Orthotic insoles are prescription medical devices that are worn inside the shoes to correct major biochemical issues. These issues can range from how you run, stand, or walk. The orthotic can also help in patients with significant medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, plantar fasciitis or diabetes. They also help people with flat feet to assist in fixing the deformity and avoid surgery.
Primarily, the orthotic insoles provide you with multiple benefits, including cushioning your step, alleviating pain in the foot and leg, and supporting your arches.
Generally, after using your orthotics insoles for an extended period, it is only natural that they will start producing funny smells. Thus you have to ensure that you clean them frequently to ensure that they smell fresh. The article below discusses best tips on how to wash orthotics insoles.
How to Wash Orthotics Insoles
When cleaning your orthotics insoles, it is only appropriate that you use mild soap and detergent. Ensure that the insoles don’t absorb too much water; thus, you should avoid soaking them in water. To spot treat the insoles, ensure you incorporate a soft bristle toothbrush to clean your insoles thoroughly.
After scrubbing with a toothbrush, rinse the insoles with clean water to remove the cleaning products and any remaining dirt. Leave them to dry, and it is not recommended to use a washing machine to wash or dry the orthotics insoles as it will interfere with their structural integrity. Ensure you use lukewarm or cold water as your orthotics insoles are pretty sensitive to heat. High heat can deform the shape of your insoles and interfere with their structural integrity.
Remove Odors
Your insoles are prone to produce bad smells due to the constant sweating of your feet. Ideally, it is vital to find a strategy to help eliminate the insoles’ bad smells. The first step is sprinkling baking soda on the insoles to get rid of the stubborn odor.
Baking soda is effective in neutralizing odors and killing any bacteria. To get the best results, take a few teaspoons of baking soda and insert them in a bag, then remove the insoles from the bag and place them inside. Leave the insoles overnight in the bag of baking soda. In the morning, use a clean cloth to wipe off any extra baking soda on the surface. You will notice that your insoles will smell fresh.
Let the Insoles Naturally Air-dry
Ensure that you don’t dry your orthotics insoles with a drying machine as the high temperatures will damage them and jeopardize their effectiveness and durability. It is only recommended that you let the insoles air dry at room temperature.
You can also avoid leaving them to dry directly in sunlight as it can affect quality and durability. Remember the insoles will take less than 10 hours to dry completely. It is imperative to avoid wearing wet insoles as they can affect your feet and lead to your shoe producing pungent smells.
Also, it is paramount that you remove the insoles at night, especially if you sweat a lot. Removing the insoles ensures that they air dry and remain fresh for an extended period.
Avoid Soaking your Orthotics Insoles
It is crucial to note that when cleaning the orthotics insoles, you should only wash them with a soft bristle brush and warm soapy water. It is not recommended that you soak or machine wash the insoles as it will jeopardize their structural integrity. If your insoles accidentally get wet, ensure you remove them from water and let them air dry before inserting them back into the shoe.
Avoid Harsh Cleaning Products
The orthotics insoles need adequate care to ensure that they are functional and durable. It is imperative to avoid harsh detergents or abrasive products that can damage your insoles in the cleaning process. Ensure you incorporate mild soap, lukewarm water, and a soft-bristle brush to ensure that your insoles are in good condition.
What are the other Maintenance Tips for your Orthotics Insoles?
Ensure you Wear the Insoles with the Appropriate Shoe
The orthotics insoles are designed to suit different shoe sizes and shapes. Thus it is essential to wear the insoles with the shoes designed to ensure they are not distorted in shape. Primarily, if you have different types of shoes, ensure that you invest in other insoles’ forms and styles.
Remember that the orthotics insoles are fitted; thus, they are engineered according to your ailment. Therefore, to reap maximum benefits from the orthotics insoles, it is paramount to ensure that you select the right size for your shoe.
Check for any Wear or Tear
It is imperative to ensure that your orthotics insoles are in good condition to be functional. The customized insoles are engineered to manage different conditions such as diabetes and are often recommended by a podiatry specialist to ensure you have the best insoles.
The podiatry specialist takes a comprehensive 3D image of your feet to ensure that you get the best insoles. The 3D image involves taking comprehensive details of your feet, such as the extent of pain and the size and shape of your feet.
Thus any wear and tear on the insoles will jeopardize the functionality and effectiveness of your insoles. It is paramount to address the issue immediately as the worn-out insoles will subject your feet to external forces, which is risky, especially for diabetes patients.
Key Takeaway
The above article discusses how to wash orthotics insoles and the best maintenance tips for your investment. In summary, it is essential to regularly clean your insoles to maintain their structural integrity and eliminate weird smells.
In the cleaning process, avoid soaking the insoles in water but only use warm soapy water and a soft brush to spot clean your insoles. It is imperative to avoid washing your insoles with hot water or washing machines as high temperatures can damage them.
Lastly, you can incorporate baking soda to eliminate any pungent smells in your insoles. It is also essential to watch out for any wear and tear on the insoles and consult a qualified podiatry specialist who will either repair them or recommend another pair of insoles.
