The perfect pair of shoes can come in different shapes, sizes and in certain clean conditions. If you have found the right shoes for you at a thrift store or flea market, they will need some care and attention before they can be put on. If you're willing to invest some time and effort to disinfect them, you can start wearing them and get the look you want in no time.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Wash Your Shoes
Step 1. Clean the insoles
When it comes time to clean your shoes, you first need to take off the insoles and wash them. Prepare a solution of hot water and laundry detergent in a basin. To clean these components of the shoe, use a sponge or rag and scrub them to remove any odors, dirt and stains. When finished, rinse the insoles with warm water, then leave them near a window or on a cloth to dry.
- If they smell bad even after washing, put them in a plastic bag with baking soda overnight.
- If they still stink after leaving them in the bag overnight, soak them for 2 to 3 hours in a solution of water and vinegar. Then, wash them again with soap and water to get rid of the vinegar smell.
Step 2. Put the shoes in the washing machine if it is a model that can be washed this way
Many models of footwear can be washed in the washing machine, including running shoes, trainers and most textile ones. If yours can also be washed like this, set up a wash cycle with hot water and use a strong detergent. When finished, let them air dry instead of putting them in the dryer.
- Remove the laces before putting your shoes in the washing machine.
- If your shoes are made of suede, leather, plastic or other delicate materials, you must not wash them in the machine.
Step 3. Wash them by hand if they are of a more precious material
If they were made with a more beautiful or more delicate material, you cannot do an aggressive wash; therefore, you have to wash them by hand. Make a soapy solution of hot water and liquid laundry detergent. Use a rag or soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the shoes. When you have thoroughly cleaned with soapy water, take a new rag and rinse it with warm water to remove all traces of detergent.
- Leather shoes must be hand washed. Use a rag and gently scrub them with the soapy water solution.
- Suede ones also have to follow the same treatment, but in an even more delicate way. Take a soft-bristled cloth or brush and clean the suede with downward motions. If you go in one direction when brushing / cleaning the suede, you can get rid of stains more easily. If you are worried about ruining your shoes, see a professional.
Part 2 of 3: Using Chemicals to Disinfect Shoes
Step 1. Dip your sneakers in denatured alcohol
If you need to get rid of odor and bacteria, this is the solution. If it is sneakers or textile, you can soak them in the tub or in a large enough tub with alcohol. On the other hand, if the material is particularly delicate, wipe it carefully using an alcohol-soaked cloth.
Step 2. Use a mixture of water and bleach to disinfect the interior
Bleach is a powerful chemical and is perfect for this purpose. Unless they are white, be very careful and only spray the bleach on the inside of the shoes, otherwise the substance could stain the outside. Use a spray format and spray the product thoroughly throughout the interior space to disinfect it.
Step 3. Purchase an antibacterial spray to disinfect all types of shoes
This product is available in major supermarkets and pharmacies. Spray it on the inside of the shoes, then let the shoes dry completely before putting them on. This method allows you to sanitize your shoes and at the same time eliminate bad smells.
Part 3 of 3: Deodorize the Shoes
Step 1. Use vinegar
This substance is known to eliminate stubborn odors from everything, including shoes. When you wash your footwear with soap and water, add a little vinegar to the mixture. Afterwards, you can also scrub the shoes with a cloth soaked in pure vinegar. The smell of this substance will fade but you will have completely eliminated any stench.
Step 2. Use baking soda
It is a product with a great deodorizing power and is therefore one of the best for eliminating stench from shoes. Pour 2-3 tablespoons into each shoe, shaking them to spread the powder evenly. Let it sit overnight and then wipe off the excess baking soda.
Step 3. Put some sheets of dryer fabric softener inside the shoes
This product is great for perfuming and freshening clothes, so it can also eliminate bad odors from shoes. Put two sheets in each shoe and let them sit for a couple of days. When finished, remove the slips before putting on your shoes. By doing this, the smell of used shoes should have faded considerably.
