6 Ways to Disinfect Your Sneakers

Best For: Eliminating viruses

While you can use a regular household antibacterial spray or wipe, there are also products designed specifically for shoes. If using wipes, use a new wipe for each shoe. After you spray or wipe off the sole of your shoe, allow it to stay wet with the product for about three to five minutes or follow the instructions on the label.

You can also use an antibacterial spray on the inside of your shoe, which will also help to prevent fungal growth.

Or try a sanitizing mat with a disinfectant solution to clean the bottom of your shoes. Submerge your shoes in the solution for at least one minute or however long the manufacturer recommends.

Best For: Stained shoes

A three-percent solution of hydrogen peroxide can disinfect your shoes while removing visible stains. It’s typically safe for colors as well. Spray it on the bottom of your shoes and allow it to sit for five minutes before wiping it away.

You can also mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts baking soda to create a paste to disinfect the uppers of your sneakers. Apply two layers of the paste, then either rinse away the paste or leave it to dry in the sun and then wipe it off.

Best For: Hands-off total shoe cleaning

An ultraviolet shoe sanitizer utilizes UVC light to destroy up to 99.9 percent of bacteria on the surface of your shoe. The American Podiatric Medical Association offers its seal of approval for SteriShoe products, which can eliminate bacteria that cause things like athlete’s foot and warts.

There’s no scrubbing or spraying required — insert one into each shoe, plug it in, and wait 45 minutes for the device to turn off automatically. While these products may be the easiest way to disinfect your shoes, they’re also quite expensive.

Best For: Leather, suede or nubuck shoes

Leather is a durable but delicate material that requires special care. If your sneakers have leather uppers, use rubbing alcohol, which is gentler than other disinfectants but still effective at killing a variety of germs.

Create a solution with three parts rubbing alcohol and one part water. Dip a clean cloth in the mixture. Rub the entire outside of the sneaker with the solution, then leave your shoes to dry for about 15 minutes.

Best For: White canvas sneakers

Bleach is a powerful disinfectant, but it will ruin your colorful sneakers. But if you have a pair of white canvas sneakers, it’ll leave them looking bright white and good as new.

Create a solution with one part bleach and five parts water. Dip a cloth in the mixture and rub the outside of your shoes. (You may want to remove the laces to sanitize these separately.) When you’re finished, allow your shoes to air dry in a well-ventilated area before you wear them.

Best For: Preventing fungal growth inside shoes

Vinegar doesn’t kill all viruses, but it does slow down fungal growth. Baking soda also reduces the activity of fungal spores and can help eliminate odors.

To use these products together, sprinkle baking soda on your sneakers, inside and out. Then, spray your shoes with white or apple cider vinegar diluted with water. Rub your sneakers all over with a clean white cloth, using a circular motion. Allow your shoes to sit for 12 hours before wiping them down with a wet cloth.