The perfect pair of shoes can come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of cleanliness. If you find a beautiful pair of shoes at a thrift store or sale, you may need to give them a little care before you can put them on. With a little effort to disinfect your shoes, you can quickly wear them in style.
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Method 1 of 3: Washing Shoes
Step 1. Clean the insole of the shoe
When washing shoes, remove and clean the insoles first. Prepare a mixture of warm water and laundry detergent in a small bowl. To wash insoles, use a sponge or patchwork to scrub and remove odors, dirt, and stains. Rinse the insole with warm water after scrubbing with the detergent mixture. Dry the soles by placing them near a window or on a towel.
- If the insoles still smell bad after washing, put them in a plastic bag filled with baking soda and let them sit overnight.
- If the insoles still smell bad after sitting overnight in a plastic bag filled with baking soda, soak the insoles for 2-3 hours in a mixture of water and vinegar. After that, wash the sole again with soap and water to get rid of the vinegar smell.
Step 2. Use a washing machine if the shoes are machine washable
Many types of shoes can be washed in a washing machine, such as running shoes, sneakers, and fabric shoes. If your shoes are machine washable, wash them in warm water and a stronger detergent. After washing, air dry the shoes (not toss them in the dryer).
- Remove the shoelaces before placing the shoes in the washing machine.
- Do not wash shoes in the washing machine if they are made of suede, leather, plastic, or other perishable materials.
Step 3. Wash the shoes manually (by hand) if the shoes are made of a softer material
If you want to wash your shoes or sneakers with a softer or more easily damaged material, hand wash your shoes instead of machine washing. Make a mixture of warm water and liquid detergent. Use a patchwork cloth or soft brush to scrub the surface of the shoe with the soapy water mixture. After that, prepare a clean patchwork and rub the shoes again with warm water to rinse them and remove the soap mixture.
- Leather shoes are hand washable. Use a patchwork to scrub the surface of the shoe with a mixture of water and soap.
- Suede shoes can be hand washed, but you still have to be careful. Use a rag or soft-bristled brush, and clean the surface of the shoe in a downward (vertical) motion. Brushing and cleaning the shoe in a one-way motion helps remove stains adhering to the material. If you're unsure about washing them, it's a good idea to take your shoes to a professional cleaning service provider.
Method 2 of 3: Using Chemicals to Get Rid of Germs from Shoes
Step 1. Soak the sneakers in alcohol
If you want to get rid of bad odors and bacteria, choose alcohol as a cleaning solution. Soak the shoes in a tub or large bowl of alcohol if the shoes are sneakers or fabric. For shoes with more sensitive materials, simply brush the surface using a patchwork dipped in alcohol.
Step 2. Use a mixture of bleach and water to disinfect the inside of the shoe
Bleach is a strong chemical that is perfect for disinfecting shoes. Make sure you only spray the mixture on the inside of the shoe, unless the outside is also white. Otherwise, the outer surface of the shoe may be stained with bleach. Use a small spray bottle to spray the bleach mixture on the inside of the shoe and get rid of any germs that stick to the area.
Step 3. Purchase an antibacterial spray product to clean all types of shoes
You can use an antibacterial spray product (eg Lysol or Clorox) to clean the inside of the shoe. Spray the entire inside of the shoe and allow the shoe to dry completely before putting it on. Using a product like this helps to get rid of germs from your shoes and removes bad odors.
Method 3 of 3: Remove Odor from Shoes
Step 1. Use vinegar to remove odor from shoes
Vinegar is believed to remove stubborn odors from items, including shoes. When washing shoes with a soap and water mixture, add a little vinegar to the mixture. After washing your shoes, you can also scrub the surface with a patchwork dipped in vinegar. Although the vinegar smell will slowly dissipate, the unpleasant odor has been removed from the shoes.
Step 2. Use baking soda to remove odors from shoes
Baking soda is a good deodorizing agent, so it can be used to get rid of bad odors from shoes. Pour 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda into each shoe, and shake the shoes to spread the baking soda evenly. Let the shoes sit overnight and remove any remaining baking soda from the shoes afterwards.
Step 3. Insert the dryer sheet into the formal shoes
Dryer sheets can give clothes a fresh scent, and can be used to freshen up smelly old shoes. Place two dryer sheets in each shoe and let it sit for a few days. Remove the dryer sheet before you put on your shoes. After that, your used shoes will smell fresher.
