How to Clean Shoes and Remove Odor Safely

Odor often lingers when sweat and dampness remain inside shoes. Cleaning the source and drying the shoes thoroughly can freshen them without damaging their materials. The active cleaning takes about 30 minutes; allow extra time for air-drying, which may take a day or longer depending on the shoe and room conditions. Before you start, check the manufacturer’s care instructions and test any cleaner on a hidden spot.

What You’ll Need

Soft brush or clean, dry cloth
Small bowl of lukewarm water
Mild soap or a cleaner approved for the shoe material
Clean cloths or a sponge
Paper towels or clean, absorbent paper for drying
Optional: baking soda for dry deodorizing, if the shoe’s care instructions permit it

Step-by-Step

Check the material and care label. Look for cleaning instructions on the shoe, packaging, or manufacturer’s website. Fabric, mesh, and many synthetic shoes may tolerate gentle surface washing; leather and suede generally need material-specific products. If the instructions say not to wash the shoe, do not soak it or put it in a washing machine. Test cleaner on an inconspicuous area and let that spot dry before proceeding.
Remove laces and insoles. Take out anything removable so you can clean the shoe’s interior and parts separately. If an insole is glued in, leave it in place rather than pulling it loose. Check the insole’s care instructions; washable insoles can usually be cleaned gently with a damp cloth and mild soapy water, while delicate or non-washable ones should only be wiped as directed.
Brush off loose dirt. Use a dry, soft brush or cloth on the exterior, sole edges, and inside opening. This keeps grit from spreading during cleaning. Avoid forceful brushing on suede, which can mark or flatten its surface; use a suede brush and the care method specified for that material.
Clean washable surfaces with a little soapy water. Mix a small amount of mild soap into lukewarm water. Dampen a cloth or sponge rather than soaking it, then gently wipe the exterior and accessible interior of washable shoes. Use a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue. Keep water away from leather, suede, glued seams, and other areas the care instructions identify as sensitive. Do not submerge shoes unless the manufacturer expressly permits it.
Clean laces and insoles separately. For washable fabric laces, gently rub them in the soapy water, rinse, and press out excess water without twisting. Wipe washable insoles with a lightly soapy cloth, then wipe again with a clean damp cloth. Do not saturate foam or unfamiliar materials. Set each piece aside to air-dry; replace an insole only when it is completely dry.
Dry the shoes completely. Blot damp areas with a clean towel, then loosen the openings and let the shoes air-dry in a well-ventilated place at room temperature. Stuff them loosely with absorbent paper to help draw out moisture, and replace the paper when it becomes damp. Keep shoes away from radiators, direct high heat, and strong sunlight, which can warp materials, weaken adhesives, or cause fading. Drying can take 24 hours or longer; do not wear or store them while damp.
Deodorize only after drying. If odor remains and the care instructions allow it, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside each fully dry shoe. Leave it overnight, then shake or vacuum it out thoroughly before wearing. Keep powder away from children and pets, and avoid this method if residue could damage the lining or the manufacturer advises against powders. Reinsert the dry insoles and laces.

Common Mistakes

Soaking every shoe: Excess water can damage leather, suede, adhesives, linings, and cushioning. Use a damp cloth and follow material-specific instructions.
Using heat to speed drying: A dryer, radiator, or hair dryer on high heat can deform shoes or loosen glued parts. Air-drying is slower but safer.
Putting shoes away while damp: Moisture trapped in a closet or closed bag can make odor return. Wait until the inside, insole, and seams are dry to the touch.
Covering odor with fragrance: Sprays or perfume may mask a smell without cleaning the source, and some products can stain or irritate materials. Use only a product approved for the shoe.
Using bleach or harsh cleaners: These can discolor fabric and damage finishes. Choose mild soap or a cleaner made for the material.

Tips

Let shoes air out after wearing them instead of immediately placing them in a closed cupboard or gym bag.
Rotate between pairs when possible so each pair has time to dry between wears.
Wear clean socks and wash removable insoles only as their care labels allow.
For leather or suede, use a suitable cleaner and follow its directions; do not apply the fabric-shoe method by default.
Keep a simple routine: brush off dirt, loosen laces, and air shoes in a dry, ventilated spot after use.

Troubleshooting

The odor remains after cleaning: Check that the insole was cleaned or replaced if it is removable, and make sure the lining and shoe are fully dry. Repeat a gentle clean only if the care instructions permit it. Persistent odor may be embedded in an insole or lining; replace a removable insole with a compatible one rather than applying stronger chemicals.

The shoe has a water mark or changed texture: Stop cleaning and let it dry naturally. Do not rub harder or add more water. For leather or suede, follow the material-specific care instructions or ask a shoe-care professional about the affected finish.

The inside still feels damp: Remove the insole if it is designed to come out, open the shoe widely, and replace damp paper with dry paper. Give it more time in a ventilated area. Do not use direct heat.

Baking soda leaves a visible residue: Shake the shoe over a bin and remove remaining powder with a vacuum using a suitable attachment or a dry, soft brush. If the lining is delicate, avoid further rubbing and follow its care instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put shoes in the washing machine to remove odor?

Only if the manufacturer says the shoes are machine-washable and provides instructions. Many shoes can be damaged by soaking, spinning, or detergent, so hand-cleaning appropriate surfaces is the safer default.

Does baking soda remove shoe odor?

It can help absorb odor in a dry shoe, but it does not replace cleaning or drying. Use it only if the care instructions permit powders, and remove all residue before wearing.

How long should shoes take to dry?

Allow at least a full day as a practical starting point, but thick or heavily damp shoes may need longer. Make sure the lining and any removable insole are completely dry before wearing or storing them.

How do I clean smelly leather or suede shoes?

Do not soak or scrub them with general-purpose soapy water. Use a cleaner and brush intended for that material, follow the product directions, and test a hidden area first.

Can I use vinegar inside my shoes?

Avoid it unless the shoe manufacturer specifically approves it. Acids can affect dyes, finishes, and adhesives; gentle cleaning and complete air-drying are safer general steps.

What if the smell comes back quickly?

Check whether the shoes are drying fully between wears and whether the removable insole is the source. Air shoes out after use, wash socks regularly, and clean or replace insoles only as their care instructions allow.

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