How To Disinfect Shoes From The Thrift Store

There’s no doubt that buying shoes from thrift stores can be pretty pocket-friendly, but they can make you susceptible to foot infections. 

To enjoy the best pair of shoes, it is essential that it is both pretty-looking and clean. My children and I often visit thrift stores to hunt for unique pairs of shoes. If you are lucky, you can find collectibles too. But after getting them from the stores, I always notice that there is a weird smell to them. 

And as any mother would do, I try to ensure that my children don’t use anything unsanitary. So, I advise them to do a few things before donning their hunt. This time when I was doing so, I thought, why not compile the information for my readers too?

Hi! I am Stacy Smith, and today, I will tell you all about how to disinfect shoes from the thrift store. I am sure that it will guide you to take all the necessary steps that would help in keeping your feet safe. 

So, without any delay, let’s dive right in.

Ways Of Disinfecting Used Shoes Bought From Thrift Stores

You would not want to slip in a pair of shoes that you have collected from a thrift store without cleaning and disinfecting it first. And to disinfect it effectively, I have a few suggestions for you. 

Let’s quickly take a look.

1. Use A Disinfectant

When buying a disinfectant spray for your shoes, remember they are not deodorizing sprays. Unlike deodorizing sprays that may only take the smell away from your shoes, disinfectant sprays kill unwanted bacteria and fungus in your shoes. 

I have seen sweat stains on many of my “thrift store shoes”. And  I use these disinfectant sprays to get rid of them. But you need to be very careful to buy only an EPA-approved product to ensure that it does not cause any damage to the shoes. 

2. Washing Machine To The Rescue

Some shoes like converse are made of cloth and can be easily washed, and you do not need to follow any elaborate method for cleaning them. If you purchase something similar from a thrift store, you can directly put it in the washing machine for a round of cleaning. 

My children once put their leather shoes in the machine and they came out in shreds. So, just make sure that you check the materials properly before following this method.

Once you know that they are washable, use hot water and a potent detergent mix in the machine and put them in for a good wash. But never forget to remove the lace before doing so.

And the most crucial part is drying the shoes properly. Never think of putting the pair in a dryer, as it will completely ruin the fabric. Instead, leave your shoes to air-dry. Likewise, avoid putting them under direct sunlight, as that too can damage the colors. 

3. Disinfect The Insoles

With time, I have discovered that the most important part of shoe cleaning is making sure that the insoles are speckless. So, when you buy a pair from a thrift store, don’t delay washing the insoles with detergent and lukewarm water. 

You can also use a sponge to scrub and remove the excess sweat, smell, and stains(if any). Once you are done scrubbing, rinse the insoles with warm water. And do not use any artificial dryer- just let them just air-dry. 

Moreover, readers, I have some pro-tips for you! Once you bring the shoes from the thrift store, you might find that the soles are super stinky. This might be because they have been previously used by someone else or because they were in the store for a long time and collected moisture.

Whatever the case is, you can just put the insoles in a solution of baking soda and keep them in an airtight bag overnight. If the smell still persists, try soaking the soles in a vinegar and water solution. And do not forget to wash them in the morning.

Both these methods are very effective, and you don’t need to go through the hassle of purchasing any special cleaner.

4. Wear A Pair Of Socks

To prevent your feet from a fungal attack, it is always best to wear a pair of socks. And this is more true when you are buying shoes from thrift stores.  

I always make sure to carry an extra pair with me every time I go out. This helps me to change into a new pair the moment the current one gets a little damp. At all costs, make sure that you never wear wet socks, as that helps the fungi to breed. 

You can even find socks that absorb moisture. For this purpose, opt for synthetic fiber or bamboo socks as they effectively drive away moisture, especially from between the toes.

Other than that, I always try to wear white socks to reduce sweat generation. Dark-colored socks absorb more heat and make you sweat more. So, try avoiding them. 

Always keep in mind that socks are not supposed to trap moisture. Instead, they should act as a barrier to prevent moisture accumulation.

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