Nothing makes your nose scrunch quite like a pair of smelly shoes, but one expert has shared a helpful hack to eliminate pungent odors without a washing machine.
The unpleasant aroma is caused by a combination of sweat, bacteria, and lack of aeration, which can develop over time. According to VeryWell, the bacteria 'Staphylococcus epidermis' breaks down an amino acid in sweat called leucine, resulting in a cheese-like smell.
Fortunately, household expert Mr. Rice has revealed a clever trick that will banish foul shoe scents using a kitchen cupboard essential. Taking to TikTok, the content creator said: "I’m going to share with you what my grandma did to my shoes when I was in South Korea."
Pulling out a pair of sturdy walking shoes, Mr. Rice explained that he uses green tea bags to remove any bad odors. He continued: "I also put them in my golf shoes after playing and cover them with newspaper. That’s how you get rid of the smell of stinky shoes. Use green tea. Thank you, grandma."
It is recommended that the tea bags are left to sit in the shoes for 24 hours, and more than one in each is advised if you’re working with an extra smelly pair. The 'Queen of Clean' Lynsey Crombie explained that tea bags, which are extremely absorbent, soak up the moisture from the shoe and leave a fresh-scented fragrance in their place.
Simple Newspaper Hack Hailed by Experts Will Make Patio Doors 'Sparkle'
The sun is finally starting to come out, and it's shedding light on your dirty patio doors...
Cleaning them can be a nightmare - even the fanciest cleaning products that cost an arm and a leg can leave your windows and doors looking murky and streaked. But, getting a professional window cleaner is a luxury many Brits can't afford right now, during the cost of living crisis.
Luckily, one homeware expert has found a genius solution to make your patio doors 'sparkle' while keeping your bank balance happy. In fact, you probably have both items lying around the house already.
"Newspaper fibres are naturally absorbent and finely textured, making them perfect for achieving spotless and streakless glass," said Myles Robinson. "Compared to common cloths and paper towels, newspaper outperforms by leaving virtually no residue behind, resulting in a pristine shine every time."
The expert recommends making a cleaning solution comprised of white vinegar and water to spray 'generously' onto the glass. Then, crumple up your newspaper and buff the windows in a 'circular motion'.
"The ink on the newspaper is a bonus, helping to lift stains for immaculate results," Robinson added. "Lastly, take a fresh piece of dry newspaper to buff the glass, enhancing the shine dramatically. It's the final flourish that makes all the difference."
For tougher stains, the pro advises spraying the vinegar solution directly onto the mark and letting it 'sit for a few minutes' before wiping it away with the newspaper. You can also use a microfibre cloth for 'extra scrubbing power'.
Robinson also hailed the hack for being environmentally friendly and helping reduce waste, adding: "By cleaning them regularly with this budget-friendly solution, you can extend the lifespan of your doors and avoid costly replacements."
You can pick white vinegar up from a slew of stores and online retailers without breaking the bank. For example, a one-litre bottle is selling for just 99p. If you're wanting to stock up on the natural cleaner, it works out cheaper than most supermarkets.
When it comes to newspapers, we might be slightly biased - but you can get the newspaper (plus a FREE digital edition) for as little as £5.75 per week. You can either subscribe or have it delivered - just make sure you read them before cleaning your doors!