How to Remove a Dog Poop Smell From Tennis Shoes

Pooping: It̵7;s an unpleasant activity that comes with normally pleasant pets. No matter how careful you may be, eventually you will step in some of your dog̵7;s malodorous by-product. Stepping in poop with smooth-soled shoes is bad enough, but when you are wearing tennis shoes, the odor seems to get between the treads and ridges and cling there. Getting rid of the dog is no option in terms of treating poop smell, no matter how annoying stepping in waste might be. Learning to clean the smell out of your tennis shoes will help you preserve your patience, your tennis shoes and your relationship with your dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Narrow putty knife or similar tool with a thin, flexible blade
  • Basin or sink
  • Cool water
  • Paper towels
  • Washing machine
  • Laundry detergent
  • All-fabric bleach
  • Enzyme deodorizer
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Clean all of the solid waste from the soles of your shoes. If there is solid waste between the treads, place your shoes in a basin of cool water up to the top of the soles until the stool is softened. Use the putty knife to dislodge the solid waste, wiping the putty knife with paper towels as you work. Rinse the soles under cool running water when you are done, to ensure that any particles hidden in the treads are removed.

    • 2

      Place your shoes in the washing machine. Set your washer to the ̶0;pre-wash̶1; or ̶0;soak̶1; cycle. Fill your washer with cool water, laundry detergent and all-fabric bleach for the pre-wash.

    • 3

      Use laundry detergent and an enzyme deodorizer in the ̶0;wash̶1; cycle. The enzyme deodorizer will kill the proteins that odor-causing bacteria feed upon, which in turn will kill the smell. Adding fabric softener to the final rinse water will help mask any remaining odor.

    • 4

      Repeat as needed to eliminate the odor.