My pumps stink! Explain the causes and countermeasures for foot odor and how to deodorize it!

Jun 30, 2021

If you are a woman who often wears pumps, there are probably many people who are concerned about the smell of their shoes. My pumps stink! Get stuffy! For those who say, simply changing the way you wear and care for your shoes may reduce the occurrence of odors.

This time, let's take a look at the causes and countermeasures for the smell of pumps. For those who already have odors on their pumps, we will also explain how to deodorize them.

What causes pumps to stink?

First of all, we will check the cause of the smell of the pumps.

The main causes are "sweat" and "bacteria"

The cause of pumps and feet smelling is "sweat" and "bacteria" from the soles of the feet.

There are many spots on the soles of the feet that produce sweat called “eccrine sweat glands”. Therefore, it is said that the soles of the feet produce a cup of sweat per day.

However, human sweat does not actually have an odor. Even so, the soles of the feet become stinky because there are many bacteria that feed on sebum and dirt. Because it is stuffy with sweat, it is easier for bacteria to grow.

Pay attention to the smell of "fatigue" and "illness"

The cause of odor is sweat and various bacteria, but the cause may be "fatigue" or "illness".

When a person gets tired or their lifestyle is disturbed, a fatigue odor containing ammonia is produced. On the other hand, people with hyperhidrosis sweat a lot, and people with low immunity, such as those with visceral diseases, tend to breed bacteria.

People who tend to smell pumps

Depending on the type of pumps and how you wear them, the pumps may be prone to smell. Here, let's take a look at people who tend to smell pumps.

・Wear rubber or vinyl pumps

Pumps with poor breathability such as rubber and vinyl tend to generate odors easily because sweat does not evaporate.

・Wear stockings and tights

Stockings and tights have almost no water absorption, so the pumps will be stained directly with sweat and odors.

・People who have odors on their socks

Even if you keep your pumps clean, if your socks have germs, the smell will be strong. Be careful of socks that have been dried indoors or on rainy days.

How to suppress the smell of pumps

Even if you know that you are prone to smell, there may be cases where your favorite pumps are made of vinyl or you need to wear stockings for work. So let's remember how to suppress the smell of pumps.

change shoes every day in rotation

If you keep wearing the same shoes every day, you will sweat the next time before the sweat that has soaked into the pumps has dried. With each passing day, sweat and germs accumulate, making it easier for odors to settle in the pumps.

So if you wear pumps, try not to wear the same shoes every day as much as possible. By rotating different shoes, each pump can be properly dehumidified.

put insoles

If sweat soaks directly into the pumps, it will be easier for them to smell. Therefore, put insoles to prevent sweat from soaking into the pumps as much as possible.

There are various types of insoles on the market, including disposable ones and washable ones. Choose insoles that are breathable and don't get stuffy. Insoles with deodorant effect are also recommended.

Store with a dehumidifier

When you're not wearing pumps, it's important to dry the sweat soaked into the pumps. Place a stationary dehumidifier in your shoe cupboard to remove moisture.

For those who wear pumps for work, it is a good idea to take off the pumps during breaks and put a small portable deodorant inside the pumps.

How to deodorize pumps when they stink

Finally, let's check how to deodorize the pumps you have now.

put baking soda in pumps

Baking soda has the effect of deodorizing and preventing the growth of various bacteria. Add about 2 tablespoons of baking soda to your stockings or socks and slip them into your pumps. Close the mouth tightly so that the baking soda does not spill out. If you leave it overnight, you can deodorize and dehumidify.

However, the deodorizing effect of baking soda is about 2 to 3 months, so be sure to replace the baking soda regularly. You can also make a simple deodorant spray by dissolving baking soda in water.

use deodorant products

Many people are troubled by the smell of pumps, so there are quite a lot of deodorant goods for shoes on sale. There are many easy-to-use items such as deodorizing sprays, deodorizing/dehumidifying bags, and deodorizing balls. If you use deodorant items frequently, it will be easier to remove odors.

Spread 10-yen coins

The 10-yen coin, which is 95% copper, has a bactericidal effect due to copper ions. Therefore, you can expect a deodorant effect by spreading it evenly over the pumps. Prepare 5 to 10 sheets for each pair.

However, dirty coins are unsanitary and have less deodorant effect. Use Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, vinegar, etc. to remove rust from the surface before use.

If the pumps smell, countermeasures and dehumidification are important!

This time, we introduced the causes, countermeasures, and deodorizing methods of odors that you should know when pumps smell. The odor of pumps is caused by the growth of various bacteria due to sweat and stuffiness. Therefore, it is important to dehumidify in order to prevent and deodorize the smell of pumps. Change shoes, use insoles and dehumidifiers, and remove moisture from sweat.



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