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Mrs Hinch fan begs strangers for help fixing brand new but ‘stinky’ Ugg sandals – and gets 10p hack to make them fresh
The foolproof hack even stops the stench from returning when you wear your shoes again
WHAT if we told you that more than one in ten Brits say they constantly suffer from smelly feet?
The NHS even has a ‘smelly feet’ page dedicated to knowledge and advice on tackling unpleasant trotters.
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But what do you do when your smelly feet start to affect your shoes?
This is a particular issue in the warmer months as we ditch socks and trainers in favour of sandals.
Fortunately, Mrs Hinch fans have revealed their foolproof hack for getting the stench out of your kicks.
In fact, the solution to this common problem might already be sitting in your kitchen cabinet: bicarbonate of soda, also known as baking soda.
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The humble household staple has been lauded for its remarkable ability to neutralise odours, particularly in shoes.
The 10p hack came to the forefront after one woman begged Mrs Hinch fans for help getting a “stink” out of her brand new Ugg sandals.
“I got these new Ugg sandals for my holiday of one week in Spain,” Donna Moggridge penned in Facebook group Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips.
“I do admit: I have smelly feet and these stink.
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“How do I get rid of the smell?
“They have memory foam insoles, they are like walking on clouds - they were such a great buy but so, so smelly.”
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Cleaning whizzes were quick to reveal that sprinkling bicarbonate of soda over the shoes and leaving them in fresh air for a few hours will do the trick.
Some recommended tying the shoes in a bag while covered in the nifty powder to intensify the result.
How does bicarbonate of soda fix smelly shoes?
Many of the unpleasant odours emanating from shoes are acidic.
Sweat, which is naturally slightly acidic, combines with bacteria to produce various organic acids that create that familiar foul smell.
When baking soda comes into contact with these acids, a chemical reaction occurs.
The bicarbonate of soda reacts with the acidic molecules to form salt, water and carbon dioxide.
It's also a great ingredient for cleaning the outside of shoes when mixed with laundry detergent.
Top Tips for Cleaning White Trainers
- A small amount of baking soda mixed with the laundry detergent can help brighten your trainers
- If your kickers have stubborn stains or are particularly dirty, you might need to repeat the cleaning process
- To maintain their shape while drying, stuff the trainers with newspaper or kitchen roll
This chemical reaction nullifies the cheesy feet smell.
What’s more, the crystalline structure of bicarbonate of soda allows it to trap and hold odour molecules.
This process, known as adsorption, reduces the concentration of smelly compounds in the air and the fabric of your shoes.
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The white powder also helps maintain a stable pH environment to stop the growth of odour-causing bacteria, which often thrive in more acidic conditions.
By preventing bacterial growth, baking soda helps keep your shoes fresher for longer.
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