To have had a REVELATION (stinky shoes related)

[Vebrithien]

So yes, I suffer with stinky feet. Washed several times a day, breathable shoes and socks, I've tried most things. Seems to run in the family.

My new, leather sandals have already started to smell. In desperation, I sprayed them with the Hg odour eliminator for surfaces. We use it normally for DC's wee accidents, or vomit. It has an enzyme in it that breaks down the nasty smell.

Well, knock me down with a feather, it only worked on my stinky sandals!! Not a whiff, no discolouration, happy, happy happy!!!

I know you said the shoes were the problem, but if your feet smell and that’s what causing the shoe smell, hibiscrub works wonders. My partner had awful feet due to having to wear boots in hot conditions at work every day, and this totally sorted it! It’s just an antimocrobial soap that’s used in hospitals. You can buy it in boots, Tesco pharmacy etc. It’ll last ages if you just use it on your feet.

Oops! Just re-read first line. Sorry it’s early 😂 yes try hibiscrub on the feet! 😂

Please check if putting enzymes in your shoes is safe.

It doesn't sound very safe to me but I have no idea so it might be ok.

Regular pedicures and exfoliating helps too

Are enzyme cleaners considered unsafe or environmentally bad? I genuinely thought they were supposed to be a greener, healthier alternative to traditional all-chemical based products?

I've googled, but can only find good things about them - assuming of course you don't use one which is "dual action" (also containing traditionally used cleaning chemicals).

This is what I found on one green living type site: Bio-enzymatic cleaners are products that use non-pathogenic, “good” bacteria to clean, deodorize, and consume wastes and malodors. The bacteria in these cleaners break down soils into two basic components: carbon dioxide and water. For this reason, many bio-enzymatic cleaners are considered to be environmentally friendly and “green” compared to many other cleaners. Numerous bio-enzymatic cleaners are even green-certified. Even if a bio-enzymatic cleaner is not green-certified, it can still be considered environmentally friendly and be a good complement to a green cleaning program.

Am I missing something? Genuine question, because DH's shoes often smell and bicarb isn't working well for us.

I was going to say thanks for a great tip. I have stinky feet! But now I need to know WHY I shouldn't use enzymes on my feet before I get the dog wee spray out of the cupboard!

I don't understand what would be unsafe about it?

Enzyme cleaners are used to clean up dog/cat mess all the time and it doesn't cause any problems

Google is your friend. If you shouldn't use enzymatic cleaners on your shoes there are going to be a lot of unhappy companies producing such products! That said, I might consider using the products created for the job in case the other products ruined ones shoes.

Because they can/will affect your skin biome.

You're potentially opening yourself up to serious skin problems when if bicarb doesn't work, you likely already have a fungal infection/biome problem if the smell doesn't go with standard products.

If it's not intended for use on human skin/clothing then don't use it. If you want to increase your chances of being unwell and absorbing chemicals your body shouldn't be exposed to/increased cancer risks - then crack on putting crap chemicals and treatments in your shoes where your feet will be hot, sweaty and primed to absorb them all 🤢🤮

Boric acid, look it up. It is MAGIC. It's for feet not shoes...fixes the root of the problem.

But there are tons of enzyme cleaners specifically designed for smelly shoes on the market - it's hardly an outrageous suggestion to use products that already exist

Do you have any more information on the effects of enzyme cleaners on the skin biome? Is it the enzymes themselves that are harmful?

I agree that products not formulated to go on feet shouldn't go on feet - but do you mean all enzyme based cleaners are to be avoided? They are quite widely used in laundry and 'eco' type cleaning products.

I genuinely can't work out whether you have an expertise or in depth knowledge on this, or whether you've confused them with biocides like antiseptics and disinfectants?

Your biology qualifications are?

Pet spray is interesting - tend to use Scholl Antifungal Shoe Spray and charcoal insoles and athletes foot powder.

Have use the show spray on sports bra last year as did seem to be getting a skin infection - despite hot wash and sunlight drying - seemed to work.

Good lord what is it with all the stinky people threads lately

Years ago I put bicarb in my DH stinky trainers before a night out. As his feet got sweaty it all foamed up between his toes and forced it's way out of those little holes they put along the seams. And it didn't work.
Got him some Odaban from the chemist which worked a treat.

Dry shampoo also works for sone shoes.

*some not sone