Worried about bringing germs into your house because of dirty shoes? Studies show that E. coli and a host of other bacteria are found on most used shoes. Gives you the creeps, right?
If you’re wondering how to disinfect used shoes, there are fortunately many ways to do so. You can find below some easy and effective techniques that will solve all your problems with dirty shoes and the germs they bring. You can find the best way to disinfect shoes to your satisfaction.
Before proceeding with the cleaning methods, you need to be reminded not to bring dirty shoes inside your home while still wearing them. You don’t want dirty tracks all over the place! Take them off before entering and place them someplace safe – unless you want to do the disinfecting as soon as you get home.
Take a look at these different methods to disinfect used shoes.
Use Disposable Wet Wipes
Yes, you can use wet wipes for your shoes. It’s a quick way for disinfection. You do not need many items to do this process.
Check out these very easy steps:
Buy Disposable Wet Wipes
If you have them on hand, better! But if you don’t, go to the nearest store to buy them or purchase them online.
There are several brands of shoe wipes to choose from. One of the top ones is Sneaker Lab’s Sneaker Wipes. Here’s a link you can check: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sneaker-Lab-Sneaker-Wipes-12-Pack-Clean-Care-Protect/145112466.
Not surprisingly, baby wet wipes can also be used to disinfect shoes because they contain very mild detergents that ensure cleanliness without the worry of toxic chemicals.
One of the best brands to buy is Pampers. You can check out this link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Pampers/node/2598115011.
Remove Shoelaces
For shoes with laces, remove them to clean them separately. You want to ensure that every nook and cranny is wiped.
Open Up the Shoes
This applies to sneakers, boots, and closed shoes. Provide sufficient opening so that you can reach all areas for wiping.
Begin Wiping
Start the process of wiping dust and dirt. For efficiency, you should use all the clean sides of each wipe, then dispose of it and use a new one.
These disposable wet wipes are very convenient to use. They also adds more shine to the shoes and can remove scuff marks.
Use Deodorizer Sprays
If you want to know how to disinfect used leather shoes, as well as other shoes, deodorizer sprays are by far the easiest way. This is recommended for people who are too busy for more intricate cleaning and who are planning to use the same shoes the following day or even later in the same day.
These sprays typically come in different sizes for your convenience. There are many brands available, but one of the best on the market is the 10 Seconds Shoe Disinfectant and Deodorizer. This is how to disinfect shoes from fungus in the best way. Also, it helps deodorize your used shoes.
Check it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QCOF1M?tag=rollingston.
Now, for the very easy steps to follow:
Place the Shoes onTop of a Mat, Paper, or Rag
This ensures that you do the process effectively. Since you are using a spray, you should prevent any moisture from remaining in the place where you will do the cleaning.
Shake the Bottle Spray
Shaking the bottle spray well allows proper movement of the content. Now, don’t overdo the shaking!
Position the Spray Appropriately.
Don’t spray it too close. A good 20 centimeters distance should do the trick. Too close might ruin the fabric of the shoes, and too far might not allow for proper disinfection.
Start Spraying
Spray carefully. Make sure that all areas of your shoe are sprayed on. Reach right into the insides of your sneakers.
Just as the suggested product indicates, this process will only take ten seconds. Not a bad way for how to disinfect leather shoes and the like.
Disinfect With Alcohol
Nowadays, most households are not without rubbing alcohol. This is another good way to get rid of dirt and stains. Most importantly, it’ll disinfect used shoes.
Experts say that it is best to purchase isopropyl alcohol. A couple of the most effective brands to disinfect are Swan (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=swan+rubbing&ref=nb_sb_noss)
and Solimo (https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Brand-Isopropyl-Antiseptic-Technical/dp/B07NFSFBXQ).
Here’s what to do:
Find a Rag or Cloth for Wiping
You may also use a tissue, but, for best results, you should use a cloth or a rag. Make sure that it’s dry and clean before using.
Apply on the Shoe
Place a moderate amount of alcohol on the rag. Gently but thoroughly apply it onto the shoes. Please make sure that all areas are wiped.
Let it Dry
Let the shoes dry out for a bit before placing them in a box or a shoe rack. This will ensure total absorption.
Applying regular rubbing alcohol is a reliable way to disinfect shoes without a lot of hassle. You will finish in no time.
Use a Sanitizing Footbath Mat
In the last year or so, people have come to rely on footbath mats. They beat simply wiping your shoes on a regular floor mat because they can clean deeply. However, this only applies to the soles of the shoes or, at most, half an inch of the actual shoe. Nevertheless, it allows you to sanitize what you are wearing. You do not have to take the shoes off to do this.
Check these steps:
Procure a Footbath Mat
If your home does not have one, you may purchase mats in stores or even online. Once you have it, place it before the entrance to your home.
Add a Disinfecting Solution
You may also use rubbing alcohol (refer to the previous sections). Add the solution half an inch deep into the mat for best results.
Submerge Your Shoes Onto The Mat
Without taking them off your feet, step onto the footbath mat. Stay there for a good one minute so that the shoes are decontaminated effectively.
This process may not be able to completely clean your shoes, but it’ll keep your floors sterile.
Clean With Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda has several uses. It is a multipurpose cleaner that is effective and safe. It is another great way how to disinfect shoes from fungus. Mixing it with vinegar creates an all-natural solution.
Here are the very simple steps:
Mix the Two Ingredients
Place one part baking soda and two parts vinegar in a bowl. Don’t be alarmed, it’s supposed to fizzle and have bubbles.
Look For an Empty Spray Bottle
Pour the solution into a clean, empty spray bottle. Make sure that it’s tightly closed to avoid the solution spilling once you start spraying. Shake well.
Spray Onto The Shoes
Start spraying all over the shoes, then leave it on to dry. Don’t worry, the vinegar smell will eventually dissipate.
This process of spraying baking soda and vinegar solution onto your shoes is a fool-proof way of eliminating any fungus and bacteria that the shoe has accumulated. It’s also easy to make, and there are no complicated steps to follow.
Use a Shoe Cleaner Kit
This kit is what you normally see when you visit a professional shoeshine stand. A shoe cleaner kit typically includes a deodorizing spray, detergent, and a cleaning brush. This very handy ensemble can deeply clean shoes, especially heavy-duty ones.
Follow these steps:
Buy a Kit
There are shoe cleaner kits available at the mall, grocery shops, and even convenience stores. They are very cost-effective, and you can use them multiple times.
One of the best brands in the.
Find Cloth and Rags
You will use these in multiple ways. You need separate ones for cover and for wiping.
Place enough cloth on the table to cover the table from the dirt that will come out from the shoe, and then place the item to be cleaned.
Clean the Brush
The kit comes with a sturdy brush with strong bristles. Dip it into a bowl of cool water not only to clean it but also to soften the bristles.
Apply the Cleaner
Get the cleaner spray and sprinkle a good amount onto the brush. Never spray it directly onto the shoes. Applying it on the brush first makes it stay firmly on the tool for better brushing later.
Brush the Shoe
Proceed to gently brush the shoes. Brush the body first; then, do the midsole. Do not include the outsole just yet.
Wipe the Shoe
Using a different cloth or rag, wipe what you have brushed so far. Don’t rinse with water, just wipe it.
Dip the Brush
Dip the brush again into the bowl of water to clear away the dirt obtained earlier. Then, sprinkle the brush with the spray once more.
Brush the Shoe
This time, you are to brush the outsole. The reason why it needs separate cleaning is that when we clean the upper one, dirt will drip onto the bottom. So, it will not make sense to do it with the others when you may have to clean it again.
Apply the Freshener
Part of the kit is a freshening spray. Once you have wiped the entire shoe, sprinkle it with the freshener for a lasting, fresh smell.
Leave On To Dry
Typically, you need 24 hours for this. So, make sure that you store or place the cleaned shoes where they can dry more efficiently.
The set comes with a shoe shield which you can apply later. Its purpose is to repel oils and water, allowing your shoes to remain fresh longer.
A good, Solid Washing
Nothing beats the old-fashioned way. For certain kinds of shoes, you may clean them thoroughly by hand washing. You just need to check if the specific shoes you want to clean can withstand such a process.
You may refer to these steps:
Fill a Tub With Water and Detergent
You just need enough for the number of shoes you will be washing. Make sure that the water is just the right temperature – not too warm, not too cold. Use mild detergent.
Take Off The Shoelaces And The Soles
You should be washing the shoelaces, soles, and the actual shoe separately. So, carefully remove these items.
Begin The Washing
Soak them in the water for about 5 minutes so that the mixture of the water and detergent seeps into the surfaces. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the soles and the shoes. Don’t be too vigorous in doing so. You want to ensure that the fabric won’t be ruined.
For the laces, wash them by hand. Then, after cleaning, you may rinse them in the faucet or in a tub of clean water.
This process may be a bit tedious, but it ensures that you can scrub and clean your shoes to your satisfaction.
These are some of the ways to disinfect used shoes. Find one that suits you best so you can get rid of those germs!
