Cleaning Smelly Shoes

No matter how clean you may be, your feet will still produce an unpleasant odor, especially if you wear the same pair of shoes day every day. It doesn’t matter if you’re running, walking, or merely sitting all day long, your feet will naturally sweat — some people’s more than others. Some activities, such as working out may increase the smelliness. My son has the nastiest smelling feet I’ve ever encountered. During baseball season in the summer is the absolute worst.

Odor eliminators help, but getting to the root of the problem and preventative measures are the best way to combat this stinky situation. Keep your shoes and feet as dry as possible. Try to rotate your shoes and not wear the same ones day in and day out, even though they are so comfortable. I’ll admit to having 2 pairs of the same exact shoes because I love them so much. Unless you are wearing sandals, your should ALWAYS wear socks. They will absorb the dampness and keep that off your shoes.

Sometimes the inevitable strikes and the smell is stuck. Thanks to Good Housekeeping, I found some instructions to aid in cleaning your shoes and ultimately eliminate the foul stench.

1^St – Before you start, make sure your shoes are completely dry. If they are damp or wet from daily wear, exercise, or poor weather conditions, stuff them with crumpled newspaper and let them air dry away from direct heat.

2^Nd – Fill two socks with baking soda, tie them off at the top, and slip one sock in each shoe. Let them sit overnight.

Some shoes are machine washable – Follow care instructions. Most shoes can be washed on gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Shoes should be air dried to prevent shrinkage. No one likes shrinkage. If you’re afraid to use the machine, you can always try spraying Lysol, or sprinkle baking soda inside.

If you have done all of the above options and the odor still persists, it may be time to invest in a new pair of shoes.

Check out abudgetselfstorage.com/blog for more tips and tricks around the house.