We’ve all had it happen to us. That nasty “slip” moment on the footpath when you’re out, and you feel a squishy texture underfoot. Horrible. If you’re far from home, there isn’t that much you can do about it – but we’ll do our best to help in an emergency. We’ve also got a method for what to do if you’re close enough to home to act fast. Let’s tackle this straightaway, so you can put it behind you!
If you’re in town or on a hike, you won’t be able to use our most effective method (which is freezing the dog poop on shoes – see below). However, there are things you can do before you get home so your day isn’t ruined.
- If you’ve stepped in a larger poop, try and scrape off as much as you can from under your shoe on some grass or dead leaves. If you’re feeling like a good Samaritan, dispose of the dog poop safely so other people don’t suffer the same fate (you’ll get so much good Karma if you do this!)
- If you have a wet wipe and hand sanitiser, you can wipe off more of the poop using the wet wipe, and then sanitise your hands. Dog poop is toxic, so only do this if you can properly wash your hands afterwards.
- Try and forget about it whilst you’re out so your day isn’t ruined. Once you’re home, you can relate to cleaning your shoes properly again.
Dog poop on shoes is just nasty, but there are ways to save your sneakers. It’s best to act fast, so if you’re at home or have stepped in dog poop in the garden, this is a good method. The best method is a bit of a surprise – freezing your shoes. Here’s how to get dog poop off your shoe.
- Take off the shoe and place it in a large freezer bag.
- For extra hygiene measures, you can place another freezer bag around this bag after washing your hands.
- Put the bag in the freezer, making sure there is nothing else in the freezer drawer when you do so.
- Once the poop is completely frozen, you can break it off from the shoe, and pick it out of any grooves of the sole using a pointed object – but not too sharp, as this can damage the sole of the shoe. Wear gloves while you do this. The poop shouldn’t stink anymore, because it has been frozen.
- If you notice any lingering odours on the shoe, check out our odour removal tips below.
Whilst you can get your shoes spotless again by cleaning them properly, there might be a lingering smell that you just can’t stand. If that is the case, your best bet is to use an odour remover to get your shoes back to normal.
There are special pet odour removal products that work to neutralise odours of animal origin. This could be ideal if you can find one. Otherwise, using bicarbonate of soda on your shoes is a trusted household remedy, or placing your shoe next to some activated charcoal. These remedies will work in a pinch, but an odour neutraliser is really best.
We also have other articles on how to deal with unfortunate mishaps such as chewing gum on shoes, chewing gum on jeans, and run in a stocking. Register with Ask Team Clean now for helpful cleaning tips, and access to savings and exclusive offers on brands you love!