How To Get Poop Off Of Shoes: 8 Ways

In our everyday experiences on city streets, one of the less pleasant occurrences is accidentally stepping on dog waste. It’s not overly dramatic. It’s a common mishap many of us have faced.

This leads to the question: How to get poop off of shoes?

This, however, is a topic for another discussion. Have you ever found yourself in this predicament? Have you ever wondered about the best way to clean dog waste off your shoes?

We’re here to guide you through the most effective methods to tackle this issue. Continue reading for our straightforward advice!

1. Make Use Of A Hose

If you’re fortunate enough to have a garden, dealing with dog waste on your shoes might be more manageable. We suggest utilizing the robust jet from a garden hose. The force of the water is highly effective in dislodging and removing the waste.

For example, it is like using a high-pressure washer to clean your driveway; the principle is the same.

In cases where some stubborn remnants cling to the shoes, an old toothbrush can be a handy tool. Think of it as similar to scrubbing a tough stain on a kitchen surface – a little extra effort often does the trick.

Alternatively, you might consider cleaning your shoes in a sink. It’s an indoor solution that can work well. However, it’s crucial to remember to thoroughly disinfect the area afterward. This step is akin to sanitizing a cutting board in the kitchen after it’s been used for meat.

With our experience, the key is to apply a methodical approach. Just as a chef meticulously cleans their workspace, or a mechanic ensures their tools are spotless, the same level of care is recommended when cleaning shoes contaminated with dog waste.

2. Utilize The Laundry Machine

It’s widely preferred to use a washing machine for cleaning shoes soiled with dog waste. That’s understandable. After all, who is keen on manually cleaning off poop? 

This approach is generally effective, especially for shoes not crafted from leather. Think of it like using a dishwasher to clean dishes that are washed by hand.

However, it’s important to be aware that remnants of waste might linger in the washing machine after cleaning. This is similar to how food particles can sometimes remain in a dishwasher.

To address this, we recommend conducting a thorough cleaning of the washing machine drum afterward. It’s like running an empty dishwasher cycle with a cleaning agent. This ensures hygiene and cleanliness.

This method underscores the importance of regular maintenance of our cleaning appliances. This is similar to regularly servicing a car or updating software on our computers. By keeping our appliances in top condition, we ensure they perform their tasks effectively and hygienically.

Are you familiar with WD-40? This versatile lubricant is renowned for its myriad uses, one of which is its effectiveness as a cleaning agent. Interestingly, it can also be an unconventional yet effective solution for removing dog poop from shoes.

First, we advise wiping away as much of the feces as possible using paper towels. Think of this step as prepping a wall before painting – removing the larger, easily removable parts first. Following this, apply WD-40 to the soiled area of the shoe. 

Allow it some time to penetrate and soften the waste, akin to letting a cleaning agent soak on a dirty pan. After a short while, use a brush to gently scrub the area. This method is somewhat similar to using a grease remover on a stubborn stain in your kitchen.

Through this process, your shoes can be restored to their former cleanliness. It’s a bit like using a specialized stain remover on a cherished garment – the right product can make a significant difference.

This example illustrates the versatility of household products and how they can be repurposed for a variety of cleaning challenges.

4. Make Sure Your Shoes Are Dry

One of the primary challenges in cleaning dog poop off shoes is its sticky consistency, especially when it’s fresh. 

This can make it difficult to remove. A practical solution we recommend is to dry out the dog poop by placing your shoes sole-up in direct sunlight. Think of it like using sunlight to dry clothes or bleach stains – the natural heat and light can be remarkably effective.

However, it’s important to note that this method is most effective during the summer months. It relies on high temperatures to speed up the drying process. 

Just as bakers need a warm environment for dough to rise properly, the drying of dog poop on shoes requires adequate heat to be efficient.

Once the dog poop has dried, it becomes much easier to remove. This is like waiting for a spill to dry before sweeping it up. It’s easier than trying to clean it while wet and more challenging to handle.

We can simplify what is often considered a disagreeable task by allowing nature to assist in the cleaning process.

5. Freeze Your Shoe

While it might seem a bit unusual, freezing dog poop on shoes is a method that has been vouched for by many. It’s like using cold to solidify hard-to-handle substances. For example, you can harden candle wax with cold to remove it from surfaces.

To begin, we recommend enclosing your shoes in a freezer bag. This step is crucial to avoid direct contact between the shoes and the contents of your freezer. It’s similar to how you store meat or fish separately to prevent cross-contamination.

Next, place the bagged shoes in the freezer. Allow sufficient time for the dog poop to freeze thoroughly, which could take several hours. This process is comparable to freezing water into ice cubes – it requires patience and proper freezing conditions.

Once the poop has solidified, akin to an ice cube, you can take the shoes out of the freezer. The frozen waste can then be easily removed using a stick or similar tool. The frozen state of the poop facilitates its removal in a single piece, similar to how a sculptor chips away at a block of ice.

After removal, the frozen waste can be disposed of responsibly, such as placing it in a dog poop composter bin. This method simplifies the cleaning process. It also ensures hygienic and environmentally conscious disposal of pet waste and it help you address how to get poop off of shoes?

6. Use A Brush To Clean Your Shoes

From our experience, a small brush, like an old toothbrush, is a great way to dislodge dog poop from the intricate crevices in your shoe soles. This method is like using a detail brush in painting. You need to careful attention to small areas that make a significant difference.

To enhance the cleaning effectiveness, we suggest employing soapy water. This acts similarly to using a degreaser on a grimy engine part – it helps break down the waste, making it easier to remove. 

Additionally, we strongly recommend wearing gloves during this process. Dog poop can contain harmful pathogens. It’s crucial to avoid direct skin contact, just as when handling hazardous materials in a lab, you use gloves.

In instances where the shoe is clean but still smells, a simple yet effective remedy is baking soda. You should cover the sole of the shoe with baking soda and then place it in an airtight bag. 

This technique is similar to using activated charcoal in water filters. It absorbs impurities. By leaving the shoe in the bag for about 12 hours, the baking soda absorbs the odor from your shoes. It’s similar to how it’s used in refrigerators to neutralize smells.

Following this period, you need to remove the baking soda using a damp cloth. This final step is like polishing a piece of silverware after it’s been treated with a cleaning agent. It ensures that the item is not only clean but also pleasing.

7. Use The Grass And Stick Method

It’s clear that using sticks and grass won’t completely cleanse your shoes of dog poop. This method can be a practical temporary solution. When you’re out and about without access to cleaning supplies. Think of it as a quick fix, similar to brushing off dirt from your clothes when you’re away from home.

Begin by rubbing the bottom of your shoe over a patch of grass. The aim here is similar to using a brush to remove loose dirt from a surface. You want to dislodge as much of the poop as possible.

Next, employ a stick to gently pry smaller pieces of poop from the crevices of your shoe. This action is akin to using a tool to remove debris from tight spaces, such as cleaning leaves from a gutter.

After removing the bulk of the poop, locate a fresh grass patch and run your shoes over it once more. This final step helps remove any remaining residue, much like a second sweep to ensure a floor is clean.

Bear in mind that this method will inevitably leave some odor and remnants behind. Therefore, it’s best suited for shoes used exclusively outdoors or those you plan to thoroughly clean later. Think of it as a stop-gap measure. It’s similar to spot-cleaning a stain on a garment. This makes it presentable until it can be properly laundered.

8. Use Bleach Wipes To Get Poop Off Of Shoes

Recently, I encountered a situation where I stepped in a small amount of dog feces. Although it wasn’t a significant amount, as we know, even a little can be quite impactful. 

At the time, I wore boat shoes with flat soles and minimal indentations. In such cases, where the contamination isn’t extensive, a full hose-down might not be necessary; a simple scrape often suffices.

In an innovative approach, I decided to use Clorox bleach wipes for the task. I wore gloves for hygiene. I systematically cleaned the shoes. I used one wipe per shoe initially to remove the visible mess.

Subsequently, I employed two additional wipes on each shoe for a thorough cleaning. This method was exceptionally effective. It not only removed the feces but also eliminated the odor promptly.

The efficacy of bleach wipes was remarkable in this scenario. It was akin to using a specialized cleaning agent for a tough kitchen stain.

How To Prevent The Smell Of Dog Poop From Sticking To Your hoes?

Preventing the odor is just as important as the cleaning process. Here are our top suggestions:

• Baking Soda Magic: After cleaning, sprinkle baking soda on the soles and leave them overnight. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber.
• Sunshine and Fresh Air: Let your shoes air out in the sun. Sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer.
• Enzymatic cleaners are fantastic for breaking down the organic material in dog poop. They eliminate the odor.
• Bleach Wipes for Quick Fixes: If you’re in a hurry, bleach wipes can quickly disinfect and deodorize your shoes.

Dealing with dog poop on shoes is unpleasant. However, it’s often unavoidable during outdoor adventures. 

By following our tips on cleaning techniques, odor prevention, and regular maintenance, you can keep your shoes fresh and ready for your next journey.

Conclusion

This article answer the question: How to get poop off of shoes? Remember, the key to successfully removing dog poop from shoes lies in prompt action and using the right cleaning tools.

Whether you’re dealing with a minor mishap or a more significant mess, the strategies we’ve shared are designed to ensure that your shoes remain clean, odor-free, and comfortable.

Incorporating these cleaning methods into your routine not only helps in maintaining your shoes but also reflects a responsible approach towards hygiene and public health. We believe that by sharing our experiences and tips, we can all contribute to a more pleasant and cleaner environment.