Kristian Ferrell
Basketball shoes are one of the most important pieces of equipment for players, so keeping them clean and odour-free is essential. Stinky shoes are a common problem, but there are several easy and effective ways to tackle the issue. The main culprit of shoe odour is bacteria, which thrive in the presence of moisture and produce organic acids with a lingering stench. Therefore, removing excess moisture and killing bacteria are key to eliminating shoe odour.
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What You'll Learn
Use baking soda to absorb moisture and neutralise bacteria
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can be used to eliminate shoe odour. It is a powerful ally in the fight against shoe odour, as it doesn't just mask the odours with a strong fragrance but absorbs the smells at their source. It is also an excellent cleaning product for everything from carpets to clothes.
To use baking soda to absorb moisture and neutralize bacteria in your basketball shoes, sprinkle a layer of it directly into your shoes. You can use about a tablespoon for each shoe or a little more for a large shoe. Shake the shoes around to distribute the powder. Leave the baking soda in your shoes for at least 4 to 6 hours, but preferably overnight or even for a full 24 hours. The longer you leave it in, the more odour will be absorbed. During this time, the baking soda will soak up any bad odours and moisture, and it may also kill any odour-causing bacteria.
If you're in a hurry, you can leave the baking soda in for a shorter amount of time, such as 12 hours or overnight. If your shoes still smell, you can repeat the process to try to remove any remaining odour. You can also add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to the baking soda before adding it to your shoes for an extra scent booster.
If you're concerned about the baking soda making a mess in your shoes, you can put it into a sock, tie it off with a rubber band, and then put that into your shoes. This will help to keep your shoes clean, and you can reuse these sachets multiple times.
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Wash insoles and laces, or replace them
If your basketball shoes are smelling a little funky, it might be time to wash or replace the insoles and laces. Insoles are often the source of smelly shoe odours, as they absorb and retain moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Similarly, dirty laces can make your shoes look scruffy, so giving them a wash can help to freshen up the whole shoe.
Washing Insoles
To wash your insoles, start by removing them from your shoes. If you have Tread Labs insoles, separate the top covers from the moulded arch supports, as you will only need to wash the top covers. Fill a basin with warm water and add a small amount of mild soap. Use a soft brush or clean cloth dipped in the soapy water to gently scrub the insoles. If you have leather insoles, use a damp cloth to wipe them clean instead of rinsing them with water. Then, air-dry the insoles completely before placing them back in your shoes.
You can also use vinegar to clean your insoles and neutralise odours. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then spray or brush the solution onto the insoles and gently scrub with a brush. Rinse the insoles with clean water, then air-dry them completely before putting them back in your shoes.
Washing Laces
There are several ways to wash your laces, depending on their colour and how dirty they are. If your laces are white, you can use a small amount of bleach to get them looking clean again. Simply mix three tablespoons of bleach or detergent with a gallon of water, then submerge the laces in the solution and scrub away any remaining stains with a toothbrush. Rinse the laces and hang them up to dry.
If your laces are coloured, stay away from bleach and instead use a small amount of laundry detergent. Place the laces in a mesh bag and wash them on a cold cycle in the washing machine. Alternatively, you can hand-wash the laces in the sink. Fill the sink with warm water and add dish soap, then submerge the laces and soak them for 15-20 minutes. Scrub away any remaining stains with a toothbrush, rinse the laces, and hang them up to dry.
Replacing Insoles and Laces
If washing your insoles and laces doesn't get rid of the smell, or if they are very old and worn out, it might be time to replace them. Look for insoles made from materials like open-cell foam or natural fibres that can wick away moisture and prevent the growth of bacteria. You can also find anti-odour insoles treated with silver ion to keep them fresher for longer. For laces, simply purchase a new pair that match the colour of your shoes.
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Use a disinfectant spray or white vinegar to kill bacteria
One way to get rid of the smell from your basketball shoes is to use a disinfectant spray or white vinegar to kill the bacteria.
White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can be used to eliminate odours and bacteria in your smelly shoes. To use this method, combine equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. You can also add 12-24 drops of your favourite essential oil to add a scent to your spray. Spray the cleaning solution inside your shoes and allow them to dry fully.
Alternatively, you can create a paste by mixing equal parts baking soda, white vinegar, and water. Use a toothbrush to gently apply the paste to your shoes, inside and out, then set your shoes in the sun to dry.
If you don't have white vinegar, you can also use a disinfectant spray to kill the bacteria in your shoes.
Remember to clean your shoes thoroughly inside and out before applying any cleaning solution. Also, make sure to avoid completely immersing your basketball shoes in water, as this can damage them. Instead, use a soft-bristled shoe brush or toothbrush to remove excess dirt from the sole and outside of your shoe.
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Air dry your shoes after each use
Air drying your basketball shoes is a crucial step in keeping them fresh and odour-free. After each use, the insoles and soles of your basketball shoes may be damp from sweat, providing a breeding ground for bacteria and resulting in a lingering stench. To prevent this, it is essential to air dry your shoes at room temperature after every use.
Firstly, remove the insoles from your basketball shoes. This allows both the insoles and the shoes to dry more effectively. Place the insoles in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources such as a hairdryer. Insoles are often the primary source of unpleasant odours, so ensuring they are thoroughly dried is crucial.
Next, focus on drying the shoes themselves. Place them in a well-ventilated area, preferably in a spot that receives indirect sunlight. While direct sunlight should be avoided as it may cause discolouration or damage, indirect sunlight can aid in speeding up the drying process. Ensure the shoes are completely dry before your next use.
If you are in a hurry and need to accelerate the drying process, you can use a paper towel to pat the insoles and soles of your basketball shoes. Gently blot any visible moisture to speed up the drying time. However, ensure you do not rub or scrub the shoes aggressively, as this could cause surface damage to the material.
Additionally, it is beneficial to have multiple pairs of basketball shoes that you can rotate. This allows each pair to have sufficient time to air dry and breathe between uses. By giving your shoes a break, you reduce the likelihood of odour build-up and give any remaining moisture time to evaporate.
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Wash your feet regularly and thoroughly
Keeping your feet clean is an important part of reducing shoe odour. Even with the best foot hygiene, your feet may still smell. That's because your feet contain more sweat glands per square inch than anywhere else on your body. Bacteria in feet can multiply fast, so always remember to wash your feet thoroughly in the shower.
To wash your feet, start by lathering them with soap. Scrub them thoroughly, paying particular attention to dirty areas. Then, rinse with water. When you get out of the shower, make sure to completely dry your feet. Any moisture left on your feet encourages bacterial growth. Fungus, which causes a stinky smell, loves to linger on damp and wet feet.
If you can, try to wash your feet every day. This will help to prevent the build-up of bacteria and reduce the risk of unpleasant odours. It's also a good idea to change your socks daily and to avoid wearing the same shoes two days in a row. This gives your shoes a chance to air out completely. If you wear sneakers every day, consider having a few pairs in rotation.
In addition to washing your feet, you can also practice good foot hygiene by making sure to apply soap or cleanser between each toe and across the sole of the foot. Rinse well and dry your feet thoroughly after washing.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to clean your basketball shoes and remove the odour. You can use baking soda, white vinegar, soap and water, or rubbing alcohol. For the baking soda method, sprinkle a layer of it directly into your shoes and leave it overnight or up to 24 hours. You can also mix it with vinegar and water to create a paste and scrub your shoes with a toothbrush. For the vinegar method, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it on the shoes. For the soap and water method, mix some warm water with a little eco-friendly laundry detergent and gently rub the soles of your shoes with a cleaning cloth. For the rubbing alcohol method, soak some cotton pads in the alcohol and leave them in your shoes overnight.
Yes, you can put your basketball shoes in the washing machine, but only after removing the insoles and laces. Place your shoes in a mesh laundry bag and wash them with a load of towels or a typical load of laundry. However, some sources advise against putting your basketball shoes in the washing machine as it can damage the shoes or discolour the material.
To prevent your basketball shoes from smelling, make sure to clean them regularly, at least after every game. You should also avoid leaving them in your gym bag for an extended period as they won't be able to air out properly, leading to a buildup of odour.
To clean your insoles, remove them from your shoes and wash them in the washer like you would normally wash clothes. You can also create a water and baking soda solution and wipe them down with a paper towel dipped in this solution. If your insoles are still stinky after washing, consider buying new ones.
Some home remedies to remove the odour from your basketball shoes include putting a bar of soap into each shoe and leaving it overnight, putting your shoes in the freezer overnight, or using a disinfectant spray.
