12 effective ways to deodorize rubber slippers at home

The unpleasant odor from rubber slippers has a significant impact on the consumer experience. So what is the effective way to remove the odor from rubber slippers and is there a way to completely cure this condition? Shondo will answer the question below.

1. Causes of bad smell in rubber slippers

There are many factors that cause bad odor in slippers and understanding them will help you deal with them effectively. For example:

1.1 Foot sweat

This is the main and most common cause. Because foot sweat contains a lot of lactic acid, when rubber slippers get wet with sweat, they create favorable conditions for bacteria to grow, causing an unpleasant odor.

This condition is especially serious for people who regularly exercise. Choosing non-breathable rubber sandals makes the problem worse.

1.2 Bacteria and fungi

The humid environment inside the slippers is a “paradise” for bacteria to live and grow. With the characteristic of self-decomposing sweat, they will create compounds with unpleasant odors.

At the same time, fungi also cause many foot skin diseases such as itching or dermatitis. The combination of bacteria and fungi is the "recipe" that creates the terrible odor from rubber sandals.

1.3 Sandal material

There are some rubber materials on the market today that do not have good absorbent properties, resulting in the retention of sweat and moisture. This contributes to the risk of mold growth and odor.

In addition, poor quality synthetic materials are more prone to odor than good quality rubber slippers. Choosing slippers with breathable features is very important to prevent this condition.

2. Effective ways to deodorize rubber slippers

Deodorizing rubber slippers is not difficult. You just need to apply the simple method below to restore the fresh smell to your slippers.

2.1 Dry in a well-ventilated place

The simplest but most effective way is to dry your sandals in a well-ventilated, well-lit place. Sunlight has a very good antibacterial and deodorizing effect. Be careful not to dry them in too much sunlight, as the sandals will be deformed.

For slippers that are difficult to dry directly under high temperatures, you should use a fan to dry them faster. Absolutely do not leave the slippers wet for a long time, this increases the odor.

2.2 Using lemon and orange peel

Lemon and orange peels contain many natural essential oils that have deodorizing and antibacterial properties. You can use lemon juice or orange peel to rub on the surface of the slippers, then let them dry naturally.

This method is especially effective for light-colored rubber slippers, which will not change color when exposed to lemon. However, you should test it on a small area of ​​the slippers before applying it to the entire area to ensure that the color of the slippers is not affected.

2.3 Using lemongrass solution

The combination of lemon and lemongrass creates an effective deodorizing solution. You can make this solution yourself by squeezing lemon juice, adding a few crushed lemongrass stalks, and soaking in warm water for about 30 minutes. Then, you use this solution to clean rubber slippers.

Note, use a soft cloth soaked in this solution to wipe the slippers, then let them dry. Absolutely do not soak the slippers in the solution for too long, as this will affect the material of the slippers.

2.4 Using white vinegar

White vinegar is a natural deodorizer that is both effective and safe for your health. Dilute white vinegar with water, then wipe your rubber slippers clean. The vinegar smell will evaporate quickly, leaving a light fragrance.

White vinegar is mildly acidic, which helps eliminate bacteria and mold that cause odors. You should dry your slippers in a cool place to dry completely. However, do not use too concentrated white vinegar, as this will damage the material.

2.5 Using baking soda

Here's what you can do: sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into the slippers, leave overnight, then pour it out. Baking soda will absorb moisture and odors, helping to clean the slippers effectively.

In addition, baking soda also has the effect of softening rubber, making the sandals feel softer when used. However, do not use too much, they will cause the opposite reaction.

2.6 Using coffee grounds

Coffee grounds are not only a good deodorizer, but they also absorb moisture. Put dry coffee grounds in your slippers, leave them overnight, then throw them away. The aroma of the coffee will help cover up the unpleasant odor.

However, you should only use dry coffee grounds, avoid using wet ones because they can easily make your slippers wet.

2.7 Using tea bags

You can use used tea bags to deodorize rubber slippers. The light scent of tea will help neutralize, you just need to put a few dry tea bags in the slippers, leave overnight, the next morning the odor will be significantly reduced.

Teas with natural aromas such as green tea and chrysanthemum tea are very suitable. However, we should note that we should not use too much and should use completely dry teas. This method is simple, convenient and brings unexpected results.

2.8 Use essential oils, scented wax, scented bags

Essential oils, scented wax or scented sachets with a mild scent help to cover up the smell of the slippers. You can put a few drops of essential oil on a small piece of cloth and place it inside the slippers. Or use scented wax with your favorite scent.

However, you should choose the type with a mild fragrance, avoid the type with a strong scent. In some special cases, using too much essential oil will damage the material of the sandals.

2.9 Use of activated carbon

Activated charcoal has amazing odor-absorbing properties. Try placing a few small activated charcoal cubes in your slippers overnight and then take them out, and you will see the difference. Activated charcoal can be reused many times. However, you need to clean it thoroughly before using it again.

2.10 Use of newspaper

Newspaper has a special ability to absorb moisture. If you stuff newspaper into your slippers, it will absorb moisture and help reduce odor. However, this method only works for mild odors.

This is a simple, economical and easy to do method. However, the effectiveness is not as high as other methods. You should change the newspaper regularly to ensure high efficiency.

2.11 Using baby powder

This method is only temporary. Don’t sprinkle too much powder on your slippers to avoid staining them. This method is easy to do and quite convenient, and works best when the slippers only have a slight odor.

2.12 Using cat litter

Cat litter has many different ingredients, you should choose the type that does not irritate the skin. How to do it: you put a little sand on the slippers, in about 8 hours there will be a surprise for you. After use, you must clean the slippers thoroughly. However, we need to be careful not to let the sand get wet or lumpy.

>>>See more: 10+ simple and effective ways to deodorize sandals .

3. Tips to keep rubber slippers from smelling bad for a long time

To keep your slippers fragrant, clean and odor-free, you need to combine many solutions together, for example:

• Clean your slippers regularly: After each use, if the slippers are very dirty, use water and mild soap to clean them. Then, dry the slippers in a well-ventilated place. Proper care of the slippers will help prolong their life and avoid unwanted problems.
• Choose good quality, breathable slippers: When buying rubber slippers, prioritize choosing slippers made from high-quality materials, with good ventilation, allowing sweat to easily escape. "Genuine" slippers will have less odor than "fake" slippers.
• Use socks: Wearing socks when wearing rubber sandals helps reduce the amount of sweat that comes into direct contact with the sandals, limiting the growth of bacteria and mold. Choosing socks made of cotton and breathable material is something you need to pay attention to.
• Regular sun exposure: Regularly exposing rubber sandals to sunlight helps kill bacteria and deodorize effectively. However, do not expose the sandals to harsh sunlight for too long to avoid damage. In addition, sunlight also has a sterilizing effect, giving you the confidence to use a clean product from the inside out.

4. Notes when removing odor from rubber sandals

In the process of deodorizing rubber slippers, you should note the following points to avoid damaging the slippers or causing harm to your health.

• Do not use strong detergents: Absolutely do not use bleach to clean because they will directly damage the slippers. Their dangerous ingredients can also cause burns or allergies when they come into contact with your skin.
• Don't soak your slippers in water for too long: You may not know that soaking your slippers in water for too long will cause them to rot or expand, making the odor even worse. Keeping your slippers dry is important for effective odor removal.
• Test on a small area before applying all over: Before using any deodorizing method on your entire pair of slippers, you should test on a small area to make sure it doesn't affect the color or material of the slippers.

5. Conclusion

The bad smell from rubber slippers is not only unpleasant but also affects your health. However, with the effective ways to remove the bad smell from rubber slippers shared in this article, you can completely remove it and keep your slippers clean and fragrant.