Shoes are one thing that are hard to get around buying as a parent, and kids go through shoes. My kids are now in the toddler stage. The yuckiest thing ever is the smell a toddler’s shoe lets off after he has an accident thanks to it being the potty training stage, and urine runs down his leg into his shoes. Mine also have issues with keeping their socks on. As a result, their shoes would smell like rotting pee-B.O. if I failed to clean them. The question is, how do you clean a shoe exactly?
The problem:
For one, my child’s shoes like many children’s shoes have little lights in them. If I wash them in the clothing machine or dishwasher these super-cool lights my kids love may stop working. On top of that both methods can also cause shrinkage-my kids grow out of their shoes fast enough without help.
The solution:
Killing the smell:
First, you want to kill the smell. If you’re just worried about some foot odor, sprinkling baking soda inside and letting it sit at least 24-hours does the trick. However, if your kid has say, peed in his shoe, and germs and bacteria are sort of on your mind despite urine being sterile, they do make anti-fungal odor eater sprays. You can buy them at most department stores for around $5.
Killing the dirt:
Next, I just use plain dish soap and some really hot water. Fill the inside of the shoe without getting the outside super soaked. Then scrub with a sponge or bottle clean brush; rinse and repeat until the inside looks and smells clean. The exterior can be wiped clean with a damp rag if needed. On white portions, toothpaste or an old toothbrush works well. After cleaning leave shoes in a well-ventilated area, or upturned over a heater vent to dry.
Tips on keep kid’s shoes clean and lookin’ spiffy:
-Follow the above solution about once a month minimum or as needed.
-Try to keep socks on your child’s feet as often as possible, it will reduce the smell.
-Avoid wearing shoes wet.
-For exceptionally stinky shoes consider storing them with a dryer sheet inside when not in use.
-Repair scuffs with colored sharpy markers or even nail polish.
Chances are even after all the above you’ll still be buying plenty of kid’s shoes, but it helps.
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