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The unpleasant smell of shoes is a problem for many people. Sometimes you have to walk in boots or shoes, boots or ankle boots almost all day, and when you later take them off - the “aroma” literally hits you on the spot. Moreover, far from in a positive sense. Of course, unpleasant, even disgusting. In addition, in such an environment, bacteria and fungi develop much faster, leading to even more serious problems, now with health. Is it possible to somehow defeat such an insidious enemy? Of course, and we will tell you how to do it.
The smell of shoes: causes and pathogens
Before you start solving a problem, you need to figure out where it comes from. Indeed, knowing the reason, it is much easier to cope with its consequences.
There are a lot of factors of occurrence of an unpleasant "aroma":
- Feet sweating. This is especially true for those models of shoes that are made of non-natural materials. In them, ventilation is difficult, the skin quickly becomes hot and, in order to cool, it begins to sweat.
- Smelling materials were used in the manufacture. For example, some types of leatherette, modern polymers used in shoe manufacturing, glue, etc. can exert a very unpleasant odor.
- Improper care. Also quite an important point. When purchasing a new thing, always be interested in how to properly care for it. The key word here is “right,” because improper care can ruin the material, which subsequently begins to rot and stink.
- Off-season sock. Winter shoes are designed for winter, summer - for summer, etc. If you wear it outside the intended season, again, cause irreparable harm to the material and, therefore, cause odors even in the highest quality models.
Everyone knows that the best method not to come to this or that trouble is prevention. Proper care in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, timely wear, compliance with personal hygiene rules and, finally, careful attitude are a guarantee of getting rid of the problem of unpleasant smell from shoes. However, there is always a risk, and even the most accurate owner can have such a nuisance. What to do? Everything is simple.
Shoe odor elimination methods
Well, even the most thorough and thrifty care will not give a one-hundred-percent guarantee that a terrible “amber” will not appear. In general, the smell of shoes is not only hygienically and aesthetically unpleasant, but also quite uncomfortable for others. “Aroma” is usually very sharp, it spreads quickly and is very difficult to weather, therefore it causes great inconvenience to everyone. But today he will be finished once and for all.
All methods can be conditionally divided into "mechanical", "chemical" and "traditional", or "folk". We will talk about each group.
Mechanical methods
They consist in the fact that no special means are used, and the desired effect is achieved mainly without any effect on the shoes. For example, you can simply air your shoes regularly. Expose them in the open air (balcony, street) so that the material is well ventilated and dried out. Then the "amber" will not be so noticeable.
Another option is to remove the insoles. As a rule, it is they that are impregnated then most heavily, because the main pressure of the entire foot is applied to them. In the material of the insoles, dirt, bacteria, fungi accumulate, which actively multiply in heat and humidity. If you want to interrupt their feast forever - throw out this part of the shoe, replacing it with a new one.
Finally, a good helper in the fight against the enemy - ordinary washing or wet cleaning.Now many manufacturers offer shoes that feel great after going to the washing machine. The main thing is to use the correct mode. In addition, you can wash your shoes or shoes yourself, and then dry them in a natural way. But there is one danger: not all shoes tolerate such procedures well. Many low-cost or low-quality models simply fall apart from the effects of water. Therefore, be careful and better consult with the seller. By the way, sports types of shoes (sneakers, sneakers, etc.) are usually produced taking into account the fact that they need to be washed. But then again, not all.
Chemical methods
They are united by one feature: the obligatory use of certain means to eliminate odor. It can be:
- Special deodorants for shoes. They spray the inner surface, thereby neutralizing the smell. Purchased at shoe stores. Used on clean and dry boots.
- Absorbent gels and solids. They are based on absorbents - compounds that completely eliminate moisture. Have you seen small sachets with friable contents which are put in many friable food products, preventing their soaking? Approximately the same funds can be shoved into shoes. They absorb all moisture, eliminating the "aroma".
- Insoles. Some manufacturers went even further. They offer special, “magic” insoles, which, having their own aroma, neutralize all unpleasant odors. In addition, they are made from hygienic, breathable, natural material. They greatly reduce foot sweating.
- Activated carbon. Unexpectedly, but he also easily copes with the problem. And the thing is that the medicine is an excellent absorbent. It draws moisture into itself, thereby removing the smell. Put about half a dozen tablets in each boot (slippers, boots, etc.). Leave it overnight, and in the morning just take it away. The problem is resolved.
In addition to those already mentioned, there is another group. These are folk methods, those that were invented by the savvy and resourceful long before the advent of special tools. By the way, such methods are quite effective.
Folk methods
What do people tell us when faced with such a problem? Some tips:
- Soda. The most common, food. You don’t even need to breed it, just sprinkle it abundantly on the entire inner surface of the problematic shoes, and then put it off for several hours, you can all night. Soda absorbs all odors, dries, and at the same time disinfects shoes, destroying harmful microorganisms.
- Ammonia. No less effective means, although it has its own rather sharp aroma, but it quickly disappears. Process solution with an internal surface and dry. The method is very effective as a prophylaxis against the appearance of "aroma". For the same purpose, hydrogen peroxide will also go.
- Potassium permanganate. A great option for shoes made from synthetics. We also make a weak solution and wipe every centimeter inside. The smell will go away and never come back. Or will come back very soon.
- Vinegar. They need to moisten pieces of fleece or cotton pads, and then put in shoes and leave overnight. Take out in the morning - and that’s all, the enemy disappeared, shoes can be worn again. Not feeling any discomfort.
The problem of unpleasant smell from shoes is relevant for many. But now you are armed with various ways to deal with it and, we hope, they will help get rid of this discomfort once and for all, returning freshness, purity and accuracy.
Video: getting rid of the bad smell of shoes
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