“Plugging my nose into the footbed grooves of my Chacos, I realized just how bad they smelled.”

Has this ever happened to you, where your Chaco sandals end up smelling unpleasantly?

The situation can become even more awkward if you’re in a public setting. Why? Because, oh, the stench…!

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Additionally, stinky and sweaty sandals aren’t great for your foot health. They can lead to issues like foot odor, Athlete’s foot, various fungal and bacterial infections, and painful, itchy blisters on your precious feet.

But don’t worry if you’ve found yourself in this predicament; it’s quite common for outdoor sandals to develop a bad smell after a week or two of use.

In the case of Chacos, the smell often results from the types of surfaces on which you’re walking.

Let’s dive a bit deeper.

Sandals like Chacos are frequently exposed to outdoor activities, encountering boggy or muddy terrain that increases the risk of bacteria growth. These bacteria play a significant role in decomposing the cells in your Chacos’ footbed, leading toa foul odor.

So, the question that arises is: How does the smell develop, and how can you eliminate it from your Chacos to keep them fresh and healthy for your feet?

My Chacos Smell Bad

Bacteria thrive in moist environments, and what could be wetter or more moist than a pair of Chacos exposed to outdoor activities like hiking, beachcombing, or surfing?

As a result, Chaco sandals are highly susceptible to bacterial growth due to their damp conditions. This bacterial buildup can cause Chacos to emit an unpleasant odor, particularly in the footbed and strapping areas.

Moreover, the combination of sweat and dead skin cells on the Chacos’ footbed significantly contributes to bacterial growth. When these substances mix with bacteria, they produce a nasty smell in your sandals.

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Another major cause of smelly Chacos is pairing them with socks. The sweat and moisture absorbed by socks create a breeding ground for bacteria, which then transfers a foul smell into your sandals.

However, it’s crucial to clean your Chacos to remove the sweat and bacterial buildup.

Another question arises: How can you clean your smelly Chacos without damaging them?

Let’s explore some effective cleaning methods to remove the foul odor from your Chacos:

How Can I Get Rid Of The Stinky Smell From My Chacos? – Impressive Ways & Homely Hacks

If you’re frustrated with stinky Chacos, here are some easy tips to clean and refresh them for a healthy walk.

Cleansing Your Chacos:

• For this, you need a mixture of a mild detergent and warm water.
  Create a solution.
• For scrubbing, use a soft-bristled brush, a clean cloth, or an old toothbrush.
  Scrub both the straps and the footbed of your sandals, which is the main area for smelly bacteria.
• Rinse your footwear thoroughly with tap water.
• Finally, let them air dry naturally.

Note: Avoid placing your Chacos in direct sunlight as it may fade their color and damage the straps.

Use A Deodorizer In Your Chacos:

• Several deodorizers can help keep your feet dry and fresh. A notable option is baking soda or vinegar.
• Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda or spray a few drops of vinegar on the footbed of each shoe.
• Allow the substance to sit for a few hours.
• Then, use a brush to clean the area.

Freeze Your Chacos:

Freezing your sandals can be highly effective in killing odor-causing bacteria.

Put your Chaco sandals in a ziplock plastic bag and place them in the freezer overnight.
After removing them from the freezer, let them thaw before wearing them.

Replace Your Socks:

Your old, worn-out socks might be contributing to the smell.

Socks absorb sweat and moisture, which creates a stinky odor that transfers to your sandals.

Therefore, change your socks daily.

Get An Alternative To Chacos:

Alternating your Chacos with other sandals can be beneficial. Why? Because it allows your Chacos to dry completely, and resting them in natural air helps reduce the chances of odor.

By following these steps, you can eliminate the unpleasant smell from your Chaco sandals.

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What Is The Main Culprit Behind Stinky Chacos?

Three primary causes of odor in your Chacos are bacteria, sweat, and dead skin cells. Additionally, socks can contribute to the smell by absorbing sweat from your feet.

How Can I Prevent Smell From My Chacos?

To prevent odor, clean your Chacos after each use by rinsing them with tap water. Outdoor sandals need thorough cleaning once or twice a week to prevent stinky smells. The cleaning methods are detailed earlier in this guide.

Can I Put My Chacos In A Washing Machine Or Dryer?

It’s highly recommended not to use a washing machine or dryer for your Chacos, as this can fade the color, damage the material, and potentially tear them apart.

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Instead, use a mild detergent and warm water to scrub the footbed and straps with a soft-bristled brush to make them odor-free.

Final Words

The main causes of a stinky smell in Chaco sandals are the buildup of bacteria in the footbed. Regular cleaning is essential, and to add a pleasant fragrance, you can use vinegar or baking soda.

The cleaning and deodorizing methods are detailed above, so refer to this guide to get rid of those stinky Chacos.