Most of the time, feet smell because of dirty shoes!

Here are some suggestions on how to get rid of the odor from your teenager's sneakers, some of which came from postings on the MomsTeam.com message boards:

• Sprinkle the insides with Arm & Hammer baking soda

• Replace the insoles or remove them to air out and dry overnight

• Buy two pair of shoes for wearing on alternate days

• Stuff them with paper towel soaked in Clorox and let sit for 24 hours

• Soak them in a solution of Simple Green cleanser in your washer for 1/2 hour, and then run the wash. Remember: leather shoes can dry out if washed this way, so be sure to condition the leather afterwards or use leather polish

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Some suggestions on how to keep your child's shoes from smelling in the first place include:

• Sprinkle talcum powder into them before your child puts them on to absorb sweat

• Buy your child anti-perspirants designed especially for feet

• Have your child wear cotton socks. Synthetic materials don't absorb moisture as well

• Make sure shoes are as breathable as possible. New shoe materials such as Gore-Tex help to wick moisture away from the skin, keeping feet drier.

Date created: July 14, 2007

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