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?
Here are some suggestions on how to get rid of the odor from your child's sneakers:Sprinkle the insides with baking soda
Replace the insoles or remove them to air out and dry overnight
Buy two pair of shoes for wearing on alternate days
Stuff them with paper towels soaked in bleach and let sit for 24 hours
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.
Links:
[1] https://mail.momsteam.com/node/2622