Don’t throw out your stinky shoesthese simple steps will back up your soles.
While it can be embarrassing, smelly shoes is a very common problem.
The odor comes from body soil and bacteria that accumulate in the shoesand the result can be pretty potent.
Photo:Brie Goldman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali
But that doesn’t mean you oughta toss your shoes out.
Why Do Shoes Smell?
A foot has about250,000 sweat glands, more per square inch than anywhere else on your body.
Brie Goldman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali
Bacteria produce organic acid waste that does smelland it smells bad.
Even with great foot hygiene, bacteria lingers in the shoes leaving them smelly.
That means it’s important toclean your shoes and bootsfrom time to time to both prevent and remove odors.
Brie Goldman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali
Check the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions.
Take Advantage of the Sun
The sun’s ultraviolet rays will kill bacteria.
This works best if the shoes are washed first but can reduce odor from damp athletic shoes.
Brie Goldman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali
Direct sunlight can cause color fading to some materials, so keep that in mind before using this method.
Rub on Some Rubbing Alcohol
Most of us have got a bottle of rubbing alcohol somewhere.
It’s got all kinds of uses, from cleaning cuts and bruises to disinfecting- and deodorizing- your shoes.
Brie Goldman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali
Freeze ‘Em!
Freezing clothes, especially jeans, is a common practice that helps kill bacteria and guess what?
It also works for shoes!
Brie Goldman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali
If you have really stubborn smell, this might take a few tries.
Try these quick tips to keep your shoes smelling fresh till the end of time.
Or, just until you buy a new pair!
Brie Goldman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali
Brie Goldman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali
Brie Goldman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali
Brie Goldman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali
Brie Goldman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali
