Life Encyclopedia丨Taking off shoes = biological weapons? Pay attention to these tips for removing odor from shoes!

In daily life, odorous shoes are a headache. When we take off our shoes, the pungent smell not only embarrasses ourselves, but also affects the people around us. In fact, the odor of shoes is not without reason. If you understand the cause and master the correct deodorization method, you can easily solve this problem.

Causes of shoe odor

Sweat breeds bacteria : Our feet have abundant sweat glands and secrete a lot of sweat every day. The inside of the shoes is relatively closed, and the sweat cannot evaporate in time, which provides a breeding ground for bacteria. When bacteria decompose the protein and fat in the sweat, they will produce an unpleasant odor. Especially after exercise, if a lot of sweating is not dealt with in time, the odor of the shoes will be more obvious.

Influence of materials : Shoes made of different materials have different air permeability. Materials such as rubber and artificial leather have poor air permeability, which is not conducive to the discharge of sweat and air circulation, and is more likely to accumulate odor. Shoes made of natural leather or cotton fabrics have relatively good air permeability, but if they are not cleaned for a long time or improperly maintained, they will also produce odor.

Wearing habits : Some people are used to wearing shoes without socks, which directly contacts the shoes with the skin of the feet. Sweat will directly stain the shoes, increasing the chance of odor. In addition, wearing the same pair of shoes for many consecutive days without giving the shoes enough time to dry and ventilate will also make the odor worse.

Practical deodorization tips

White vinegar deodorization method : White vinegar contains acetic acid, which has the function of sterilization, disinfection and neutralization of odor. Mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle in a ratio of 1:1, shake well and spray evenly on the inside of the shoes, including the soles, uppers and insoles. After spraying, place the shoes in a well-ventilated place to dry. Be careful not to expose them to the sun to avoid damaging the material of the shoes.

Baking soda deodorization method : Baking soda is an alkaline substance that can react with odor molecules and effectively remove odors. Pour an appropriate amount of baking soda into the shoes and shake them gently to evenly distribute the baking soda in every corner of the shoes. After leaving it overnight, pour out the baking soda the next morning and the odor will be much less. If the odor is severe, you can repeat this process several times.

Tea deodorization method : Don't throw away used tea leaves, they are a good helper for deodorization. Put the dried tea leaves into a gauze bag or old socks, and then stuff them into your shoes. Tea leaves have the property of absorbing odors and can make the air inside the shoes fresh. Take out the tea bags and dry them in the sun every once in a while to extend their service life.

Activated carbon deodorization method : Activated carbon has a strong adsorption capacity and can effectively absorb odor and moisture in shoes. Buy some activated carbon bags on the market and put them in your shoes. After a period of time, the odor will be absorbed by the activated carbon. The service life of the activated carbon bag depends on the degree of odor in the shoes. Generally, it should be replaced every 1-2 weeks.