Are you a sandal devotee? If so, you know the struggle of putting on stinky feet after a long day — and trying to figure out how to make your favorite flip-flops or slides not smell. It’s absolutely possible (and relatively easily) to banish that odor for good, so if you’re looking for some tips and tricks, this is the right blog post for you!
If you’re like many people, you love wearing sandals for their comfort and convenience. But frankly, during hot summer months, one of the biggest worries is ensuring your sandals don’t start to stink! Never fear – with a few simple tips and tricks, it’s easier than ever to keep your sandals from smelling bad.
Read on for our guide on how to make sandals not smell so you can continue rocking them all summer long!
Summary: To keep your sandals smelling fresh, there are several things you can do. The first is to make sure you air them out after each use. Removing any moisture from the inside of the sandal will help prevent odors from forming. You can also sprinkle baking soda inside the sandal to absorb any odors. Another option is to use a vinegar solution to kill odor-causing bacteria. Simply mix water and vinegar, spray the solution inside the sandal, and let it dry..
What Will You Need?
To get rid of the smell from your sandals, you’ll need a few supplies:
- A washing machine
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice or white vinegar (optional)
- Gentle detergent
- Rubber gloves (optional)
Once you have all of these items, you’re ready to start tackling how to make sandals not smell.
10 Easy Steps on How to Make Sandals Not Smell
Step 1. Clean the Sandals:
Remove any dirt or debris on the outside of your sandals using a damp cloth. You can also spot-clean the inside of your sandals, too. It will make the next steps more efficient.
Step 2. Add Baking Soda:
Sprinkle some baking soda inside each sandal, and let sit for a few minutes to absorb any odors. This will make your sandals smell better and help soak up sweat and oils that contribute to smells. Be careful not to use too much baking soda, as it can make the sandals feel uncomfortable.
Step 3. Wash Your Sandals:
Put your sandals in the washer with a gentle detergent. If you want to add extra odor-reducing power, pour in some white vinegar or lemon juice. Set the temperature to cold and wash on a delicate cycle.
Step 4. Rinse Your Sandals:
Once your sandals are done washing, rinse them thoroughly with cool water to remove any remaining baking soda. Add a bit of vinegar to the rinse cycle as well, if needed. It can help reduce odors even more.
Step 5. Remove Any Extra Moisture:
After rinsing, gently squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel. After this step, you can also stuff newspaper inside each sandal to help remove and absorb any remaining moisture. Ensure that the sandals are completely dry before wearing them.
Step 6. Place Sandals in Direct Sunlight:
If needed, place your sandals outdoors in direct sunlight and let them sit for a few hours. This can help to diminish any remaining odor-causing bacteria and release any odors trapped in the sandal material. Additionally, the sun’s UV rays can help sanitize your sandals and make them smell fresh again.
Step 7. Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry:
To avoid smelly feet, make sure to keep your feet clean and dry at all times. This will reduce the chances of bad smells transferring from your feet onto your sandals. If your feet are sweaty and you’re prone to foot odor, consider applying a deodorizing foot powder before putting your sandals on.
Step 8. Alternate Between Pairs of Sandals:
If you have multiple pairs of sandals, try alternating between wearing different ones each day so that they don’t get overly worn down or retain too much sweat or dirt. You can also rotate between close-toed shoes and sandals to give your feet a break from the heat. It will also help reduce how often you need to wash your sandals since they won’t be worn as frequently.
Step 9. Clean Your Sandals Regularly:
Keep up with regular cleaning of your sandals! This will help reduce bacteria buildup and keep odors under control. Once a week, use the same steps we’ve outlined in this blog post (and don’t forget the baking soda!) to keep your sandals smelling fresh.
Step 10. Store Sandals Properly:
When you’re not wearing them, store your sandals in an open space where they can breathe properly. Avoid using airtight or plastic containers, as these can contribute to bad odors over time. Instead, find a spot that gets good ventilation and place your sandals there. This will help keep them smelling fresh until they’re worn again.
Following these ten easy steps will help keep your feet fresh and odor-free all summer. With a bit of care and attention, you can make sure your sandals don’t suffer from bad smells and remain smelling fresh for a long time. Don’t forget to clean them regularly, rotate between pairs of sandals, and store them in an open space! Happy summer!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Use a shoe deodorizer spray. A good quality product can help eliminate odors and make your sandals fresh again.
- Place an odor absorbing pouch or product in the shoes when not wearing them. Products like activated charcoal, baking soda, or kitty litter can all be used to absorb moisture and odors inside the shoes.
- Alternate your sandals with other types of shoes so that they get proper rest between wearings and sweat has time to dry out of the material between use.
- Spray the sole of the sandal with an antiperspirant product before wearing them for long periods of time or during warm weather activities where sweating may occur frequently. This will help to prevent the buildup of sweat and odors.
- Clean the insoles of your sandals regularly with soapy water, a mild detergent or an anti-bacterial cleaner to keep them free from bacteria that can cause odor. Additionally, try sprinkling some baking soda in the shoes after cleaning for extra odor absorbing power!
These easy tips and tricks should help you learn how to make sandals not smell. While it may take some trial and error to find what works best for you, it’s worth making an effort – no one wants smelly feet! Be sure to follow up any routine cleaning with a shoe deodorizer spray or product every once in a while just to make sure your sandals stay as fresh as possible.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Storing your sandals in a dark, damp location can cause mold and mildew to form and make your sandals smell even worse.
- Wearing your sandals too often – constantly wearing the same pair of shoes will cause bacteria to build up; you should switch between pairs as often as possible.
- Not cleaning or disinfecting your sandals regularly – it’s important to clean and disinfect them at least once every two weeks (or more frequently if they are regularly exposed to dirt, sweat, or water).
- Using harsh chemicals when cleaning them – some products found in stores are too abrasive and can damage the material of the sandal itself.
- Not using an odor-absorbing insert – putting an odor-absorbing insert inside your sandal can help to absorb any bad smells. This will keep your sandals smelling fresher for longer.
Remember, if you take the proper steps and avoid these common mistakes, you’ll be able to make sure that your sandals don’t smell. That way, you can show them off in style!
Does Salt Get Rid of Shoe Odor?
Salt can be used as a way to help get rid of shoe odor. The salt absorbs moisture, which in turn helps to reduce odors caused by bacteria buildup. To use salt for this purpose, sprinkle it inside your shoes and leave it overnight. The next day, brush out any excess salt, and your shoes should smell fresher.
In conclusion, using salt can be an effective way to help make sure that your sandals don’t smell. It’s an easy and inexpensive solution that can help you keep your sandals smelling fresh and free of odor-causing bacteria. So, if you want to make sure that your sandals don’t smell, give salt a try!
Additionally, you can also use baking soda or an odor-absorbing product (such as charcoal) in the same way that you would use salt: simply sprinkle the substance inside your shoes and leave it overnight. This will help absorb bad smells and keep them from returning too quickly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, no one wants their sandals to smell. With a few simple techniques, you can help keep your shoes from becoming the source of embarrassing odors. Keeping your feet and insoles dry, using foot deodorizers, and airing out your shoes between wearings are all steps that will lessen the odor potential. For even more protection, consider treating your sandals with a protective coating like waterproofing spray or leather conditioner before wearing them every day.
These suggestions are easy to put into practice and can make a huge difference in keeping your sandals smelling fresh.
Hopefully, this guide on how to make sandals not smell has armed you with the tips needed to make sure your favorite sandals stay odor free!
