Will Sunlight Kill Bacteria In Shoes?

by Dan Farley
(Stuttgart, Arkansas)

I have heard some news stories lately that you should throw away sandals and other shoes like sneakers that are more than a year old because they may be infected with bacteria.

Will leaving your shoes in direct sunlight in fresh air (outside on your patio) kill any and all bacteria that may be in them? If so, how long do the shoes need to be in the sun? THANK YOU.

Dan Farley, Stuttgart, Arkansas

Michelle says: Hi Dan, great question! Yes, shoes can be hotspots for bacteria. Letting your shoes air out from time to time in the direct sunlight is the perfect solution since sunlight naturally disinfects and kills bacteria and other pathogens. No need to throw away a perfectly good pair of shoes before their time! :-)

I think 3 - 4 hours of full sunlight should be enough, but there’s no harm in leaving them out even longer (you may get some fading though). Of course you want to be sure to position your shoes in such a way so that all parts (not just the soles) get some sunlight exposure.

Hope that helps!

Michelle

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