How to clean and maintain foot orthoses

Proper care and cleaning of your foot orthoses are essential to preserve their effectiveness, extend their lifespan, and prevent bacterial growth and unpleasant odours. Regular cleaning with the right methods also helps prevent premature deformation of your orthoses.

In this article, we’ll go over the cleaning steps, precautions to take, care based on materials and when to consult a professional. We’ll share tips from our experts on how to maximize the durability of your orthoses, maintain comfort and make them last longer.

How to clean foot orthoses: The method our orthotists recommend

Regular cleaning is one of the best ways to ensure your orthoses last and remain effective. Our orthotists recommend a simple method:

• Use a microfibre cloth lightly dampened with lukewarm water and a gentle, neutral pH soap.
• Wipe the surface carefully, rinse the cloth and wipe again to remove any residue. This prevents bacterial growth and helps your orthoses retain their properties longer.

Important precautions: Avoid hot water, solvents, alcohol, bleach and stiff brushes. These can weaken adhesives, deform materials and shorten the lifespan of orthoses. Never fully immerse your orthoses in water or place them near a heat source, which could result in deformation.

For leather coverings, use an appropriate product to maintain softness and grip. Clean non-slip areas with non-abrasive products to preserve their effectiveness.

Why clean your foot orthoses

Regular maintenance significantly improves the longevity and effectiveness of foot orthoses. It reduces the risk of deformation, bacteria accumulation, unpleasant odours and dirt that could harm foot health.

While proper care increases longevity, orthoses are not permanent. Custom foot orthoses generally last two to five years—and proper maintenance maximizes this lifespan.

To keep your orthoses effective, we recommend seeing our experts regularly and carefully monitoring for signs of wear: smooth or peeling coverings, cracks, collapsed arches, new pain (heel, forefoot, knee, back) or instability in your shoes.

Médicus, your trusted partner for foot orthosis care

Your foot orthoses are designed to relieve foot pain, improve comfort and protect your joints. Regular follow-up is essential to maintain their effectiveness. As foot orthosis specialists, we provide personalized support and follow-up tailored to your needs.

When to see your orthotist: If your orthosis is deformed, uncomfortable or causes pain. If the covering is peeling or wearing off quickly. Or if you’ve changed shoes and the fit no longer feels right.

Book an appointment today at one of our Quebec locations. Our trained and qualified orthotists are here to guide you and provide advice on maintaining your foot orthoses to ensure their longevity and effectiveness.