Alice Vol. 2 No. 3

The DIY Method
What: Washing Machine
Where: Any washer & dryer
Price: See your local laundromat
I’ll preface this by saying I was very wary of this method.
In the past I’d heard my friends swear by it, but could never
bring myself to put my grimy shoes into the machine that
I trust to clean my wardrobe. So, I waited until I was home
with my laundry expert of a mother before I finally gave
myself permission to put my pudding-stained (thanks to my
best friend), once white-soled, absolutely disgusting tennis
shoes into her pristine washer and dryer. Let me tell you,
I am a convert. In fact, I just washed another pair today.
Here’s how it’s done: pour Tide detergent into the machine,
tie the laces at the top with the tongue open, and start the
regular cycle on hot. My mom informed me that some people
take out their laces and wash them separately while using
this method — but since my laces were not the part of the
shoe that smelled, we left mine tied. Next, stuff them with
dryer sheets, wrap them with a towel and put them in the
dryer. Keep in mind that it will sound like your dryer is
falling apart. It (most likely) isn’t. Once we got my sneakers
out of the dryer, they smelled and looked new. I would
recommend this method to anyone who has the time and
doesn’t mind the noise.
The Quick Fix
What: Dry Shampoo
Where: Your dresser
Price: $3.00
I’ll admit that this is a secret trick I’ve used in the past
and I honestly never knew it was a thing other fitness junkies
did until recently. I discovered it one day when I was
about to go on a date and could smell my sneakers wearing
them… standing up. (Give me a break, I’m a health writer!)
The dry shampoo was the first thing I could find that had a
pleasant smell, and, as I leaned over to slip off my shoes and
spray it, I realized that its moisture wicking, smell-masking
design is the perfect quick fix for when you don’t have time
to spare. Granted, this is not a permanent fix, it likely won’t
last longer than a few hours, but I’d recommend it to mask
tennis shoe odor in a pinch.
So next time you’re scared to take off your shoes around
another living human being, remember these tips and try
them all out to see which method works best for you so that
you no longer have to live in fear. Pound that pavement and
be comfortably stylish in peace. *
[76] Alice May 2017