The fastest way to stop mold in shoes
Mold in shoes grows when moisture stays trapped inside — usually from sweat, wet weather, or storing damp shoes in a closed space. The fastest removal method is to dry the shoe completely, then wipe down the moldy surface with white vinegar or a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water), let it sit for ten minutes, and scrub with an old toothbrush. After scrubbing, stuff the shoe with newspaper or paper towels to absorb remaining moisture, place it in direct sunlight for several hours, and replace the newspaper as it dampens.
Sunlight kills mold spores naturally, so outdoor drying in bright conditions works better than any chemical alone. If the mold has penetrated deep into the shoe material or the shoe smells strongly of mold even after cleaning, the shoe may not be salvageable — mold that has colonized the interior padding or insole is difficult to fully remove and can return quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Dry the shoe completely first, then clean the moldy surface with white vinegar or a one-to-ten bleach-and-water mixture, scrub with a toothbrush, and dry again in direct sunlight.
- Stuff shoes with newspaper or paper towels while drying to absorb moisture from the inside, and replace the newspaper as it becomes damp.
- Mold that has spread into the shoe's padding or insole is hard to remove completely and often returns, making replacement the better choice.
- Store dried shoes in a breathable container (not a sealed plastic bag) in a cool, dry space to prevent mold from returning.
- Wear moisture-wicking socks and air out shoes between wearings to stop mold before it starts.
Cleaning the outside and inside surfaces
Start by brushing away any visible mold with a dry toothbrush or soft brush — this removes loose spores before you explore any liquid. Work over a trash can or outside so you do not spread spores around your home. Once the loose mold is gone, mix your cleaning solution: white vinegar straight from the bottle works for light mold, or dilute bleach at one part bleach to ten parts water for heavier growth.
Dip an old toothbrush into the solution and scrub the moldy areas thoroughly, working into seams, around the sole, and along the heel. For the inside of the shoe, dampen a cloth with the solution and wipe down the insole and interior walls. Let the solution sit for ten minutes — this gives it time to kill the mold rather than just moving it around. Then scrub again lightly and rinse the shoe under running water to remove the cleaning solution and dead mold particles.
Do not soak the shoe, as excess water will take days to dry and can damage the shoe's structure. A damp cloth and a toothbrush are enough.
Drying shoes completely to prevent mold return
After cleaning, squeeze out excess water gently — do not wring the shoe. Stuff the inside loosely with newspaper, paper towels, or unscented coffee filters. These materials absorb moisture from the interior while allowing air to circulate. Replace the stuffing every two to three hours as it becomes damp, and continue until the shoe feels dry to the touch inside and out.
Place the shoe in direct sunlight if possible — sunlight is one of the most effective mold killers and costs nothing. A sunny windowsill, porch, or outdoor spot works well. If sunlight is not available, place the shoe in a warm, well-ventilated room with a fan running nearby to speed air circulation. Avoid heat sources like radiators or direct heat from a dryer, which can warp or crack the shoe material.
Drying usually takes 24 to 48 hours depending on the shoe's material and how wet it was. Leather and canvas dry faster than dense foam or rubber. The shoe is ready to wear or store only when it feels completely dry inside — any remaining dampness will allow mold to regrow.
When to replace shoes instead of cleaning them
If the mold smell persists after cleaning and drying, or if you can see mold growth deep in the shoe's padding or insole that you cannot reach with a brush, replacement is usually the better choice. Mold that has colonized the interior foam or glued-on insole will return because the spores are embedded in the material itself, and cleaning the surface alone will not reach them.
Similarly, if the shoe has been wet and moldy for more than a week before you discovered it, the mold has likely spread beyond what you can see. Shoes are relatively inexpensive compared to the time and effort of fighting mold that keeps returning, and a moldy shoe can also spread spores to other shoes stored nearby.
Storing shoes to stop mold from growing back
After the shoe is completely dry, store it in a breathable container — a cardboard box, cloth shoe bag, or open shelf. Never store shoes in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container, as this traps moisture and creates the exact environment mold needs to grow. If you live in a humid climate, place a small packet of silica gel or unscented baking soda inside the shoe to absorb any moisture that builds up over time.
Keep shoes in a cool, dry space away from basements, bathrooms, or other damp areas. A bedroom closet with a door that opens regularly is better than a sealed basement corner. If you notice any smell or dampness when you pull out a shoe to wear it, repeat the cleaning and drying process when ready rather than waiting for the mold to spread.
Preventing mold in shoes before it starts
The easiest way to handle mold is to prevent it. Wear moisture-wicking socks — synthetic blends or merino wool pull sweat away from your feet better than cotton. After wearing shoes, remove the insole if possible and let it air separately, or place the shoe in a warm, dry spot rather than closing it in a locker or bag while it is still damp.
If your shoes get wet from rain or sweat, dry them as soon as you get home. Stuff them with newspaper, place them in a warm room with air circulation, and replace the newspaper every few hours. Do not leave wet shoes in a gym bag, car, or closet overnight — that is how mold takes hold.
For shoes you wear regularly, rotate between two or three pairs so each one has time to dry completely between wearings. This straightforward habit stops moisture from building up and gives mold no foothold.
Cleaning different shoe materials safely
Canvas and synthetic shoes tolerate bleach well, but leather and suede need gentler treatment. For leather, use white vinegar only — bleach can discolor or damage the material. Scrub with a soft brush and let the vinegar sit for ten minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. For suede, use vinegar on a cloth rather than a brush, as brushing can damage the nap of the material.
Athletic shoes with mesh panels can be cleaned with either vinegar or dilute bleach, but avoid soaking the shoe. Rubber soles and plastic components are not harmed by bleach, so focus your cleaning solution on the areas where mold is visible. Always test your cleaning solution on a hidden part of the shoe first — the inside of the tongue or the back of the heel — to make sure it does not discolor the material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a washing machine to clean moldy shoes?
A washing machine can rinse away loose mold and dirt, but it does not kill mold spores the way vinegar or bleach does, and the moisture can make the problem worse if the shoe does not dry completely afterward. Hand cleaning with a brush and vinegar or bleach solution is more effective. If you do use a machine, use cold water, skip the dryer, and stuff the shoe with newspaper when ready after to absorb interior moisture.
Is it safe to wear shoes while they still smell like mold?
A lingering mold smell means spores are still present and active. Wearing the shoe will not make you sick in most cases, but it spreads spores to your socks and feet, and the smell usually indicates the mold will return quickly. Finish the drying process completely before wearing the shoe, or consider replacing it if the smell does not go away after cleaning and 48 hours of drying.
What if mold comes back after I clean the shoe?
Mold returns when the shoe is not drying completely between wearings, or when it is stored in a damp space. Check that you are storing it in a breathable container in a dry location, and rotate shoes so each one has at least a day to dry. If mold returns despite these steps, the shoe's material has likely been colonized and replacement is the practical choice.
Can I use baking soda instead of vinegar or bleach?
Baking soda absorbs odor and some moisture, but it does not kill mold spores the way vinegar and bleach do. Use baking soda as a follow-up after cleaning — sprinkle it inside the dried shoe to absorb any remaining smell — but always clean with vinegar or bleach first to actually remove the mold.
Do I need to throw away the insole if it has mold?
If the insole is removable and the mold is only on the surface, clean it the same way you clean the shoe — scrub with vinegar or bleach solution and dry in sunlight. If the mold has soaked into the insole material or the smell does not go away, replace the insole. Insoles are inexpensive and easier to replace than the whole shoe.