How To Keep Your Custom Orthotics Clean

After wearing custom orthotics for a period of time, it is very common for them to get dirty or hold onto odor. They work a lot in order to support your feet, ankles, knees, and back.

Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to caring for your orthotics.

Do’s:

1. Remove your custom orthotics from your shoes. This is one of the easiest ways to keep your orthotics clean, especially if you sweat a lot. Allowing your orthotics to air dry daily will help to alleviate the buildup of odor.
2. Air fresheners. Spraying your orthotics with an air freshener such as Febreze helps eliminate the odor. A quick spray into your shoes, or while your orthotics are air drying is all you need!
3. Wipe them down. Using a clean, damp cloth, wipe down your orthotics, helping to remove any excess sweat, fluff, or dirt. You will just want to avoid any chemical cleaners. You may also use some mild soap, just ensure that you do not saturate your orthotics with water.
4. Baking soda or baby powder. You can use either to help neutralize odors and kill bacteria. Bonus, baby powder smells good too! To do this, sprinkle some onto the orthotics. You can also put one to two teaspoons with your orthotics into a large plastic bag. Let the orthotics sit with the powder for 30 to 60 min. Once finished, use a vacuum or clean cloth to wipe off any remaining powder.
5. Odor remover. Like with any other shoes, any off-the-shelf odor removers or sneaker balls will work to help eliminate odor.

Now that we have listed some options that you CAN use, please find a list below of everything you should stay away from.

Don’ts:

1. Water. Avoid soaking your orthotics. Water can damage your orthotics by breaking down the adhesive, resulting in your orthotics eventually falling apart. Some materials hold onto water differently, which leads to bacteria, mold, and your orthotics smelling even worse.
2. Washing machine. A pretty obvious don’t, following #1. Not only will your orthotics be absolutely soaked, the cycle on your washing machine is not gentle enough for your orthotics.
3. Dryer. You want to let your orthotics air dry. The dryer cycle will be too hard on your orthotics and could cause damage.
4. Temperature. You want to ensure that your orthotics don’t get too cold, or too hot. If your orthotics get too cold, it can affect the hard shell material and cause cracking. If your orthotics get too hot, it can cause the adhesive to start to break down.

To learn more about Orthotics Direct, give us a call at 1-800-643-1969 or send us an email to csr@orthoticsdirect.ca.

Never again let foot pain stop you from doing what you love!