insoles. Leave the shoes to dry.
We recommend using Lysol spray for shoes. This product is effective at killing a large number of bacteria, without damaging your footwear.
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