We say a firm "NO" to mold in shoes!

Mold in shoes and what next?

Contrary to appearances, when, with the arrival of a new season, you take your favorite shoes out of the closet and you see an unpleasant surprise - mold, you do not have to part with a given pair of shoes. There are home remedies that will help you get rid of the enemy easily.

We also tell you how to prevent mold from developing in your shoes. If you are interested in this topic, you've come to the right place. We will be happy to show you how to say a firm "NO" to it and say goodbye to mold once and for all. Let's do it!

Can mold on shoes be dangerous?

Many people wonder what the consequences of wearing moldy shoes may be. Such footwear not only looks disgusting and attracts the attention of other passers-by, but also poses a serious danger.

The habitat of bacteria and fungi can spread to your feet when you wear such shoes. Moreover, mold can spread throughout the closet where you store your shoes and even throughout the rest of your home. If you want to prevent this, you are in the right place.

Find the cause of the problem

Before we explain how to effectively get rid of mold from shoes, it is worth locating its origin. Thanks to this, you will understand why it occurs, and therefore you will be able to act according to the principle "prevention is better than cure".

Generally, mold growth is facilitated by moisture and improper storage. When looking for the cause of the problem, it is worth focusing on the conditions in which you store your shoes.

Maybe you put the shoes in the closet that you just stepped in in a huge puddle with? Or do you keep your shoes in a damp basement? This leads to the formation of a white, greyish or even green coating that smells musty, i.e. mold.

How to prevent mold from forming?

If the problem is caused by moisture accumulated where your shoes are stored, you can easily eliminate it by purchasing a moisture absorber. Baking soda placed in a bowl will work in a similar way. However, remember to replace it regularly to avoid disappointment. Do this as soon as you notice that the baking soda has started to clump.

Under no circumstances should you put wet or damp shoes in the closet. This applies both to shoes that have landed in a puddle or snowdrift, as well as to those that have sweated heavily. However, do not dry your shoes on a radiator, as this may cause deformation.

If the shoes are very wet, leave them in a well-ventilated place and use special shoe trees for the inside. You can replace them with newspapers rolled into a ball. We wrote about proper shoe storage in this article.

Do it yourself! Get rid of mold from shoes at home

Is there mold in your favorite shoes? Fortunately, you don't have to part with them once and for all. If you want to get rid of mold from your shoes, just a few simple steps and you're done!

You will need:

- disposable gloves

- a small brush

- vinegar

- water

- cloth

- old newspapers

- new inserts 

Step 1. Prepare your shoes for mold removal

When dealing with mold, leave your shoes outdoors and allow them to dry completely. Once they are fully dry, get rid of the inserts. Don't forget to wear disposable gloves!

Step 2. Get rid of visible mold

To get rid of visible mold, use a small brush that you can easily maneuver inside the shoe. Rub with firm movements, but try to do it as gently as possible. This way you will avoid mold from penetrating into the shoes.

Step 3. Remove mold residues

If you want to be sure that you have completely removed the mold, prepare a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar. Use a cloth or damp cloth to wipe the inside of the shoe. You will achieve the desired effect in a simple, ecological way.

Step 4. Let the shoes dry and replace the insoles

Do you want the problem of mold in shoes to never come back? Don't forget the most important thing! Your shoes must dry completely before you put them back on or put them in the closet. For this purpose, you will need old newspapers rolled into balls. Place them inside the shoe and be patient. Remember to store damp footwear in a well-ventilated room. When the shoes are completely dry, you can replace the insoles with new ones.

Say goodbye to mold once and for all

Whether you're dealing with branded, extravagant designer heels that cost a fortune; much cheaper sneakers from a chain store or worn-out slippers that have been with you for years, mold may appear on them if you do not provide them with appropriate conditions.

We believe that our tips will help you first identify the cause of the problem and then prevent it. If you are still struggling with this problem, the presented home remedy should bring the expected results. Good luck!