Thursday, September 02, 2010

The Cure for Smelly Socks and Shoes 
 
     Sorry guys, but nothing smells worse than the odors of socks or shoes of teenage boys. Okay in all fairness the underarms section of teenage girl's gym shirts comes close. I'm not sure if stinky sneakers and socks pose health issues but finding a cure for smelly household issues will improve air quality and should reduce a few germs. So for the next few blogs, let's cover these smells and ways to eliminate odors. 
 
     Let's start with the sock, shoe and clothing problems. Train your children early on to hang their socks or gym or uniform shirts on the side of the clothes basket after removing them so they can dry. Even easier buy a few of the plastic hooks that go over doors to hang clothes. They fit shower rods and glass shower doors as well and are quick and easy way for the kids to hang their clothes to dry.   
 
     Next buy a spray enzyme product like Nature's Miracle and spray the clothes before hanging them. Enzymes love to "eat" bacteria and will help irradiate these unpleasant atrocities. Launder all sports clothing including socks together. Never launder odorous clothes with other laundry or your other clothes could end up smelling as well. 
 
     Begin filling the washer and add your organic laundry detergent - Bio-Kleen is my favorite - and a cup of food grade distilled white vinegar. Swish that around a bit then add the clothes. Remember never fill a washer past 2/3 full. Clothing must have room to move otherwise the odors will remain and so will the stains. When the tub is filled turn off the machine and let the clothes soak for 5 minutes, then finish laundering. Never dry clothes if you suspect the odor still lingers. Heat permanently sets stains and odors. 
 
     Shoes: Never stuff socks inside shoes. Shoes must dry out or the trapped moisture increases nail fungus and skin disease. Spray the inside of shoes once a week before bed with Nature's Miracle to help control odor. It's always wise to avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row. They must dry thoroughly to prevent problems nail fungus and skin issues.   
 
     If you have specific odor problems you wish covered, please post a note in the comment section and I'll answer in my next blog.   
 
This article may only be reprinted giving full credit to Mary Findley and her website at www.goclean.com. Copyright @2010 all rights reserved world wide.