how to clean dog poop off shoes

Cleansing dog poop from shoes may not be the most pleasant task, but it’s important to tackle it promptly to avoid stains and lingering odors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you clean your shoes.

Step 1: Remove the Excess

Before you start the cleaning process, you need to remove as much of the excess poop as possible:

1. Find a disposable tool like a stick or a piece of cardboard to scrape off the excess dog poop. Avoid using anything you can’t throw away after.
2. Use the tool to gently scrape off the poop from the soles and sides of the shoes. Be careful not to press too hard, as this might push the poop deeper into the grooves of the shoe sole.
3. If you are outside, you can try to step on grass or soil, which can help remove some of the excess from the treads of the shoe.
4. Dispose of the used tool and any residue in a sealed bag or container.

Step 2: Pre-treat the Affected Area

After removing the excess, pre-treating the affected area helps to break down the remaining waste:

1. If your shoes are very soiled, consider using a hose or a bucket of water to rinse off any remaining chunks.
2. Spray the affected area with a pre-treatment solution. This could be a mixture of warm water and mild detergent, or a commercial enzyme cleaner that can break down organic material.
3. Let the solution sit for about 5-10 minutes to penetrate the residue.

Step 3: Scrub the Shoe

Now it’s time to scrub the remaining mess off the shoe:

1. Using a firm-bristled brush (an old toothbrush can work), scrub the sole and any affected fabric areas of the shoe. You might need some soapy water to help this process.
2. For tougher stains, you may need to repeat the application of your cleaning solution and scrub again.
3. Ensure you clean in between the grooves of the shoe sole where dog poop can easily get embedded.

Step 4: Rinse and Repeat as Needed

It’s important to thoroughly rinse away the cleaning solution to prevent any residue:

1. Rinse the shoe under running water, ensuring you remove all soap and remaining poop particles.
2. If the stain persists, repeat the scrubbing and rinsing process until the shoe is clean.

Step 5: Disinfect and Deodorize

After the visible mess is gone, it’s important to disinfect and deodorize:

1. Use a disinfectant spray suitable for footwear to eliminate any remaining bacteria and provide a fresh scent.
2. You can also sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes to help absorb any remaining odors. Let the baking soda sit for several hours, then shake it out before wearing the shoes again.

Step 6: Air Dry the Shoes

Allow your shoes to air dry completely before wearing them:

1. Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area or outside if the weather is nice. Avoid direct sunlight which can damage some shoes.
2. Remove the insoles if possible and dry them separately to speed up the drying process.
3. Never put shoes in a dryer unless the manufacturer’s instructions indicate it’s safe to do so.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make the process easier:

• If you can’t clean your shoes immediately, place them in a plastic bag to contain the mess and smell until you can clean them properly.
• Consider keeping a shoe cleaning kit handy, complete with gloves, brushes, and a pre-treatment solution.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals that might damage your shoes.

By following these steps, you should be able to clean dog poop off your shoes effectively, leaving them fresh and ready for use.