Leaving wet shoes unattended can lead to foot odor and even mold… Here's how to manage them.

This morning (17th), shoes soaked in heavy rain made a squelching sound as they exited the historical exit.

Most people used umbrellas, but in their rush, they stepped into puddles formed overnight and some water fell from their umbrellas onto their shoes.

With rain forecasted until the weekend, there’s no time to wash the shoes right away, and leaving them as they are makes one apprehensive about the dampness their feet will encounter when they shove them into shoes that are only dry on the outside tomorrow morning.

To dry 'wet sneakers', which are tricky to wash or leave as is, you will need an empty bottle and newspaper.

When you place shoes upright in a bottle to dry, air circulation allows them to dry faster compared to simply leaving them out. Crumpling newspaper and placing it inside the shoes, as well as underneath the wet shoes, is also effective.

Additionally, depending on the material, sunlight can fade colors or deform the material, so it's safest to keep them in a well-ventilated shade.

Once the shoes are completely dry, you can eliminate odors using a 10-won coin. The copper in the coin oxidizes to release copper ions, which kill the microorganisms that produce unpleasant odors and absorb the smell.

If this process seems cumbersome, spraying waterproof spray on the shoes before heading out can also help.

What about rain boot care?

Even if you’ve prepared rain boots, which are essential items for the rainy season, they are mostly made of rubber, and if not properly maintained, it's hard to avoid unpleasant smells and mold.

If rain boots are left wet, they can produce a foul odor, so it's best to wipe both the inside and outside with a dry towel as soon as you get home, and insert dehumidifiers or newspaper inside to eliminate moisture.

If you experience itching and blistering after wearing rain boots, or notice a significant increase in odor, it’s advisable to visit a dermatologist due to the possibility of athlete's foot caused by mold.

This June, there’s said to be more rainfall than usual. Smartly drying your wet sneakers and properly maintaining your rain boots will help you enjoy a pleasant outing even in the rain.

Image source: Materials for understanding the article / News1