Eliminating canine excrement from footwear: a guide
When it comes to dealing with dog poop on your shoes, Claudia Schulz from the German Shoe Institute has a handy solution for you. The freeze trick is a simple and effective method for removing stubborn dog poop residue, especially in the deep treads of your footwear.
Here's how it works: Wrap the soiled area in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer for a few hours. The freezing process helps to harden the dog poop, making it easier to scrape off. Be sure to use a blunt object like a spoon or a dull knife for scraping, and avoid using sharp tools to prevent any potential shoe damage.
If a water tap or a toilet with a sink is available, you can also clean the sole of the shoe. After scraping, let the shoes air dry completely to ensure all moisture is gone.
Claudia Schulz also advises removing bulk with a tissue or large, sturdy leaves when out and about. For odor neutralization, shoe deodorants, special odor removers, or even perfume can be used. Lemon or baking soda can also be effective home remedies.
Back at home, Schulz suggests placing shoes in a freezer bag to freeze for effective removal of deep tread residues. It's important to always wear rubber gloves when handling frozen and potentially contaminated shoes.
Remember, the freezing and scraping process may need to be repeated if all dog poop residue is not initially removed. Wet wipes can help temporarily alleviate the smell and clean the shoe.
With these steps, you can effectively remove dog poop residue from your shoes and eliminate the unpleasant smell. Happy cleaning!
