How to Clean and Disinfect Used Shoes from a Thrift Store
Smart, Simple Steps to Save Money Without Bringing Home Germs
Buying used shoes from a thrift store can save you serious money—especially when you’re hunting for kids’ sneakers, seasonal boots, or designer finds on a budget.
But before those shoes hit your closet (or your feet), it’s important to clean and disinfect them the right way.
Below you’ll find step-by-step methods to sanitize thrift store shoes, remove odors, kill bacteria and fungus, and make secondhand shoes feel like new again.
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Why You Should Clean Thrifted Shoes
Even the best thrift stores don’t sanitize shoes. Dirt, sweat, bacteria, foot fungus, and odors can linger. A deep clean isn’t just about cleanliness—it protects your health.
What You’ll Need
These basic supplies can be found at most stores or online:
- Gentle laundry detergent (like Tide Free & Gentle)
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Disinfectant spray
- Tea tree oil or eucalyptus essential oil
- Old toothbrush
- Soft cloth or rag
- Sneaker cleaner eraser sponge
- Shoe deodorizing spray
- Shoe cleaner for leather or suede, depending on the material
- Mesh laundry bag (for machine-washing shoes safely)
Step-by-Step: How to Clean and Disinfect Used Shoes from a Thrift Store
1. Check the Material First
Before you start scrubbing, identify what kind of material you’re dealing with:
- Canvas or fabric: Washable and easy to disinfect
- Leather: Needs gentle treatment to avoid drying/cracking
- Suede: Requires specialty care (never soak!)
- Rubber or plastic: Easily scrubbed and sanitized
2. Remove and Clean Insoles and Laces
- Take out the insoles and laces.
- Wash laces in warm soapy water or toss in a mesh laundry bag in the washing machine.
- Scrub insoles with a mix of baking soda and vinegar to kill odor and bacteria.
- Let air dry completely in sunlight, if possible (sunlight is a natural disinfectant!).
Consider a pack of no-tie replacement laces or memory foam insoles for an easy comfort upgrade.
3. Clean the Exterior
For Canvas or Fabric Shoes:
- Mix a few drops of gentle laundry detergent with warm water.
- Use an old toothbrush to scrub the fabric gently.
- Rinse with a damp cloth (don’t soak them completely unless machine washing).
- For heavy-duty cleaning, place in a mesh laundry bag and machine wash on gentle.
For Leather Shoes:
- Use a soft cloth with a mix of water and mild soap.
- Avoid soaking the leather.
- Condition with leather conditioner after drying to keep them soft and crack-free.
For Suede:
- Gently brush with a suede brush to remove dirt.
- For stains, rub with a white pencil eraser or specialty suede cleaner.
- Never soak or scrub harshly.
4. Disinfect Inside and Out
- Spray inside the shoe with disinfectant spray (make sure the shoe isn’t soaking).
- Add a few drops of tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil for natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Wipe exterior soles with disinfecting wipes or a rag dipped in vinegar and water.
5. Eliminate Odor Naturally
- Sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes and let sit overnight.
- Tap it out the next day.
- For ongoing odor control, place charcoal shoe deodorizers, Sneaker Balls Odor-Fighting Shoe Fresheners, NonScents Shoe Deodorizer or dryer sheets inside when storing.
6. Air Dry in the Sun
Let the shoes dry thoroughly outside in direct sunlight if possible. Sunlight naturally kills germs and bacteria.
Avoid heat from dryers—it can warp rubber soles and damage materials.
Quick Care by Shoe Type
| Shoe Type | Best Way to Clean |
|---|---|
| Sneakers | Scrub with detergent + machine wash if possible |
| Leather Boots | Wipe with cloth + condition afterward |
| Heels | Disinfect interior, wipe down exterior carefully |
| Kids’ Shoes | Remove laces, wash in laundry bag, air dry |
| Sandals/Flip-flops | Scrub with vinegar + baking soda |
Budget-Friendly Cleaning Tips
- Use Dollar Tree spray bottles for DIY cleaners (vinegar + essential oil).
- Buy bulk baking soda and keep it in a mason jar for easy use.
- Use old socks as reusable polishing cloths.
- Clean thrifted shoes in batches to save time and supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you get foot fungus from used shoes?
Yes, it’s possible if shoes weren’t disinfected. Always clean thoroughly and use a disinfectant spray or essential oils to kill fungus and bacteria.
2. Can I machine wash shoes from the thrift store?
Yes—for most canvas or fabric shoes. Remove laces and insoles, and place in a mesh laundry bag before washing on gentle.
3. What’s the best way to disinfect inside used shoes?
Use Lysol, Microban, or a mix of vinegar + essential oil. Let dry completely before wearing.
4. How do I get the thrift store smell out of shoes?
Use baking soda overnight, dryer sheets, or charcoal deodorizer inserts. Airing them out in the sun also helps.
5. Is it safe for kids to wear thrifted shoes?
Yes—if cleaned properly. Kids often outgrow shoes quickly, so secondhand is smart. Just be sure to disinfect thoroughly first.
6. How long should I let shoes dry after disinfecting?
At least 24 hours. Make sure all moisture is gone to prevent mold or bacteria growth.
7. What disinfectant kills foot fungus in shoes or on feet?
Look for sprays that specifically mention antifungal properties—like tea tree oil, Microban 24, or Lysol Athlete’s Foot Spray.
Want to make thrifted shoes feel like new?
Clean, disinfect, deodorize—and save money while doing it.
