How to disinfect shoes? Effective shoe disinfection

Why is it worth disinfecting shoes?

Disinfection of shoes is aimed at refreshing, removing unpleasant odors, but above all, removing accumulated dirt from shoes. inside them bacteria and fungi.

The factors described above are caused by, among others, excessive sweating of the feet, but also by exposing shoes to frequent contact with water and insufficient drying of the shoes. A humid environment combined with high temperatures inside shoes is an ideal environment for pathogens to multiply. This, in turn, easily leads to many serious foot diseases, such as athlete's foot, which is difficult to remove.

Disinfecting shoes is also the responsibility of people who treat fungal foot diseases and when purchasing used shoes. The increasingly popular stores selling second-hand clothing are a great way to buy valuable clothing items at attractive prices, but you must remember that disinfection of second-hand shoes it is even a necessity.

Regular disinfection is also recommended for sports and work shoes that come into frequent contact with sweating feet. Don't let your shoes become a habitat for pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

How to disinfect shoes?

You can effectively disinfect shoes in several ways. Among them, you will find both professional and home methods that are a good alternative. However, it is worth emphasizing that shoe disinfection should be carried out regularly, even every day, so choose the method that will be easiest for you to test. If you cannot afford to disinfect daily, do it as often as possible.

Professional methods for disinfecting shoes

• Antibacterial and antifungal inserts. You can easily find insoles with this effect in shoe stores. Moreover, it is not an expensive expense, so it is certainly worth investing in additional protection for your shoes and feet. This product perfectly neutralizes unpleasant odors that accompany the multiplication of microorganisms, and also contains silver and silica nanoparticles that prevent the development of pathogenic microorganisms. Antibacterial pads are available in many interesting scents for an even greater sense of freshness.

• Shoe disinfectant. Another specialist product that is irreplaceable in footwear disinfection. Preparations available in stores have a number of valuable properties, such as antibacterial and fungicidal properties. Disinfectants are most often in the form of an aerosol, which makes application very simple.

Home ways to disinfect shoes

In addition to the methods mentioned above, home methods are also worth attention. Their advantage is good effectiveness and no need to spend additional money. Moreover, products used for disinfection are widely available in almost every home.

• Denatured alcohol or spirit. One of the most popular and effective methods. Soak the cloth in the selected liquid and then wipe the inside of the shoe thoroughly. To enhance the effect, you can leave the soaked cloth in the shoe for a few hours.

• Baking soda. A product available in every household that can be used for cleaning and disinfecting shoes. Pour baking soda inside the shoe and leave it for several hours or overnight, then carefully remove the powder. Baking soda has a disinfecting effect, so it is great for removing unpleasant odors and stopping the growth of microorganisms. 

• Formalin. A preparation with a very intense aroma and strong disinfecting properties. As with alcohol or denatured alcohol, soak a piece of cloth with the liquid, wipe the inside of the shoe and leave it for a few hours.

• Freezing shoes. A safe and frequently used method that freezes bacteria. Put the shoes in a plastic bag and then put them in the freezer overnight.

The first thought when you need to refresh your shoes is to wash them in the washing machine. Of course, this is one of the recommended methods, but before you throw your shoes into the drum, you need to know that, firstly, not all shoes can be washed in a machine, and secondly, washing will not be sufficient in the case of mycosis spores. Moreover, during washing, they may remain inside the washing machine and then transfer to clothes.

To summarize, washing your shoes in the washing machine will remove minor stains and dirt. However, if your goal is to disinfect footwear, a much better and safer solution will be to use the methods presented in the article above.