Did you know that shoes carry disease-causing germs? I am not making this up. At least thirteen academic studies have found disease-carrying bugs on shoes.
Whether you’re visiting your doctor or step on poop, your shoes constantly come into contact with germs, bacteria, and other viruses. In fact, bugs take a hike on your shoes all the time.
While most of these microbes are harmless, they can sometimes lead to foot infections like athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, and more.
That’s why it’s important to disinfect your shoes regularly.
In this blog post, we will show you how to disinfect shoes using a few simple methods.
Disinfecting Shoes Post a Sweaty Workout
Disinfecting your shoes post a sweaty workout is important for two reasons. First, to prevent the spread of germs, and second, to keep your shoes from smelling.
Sweaty shoes are the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, which can lead to nasty foot infections.
Things You Will Need:
- An Ultraviolet Shoe Sanitizer
Process:
Insert the UV shoe sanitizer inside each shoe and turn it on. Leave the device in the shoes for at least 5 minutes to ensure that all microbes are killed.
The device will emit UV rays that will kill any bacteria or viruses present inside the shoes.
Remove the device and allow your shoes to air dry before wearing them again.
How to Disinfect Shoes after Visiting a Clinic or a Hospital
Clinics and hospitals are a hotbed of harmful pathogens. These pathogens may cause hospital-acquired infections.
Most adults have a strong immune system and they should not worry too much about their footwear after visiting a hospital or a clinic.
However, it is a different story if there are infants, toddlers, and the elderly at home.
One way to reduce your risk of infection is to disinfect your shoes after a visit to a hospital.
Things You Will Need:
- Disinfecting wipes
Process:
Wipe the exterior of your shoes and soles using disinfecting wipes. This will help kill germs and bacteria on the surface of your shoes.
These handy little wipes are pre-moistened with a powerful cleaning solution that can kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria.
Disinfectant wipes can be kept conveniently in your purse or car when.
So next time you’re headed to the doctor, don’t forget to grab a pack of disinfecting wipes.
Disinfecting Shoes After Stepping on Poop
This one is pretty self-explanatory. If you step on poop, it’s important to disinfect your shoes as soon as possible.
Poop contains harmful bugs that can cause infections.
So if you accidentally step on dog poop, bird poop, or any other kind of poop, make sure to disinfect your shoes immediately.
Things You Will Need:
- Paper towel/a damp cloth
- Laundry detergent
- An old toothbrush/soft-bristled brush
- Lysol laundry sanitizer
Process:
Start by removing any visible poop from your shoes using paper towels. Then, mix up a little bit of laundry detergent in water. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the affected area. Be sure to get all the nooks and crannies. Otherwise, the poop could stick there and start to smell. Once you’re done scrubbing, spray some Lysol laundry sanitizer on your shoes. Let them dry completely, and you’re good to go.
Note: Don’t try this method on leather shoes, leather sneakers, or suede shoes, as the detergent could damage the material. Read our guide on cleaning poop off leather shoes to learn more on this topic.
Lysol laundry sanitizer is an excellent product because it not only disinfects but also kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria.
This is a great way to keep your shoes clean and free of harmful germs.
Disinfecting Sneakers After Stepping Into A Mud Puddle
If you’ve stepped into a mud puddle, it’s important to disinfect your sneakers as soon as possible.
Mud may contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause infections. So if you’ve been walking through muddy areas, disinfect your shoes when you get home.
Things You’ll Need:
- An old toothbrush
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Warm water
Process:
Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with three tablespoons of warm water in a bowl to form a paste. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the paste to your shoes. Scrub in a circular motion. Let the paste sit for 20 minutes. Rinse the paste off with running water.
Now, dilute two tablespoons of vinegar with four tablespoons of water, in a spray bottle. Spray it on your shoes.
Baking soda kills germs and bacteria and helps remove dirt and grime. Vinegar with warm water works as a disinfectant spray that kills the harmful bugs dwelling on your shoes.
This is a great way to keep your shoes clean and free of harmful germs.
FAQs
How do you kill bacteria on shoes?
There are different ways to kill bacteria on shoes. You can use disinfecting wipes, shoe sanitizers, vinegar, or a mixture of baking soda and water.
How do you sanitize the inside of shoes?
You can sanitize the inside of shoes by spraying them with a shoe sanitizer or using a mixture of vinegar and water. You can even use UV shoe sanitizers to disinfect the insides of your shoes.
How often should you disinfect your shoes?
Shoes should be disinfected at least once a month. However, you should disinfect more often if you are a health care practitioner, athlete, sweat a lot, or have low immunity. You should disinfect your shoes every time they come in contact with poop.
Some factors that may influence how often you should disinfect your shoes include the type of shoe, the material of the shoe, how often you wear them, and the environment in which you wear them.
Conclusion
Disinfecting your shoes is a great way to reduce your risk of infection. There are different ways to disinfect your shoes, depending on what you’re trying to clean.
By following the simple steps outlined in this blog post, you can keep your feet healthy and free of infection.
Have you ever disinfected your shoes before? What tips would you add to our list? Let us know in the comments below.
