How to Get Smell Out of Vibrams

Vibrams FiveFingers are a wonderful shoe for barefoot running, aquatic sports and even trekking.  They’re fantastic at molding to the shapes and curves of feet, and often develop an odor because of this. Vibrams cannot be worn with socks, and this often results in the accumulation of a foot’s sweat, oils and dead skin particles.

 

Once a smell develops, it is important to follow specific steps to remove the odor to ensure that the smell does not return. The following deodorizing suggestions can help in adding freshness back within your Vibrams and return them to normal.

 

Vibram FiveFingers Smell Solutions

 

1 Sun & Open Air

Although this not a complete solution to  removing bacteria based foot odors within Vibrams, ultraviolet rays and fresh air have been proven to reduce odors within the FiveFingers. Try combining this practice with the below solutions to achieve increased freshness.

 

2 Detergent Wash

Vibrams are washing machine safe. However, before placing them within the washer, further preventative measures can be taken by placing them within an enclosed pillowcase. This will allow soap and other cleaning solutions in and will help in shielding the Vibrams from much of the turbulence and friction within the washer.  As a final measure, switch the washing machine to hot water so that the Vibram’s material expands and allows easy access for the deodorizing detergent.

 

3 Freeze Them

Freezing the Vibrams for 24 hours or more will have the effect of the killing the bacteria within the shoes.  Place Vibram FiveFingers within an ziplock bag, place within freezer. Return a day later to remove the Vibrams from the freezer bag and place outside in direct sunlight to thaw out.

 

4 Baking Soda

This household ingredient is highly effective at absorbing odors from Vibrams.  Create a formula of one part baking soda and five parts water and soak Vibrams.  Be sure to soak within the mixture immediately after you get home to prevent the bacteria from growing and becoming more entrenched within the shoe.  Alternatively, you can also wash the Vibrams within the washing machine (enclosed within a tied pillowcase) and add a full cup of baking soda to the washing cycle.  This extra addition will usually be all that is needed to give the Vibram Five Fingers the extra deodorizing boost that is required.

 

5 White Vinegar

The acid within white vinegar is a powerful tool at cutting through unpleasant odors within Vibrams.  Mix a solution of one part white vinegar and three parts water.  Soak the Vibrams within the solution for 30-60 minutes before removing to air dry in direct sunlight.  Likewise, you can wash the Vibrams within a enclosed pillowcase and add in a full cup of white vinegar to give a deodorizing boost to the detergent wash cycle.

 

6 Hydrogen Peroxide

This solution effective at eating though bacteria that produces odor.  Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with five parts water and soak Vibrams for 30-60 minutes.  In addition to deodorizing the footwear, this compound will lighten stains within the fabric lining.

 

7 Brewed Coffee

This morning brew can make a positive impact in removing odors from Vibrams.  The chemical compound works to deodorize and leave a subtle coffee aroma within the shoes.  Make two cups of coffee, allow to chill and pour within a large tupperware container.  Add the Vibram FiveFingers to the container and seal closed.  After 3-4 hours, return to remove the Vibrams from the contain and wash under the faucet to remove coffee residue.  Finish by placing within direct sunlight to air dry.  As a note of precaution, only use this method on black or brown Vibrams, as coffee can otherwise lead to undesired stains within the footwear.

 

8 Lemon Juice

The citric acid within lemons and other citrus fruit can have a positive effect in removing odor from the Vibrams.  Mix a solution of one part lemon juice, five parts warm water and a teaspoon of dish detergent.  Soak Vibrams within mixture for 3-4 hours before removing to place within direct sunlight to air dry.

 
 

Vibrams Product Smell Solutions

 

1 Soak with Efferdent Tablets

This product is normally used to cut through bacteria within dentures, but doubles as a deodorant for Vibram FiveFingers.  The Vibram website recommends using this product to eliminate tough odors that develop within the FiveFingers.  Place Vibrams within a large tupperware container, fill with water and add 1-2 tablets.  Allow 1-2 hours to pass before removing the Vibrams to air dry.

 

2 Apply Nature’s Miracle

Like many enzyme cleaners, this solution works well by harnessing active enzymes to eat through bacteria and unwanted organic residues.  Mix a solution of Nature’s Miracle and water in equal parts and place Vibrams within formula for 2-3 hours to deodorize.

 

3 Use Oxiclean

Beside cleaning, Oxiclean can have a strong impact on unwanted odors.  Add a scoop of Oxiclean within water and place Vibram FiveFingers within the solution.  After 30-45 minutes remove Vibrams to air dry.  Conversely, Oxiclean can be added to a detergent wash to give Vibram’s Fivefingers and extra kick during the washing machine cycle.

 
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