How to Clean Shoe Insoles for Leather, Foam, Fabric, Gel, and Glued Inserts

Your little one’s shoes can look beautifully polished on the outside while the inside tells a different story. School days, Shabbos, family events, and everyday wear leave moisture, lint, dirt, and odor behind.

And don’t worry, that concern is common. In a 2025 survey of 2,000 U.S. people , 50% of respondents who felt self-conscious about their feet mentioned smell as one reason. But the right way to clean shoe insoles depends on the material and whether the insert comes out.

Because of that, we’ll walk through a safe cleaning process and explain how to handle leather-covered, cushioned, and glued insoles. Let’s get right to it, folks!

How to Clean Shoe Insoles Without Damaging Them

Let’s be completely honest. A rushed wash can turn a small care job into a misshapen insole that takes two days to dry. So, we’ve found that a gentler approach usually protects the cushioning and keeps children’s dress shoes looking and feeling their best.

Here are the six steps you should follow.

1. Check the Material and Care Instructions

First, look closely at the surface and edges of the insole. It may be covered with leather, fabric, foam, memory foam, gel, or several materials layered together.

Leather-covered and structured cushioned insoles need very little water. And basic fabric inserts can usually handle slightly more moisture, though they still benefit from gentle care.

Hence, make sure to check the shoe manufacturer’s instructions before using any cleaning solution. This is especially important when you are caring for premium Mary Janes , Oxfords, loafers, or dress shoes.

2. Remove the Insoles Carefully

An insole that is designed to come out should lift with little resistance. So, start near the heel, raise it slowly, and support the material with your other hand so it does not fold.

When parents ask us how to remove shoe insoles, our main advice is simple. Never force them.

Stop if you see glue, stitching, or firm attachment around the edges. Those insoles should stay inside the shoe, and we explain the safer cleaning method in the FAQ below.

3. Brush Away Loose Dirt

Before adding water, use a dry, soft-bristled brush, clean toothbrush, or lint-free cloth. This removes crumbs, dust, lint, and dried dirt from the surface.

Pay close attention to the heel and toe areas because debris tends to settle there. This quick dry-cleaning step matters. Once loose dirt gets wet, it can turn into a murky residue that spreads across the insole.

4. Prepare a Mild Cleaning Solution

For most washable materials, add a small amount of mild liquid soap to lukewarm water. You only need light suds. A heavily concentrated mixture can leave sticky soap behind and make rinsing harder.

This is the safest starting point for parents learning how to clean shoe inserts at home.

Also, skip bleach, boiling water, harsh solvents, and heavily fragranced household products. Strong cleaners can affect the finish, adhesive, or cushioning inside a carefully made children’s shoe.

5. Clean Gently Without Oversaturating

Dip a soft cloth or brush into the solution, then remove the excess water. The tool should feel damp rather than dripping.

Work over the visible marks with small circular motions and light pressure. Most children’s insoles respond better to surface cleaning than a long soak.

Lastly, keep the insert flat as you work, and avoid squeezing or sharply bending any structured areas.

6. Remove Residue and Air-Dry Completely

Use a separate damp cloth to lift away the soap residue. Then press the insole between dry towels to absorb surface moisture.

Leave it flat in a ventilated room until both sides feel completely dry. That last part can take time, especially with cushioned materials.

Another important thing that you need to remember is to keep the insole away from radiators, hair dryers, tumble dryers, and direct heat. Heat can shrink fabric, weaken adhesive, and change the shape of foam.

The Best Way to Clean Shoe Insoles by Material

The six-step process gives you the basic routine. Still, the best way to clean shoe insoles changes with the amount of water and pressure each material can tolerate.

We use the most delicate material as the guide when an insert combines several layers. These are the safest approaches to consider:

Insole material	Safest approach	What to avoid
Leather-covered	If you’re wondering how to clean leather shoe insoles, use a barely damp cloth with mild soap and dry the surface promptly	Soaking, strong alcohol solutions, and heat
Fabric	Gently scrub with mild soap and limited water	Hot water and aggressive twisting
Foam or memory foam	Blot marks and lightly surface-clean	Saturation, squeezing, and machine washing
Gel	Wipe with a soft cloth and gentle soap	Puncturing, stiff brushes, and high heat
Mixed or structured insert	Follow the care advice for the most delicate material	Bending, long soaking, and strong chemicals

When the material is unclear, use less moisture and lighter pressure because a cautious first pass gives you room to clean again. You can always repeat a gentle wipe if dirt remains, while warped foam or lifted leather is much harder to repair

How to Clean Shoe Insoles With Baking Soda

Baking soda works best as a dry deodorizing treatment between deeper cleanings. It may absorb some moisture and odor, though visible dirt still needs proper cleaning.

What you need to do is place each fully dry, removable insole in a bag or container with a small amount of baking soda. Then, leave it overnight. The next day, brush or shake away every trace before putting the insert back.

Keep the powder dry, and avoid applying it to damp leather. We also would not treat it as a full disinfectant. Its main job here is helping with freshness.

Here’s a video explaining how to do this:

Keep Children’s Insoles Fresher Between Cleanings

A little routine care can prevent moisture from sitting inside a favorite pair all week. This matters for school shoes and formal footwear that may be worn for long stretches at a time.

According to a 2020 U.S. hyperhidrosis research poster , roughly 17% of U.S. teenagers have reported excessive sweating, and nearly 75% of those teenagers said it caused moderate or major daily impairment. Every child is different, so one pair may need attention much sooner than another.

Here are the habits that make the biggest difference:

• Let shoes air out after school, Shabbos, events, and long days.

• Rotate between suitable pairs so each pair has time to dry.

• Replace wet socks as soon as possible.

• Loosen straps or laces to improve airflow.

• Inspect the insoles after rain, spills, or unusually active days.

• Reinsert removable insoles only after the shoe and insert are fully dry.

For broader odor prevention, see our guide on how to keep kids’ shoes fresh . It covers drying, rotation, socks, and other practical habits for children’s footwear.

When Should You Replace Shoe Insoles?

You should replace shoe insoles when they have lost their shape, cushioning, or comfortable fit. Cleaning can refresh the surface, though it cannot rebuild material that has physically worn down.

These are the main signs to look for:

• Flattened or uneven cushioning

• Cracks, peeling, or a torn covering

• An insole that no longer lies flat

• Odor that returns immediately after proper cleaning and drying

• New rubbing or discomfort

• An insert that has become too small for the child’s current shoe

Fit matters here as much as cleanliness. A fresh-looking insert can still be ready for replacement when your little one no longer feels comfortable in it.

Also, you can check out our guide on how to keep kids’ shoes fresh longer for simple ways to control odor between cleanings.

Refresh Worn Kids’ Shoes With Perroquet Insoles

Sometimes an insole has simply reached the end of its useful life. When it feels flat, starts peeling, or no longer gives your little one comfortable cushioning, a fresh insert may extend the life of an otherwise beautiful pair.

Perroquet offers replacement children’s insoles for compatible footwear. They can work with the kinds of shoes families already choose from the brand, including Mary Janes, Oxfords, loafers, dress shoes, and casual sneakers. Our collections focus on European-inspired children’s footwear with refined styling, comfort, and practical construction for real family life.

You can shop replacement insoles when the original pair needs fresh cushioning. When the lining, sole, structure, or overall fit has also worn down, explore the relevant girls’, boys’, baby, or teen collection instead.

Conclusion: What Should You Do Next?

The next step depends on what you see when you inspect the shoe:

• The insole is removable and lightly dirty. Follow the gentle six-step hand-cleaning process.

• The insole is glued in place. Clean the surface inside the shoe with very limited moisture.

• The insert only needs freshening. Use dry baking soda overnight, then remove every trace.

• The cushioning is flat, cracked, peeling, or uncomfortable. Replace the insole.

• The shoe itself has lost its fit or structure. Choose a new pair from Perroquet that suits your little one’s current size and wardrobe.

A careful decision now can protect the shoe, preserve its polished look, and keep little feet comfortable through the next school day, Shabbos, or family occasion.

FAQs

How do you clean insoles that are glued?

Glued insoles should stay inside the shoe so the adhesive and edges remain undisturbed. From there, use a barely damp cloth with mild soapy water and clean one small area at a time. After that, wipe away any residue and leave the shoe open in a well-ventilated room until it dries fully. Keep water out of the shoe’s interior, and avoid tugging at the glued edges.

Can you put shoe insoles in the dryer?

You should keep shoe insoles out of the dryer. Heat can shrink fabric, warp foam, weaken adhesive, and affect structured cushioning. Blot them with a clean towel, place them flat, and allow enough time for both sides to air-dry.

Can you wash shoe insoles in the washer?

Hand-washing is safer for most inserts. The care label should make the decision. When machine washing is expressly allowed, use a mesh bag, cold water, and a gentle cycle. Always air-dry afterward.

What is the safest shoe insole cleaner?

The safest shoe insole cleaner for most washable materials is mild liquid soap mixed with lukewarm water. Leather, foam, gel, and mixed-material inserts may require less moisture. Manufacturer care instructions should take priority whenever they provide a more specific method.