Trevor Ng
Golf sandals are notorious for retaining and permeating odours, which can be challenging to eliminate. The root of the problem is often the moisture in the shoes, promoting bacteria growth and causing them to stink. While there are various commercial odour eliminators available, several home remedies can also be effective in tackling the issue. These include using baking soda, vinegar, essential oils, and even freezing the sandals. Regular cleaning and maintenance of golf sandals are crucial not only for maintaining their appearance but also for preventing unpleasant odours and extending their lifespan.
How to Clean Smelly Golf Sandals
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning products | Baking soda, vinegar, cornstarch, essential oils, disinfectant spray, foot powder, or baking powder |
| Other products | OdorKlenz Sport Powder, Shoe-Pourri spray, Woodlore Cedar Shoe Fresh Inserts |
| Cleaning methods | Wash by hand, use a washing machine, freeze the sandals, stuff with newspaper, or use a soft brush |
| Drying methods | Air dry, do not use a dryer |
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What You'll Learn
Use baking soda
If your golf sandals are smelly, baking soda can be an effective way to neutralise odours. It's a cheap, natural deodoriser that can absorb smells and reduce humidity, creating an environment in which odour-producing bacteria struggle to thrive.
To use baking soda to eliminate smells from your golf sandals, start by removing the insoles from your sandals, if possible. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the insides of the sandals and the insoles. Leave the baking soda in the sandals overnight or for at least a few hours. The longer you leave it, the more odours it will absorb. If you're treating particularly stubborn smells, you can leave the baking soda in the sandals for up to 24 or even 48 hours.
After leaving the baking soda to work its magic, shake the sandals to remove any excess powder. If your sandals are made of leather or suede, be sure to wipe off any remaining baking soda from the straps, as too much exposure to baking soda can cause these materials to become dry and brittle.
If you want to deodorise your sandals without sprinkling baking soda directly onto them, you can make deodorising sachets. Simply pour baking soda into an old sock or a piece of cloth that can be tied together, and add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. Tuck the sachet into your sandals whenever you're not wearing them, leaving it in place for at least 24 hours to eliminate odours.
Baking soda can also be used to clean dirty golf sandals. Make a paste by combining baking soda with water, and scrub the paste into your sandals using an old toothbrush. Rinse the sandals with fresh water and let them air dry.
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Try essential oils
Smelly golf sandals can be a nuisance, but you don't have to get rid of them. Essential oils can be a great way to deodorize your sandals and make them smell like new.
Essential oils are made by suspending minuscule parts of plants in oil. When you use an essential oil on your sandals, the scent from the plant is transferred, masking any unpleasant odours. Cloves, peppermint, tea tree, lavender, cedarwood, and cinnamon are some popular options with pleasant scents and antifungal properties.
To use essential oils on your golf sandals, start by putting a few drops of your chosen oil on some cotton rounds or balls. You can also use a spray bottle and lightly spritz the insoles of your sandals. Place the cotton rounds inside your sandals, ensuring they cover the entire sole, and leave them overnight. For best results, apply the essential oils several hours before you need to wear your sandals to give the oils time to work.
You can also mix essential oils with other home remedies to enhance their deodorizing effects. Baking soda, for example, is a natural deodorizer that absorbs smells and bacteria. Mix baking soda with baking powder and cornstarch, and add a few drops of your chosen essential oil. Put the mixture into your sandals, or tie it into a sock and place it inside, leaving it overnight.
By using essential oils, you can effectively deodorize your golf sandals, leaving them smelling fresh and pleasant.
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Put them in the freezer
If your golf sandals are smelling a little funky, it might be time to give them an ice-cold treatment. That's right—sticking your sandals in the freezer is a legitimate way to get rid of that stench. Here's how to do it:
First things first, make sure your sandals are completely dry. Bacteria thrive in damp environments, so you want to remove any moisture before freezing. Once your sandals are dry, place them in a plastic bag, such as a Ziploc bag or a pillowcase. This step is important to maintain hygiene and keep your food items separate from your footwear.
Next, pop those bagged sandals into the freezer. You can leave them there for at least 24 hours or until your next round of golf. The freezing temperatures will effectively kill off most of the odor-causing bacteria. It's like hitting the pause button on their funk-producing abilities.
When you're ready to take your sandals out of the freezer, let them thaw completely. Then, give them a good smell test. In most cases, the freezing process should eliminate the odor. However, if there's still a hint of stink, don't fret. There's a simple solution: baking soda.
Leave some baking soda in your sandals overnight to absorb any remaining odors. This natural deodorizer will ensure that your sandals come out smelling fresh and ready for your next round on the golf course. So, the next time your golf sandals need a refresh, don't hesitate to give the freezer method a try. It's an easy, effective, and inexpensive way to keep your footwear smelling pleasant.
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Wash them in the washing machine
If your golf sandals are made of rubber, they can be safely washed in the washing machine. However, it is important to follow the correct procedure to avoid damaging your sandals.
Firstly, remove the insoles from your sandals. This will allow the entire shoe base to dry properly after washing. Next, set your washing machine to a delicate cycle with cold water. Only use a small amount of detergent—about a quarter of what you would normally use. Also, add about a quarter of a cup of distilled white vinegar to the wash to help eliminate odours.
It is important to avoid high temperatures when washing your golf sandals, as this can melt the glue holding the soles together. Always use cold water and a delicate cycle setting. If your sandals are not made of rubber, it is best to avoid machine washing as this can cause shrinkage or damage.
After washing, allow your sandals to air-dry naturally. You can also stuff the insides with newspaper to help absorb excess moisture. Once dry, you can sprinkle baking soda inside your sandals and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. This will help to absorb any remaining odours and moisture, leaving your sandals smelling fresh. Finally, be sure to polish your sandals regularly to keep the leather in good condition.
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Use a vinegar solution
To clean smelly golf sandals, one effective method is to use a vinegar solution. This method is particularly useful for addressing stubborn stains and odours.
First, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. You can also use other types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, but avoid using balsamic vinegar, as this may stain your sandals. Spray the solution onto the footbeds of your sandals, making sure to cover the entire surface. Let the solution sit for approximately 15 minutes. This allows the vinegar to work its magic by neutralising odours and fighting bacteria.
Next, take a soft-bristled toothbrush or a soft brush and gently scrub the footbeds in a circular motion. This will help to remove any remaining dirt, stains, or grime. Finally, rinse the sandals with water to remove any residual vinegar solution. It is important to ensure that your sandals are thoroughly dried after rinsing, preferably in a shaded area, to prevent any remaining moisture from causing further odour issues.
For an extra boost of freshness, you can also try placing your sandals in direct sunlight for a short period after they have dried. Sunlight is a natural bacteria killer and can help to eliminate any lingering odour-causing bacteria. However, if your sandals have leather parts, be cautious as sunlight and vinegar can damage the material.
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Frequently asked questions
Sprinkle baking soda inside your sandals to neutralize odors and leave them feeling fresh. For an extra boost of freshness, mix baking soda with vinegar and scrub with a soft brush.
There are several alternatives to baking soda. You can use cornstarch, essential oils, or vinegar. For cornstarch and vinegar, simply sprinkle or spray the powder or liquid inside your sandals and let it absorb the moisture. For essential oils, add a few drops to the insoles of your sandals.
Air-dry your sandals in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. You can also stuff your sandals with newspaper to help absorb moisture while they dry.
To prevent odors, make sure to keep your sandals and feet as dry as possible. Rotate between different pairs of sandals and wear socks to absorb sweat. Also, remember to clean your sandals regularly, at least every two weeks for frequently worn sandals.
Remove the insoles from your sandals and hand wash them with a cloth dipped in a mixture of mild soap and water. Then, let them air dry before placing them back into your sandals.
