Fungus loves to live in shoes. It’s dark, it’s often moist, and it’s usually warm. Unfortunately, when fungus makes itself at home in your footwear, it can spread to your feet and cause infections like athlete’s foot. Keeping your shoes clean and dry is one way to prevent this, but what if you already suspect there’s fungus lurking inside?
Many people wonder: Does rubbing alcohol kill fungus in shoes? That’s what this article explores.
We’ll look at how rubbing alcohol works, how you would go about using it in your shoes, what its limitations are, and what other methods you might consider to get rid of shoe fungus for good.
How does fungus grow in shoes?
Fungi love to grow in shoes. Think about it: Shoes are often moist, warm, and dark, providing an ideal environment for fungal growth. When you sweat, your shoes trap that moisture and create a cozy space for fungi to thrive. Poor ventilation only makes the problem worse, as it prevents the moisture from evaporating.
Several types of fungi can commonly be found in shoes, including dermatophytes, which cause athlete’s foot, and various molds.
If you have a fungal infection on your feet, you may experience symptoms such as itching, burning, scaling, and blisters. You might also notice discoloration and thickening of your toenails.
How rubbing alcohol works as a disinfectant
If you want to disinfect your shoes, rubbing alcohol may work. Here’s what happens when you use it.
The science behind rubbing alcohol’s antifungal properties
Rubbing alcohol, whether you use isopropyl alcohol or ethanol, can kill cells by unraveling their proteins and disrupting their cell membranes. It’s effective against a range of microorganisms, including some types of fungus.
Concentration matters
For rubbing alcohol to disinfect properly, the concentration of isopropyl alcohol should be in the range of 70 to 90 percent. You can find this information on the product label.
It’s important to know that higher concentrations, such as 99 percent isopropyl alcohol, may not be as effective. That’s because highly concentrated alcohol evaporates very quickly.
How to disinfect shoes with rubbing alcohol
So, does rubbing alcohol kill fungus in shoes? Yes, it can. Here’s how to do it:
Prep your shoes
Before you start, remove the laces and insoles to be sure you can clean the entire inside of each shoe.
Then, give the shoes a preliminary cleaning to remove any dirt or debris from the surface. You can use a little mild soap and water.
Get to work
Now, spray the inside of each shoe thoroughly with rubbing alcohol.
If you’d rather not spray, you can wipe down the interior with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. This is a good method to use if you’re cleaning leather shoes.
Drying and ventilation
Once you’ve applied the rubbing alcohol, it’s important to let your shoes air dry completely in a spot with good ventilation. This is important for two reasons:
- The rubbing alcohol needs time to do its work of disinfection. Check the product label for the recommended amount of time.
- You don’t want to put your feet into shoes that are still damp. That could create a perfect environment for the very fungus you’re trying to get rid of! Rubbing alcohol dries quickly, so 15 minutes or so should do it.
Limitations and considerations when using rubbing alcohol
While rubbing alcohol can be a helpful tool in fighting fungus, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.
- Not all fungi are created equal: Rubbing alcohol may not be effective against every type of fungus.
- It can damage some materials: Before you go spraying all your shoes, test the alcohol on a small, hidden area first to make sure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.
- It’s flammable: Use rubbing alcohol in a well-ventilated area, away from open flames.
- It’s not a permanent fix: Rubbing alcohol can kill fungus, but it won’t prevent future growth.
Alternative and complementary methods for shoe disinfection
Rubbing alcohol isn’t your only option for shoe disinfection. Here are some other methods to consider:
- Disinfectant sprays/wipes: These are easy to use and readily available.
- UV shoe sanitizers: These devices use ultraviolet light to kill up to 99.9% of bacteria in your shoes. Are UV shoe sanitizers a hands-off cleaning option that’s worth it?
- Baking soda and vinegar: This combination can help control fungal growth and reduce odors.
- Antifungal shoe inserts or powders: These products can help prevent fungal growth and keep your feet dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does rubbing alcohol damage shoes?
Rubbing alcohol can potentially damage certain types of shoes, especially those made of delicate materials like leather, suede, or certain synthetic fabrics. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first to check for discoloration or damage before applying it to the entire shoe. Diluting the alcohol with water can also help minimize potential harm.
Will rubbing alcohol kill foot fungus?
Rubbing alcohol has antifungal properties and can help kill some types of fungus, including those that cause athlete’s foot. However, it may not be effective against all fungal strains. For stubborn or severe fungal infections, consult a doctor or podiatrist for prescription-strength treatments.
How long does fungus live inside shoes?
Fungus can survive for several months, even years, inside shoes, especially in warm, damp environments. This is why it’s crucial to disinfect shoes thoroughly and regularly if you’ve had a fungal infection, to prevent reinfection.
How to disinfect shoes from fungus reddit
Online forums like Reddit often suggest various methods for disinfecting shoes, including using rubbing alcohol, antifungal sprays, UV shoe sanitizers, or even freezing the shoes. While these methods can be helpful, it’s important to research and choose a method that’s appropriate for your shoe material and follow the instructions carefully.
Can hydrogen peroxide kill fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide has antifungal properties and can be used to disinfect shoes. However, like rubbing alcohol, it can potentially damage certain materials. It’s best to dilute hydrogen peroxide with water and test it on a small, hidden area before applying it to the entire shoe.
Conclusion
Rubbing alcohol can kill fungus in your shoes, but it’s not a perfect solution. It’s best used as part of a broader shoe hygiene strategy.
Make sure you clean your shoes regularly, let them dry completely between wearings, and consider using other methods to disinfect them, like antifungal sprays or UV shoe sanitizers. Rubbing alcohol can be a handy tool, but it’s not a magic bullet.
If you have a persistent fungal infection, especially on your feet, see a doctor or podiatrist. They can diagnose the problem accurately and recommend the best course of treatment.