Hello there! Today, I am tackling a rather unpleasant topic: what to do about bad smells in your boots and shoes. It’s something most of us deal with at some point, yet it can be quite inconvenient.
I never thought I would write about this myself. But as I just stumbled across yet another article with weird(?) tips like baking soda, dryer sheets, freezing shoes, tea bags, and essential oils, I figured it was time to share my simple experience. I have to admit, I’ve never tried any of the above methods myself! Instead, I want to tell you about a straightforward and surprisingly effective solution I discovered.
Just wash them.
This one method is rarely mentioned: Just wash them! Really, it’s that easy. I came across this tip on the Lowa website while checking proper maintenance for mountain boots. To be very honest: when I did wash my boots from the inside the first time, it felt really wrong to pour water into the shoe. But on the other hand: it’s not much different from getting really soaked when being surprised by a heavy rain shower, isn’t it?
Here’s how you can do it
- Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Start with a bucket of warm water and add a small amount of soap. This will help break down the grime and kill the bacteria causing the bad smell.
- Grab a Soft Sponge or Cloth: Use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid damaging the material of your shoes. Dip it into the soapy water and gently scrub the inside of your boots or shoes. Pay special attention to areas where your feet have the most contact, as these are often the culprits for bad odors.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse out the soap with clean warm water. You can use a separate clean cloth or sponge for this part.
- Drying: Let the shoes dry naturally. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or on a heater, as this can damage the material. Instead, place them in front of a fan with the openings facing towards the airflow. This method ensures a steady stream of fresh air to dry the shoes quickly and efficiently. My shoes were dry within a day using this technique.
- Waterproofing & Leather Protection: Once your shoes are completely dry, don’t forget to impregnate them and apply a shoe cream to the leather parts. This step helps to condition the leather, keeping it supple and not become brittle. It’s a simple yet crucial part of maintaining your footwear.
And there you have it – a straightforward method to keep your boots and shoes smelling fresh and clean. It’s surprising how effective a simple wash can be, yet it’s a tip that is rarely mentioned. So next time you’re dealing with smelly footwear, skip the fancy hacks and give this basic wash method a try. And check out the Lowa maintenance page if in doubt.
Happy hiking!