Custom orthotics are an investment in your long-term foot health, but without proper care, they can develop unpleasant odours that affect your comfort and confidence. At LMC Footcare, we provide expertly crafted custom orthotics designed for both performance and durability
Why Do Custom Orthotics Develop Odour?
Footwear environments are warm and moist, and are perfect conditions for bacteria and fungi to thrive. When sweat and skin cells accumulate on your orthotics, these microbes break them down and produce odour as a byproduct. While the orthotics themselves are made of antimicrobial materials, poor hygiene or wearing the same pair too often without airing them out can still lead to unwanted smells.
Step-by-Step: How to Prevent Odour from Forming
1. Always Wear Clean, Moisture-Wicking Socks
Choose breathable, antibacterial socks—such as merino wool blends—to reduce perspiration buildup.
2. Rotate Footwear Daily
Avoid wearing the same shoes every day. Give each pair at least 24 hours to dry completely, especially after long walks or warm weather.
3. Practice Daily Foot Hygiene
- Wash feet thoroughly each day and dry completely, especially between the toes
- Apply an antifungal foot powder or spray if you’re prone to sweat
- Consider foot deodorants or natural antibacterial essential oils (like tea tree oil)
4. Let Orthotics Air Out Overnight
Remove your custom orthotics from your shoes after each use. Allow them to air out in a dry, well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight or heat.
5. Avoid Using Orthotics in Wet Conditions
Do not wear your orthotics in soaked shoes or damp environments unless they are made for water-resistance. Excess moisture shortens lifespan and intensifies odour.
Best Practices for Cleaning Custom Orthotics
What You Should Do:
- Wipe down orthotics weekly with a damp cloth and mild soap
- Use a 70% isopropyl alcohol spray to sanitize, light mist, then air dry
- Deodorize occasionally with baking soda: sprinkle, leave overnight, and brush off
What to Avoid:
- Don’t soak your orthotics or put them in the washer/dryer
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia
- Don’t expose orthotics to direct heat sources (radiators, dryers, sunlight)
Natural and Commercial Solutions for Odour Control
- Activated charcoal bags: Place inside shoes to absorb moisture and neutralize odours
- Shoe-specific UV sanitizers: Use light to kill bacteria and fungi
- Antimicrobial sprays: Choose medical-grade options recommended by footcare professionals
When to Replace Your Orthotics
Even the best orthotics lose their integrity over time. If the odour persists despite regular cleaning, it could be time to replace them. Watch for:
- Cracks or flaking material
- Flattened support areas
- Persistent odours that resist deodorizing
- Discomfort or reduced pain relief
Most orthotics last 1–3 years depending on usage, materials, and hygiene.
Why LMC Footcare Is Your Trusted Partner in Orthotic Care
Since 1997, we’ve helped patients across Toronto and Vaughan maintain not just pain-free walking, but total foot wellness. Our chiropodists are trained to:
- Diagnose and treat the causes of foot odour
- Recommend advanced orthotic materials
- Provide tailored cleaning and care instructions
Conclusion
In conclusion, removing odour from your custom orthotics begins with proactive steps: wearing moisture-wicking socks, rotating shoes, maintaining daily foot hygiene, and allowing orthotics to air out. Regular cleaning with mild soap, baking soda, or isopropyl alcohol, combined with natural odour fighters like charcoal bags or UV sanitizers, helps eliminate existing odour and prevent recurrence. Avoid soaking or exposing orthotics to heat, and consider upgrading to odour-resistant models available at LMC Footcare. With these simple, effective steps, your orthotics can remain fresh, functional, and free of odour for the long haul.
FAQs
1. Can I wash my custom orthotics in a washing machine?
No. Always clean them by hand with a damp cloth and mild soap. Machine washing can damage the materials.
2. How often should I clean my orthotics?
We recommend cleaning them lightly once a week, and deep deodorizing (e.g., with baking soda) every 2–3 weeks.
3. What type of socks help prevent odor with orthotics?
Moisture-wicking socks like bamboo, merino wool, or compression socks help reduce sweat buildup.
4. Are there orthotics that resist odor better than others?
Yes. At LMC Footcare, we offer orthotics with antimicrobial top covers and breathable materials specifically designed to combat odor.
5. What if my orthotics still smell after cleaning?
Persistent odor could signal it’s time for a replacement. Schedule a check-up at LMC Footcare to evaluate their condition.
