Laundry is part of everyone’s household chore list, but footwear may not be the first thing you think to throw in the washing machine.
Just like clothes, shoes also require maintenance to keep our feet healthy and safe from bacteria. With so many shoe types, materials and fabrics, the cleaning time and technique varies from person to person, depending on factors like your activity level and how often you wear your shoes.
We interviewed experts to decipher this cleaning activity and used their guidance to find products that will keep your footwear looking brand new and stench-free.
How often should I clean my shoes?
According to Fabiana Rigamonti, head of design at Aerosoles, cleaning frequency depends on the type of shoe, material and how often the pair is worn. “I would say [to clean your shoes] every two weeks or as soon as they begin to look dirty,” she says.
Consistent maintenance is also important if you wear a specific shoe daily. “The time frame usually varies from person to person, but if you’re wearing [the same] shoes every day for the gym, for work, etcetera, you may find that you need to clean your shoes...every two to four weeks,” suggests board-certified podiatrist Dr. Mohammad Rimawi.
Why is shoe hygiene important?
While regular maintenance and cleaning can extend the longevity of your footwear, the main reason you should clean your shoe is for hygiene.
“Shoes carry so much bacteria, so a regular cleaning will help combat the odors, dirt and bacteria that accumulate from routine wear,” says Rigamonti.
“Both feet have over a quarter of a million sweat glands. That’s a lot for the surface area of the foot. The sweat glands produce sweat, then the sweat produces bacteria or invites bacteria into the skin, which then produces odor,” shares Rimawi.
That’s why is so important to clean our shoes to protect our feet from producing fungus or another type of bacteria. “Anytime you have moisture or sweat, you can guarantee that bacteria and fungus will follow (such as athlete’s foot) and cleaning your day-to-day shoes is crucial, especially if you perspirate,” adds Rimawi.
Wearing your outdoor shoes inside your home will also spread allergens and more bacteria around your dwellings. According to a previous interview with Dr. Lisa Cuchara for Shop TODAY, the bottom of your shoes carries more bacteria than a public toilet seat. “Fecal matter is something found on almost all shoes that have been worn for more than four weeks,” she noted.
What products do you use to clean the inside of your shoe?
This depends on the type of insole your shoe has or the added insoles you wear. “Some athletic insoles can be washed in a washing machine. Water and vinegar on a soft cloth can clean and also eliminate some odors,” says Rigamonti.
Usually, the brand will indicate the care instructions for the insoles and if they can be washed in a washing machine. Otherwise, Rimawi recommends washing by hand and at least once a month.
But the most essential products to clean the inside (including the outside) of a shoe are terry wash clothes, dish soap and shoe brushes. Shoes are made with delicate materials and using harsh chemicals can destroy the fabric and color of the footwear.
Shoe cleaning products, recommended by experts
Add a feeling of freshness to your feet with these shoe insoles. They feature sizing guidelines to help you find the perfect fit and also have a fresh scent. They’re made with a latex and fabric perforation that improves air circulation, plus they include Actifresh, a Swiss-made technology for odor management.
These lightweight microfiber cloths are made from thicker fabric, making it easy to dry your sneakers after washing them. The pack includes 8 cleaning cloths to keep your essentials clean and dry. I use these cloths to wipe down my white sneakers from dirt or to give my leather boots a nice shine. Since the material is thicker than other cloths, they absorb more water.
Always keep a pack of microfiber cloths when you need to dry your shoes or remove dirt from the outer soles. These bestsellers are reusable and washable, plus they will save you from using toilet paper.
Lift the dirt away with this foamy formula in a bottle. It features a quick dry formula that works for your sneaker and is convenient to use when you’re in a rush. According to customers, this product cleans light to medium dirt instantly. Plus, you can use it for backpacks, hats and other goods.
Give your shoe a nice shine with these horsehair boot brushes. The package includes a boot brush, shoe polish and horsehair brush. Whether you need to care for your loafers, oxfords or Chelsea boots, these brushes will remove debris from any type of footwear.
Wipe off any grime from your favorite sneakers with these shoe wipes that work well on rubber, suede and leather, according to the brand. “These are pretty soapy, but do a great job cleaning my sneakers. I use a damp washcloth afterward to wipe off excess,” says one reviewer.
This natural odor eliminator will give your shoe a scent of fresh mint. It is safe to spray on your skin and will target the odor instantly, according to the brand. Reviewers love how fast this product works and how great it smells.
“This spray worked so well for my boys’ shoes! They even loved it. The smell is just right,” shared one buyer.
This kit comes with the essentials you need to clean your shoes including a standard brush and premium shoe cleaner. The solution works well on most materials like suede, nubuck, canvas, cotton mesh and more, according to the brand. Also, this formula can help you tackle the dirt on your midsoles.
With over 23,500 positive reviews, this shoe cleaner delivers perfect cleaning and a stain-free result. This product is an all-in-one cleaner and conditioner that contains gentle oils that work in an array of fabrics. A little bit goes a long way and you can even use it in leather shoes.
Frequently asked questions
Rigamonti says a mild dish soap solution can also be used for outsoles.
"I would suggest using a brush, a toothbrush for lug soles or a cloth. Makeup wipes come in handy here, too. Of course, it is best to take your shoes off when entering your home to help prevent spreading germs and dirt throughout," she notes.
Since leather is a delicate material, Rigamonti recommends using a shoe brush and leather conditioner to prevent the color from fading away. Also, you can use a terry cloth and water to wipe off dirt from the shoe.
"Mix a tablespoon of dish soap and warm water. Make sure you dilute the dish soap as much as possible. I would use that with a soft cloth and clean the outside of the shoe very thoroughly," says Rimawi.
Rimwai recommends removing the insoles from the shoes before washing them. "The insole is what really absorbs the sweat and where all the bacteria harbors which produce bad odor."
You can follow the same steps as how you clean the outer part of the shoe. Mix dish soap and water, then scrub with a brush and air-dry overnight.
According to shoe expert John Chung, throwing your shoes in the washing machine can be damaging, especially if the machine is not designed for cleaning shoes.
"The high-speed spin cycles can harm delicate materials and distort the shoe’s shape. If machine washing is necessary, use a sturdy laundry net or mesh bag to minimize abrasion and protect vulnerable parts. Always opt for a gentle cycle with cold water, and avoid prolonged wash times," adds Chung.
Yes! "Shoes made from exotic skins, thin lambskin, silk or similarly delicate materials should never undergo heavy washing. These materials are highly sensitive to water and agitation, and can easily develop stains, lose their shape or suffer irreversible damage," says Chung.
"The safest method is to gently wipe the interior with a damp cloth. For stubborn stains or odors, low-pressure steam can help lift dirt effectively. Avoid using wet wipes that contain alcohol, as they can dry out or damage the lining materials," says Chung.
How we chose
We selected the best cleaners and products based on the experts’ recommendations. We followed expert advice from a board-certified podiatrist, a designer and an expert cleaner to pick the best tools to keep footwear clean.
Meet the experts
- Mohammad Rimawi is a board-certified podiatrist and works at Manhattan Specialty Care.
- Fabiana Rigamonti is the head of design at Aerosoles, a brand that offers shoes with comfort, support and flexibility.
- John Chung is a shoe expert at Mason and Smith, a company based in Singapore that is dedicated to shoe shine and repair.
