Much care and attention is placed within ballet flats to deliver on a day a performance. The cause of the unpleasant smell stems from them being tightened and molded feet. After much use, sweat and dead skin particles lead to an odorous bacteria that can have the ballet flats reeking of an unwelcome funk.
For hygiene’s sake, there are several household remedies that can be performed to remove this unwanted odor and freshen the ballet flats. By following some of the below suggestions, you can be assured that the ballet flats will be free of odor and returned to normal.
Deodorizing Solutions for Ballet Flats
1 Rotate Your Flats
By wearing the same pair of ballet flats too often, you will maintain a moist environment that the odorous bacteria will thrive in. By rotating your ballet flats you will give the shoes the opportunity to dry out and deodorize. Purchasing an additional pair of shoes can seem excessive, however it is an effective solution to maintaining fresh ballet flats.
2 Place Ballet Flats in Sun
Placing ballet flats outside within the sun does multiple things to remove unwelcome odor. Ultraviolet rays, open space and fresh air will all work to lift off unwanted odor and carry it away. After use, place the ballet flats within the sun within the morning and allow them to sit for 6-8 hours. At the end of the day retrieve flats from the outdoors and store them for future use.
3 Freeze Your Ballet Flats
This may sound strange, but freezing the ballet flats will have the effect of eliminating odorous bacteria. By placing the shoes within a ziplock bag in the freezer for 24 hours the bacteria within the flats will be eliminated. After doing this process, you will find that much of the odor has been eliminated. For best results, pair this solution with another solution provided within this guide.
4 Baking Soda to Absorb Ballet Flat Odor
This household powder has been used for generation to remove unwanted odors. After using your ballet flats, sprinkle baking soda within the shoes and place them within an enclosed paper bag. Allow for ballet flats to sit within the enclosed bag for 24-48 hours before removing and placing back within use.
5 White Vinegar to Neutralize Ballet Flat Odor
This kitchen ingredient is widely used for neutralizing unwanted odors. Dampen two small towels and place within the interior of each ballet flat. Once performed, allow the ballet flats to sit for 3-4 hours before removing the rags and placing them outdoors to air dry. The vinegar will have the effect of killing any odorous bacteria and placing them outdoors will help to speed the drying process.
6 Deodorize Ballet Flats with Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is effective in killing foot odors on the spot. The alcohol sterilizes the interior of the shoes and leaves it smelling fresh. Dampen 4 sheet of paper towels with rubbing alcohol and place two sheets at the end of each ballet flat. After 2-3 hours have passed, remove the sheets from the end of the shoes and allow 1-2 hours to air dry.
7 Let Enzymes Eat Ballet Flat Odors
This solution is used widely among pet odors, however it is just as effective with foot related smells. Purchase an enzyme cleaning product from a pet store or large super market. Once purchased dampen two hand towels with the cleaning product and stuff within the end of the ballet flats. After 6-8 hours, the activated enzymes within the material will work to eat through any bacteria and unwanted odors to leave the flats smelling fresh.
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