Ayrton Oneill
Boat shoes are a staple for many, but they can often be a breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in a pungent odour. So, what's the best way to deodorize stinky boat shoes? Well, there are several methods you can try. Firstly, it's important to address the root cause by practising good foot hygiene and ensuring your feet are thoroughly clean and dry before donning your boat shoes. Additionally, wearing socks can help absorb sweat and reduce direct contact with the shoes. When it comes to treating the shoes, there are numerous household items that can be used to combat odours. These include baking soda, vinegar, essential oils, newspaper, kitty litter, and coffee grounds. For more intensive treatments, machine washing, disinfectant soaks, or freezing the shoes can be effective. However, it's important to exercise caution with certain materials, like leather, which may be damaged by some of these methods.
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What You'll Learn
Wash them in the washing machine
One of the best ways to deodorize stinky boat shoes is to wash them in the washing machine. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it effectively:
Step 1: Prepare the Shoes
Before placing your boat shoes in the washing machine, it's important to take a few preparatory steps. Start by removing any laces from the shoes. Cleaning the laces separately is essential, especially if they are made of leather. Place the laces in a bowl of cold water and dish soap, swish them around, and then rinse them with cold water. Let the laces air-dry for 24 hours before putting them back into the shoes.
Step 2: Choose the Right Settings
When it comes to selecting the right settings on your washing machine, opt for a warm water setting to prevent any cracking or melting of glue that may be present in the shoes. Set the machine to a gentle cycle to ensure that your shoes are cleaned softly without causing any damage. Additionally, select the extra rinse option to ensure that any soap residue is thoroughly removed.
Step 3: Add Laundry Detergent
Use a small amount of laundry detergent, about half the normal amount, and skip the fabric softener. Fabric softener can leave a residue that may attract dirt to your freshly cleaned shoes.
Step 4: Cushion the Shoes
To protect your shoes from excessive bouncing and movement during the wash cycle, place two large bath towels in the washer drum, positioning them in the middle between the shoes. This will help cushion the shoes and prevent them from knocking against each other or the sides of the machine.
Step 5: Wash and Air Dry
Once the wash cycle is complete, carefully remove the shoes from the machine and smooth out any crinkles in the fabric with your fingers. Avoid putting the shoes in a dryer as this can damage the shoes. Instead, stuff the shoes with balls of newspaper to help them maintain their shape while they air-dry. Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area and let them dry completely before wearing them again.
Additional Tips:
- If your boat shoes are made of genuine leather, be cautious about using water to clean them. While it's safe to use a damp cloth to wipe down the shoes and remove surface marks or dirt, immersing leather shoes in water can degrade the material and strip away its natural oils.
- Before washing your boat shoes, address any stubborn stains. For salt stains, use a mixture of two parts water and one part vinegar. For other types of stains, a soft-bristled brush, soap, and cold water can effectively remove scuffs and marks.
- To deodorize your boat shoes, sprinkle baking soda onto the insoles or inside the shoes and let it sit for 24 hours. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that absorbs smells and bacteria.
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Soak them in a Clorox solution
Soaking your boat shoes in a Clorox solution is a surefire way to get rid of the stench. However, it's important to note that this method may cause discolouration and reduce the lifespan of your shoes.
To start, create a 10% Clorox solution by diluting Clorox with water. Next, fully submerge your boat shoes in the solution and let them soak overnight. In the morning, give your shoes a good rinse to get rid of any remaining Clorox.
Allow your shoes to air-dry completely before wearing them again. It's important to ensure that your shoes are thoroughly dried, as bacteria and fungi thrive in damp environments.
While this method is effective, it's important to note that it may not be suitable for all types of shoes, especially those made of delicate materials. Additionally, it's always a good idea to test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area of your shoe first to ensure it doesn't cause any discolouration or damage.
To prevent your boat shoes from developing an odour in the first place, it's recommended to practice good foot hygiene and care. This includes regularly scrubbing and drying your feet, wearing clean and dry socks, and rotating between multiple pairs of shoes to allow for adequate drying time.
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Use baking soda
Baking soda is a cheap and easy way to deodorize your boat shoes. It is a natural deodorizer that absorbs smells and bacteria.
To use baking soda to deodorize your shoes, start by measuring out at least 1 tablespoon of baking soda into each shoe. You need to use enough to cover the entire insole. If you have big shoes, you may need to use more than 1 tablespoon. Once you have added the baking soda, shake the shoe to distribute it evenly. Tilt the shoe forward and back, and jiggle it from side to side. Be careful not to spill any baking soda; you want there to be lumps and clumps.
Let the baking soda sit in your shoes for a few hours, preferably overnight. Extra-stinky shoes may require up to 24 hours. During this time, the baking soda will soak up any bad odors and may also kill any odor-causing bacteria.
Once the time is up, turn the shoes upside down over a trash can or sink and tap and shake them to get the baking soda out. Don't worry if there is some baking soda dust left inside the shoe; it won't hurt you. If it really bothers you, you can always vacuum it up.
You can repeat this process as needed. If your shoes tend to get smelly often, you can do this once a week. However, avoid using this method too often on leather shoes, as the baking soda can cause the leather to become dry or brittle over time.
If you want to add a nice fragrance to your shoes, you can mix the baking soda with a few drops of an essential oil, such as citrus or lavender. Simply put 2 tablespoons of baking soda into a small bowl and add 5 drops of essential oil. Stir the mixture with a fork until there are no more lumps or clumps. Then, follow the same steps as above to deodorize your shoes.
Another option is to make deodorizers using baking soda and socks. Take two clean, hole-free socks and fill each with 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Gently shake the socks to distribute the baking soda, then tie off the ends with a string, ribbon, or rubber band. Tuck the socks into the toes of your shoes and leave them there overnight, or for up to 48 hours. The baking soda will absorb odors, and the socks will help keep your shoes clean.
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Try a disinfectant treatment
Boat shoes are often worn without socks, which can lead to a buildup of bacteria and fungus, causing an unpleasant odour. To deodorize your boat shoes, you can try a disinfectant treatment. Here are some methods to try:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that absorbs smells and bacteria. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside each shoe and let it sit for several hours, preferably overnight. You can also mix baking soda with other household items for a more intensive treatment. One mixture includes ¼ cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of baking powder, and ½ cup of cornstarch. Put the mix in a pair of cotton socks or sprinkle the mixture in both shoes and leave it overnight. You can also add a few drops of your favourite essential oil for an extra scent boost.
Vinegar
Vinegar neutralizes odours and fights bacteria. Mix white vinegar with water in equal parts in a spray bottle and spray the solution inside the shoes. Allow the shoes to dry completely before wearing them again. This method can be used after each wear to keep your boat shoes smelling fresh.
Bleach
If you are not worried about potentially damaging your shoes, you can try soaking them in a bleach solution. Rinse the shoes thoroughly after soaking and allow them to air-dry.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to kill bacteria and eliminate odours. Pour a generous amount of hydrogen peroxide into your boat shoes and watch the bacteria bubble away. Rinse the shoes with water and allow them to dry.
Sneaker Balls
Sneaker balls are globe-shaped deodorizers that can be placed inside your shoes after each wear. They contain an odour eliminator that helps to keep smells at bay. Regular use of sneaker balls will help prevent your boat shoes from developing strong odours.
Foot and Shoe Sprays
Foot and shoe sprays can be used on both your feet and your shoes to eliminate odours and kill bacteria. These sprays can be used to reverse serious foot odours that have built up in your shoes.
Other Tips
In addition to disinfectant treatments, there are other ways to prevent and eliminate odours in your boat shoes:
- Wash your feet regularly and thoroughly, especially between your toes.
- Dry your feet completely after washing, as lingering moisture contributes to foot and shoe odours.
- Use foot powders or antiperspirants to address perspiration.
- Wear socks made of moisture-wicking materials such as polyester, nylon, and wool.
- Rotate between multiple pairs of shoes to allow each pair to dry completely before wearing them again.
- Avoid freezing your shoes, as this will not effectively eliminate odours.
- Avoid using air fresheners, perfume sprays, dryer sheets, or essential oils, as these will only temporarily mask the odour.
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Air them out
Airing out your shoes is a great way to combat odour-causing bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms thrive in warm, damp environments, so letting your shoes air-dry in direct sunlight for a few hours after each wear can help prevent them from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
If your shoes are already stinky, try leaving them out to air-dry for a full day or two. If the odour is particularly strong, you may need to let them air-dry for up to a week.
To speed up the drying process and ensure your shoes are thoroughly dried, you can stuff them with newspaper or a cloth before setting them out to air. If you don't have any newspaper, you can also use specialised cedar shoe trees, which have the added benefit of killing bacteria. If you use cedar shoe trees, remember to lightly sand them every now and then to refresh their odour-absorbing properties.
While airing out your shoes is an effective way to combat odours, it's important to remember that it won't completely eliminate bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms will continue to be present in your shoes and will start to produce odours again as soon as your shoes become damp. Therefore, it's a good idea to combine airing out your shoes with other odour-fighting methods, such as using baking soda or an odour-eliminating spray.
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