According to the expert, simply airing shoes or using expensive sprays will not help get rid of this delicate problem, since the cause of the unpleasant odor lies in the growth of bacteria.
Spector emphasized that shoes are an ideal place for bacteria to grow because they are “warm, dark, and damp after a workout.” It is this combination that causes the odor, as bacteria break down beads of sweat and multiply very quickly.
That is why an effective method of getting rid of bacteria, and therefore of unpleasant odor, is storing shoes in the freezer – sub-zero temperatures kill bacteria, unlike sprays that only mask the odor.
To solve the problem once and for all, just place the shoes in the freezer for at least 12 hours – this is best done at night. As a result, your sneakers will smell fresh without the use of any harsh chemicals.
