Plantar warts will make your life very comfortable, and the bigger they are, the more pain you must experience. Also, most will agree that they look highly unattractive.
The good news is you can avoid this scenario by developing the habit of cleaning and disinfecting your shoes 1 to 2 times per week.
Before we get started, let’s take the time to define what a plantar wart is.
A plantar war is a tiny white wart that emerges near your heel or the bottom of your feet.
These warts appear because of the human papillomavirus, and it’s relentless. You give the virus easy entry if you have small openings on your foot from cuts. The virus’s ideal atmosphere to thrive in must be moist, hot, and have very little light.
That’s why shoes are the perfect home for it to prosper, and it’s even better if the person sweats a lot in their shoes.
Now you can understand the significance of disinfecting your shoes every time to prevent a plantar wart from reappearing again. This guide will teach you the 6 strategies you need to know that let you disinfect your shoes after already having plantar warts in the past.
1. Use Ultraviolet Shoe Sanitizers
Ultraviolet light is well known for eliminating germs and microorganisms. The options for these shoe sanitizers are limitless on sites like Amazon to assist you in your goal of disinfecting shoes.
Put the sanitizer inside your shoe and press the activation button when you buy it. It will eradicate 99.90% of the HPV running free in your shoes.
We love this option because it’s simple, and the instructions are concise. Use this twice per month and never again deal with plantar warts!
2. Use Disenfectant Sprays
Disinfectant sprays are also effective at disinfecting shoes after you no longer have plantar warts.
The easiest way to use it is to spray it generously on every inch of your shoe’s interior. Once you finish, leave your shoes in a warm environment to let them dry.
These sprays are available online through many eCommerce stores, and you can buy them in person in a Walmart or Target department store.
Before making a purchase, read the instructions and the ingredients on the label to be sure it eliminates viruses. Lastly, don’t forget to apply the disinfectant spray to your shoes every 2 to 3 times per month.
3. Use Disinfectant Wipes
Another easy way to kill bacteria and viruses inside your shoe is to use disinfecting wipes.
You must grab a wipe and scrub the inside of your shoe to eliminate 99.99% of viruses. We recommend this method if you often travel, as walking around with a spray bottle is not convenient when checking in with the TSA at the airport.
4. Use Vinegar
Vinegar is an organic solvent used as a disinfectant for various surfaces. You will likely already have white vinegar in your kitchen cabinet, so you can start using it today.
To start, take a microfiber towel and dip it in a bowl filled with vinegar until it’s drenched in this acidic solution. A more timely resolution would be to put the vinegar in an empty spray bottle and spray it thoroughly inside your shoe.
The final step is to let the shoe air dry in a warm sunny location before putting them on again. We love this method because no chemicals are necessary, and you still get the job done.
5. Use Tea Tree Oil
We love the scent of tree tea oils; they are just as good as vinegar to disinfect shoes after plantar warts heal. It will eliminate all bacteria and viruses quickly. If you don’t already have some in your home, you can buy them online or head to your nearest department store.
To start, put 3 ounces of tree oil and 5 punches of water inside an empty spray bottle. Then, use it to spray the entire inside of your shoes until they are both soaked.
Lastly, give your shoes 3 to 5 hours to dry before wearing them again.
6. Sunlight
Sunlight effectively disinfects shoes, but many people don’t know about this method.
All you need to do is put your shoes in your yard with direct sunlight. It must be a sweltering hot area. Next, let the sun’s UV rays do the rest of the work for you for 5 hours. Microorganisms and bacteria will not stand a chance.
If you choose this natural method, we suggest you do it at least once weekly for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to dispose of my shoes after having a wart on my foot?
No, you can still salvage your shoes using suitable methods after contracting a wart. The tips and instructions we gave you will be all you need. The one you choose depends on your preferences and the supplies you have in your home.
Is it possible to get a plantar wart from another person’s shoes?
It’s possible, so we recommend you never put on anyone’s shoes without disinfecting them first. If you don’t, you put yourself at risk, and you will likely be infected.
Summing It Up
To heal properly and ensure you don’t have to deal with plantar warts again, disinfecting your shoes is a must. Following the methods and tips in this guide will help you avoid it and maintain excellent shoe hygiene.
In the unlikely event that plantar warts pop again, we suggest you see a doctor specializing in dermatology because maybe your foot will require traditional medicines and creams.
After reading this guide, the most important habit is to disinfect all your shoes regularly so you never have to be the victim of a virus again.
