You may want to clean your shoes if they are dirty or smelly, or if you’ve stepped in something nasty, but you aren’t going to catch a virus from your shoes, says Donelan.
How Frequently Should You Wash Your Shoes?
You really only need to wash your shoes when they’re soiled, says Donelan.
When Should You Wash Your Shoes?
You may want to wash shoes if they have a bad odor or have mud or debris on them, says Donelan. In that case, use a hose or cleaning tool to get any loose dirt off before you put shoes in the washing machine (once you check the cleaning information on the manufacturer’s website — some footwear shouldn’t go into the washing machine).
Is It Unsanitary to Wear Shoes in the House?
What Are the Best Products for Cleaning Your Shoes?
Many shoes that are made mostly of fabric can be put into the washing machine, says Donelan. Look at the shoe manufacturer’s website for instructions on how to best clean your shoes.
- Antibacterial wipes can be used to clean the soles of your shoes.
- Antibacterial spray or solution can be used on the soles of your shoes.
Read the instructions on the bottle to find out how long to leave cleaning solution on any surface, including shoe bottoms, before wiping it off. “You want to give the solution time to kill the virus or bacteria,” says Donelan.
