How can pretty, pedicured feet leave your sneakers so stinky? It’s simple. When you put in a tough workout, your feet will sweat. If that moisture doesn’t get aired out, bacteria will grow. Here’s the good news: washing sneakers in a washing machine is safe and can certainly keep them clean. But if you don’t have easy access to a washing machine, you can also use a little elbow grease to prevent bacteria buildup – and combat the stench.
How to clean shoes you sweat in
Try these natural DIY tips to keep your workout shoes fresh and your feet healthy.
What you’ll need:
Old tooth brush
Clean sponge
Dry cloth
Baking soda
Liquid laundry detergent
How to clean your shoes:
1. Remove shoe laces and either replace or wash.
2. Using an old toothbrush, remove all dirt from the soles of your sneakers.
3. Make a paste with the baking soda and detergent (amount depends on the level of dirty)
4. Using the toothbrush again, apply the paste to any dirty spots and scrub until clean.
5. Dip a clean sponge into water and scrub to remove paste.
6. With clean cloth, wipe dry.
7. Sprinkle extra baking soda inside clean sneakers and let air dry (preferably outdoors) for a few
8. Shake out baking soda and re-thread clean laces.
How to keep shoes clean: 3 DIY shoe deodorizers
Now that your workout shoes are clean, it’ll be easy to keep them that way. By using either a refreshing shoe deodorizer after every workout, your sneakers will always smell like new!
Shoe deodorizer spray
What you’ll need:
1 small spray bottle (about 2.7 oz.)
Liquid witch hazel
Distilled water (optional or use all witch hazel)
Thyme essential oil
Eucalyptus essential oil
Tea tree essential oil
Peppermint essential oil
How to make shoe deodorizer spray:
1. Fill spray bottle halfway with witch hazel. Fill almost to the top with distilled water (or just use all witch hazel), leaving room for essential oils and spray top.
2. Add 1 drop thyme, 2 drops eucalyptus, 4 drops tea tree and 6 drops peppermint oil.
3. Insert spray top and shake well to combine.
4. After every workout, shake the bottle and spray lightly inside of sneakers (especially the toe box). Let air dry before wearing again.
Easy shoe deodorizer sock sachet
2 old (clean) socks
16 oz. baking soda
Essential oil of your choice (suggestions tea tree, peppermint, lemon, rosemary)
How to make a gift-worthy shoe deodorizer sachet:
1. In a bowl mix together the baking soda, arrowroot powder and essential oils. Mix well to break up any clumps from the essential oils.
2. Lay fabric squares flat and spoon a good amount of mixture into the middle of each square.
3. Pull up the corners of the fabric and tie with string.
4. Place 2-3 sachets in each shoe. These can be used for about two weeks (if your shoes are worn heavily) and up to one month with lighter use.
Pro tip: you can also reuse the fabric squares several times and just replace the powder.
