Are you looking for an effective way to eliminate those nasty, lingering odors from your trusty sandals? If you’re anything like me, it feels like no matter what kind of shoe cleaner or deodorizer you use. They just don’t seem to work.
We all have our favorite sandals that we wear every summer season, but no matter how much you love them, the smell that sometimes builds up in the fabric can be a total nightmare. If you’re stuck with stinky sandals and don’t know what to do – fear not! I’m here to tell you that there is a simple solution to this smelly problem – and it only takes a few minutes!
Read on for tips on how to get smell out of sandals and even use them as covers or decor items around your home!
What Will You Need?
- A container or bowl for soaking
- Baking soda, baking powder, or cornstarch
- Rubbing alcohol or vinegar
- Freshly washed sandals
- An empty spray bottle (if desired)
- Essential oils and lemon juice (optional)
Once you have gathered all your supplies, you are ready to begin.
10 Easy Steps on How to Get Smell Out of Sandals
Step 1. Use Warm Water:
Fill your container or bowl with water and add a few tablespoons of baking soda, baking powder, or cornstarch to the mixture. Stir until it has dissolved completely. Be careful not to use too much, as this could make cleaning your sandals more difficult.
Step 2. Soak Your Sandals:
Carefully place your sandals into the bowl or container and let them soak for at least 15 minutes. This will help loosen up any stuck-on dirt, debris, and odors that may be present. Ensure that there is enough water to cover the entirety of your sandals.
Step 3. Wipe Away Dirt:
Once your sandals have soaked for a while, take a sponge or cloth and gently wipe away excess dirt or debris that may be stuck to them. If you notice any particularly stubborn stains, use more baking soda, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol to help break them up. Be careful not to scrub too hard and damage the fabric of your sandals!
Step 4. Dry Off Your Sandals:
Once you’ve wiped away any dirt particles, allow your sandals ample time to dry off completely before moving on to the next step. You can speed this process up by using a hairdryer on low heat. You can also opt to place your sandals in direct sunlight for a few hours to dry out the fabric further.
Step 5. Sprinkle Sandals with Baking Soda:
Once your sandals are completely dry, it’s time to sprinkle them with some baking soda or cornstarch. This will help absorb any leftover odors and give your sandals a fresh fragrance. Let the baking soda sit on your sandals for at least half an hour before proceeding to the next step.
Step 6. Remove Odor and Debris With Alcohol or Vinegar:
Take a damp rag or cloth and gently rub off the baking soda you previously applied to your sandals. You should start noticing how fresh, clean, and odor-free your sandals smell! If you’ve opted to use vinegar or rubbing alcohol in the first step, it may be necessary to apply a little more before moving on.
Step 7. Spray With Essential Oils:
If you want to take your sandals’ scent up a notch, you can optionally spray them with a few drops of pure essential oils or lemon juice mixed with water. This will leave your sandals smelling great and provide an extra layer of protection against tough odors. Add lemon juice to a spray bottle with some water and shake well before applying.
Step 8. Air Out Your Sandals:
Once you’ve sprayed your sandals with essential oils or vinegar/lemon mixture, allow them ample time to air out before wearing them again. This will help prevent any unpleasant odors from building up inside the fabric again. If you find that your sandals continue to smell even after following these steps, don’t be discouraged! Simply repeat the process as needed until all signs of odor have been eliminated for good.
Step 9. Use Commercial Odor Removers:
If you find that your sandals continue to smell even after repeated washing and cleaning, there are a number of commercial odor removers available that can help. It may be worth trying one of these products before giving up completely on your sandals. Some popular options include odor-eliminating sprays, powders, or wipes specifically designed for footwear and other fabrics. Talk to your local sports store or shoe retailer if you want more information about how to get the smell out of sandals using commercial products.
Step 10. Replace Trim and Laces:
If you’ve tried all of the above methods but are still struggling with stinky sandals, it may be time to consider replacing any damaged laces or trim on your sandals. This will help prevent odors from being trapped around these areas again in the future and make your sandals look as good as new! Moreover, you may want to invest in a pair of odor-eliminating insoles for your sandals, which can help keep the inside of your footwear smelling fresh.
By following these simple steps, you can easily get the smell out of your sandals and keep them looking and smelling great for years to come. Whether you opt for natural remedies like baking soda or commercial sprays, taking care of your sandals is important in maintaining their quality and longevity. So why not give it a try today? Your feet will thank you!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
1. Wash your sandals regularly with soap and water to remove any dirt or grime that may be contributing to the smell.
2. If possible, let your sandals air out in the sun and fresh air for a few hours each day. Exposure to sunlight and fresh air can dry moist, smelly materials like leather and fabric.
3. Don’t wear your sandals daily if you can help it – give them a chance to rest and air out in between uses. Overuse can also lead to bad odors, as your feet will produce sweat regularly.
4. If you find that your sandals are especially prone to bad smells, consider investing in an odor-eliminating insert or spray for extra protection against stinky odors.
5. When all else fails, Buy a new pair of sandals! Over time, even the best products and cleaning methods will wear down, so don’t be afraid to replace your sandals if they begin to smell too much.
With these tips in mind, you can keep your sandals looking and smelling great for years to come. Whether you use natural remedies or commercial sprays, it is important to take care of your sandals with regular cleaning and maintenance.
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Avoid submerging your sandals in water for long periods of time, as this can cause the materials to warp or lose their shape.
2. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach on your sandals, as these can damage delicate fabrics and materials over time. Instead, opt for natural alternatives like baking soda or lemon juice to keep smelly odors at bay.
3. Avoid storing your sandals in confined spaces where they may collect moisture and develop bad odors, such as drawers or closets, over time. Instead, allow your sandals to air out and dry completely after each use.
4. Avoid wearing the same pair of sandals day in and day out, as this can lead to excess sweat buildup, likely resulting in bad odors over time. Instead, be sure to let your sandals rest between uses so that they can dry out fully before being worn again.
5. Avoid overusing commercial odor removers or deodorizing sprays on your sandals, as these products may contain harsh chemicals or fragrances that can damage materials and leave a lingering scent over time. Always opt for natural alternatives whenever possible!
Taking proper care of your sandals is key to keeping them looking and smelling great for years to come. With these simple tips and tricks, you can easily keep your sandals free from stinky odors and ready for all of your summer adventures.
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember when trying to get the smell out of your sandals is that you need to be patient. This process could take a few days, but it will be worth it in the end when your sandals smell fresh and new again. So don’t give up hope. Keep working at it; eventually, you’ll have sandals you can wear with pride.
Now that you know how to get smell out of sandals, you can wear them all summer long! Whether you choose to use one of the methods above or come up with your own solution, getting rid of the stink is simple and easy.
Hopefully, your sandals will smell great in no time. It just takes a little bit of effort and some time. So the next time you head outside, be sure to pack your favorite pair of sandals for a summer full of fun and adventure!
