Everyone has encountered smelly athletic shoes and clothing. Sneakers whose odor carries across a room. The smell from an equipment bag that reaches from the trunk of your car to the front seat. Gloves that have the power to transfer their odor to your hands. Wet clothes left stuffed in a duffle bag that could stand up on their own.
Short of throwing them all
away, what can be done? You can try to mask the odor with scents, but
why not tackle the problem head on and go after the bacteria that causes the
odor? Besides, who wants them living there anyway?
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Sprinkle the insides with baking soda
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Replace the insoles or remove them to air out and dry overnight
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Buy two pair of shoes for wearing on alternate days
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Stuff them with paper towels soaked in bleach and let sit for 24 hours
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Soak them in a solution of Simple Green cleanser in your washer for 1/2 hour, and then run the wash. Remember: leather shoes can dry out if washed this way, so be sure to condition the leather afterwards or use leather polish.
Other Tips
- Pull the gear out from your child's equipment bag and hang it up to dry.
- Open items up to maximize the exposed area and shorten the drying time.
- For shoes, remember to loosen laces and remove innersoles.
- If it's warm and sunny, move the gear outside and let the sun help.
- Have your child wear a base layer that you can wash after each use. It will reduce the residues passing to her other gear and will be easier to clean.
