How to Get Rid of a Funky Smell in Sandals

Clean, healthy feet coupled with footwear that is cleaned regularly eliminates funky smells.

Treat the feet and the smelly sandals at the same time to get rid of the foul odor. The funky smell in sandals is a result of the bacteria growth on the foot or sock migrating to the sandal. Control the bacteria growth where it begins on the foot. Treat the sandal regularly to eliminate the bacteria that accumulates normally.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-bacterial soap
• Medium-bristle brush
• White vinegar
• Absorbent towel
• Hairdryer
• Talcum powder
• Powder puff
• Chlorine bleach
• Liquid anti-bacterial soap
• Anti-bacterial spray
• Paper bag
• Charcoal

Instructions

Treat the Feet

1. Wash your feet daily with an anti-bacterial soap, scrubbing them with a medium-bristle brush. Pay attention to the soles of the feet, between the toes and particularly under the toenails.

2. Soak your feet in a solution of 1/2 cup of white vinegar to 1/2 gallon of water for five minutes.

3. Dry your feet thoroughly. Use a dry, absorbent towel first and go over the feet carefully with a hairdryer set on low. Dry the soles of the feet, between the toes and under the toenails in the same order as you washed them.

4. Apply talcum powder with a powder puff, making certain the powder covers your entire foot, including under the toenails where bacteria hide and multiply.

Treat the Socks and Sandals

1. Scrub washable sandals with one part chlorine bleach to nine parts water and a squirt of anti-bacterial liquid soap.

2. Place the sandals in direct sunlight on a porch or balcony and allow them to air-dry all day.

3. Spray the sandals after drying with an anti-bacterial spray. Concentrate on spraying into the crevices, creases and folds of the sandals.

4. Do not wear the same pair of sandals two days in a row. Instead rotate between at least two pairs.

5. Store the sandals when not in use in a cool, dry place to inhibit bacteria growth. Bacteria multiply rapidly in warm, moist environments.

6. Fill a paper bag 1/4 full with charcoal. Sit stubbornly smelly sandals on top. Close the bag and allow them to sit overnight. The charcoal absorbs the odor.

7. Wash socks after each use in hot, soapy water. Soak them in a solution of 1/2 cup white vinegar to 1 gallon of water for at least 30 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Treat extreme cases of smelly feet that do not respond to conventional methods by soaking them for 30 minutes every night for 10 nights in a solution of strong black tea.

• Wear cotton socks regularly.

• Sprinkle feet liberally with talcum powder or foot deodorant powder if you do not wear socks with sandals.

• Make certain treatment with bleach or vinegar solutions will not affect the color of the sandals or socks. Read the labels that come with them. Don't use bleach with brightly colored socks.

References

• Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine; Reducing Sweat and Bacteria Growth Key to Treating "Smelly Feet"; Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A.
• Case Western Reserve University; Division of Student Affairs; Housekeeping 101