Our shoes go everywhere with us, and, unfortunately, they pick up a lot along the way. All that dirt, sweat, and moisture creates the perfect environment for fungal growth. Athlete’s foot fungus (typically a Trichophyton species) and various molds love to set up camp inside our footwear.
So, what can we do about it? The question this article addresses is: Does freezing your shoes kill fungus? The idea of simply sticking your shoes in the freezer is appealing, especially if you’re looking for a quick, non-chemical solution.
We’ll take a look at whether freezing is truly effective against different types of fungi, what conditions are needed for freezing to actually work, and what other options you have for keeping your shoes clean and fungus-free. Ultimately, we’ll explore if freezing your shoes really can kill fungus.
Understanding the enemy: Common shoe fungi
Fungi love shoes, and they’re hard to get rid of. Here’s what you should know.
Athlete’s foot fungus (Trichophyton species)
The Trichophyton species of fungi are highly contagious and thrive in warm, moist places, like the insides of shoes.
These fungi cause athlete’s foot, which is characterized by itching, burning, and scaling of the skin on your feet.
When you have athlete’s foot, your shed skin cells and sweat create a breeding ground for the fungus inside your shoes.
Unfortunately, shoes can act as a reservoir for reinfection. You treat your feet, but then you put your feet back into shoes that are full of athlete’s foot fungus. So frustrating!
Mold and mildew
Many different types of molds can grow in shoes, especially if you live in a place with high humidity.
Mold can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems in sensitive people, so you’ll want to avoid it if you can.
Mold spores are everywhere, and they can easily grow in damp shoes. Shoes made of leather and fabric are particularly prone to mold growth.
The science of freezing: How cold impacts fungi
Lots of people want to know if throwing their shoes in the freezer will kill the fungus that causes athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, and other icky conditions. Here’s what science tells us.
Fungal resistance to cold
Fungi are survivors. They have a bunch of ways to endure harsh conditions, including making spores that allow them to reproduce and spread. Some fungi can even go dormant in cold weather.
But cold can harm fungi. Rapid freezing can cause ice crystals to form inside fungal cells, which can damage their structures. Slow freezing might give the fungi a chance to adapt and survive.
Factors affecting freezing effectiveness
If you want to try to freeze your shoes to kill fungus, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Temperature. The colder, the better. Regular freezer temperatures might not be cold enough to kill all types of fungi.
- Duration. Leaving your shoes in the freezer longer gives you a better chance of killing the fungus. The amount of time needed depends on the type of fungus and the temperature.
- Moisture content. Damp shoes might not freeze as effectively as dry shoes.
Does freezing actually work? Evidence and limitations
The internet is full of people who swear that freezing their shoes kills the fungus, but what does the science say? I’ve scoured the research, and to be honest, there’s not a lot of hard evidence specifically looking at freezing shoes to kill foot fungus. Most studies focus on freezing as a preservation method for fungal cultures in labs, not eradication.
Anecdotally, some folks report that freezing their shoes seems to help, but, as you know, personal stories aren’t the same as scientific proof. It’s possible that freezing might kill some of the active fungus, but it’s unlikely to get rid of all the spores. Think of it like this: you might kill some weeds by pulling them, but if you don’t get the roots, they’ll just grow back.
Ultimately, freezing alone isn’t a guaranteed fix. If you don’t address the underlying conditions that allow fungus to thrive in your shoes (moisture, darkness, warmth), the fungus will likely return, even if you’ve given your shoes a deep freeze. You need a more comprehensive approach for lasting results.
Alternative ways to sanitize your shoes
If freezing your shoes isn’t something you can do, there are other ways to sanitize them.
Antifungal sprays and powders
You can purchase antifungal sprays and powders that contain chemicals to kill or stop the spread of foot fungus. You can spray or sprinkle these products directly into your shoes and on your feet.
Be sure to choose products that include ingredients such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine. Follow the directions closely.
UV light sanitizers
UV light can damage the DNA of fungi and bacteria and kill them. Shoe sanitizers with UV lights are available to disinfect the insides of shoes. Shoe sanitizers with UV lights are available to disinfect the insides of shoes.
If you choose this option, look for well-known brands that have been tested for their effectiveness. Always follow safety precautions to avoid getting the UV light in your eyes or on your skin.
Washing shoes
Some shoes can be washed in a washing machine to remove fungus. Just be sure to dry them completely before you wear them again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does freezing damage shoes?
Freezing shoes can potentially cause damage, especially to delicate materials like leather or suede. The cold can make these materials brittle and prone to cracking. For most athletic shoes or canvas sneakers, the risk of damage is lower, but it’s always best to proceed with caution.
How long to leave shoes in the freezer to kill bacteria?
To effectively target bacteria, aim to keep your shoes in the freezer for at least 24-48 hours. This extended exposure to the cold helps to significantly reduce the bacterial load. However, remember that freezing may not eliminate all bacteria.
Will a freezer kill fungus in shoes?
Freezing can inhibit fungal growth, but it’s unlikely to completely eradicate it. While the cold can make the environment inhospitable for fungus, some spores may survive. It’s more of a temporary solution than a guaranteed fix.
Will putting shoes in the freezer kill fungus?
Similar to the previous answer, freezing can slow down fungal growth, but it’s not a foolproof method for killing fungus. You might see a temporary improvement, but the fungus could return once the shoes are back at room temperature. Consider combining freezing with other antifungal treatments for better results.
Do I have to throw my shoes away after having fungus?
Not necessarily! While severely infected shoes might be difficult to salvage, you can often treat fungal infections with a combination of cleaning, antifungal sprays, and other methods. However, if the infection is persistent or the shoes are badly damaged, discarding them may be the best option to prevent reinfection.
Final Thoughts
So, does freezing your shoes kill fungus? The answer is… maybe a little, but probably not enough to completely get rid of it. While freezing might reduce the amount of fungus hanging around in your shoes, it’s not likely to solve the problem on its own.
If you really want to sanitize your shoes, it’s best to use a few different methods. You can try freezing your shoes along with using antifungal sprays, UV light shoe sanitizers, and making sure you’re practicing good shoe hygiene. You can try freezing your shoes along with using antifungal sprays, UV light shoe sanitizers, and making sure you’re practicing good shoe hygiene.
The best way to deal with fungus in shoes is to prevent it in the first place. Wear breathable socks, alternate shoes regularly so they have time to dry out, and always make sure your shoes are completely dry before you put them away. A little prevention can go a long way!