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How to Get Rid of Mold on Shoes

Mar 7, 2011 / By Laure Justice

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Careful cleaning can keep your shoes looking like new.

Photo: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

It is no fun to pull your favorite kicks out of the closet only to find a layer of mold on them. It's OK though, you don't have to get rid of them, and you don't have to walk around with the crusty stuff on your feet. Check the label in the shoes to confirm the material before you start cleaning. Leather shoes need to be cleaned differently than shoes styled from synthetic fibers.

Cleaning Mold From Leather Shoes

Put the mask over your nose and mouth. You might not like the way the mask looks, but your lungs will thank you. Make sure the mask fits snugly against your face so you don't end up inhaling mold spores while you are cleaning your shoes.

Take the shoes outside and scrub the entire surface with the shoe brush to loosen the mold spores. It will be a little bit awkward, but scrub the inside surface too. Just sort of twist and rotate the brush to get to the inner toe area.

Spread out the newspaper to protect your table or floor; and put the shoes on it.

Fill the spray bottle with the alcohol and water. Give the nozzle a quick squirt to make sure it is set to mist.

Mist the entire surface of the moldy shoes, using the spray bottle of alcohol and water; spray inside and out. Let the alcohol-water soak into the shoes for about 10 minutes.

Wrap one soft cloth around your hand and stick it all the way inside the first shoe. Wipe the outside of the shoe using a second cloth. Push fairly hard while wiping the shoes; and replace the cloth if it starts to look dirty.

Put the shoes in a well-ventilated area to dry. Inspect them for signs of remaining mold after they are completely dry. If you see signs of more mold, repeat the process to make sure it is gone before you wear the shoes.

1.Painter's face mask

3.Newspaper

5.1/2 cup rubbing alcohol

7.2 or 3 clean white cotton cloths

2.Soft-bristled shoe brush

4.Spray bottle

6.1/2 cup water

If your shoes are made from a washable material, run them through the washing machine with heavy duty laundry detergent, then add one cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle.