Smelly Birkenstocks

[Dilbertian]

I've practically lived barefoot in my Madrids since lockdown began, and they are beginning to niff. Any suggestions what I can do about this? I'm allergic to fragrances, so cannot use Zoflora, for example.

[MadCatLadee]

Bicarbonate of soda should work

[knightlight]

Spray of peppermint oil diluted in water

[Dilbertian]

How would you apply the bicarb?

[Therollockingrogue]

Sell them on eBay to a foot fetish fanatic and buy some new ones with your profits

[flabbyflabbyflabguts]

I know an air hostess who sells all her shoes and tights on eBay, makes a mint

[flabbyflabbyflabguts]

That aside, I've put my birkies through a gentle cycle in the washer before, in a pillowcase

[PearlieQueen]

I second the peppermint oil spray. I add a drop of tea tree oil as well. Let them dry in the sun if possible

[BrandoraPaithwaite]

I've been through at least 4 pairs of Birkenstock's over many years and finally admitted defeat. They always end up stinky. You can't get the sweat out once it's absorbed. I think it's because once I like a pair I wear them every day for the whole summer. Friends who just wear theirs once or twice a fortnight or so haven't had the issue. Or maybe I'm extra stinky?!

[Dilbertian]

With my allergies I don't think I should take the chance with essential oils.

Flabby, do you mean the plastic ones (officially called Birkies) or the cork ones (Birkenstocks, nicknamed Birkies)?

[GiveMyHeadPeaceffs]

Not helpful but from the first sunny day until I admit defeat in October I wear my Birkenstocks every day and they've never smelt. Do your feet smell in other shoes/sandals?

[Dilbertian]

Yeah, I'm a sweaty Betty, and my shoes always end up smelly if I don't wear socks. I generally rotate the shoes I wear, and change when I get home. But I'm at home all day now, not wearing socks, and wearing the one pair of Birkenstocks all day. It's too warm for socks, I can't go barefoot, and we don't wear shoes indoors.

[MadCatLadee]

*How would you apply the bicarb?

Sprinkle liberally and leave overnight. Tap out in the morning.

[yellowsun]

I tried everything and still had smelly Birkenstocks. Someone recommended this shoe powder stuff and it’s worked brilliantly!

Foot and shoe powder 100g - Odour remover and eliminator - Developed by a registered podiatrist Shoe Rescue is a 100% natural deodorant remedy to eliminate smelly shoes and feet - Keeps feet fresh www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XY66B4B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GO8TEb9RP1E1M?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21