How to get rid of existing odor in a skate?

[Xtra 0]

I unfortunately don't live near a place where they clean equipment. Just some local mom and pop shops with fresh hockey gear & ice rinks...

Recently, I purchased some Nike-Bauer Supreme ONE95 skates off eBay. They were pro return & when they got here... they needed some work. The boot was in great condition but the holders, blades & laces needed replacement. They're good as new now but there is just a tad bit of odor in them. Nothing that can kill you. In fact, it doesn't even smell BAD... Can't quite put my finger on it but it's like Washer detergent and some B.O. ( Rated smell .... probably 3 out of 10 ).

I don't want this smell to get any worst though & seeing there is no gear cleaning place around me.

What are some methods to rid the boot of any type of smell that is already in it?

[tcraig 42]

I've found that if I spray down my equipment (including inside my skates) thoroughly with anti-microbial Fabreeze it makes a world of difference. If it's a bacteria related smell going on in your skates, this might very well do the trick.

[Xtra 0]

I'm going to try that. I'm assuming you haven't had any allergic reaction on your skin or anything? It most likely is bacteria... I'd have to bet that it isn't anything else.

The febreeze bottle states to not use on stuff you'd wear. That's why I've been cautious. but hell... If you've done it with no problem... Might as well try it. - More input is definitely welcomed, though :)

[automorph 0]

go to your local bowling alley and use the spray for the bowling shoes :D

[IniNew 53]

Sun. Spray them with whatever bacteria killing formula you want then let them air dry in the sun. It would be a good idea to take the foot beds out and let them dry separately as well.

[goodguy 7]

Unless you kill the bacteria in the skates, the smell will come back. If I am not mistaken, febrezze and the like just mask the smell and don't get in deep enough to kill the bacteria - and it is not made to be put directly on skin.

Skates are especially tough as whatever cleaning method you use has to penetrate to where the bacteria is to really kill it.

This looks promising though:

Personal Ozone Generator (for sports equipment)

If I am not mistaken, the One95's have a Hydrophobic Liner so you should be able to take the laces off, do a hand wipe of the the interior with a bacteria killing solution (one that wont hurt/bleach the liner - do some research) hand scrub the footbeds (or buy new ones), hand wash the tounge and get deep into the fibers with something that kills bacteria, let is all dry out with a fan and maybe some not too hot sunlight and that should do it.

[tcraig 42]

Regular Febreeze won't do a thing, but the anti-microbial kind is specific for killing bacteria. And yeah, definitely take out the footbeds and put everything in the sun. For me it took about 5 times and the odor is essentially gone from my skates, which were by far the worst smelling thing I'd ever come across! I skate barefoot as well, and have had no issues.