It’s inconvenient to approach this problem, but it happens very often, that’s why today we will tell you how to get rid of an unpleasant smell or avoid the smell of shoes: here’s what to do if it has become so strong that you wrinkle your nose. when you take your favorite sneakers off the shelf.
Before we discuss remedies for shoe odor, let’s look at why they appear in the first place.
Not sweat, but bacteria
On one square centimeter of the foot there are about 500 sweat glands – only the armpits and palms can compete with the legs in terms of iron population. Sweat itself is odorless, but it creates an ideal environment for the growth of fungi and bacteria, which, in turn, produce waste products with a very unpleasant odor. You can follow all the rules of hygiene and still encounter miasmas that make you wince: after all, in the shower you wash off microorganisms only from your feet, but they remain in your shoes.
What should you do if your favorite moccasins still look great, but your sense of smell no longer pleases you? Here are some tips that will help you!
Ways to eliminate shoe odor: the most effective
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How to get rid of unpleasant shoe odors with baking soda
Making an odor absorber from soda is very simple: mix it in equal proportions with cornstarch, pour it into two white cotton socks, tie it at the top, place it in your shoes for at least one night, and even better – for a day. This procedure should be repeated once a month. If you need to store your sandals or sandals, place them in a plastic bag containing baking soda for 24 hours.
Cleaning shoes from odors with vinegar
In a spray bottle, mix 5 to 8 percent distilled white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. Spray the inside of the shoes with the resulting solution after each wear (try not to let the liquid penetrate the surface – vinegar can discolor some materials). After the water-vinegar procedure, place the shoes in a well-ventilated area and let them dry.
How to Permanently Remove Odor from Shoes Using Phenols
Disinfectant solutions containing phenolic compounds are more effective than natural remedies for shoe odor: phenol derivatives have very high antimicrobial activity and retain it even when exposed to organic contaminants. Phenols have another advantage: they (for example, isaseptic and desiptol) are inexpensive.
Products based on phenolic derivatives are perfect for shoes that cannot be washed: treat the inside with a phenol-based disinfectant spray (make sure the sides of the shoes are slightly damp, but do not too much, they should not be too wet), then let the shoes dry (it is better not to wear them for at least a day).
Technique for deodorizing shoes with essential oils
If you prefer to use natural ingredients, the best shoe odor remedies are of course essential oils. Pay attention to tea tree, clove and cedar oils – they not only deodorize, but also have antifungal properties. You can use them in two ways: mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spray the inside of your shoes, or apply the oil to a cotton pad and leave it overnight in your shoes.
Dry shoes to eliminate odors in the sun
Sometimes shoe care and odor removal products aren’t necessary at all: ultraviolet light is enough to kill bacteria. Just expose your sports sneakers to the sun for two to three hours – this will help put them in order. True, this method has two disadvantages: firstly, it works only in the warm season, and secondly, it is not suitable for shoes made of natural and artificial leather.
Read also: 6 Ways to Dry Shoes Properly in Fall and Winter
Use a melamine sponge to remove odors
There are some very surprising home methods to combat shoe odor. Did you know, for example, that a melamine sponge can be useful for this? The sodium bisulfite it contains has antimicrobial properties: cut a piece of sponge and use it as a towel – wipe the inside of your shoes with this “gum”.
Frozen shoes
You may have heard that the freezer helps break shoes: you need to place containers of water in small boots, and then put the pair in the freezer – the liquid, turning into ice, will become more voluminous and freeze. will stretch. the skin. But freezing can also help with unpleasant odors: a low temperature will destroy fungi and bacteria.
Using Powders to Remove Shoe Odors: How to Use Boric Acid
This life hack has been known since the times of the USSR: take powdered boric acid (be careful, you have to buy it in a pharmacy, boric acid is not suitable for gardening – it is too “strong” ), pour one sachet into each shoe, shake so that the powder is evenly distributed, and in the morning, put on your shoes and wear them as usual.
Use special anti-shoe odor sprays
Sprays are designed to destroy germs without damaging shoes: this is their main advantage. They also have alternatives: for example, cooler balls, plates and tablets impregnated with an antimicrobial composition, which should be placed in shoes at night.
Unexpected but effective ways to eliminate unpleasant odors
These products are not intended for shoes and are unlikely to be found at home, but you can purchase them specifically to bring your favorite sneakers back to life. The first is… denture tablets: pour hot water into a bucket or basin, throw three or four tablets in and soak your shoes overnight (if they are washable, of course). The second concerns dryer sheets: just put one in each shoe in the evening and in the morning, they will smell like freshly laundered sheets.
Preventative measures against shoe odor
It is much easier to prevent a problem than to solve it later. Here’s what you need to do to prevent an unpleasant odor from appearing.
- Important proper shoe storage: Don’t place something you wear often in closed cabinets where it simply won’t have time to dry overnight. Much better options would be wall-mounted shoe racks or an open shoe rack.
- If you needed a reason to buy another pair of boots, here it is: advice from the experts don’t wear the same pair every day – this leads to the fact that it does not have time to dry and bacteria begin to multiply in it.
- Taking care of shoes to avoid odors also involves regular change of soles: buy new ones every year and take care of expensive orthopedic ones with special antibacterial sprays.
- Helps prevent moisture buildup in shoes special socksmade from special synthetic fibers (ordinary cotton fibers will only retain liquid).
- Respect hygiene rules: wash your feet once or twice a day, dry them thoroughly (preferably with towels or even a hairdryer if the shoes will be put on immediately after washing), don’t forget to cut and clean your nails and to use a scrub.
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Source: The Voice Mag
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
