How to Clean Dog Poop Off Shoes (Step-by-Step Guide)

To clean dog poop off shoes, scrape, soak, scrub, then disinfect. Dog poop carries bacteria that cling to soles. That means that dish soap alone won’t cut it. Use enzyme cleaner or vinegar + baking soda. For mesh or suede, soak gently and air-dry. 

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Dog Poop from Shoes

1. Scrape Off the Bulk: Use a paper towel, stick, or disposable spoon. Don’t smear—just lift. Let it dry for 10–20 minutes if soft.
2. Soak and Scrub: Mix dish soap and warm water. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the treads and surface. Rinse thoroughly.
3. Deodorize: Spray with an enzyme cleaner or apply a baking soda + vinegar mix. Let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse.
4. Disinfect: For lingering odor, soak soles in diluted hydrogen peroxide (test a small spot first).
5. Air Dry Completely: Sunlight helps kill bacteria. Avoid wearing or storing until fully dry.
6. Final Check: Use a UV flashlight to check for residue if available. Repeat steps if needed.

We help prevent this mess before it ever hits your shoes. Our scoopers keep yards clean, flag hazards early, and even send poop report cards so you know what your dog’s leaving behind. No more surprises. No more scrub sessions. Just clean steps every time.

Want the exact method to clean your shoes, plus how to never step in poop again? Keep reading. We’ve got pro-backed steps, material-specific fixes, and a few prevention tips that might just save your soles.

What You Need Before You Touch the Poop

Before you go charging in like a hero with a garden hose, do yourself a favor and get prepped. Dog poop isn’t just gross, it’s packed with bacteria that can linger in shoe fibers long after it’s gone. Treat this like a biohazard cleanup, not a quick wipe job.

Here’s what you’ll want on hand:

• Gloves – Non-negotiable. Keep your hands (and your sanity) clean.
• Paper towels, plastic stick, or disposable spoon – For removing the bulk without smearing it deeper.
• Dish soap, warm water, and an old toothbrush – The trio that powers through stains and smell.
• Enzyme cleaner (best for odor + bacteria) or a mix of vinegar and baking soda – These break down organic waste deep in the fabric.
• Old towels or rags – To catch drips and protect surfaces.
• Outdoor water source – Use a hose if possible to blast away residue.
• Optional but useful:
  • UV flashlight – Helps spot hidden residue (especially in grooves).
  • Dryer sheets – To mask any lingering odor while shoes air out.
  • Washing machine – Only for machine-safe shoes like canvas or certain athletic types.

Worried about cleaning indoors? 

Many folks panic about the bacteria trail. If you’re cleaning inside, lay down towels, keep pets away, and treat the area like a no-go zone until it’s sanitized. Better yet, do it in the yard if weather allows.

When in doubt, remember: an ounce of prevention beats an hour of scrubbing. Regular cleanups from your yard with Poo Squad’s pooper scooper service can make sure this never happens again.

Step-by-Step: The Foolproof Method to Clean Dog Poop Off Shoes

If there were ever a time for precision and patience, this is it. Dog poop isn’t just messy, it clings. Different shoe materials need different tactics, and rushing it can grind the problem deeper (literally). Follow these steps and you’ll get them back to fresh.

Step 1: Remove the Bulk Without Making a Bigger Mess

Start by clearing off as much of the gunk as possible. Sounds obvious, but most folks mess this up by smearing it further into the tread or fabric.

• Use a paper towel, plastic knife, or stick, never your fingers, and definitely not anything you plan to reuse.
• Do not press or rub. The goal is lift-off, not spread-out.
• Let the poop dry slightly for 10–20 minutes if it’s soft. This makes it easier to scrape off in one go. Yes, this feels wrong, but it works.

Once you’ve cleared the surface layer, move quickly to the next step to prevent the smell from setting in.

Step 2: Scrub With Soap and Water (But Gently)

Dish soap is your best friend here. It cuts through the mess without damaging the shoe.

• Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap in a bowl.
• Use an old toothbrush to scrub gently, especially in textured soles or grooves.
• Rinse with a hose or shower sprayer, avoid dumping water directly if you’re indoors.

How do I clean mesh sneakers without ruining them?

Solution: Soak mesh shoes in warm water mixed with enzyme cleaner for 15–30 minutes. Avoid harsh scrubbing, just rinse afterward and repeat if needed.

Step 3: Deodorize & Disinfect Deeply

The poop might be gone, but the memory (a.k.a. smell) lingers. This is where most people stop too early, and that’s why it comes back.

• Spray with an enzyme-based cleaner that breaks down organic waste at a molecular level. These are built for pet messes and safe for most materials.
• Or use a mix of baking soda + vinegar to neutralize the stink. Let it bubble and sit for 10–15 minutes, then rinse.
• For stubborn smells, soak soles in diluted hydrogen peroxide for 5–10 minutes. Test on a small area first to avoid discoloration.

Why does the smell come back after they dry?

Answer: Bacteria can stay trapped in fibers or foam. It reactsivate when warm or wet. Repeat enzyme treatments over a few days if needed.

Side note: Tired of stepping in it to begin with? That’s why we built Poo Squad, to keep backyards poop-free, shoes clean, and households a little happier.

Special Cases: Cleaning Different Shoe Materials

All shoes are not created equal, and neither is the way they handle poop. What works for your trail runners might destroy your leather boots. Here’s how to tailor your cleanup based on material.

Mesh or Fabric Sneakers

These shoes breathe well, but they also soak up every foul thing they touch.

• Soak in a bowl of warm water + enzyme cleaner for 30 minutes. Rinse. Repeat until odor and stains are fully gone.
• Use a UV flashlight to scan for hidden residue (you’d be surprised).
• Let them air-dry in direct sunlight to naturally kill leftover bacteria.

Does poop soak into mesh?

Absolutely. Mesh traps tiny organic particles in its fibers. If you don’t soak and re-soak, it lingers.

Tip: Want to avoid this entire fiasco in the future? Consider keeping your yard clear with Poo Squad’s weekly service, it’s cheaper than replacing your sneakers.

Leather or Suede

Leather is tough, but it doesn’t love moisture, or poop. Suede is even pickier.

• Blot, don’t rub. Use a paper towel to gently absorb without smearing.
• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and apply with a microfiber cloth.
• Gently dab the area and let it dry away from direct heat or sun.
• For suede, brush gently afterward to restore texture.

Can poop ruin leather shoes?

Yes, if ignored. The bacteria can eat away at leather finishes. Fast, gentle action saves them.

Crocs, Rubber Soles, and Kids’ Shoes

These are the most forgiving and easiest to clean, thank goodness.

• Rinse off solid waste.
• Either soak in hot soapy water or toss in the dishwasher top rack (only if all visible poop is gone).
• Use a toothpick or skewer to clean out tiny tread details.

Can I dishwasher my Crocs?

Yes, but only if they’re already rinsed. Dishwashers clean, not sanitize biohazards.

How to Know If You Got It All: Final Checks and Drying Tips

So the stain is gone. It smells better. But did you really clean it? The last step is double-checking, because wearing shoes too soon can undo all your effort.

• Use a UV flashlight to scan problem areas. Any lingering organic matter will glow slightly. It’s a trick pros use, and a small investment if dog messes are common at home.
• Air dry outdoors in full sun if possible. UV rays are nature’s disinfectant and will help kill any remaining bacteria.
• Never toss damp shoes in a closet or wear them while wet. Moisture + bacteria = lingering odor. Let them sit at least 24 hours, especially if they’re fabric or mesh.

Poo Squad exists for this exact reason, to stop the stink before it starts. If poop surprises are a regular thing, our yard sanitizing services can help.

Avoid These Common Mistakes (That Make It Worse)

Cleaning dog poop off shoes can go from bad to worse if you’re not careful. Here’s what to skip unless you want stains, smells, or ruined shoes.

• Bleach or harsh chemicals – These might sound like a good idea, but they often damage glue, stain fabrics, and don’t even kill all the bacteria. For pet waste, stick to gentler enzyme-based cleaners.
• Scrubbing fabric too hard – Vigorous scrubbing forces poop deeper into fibers and ruins mesh or suede. Always blot and soak instead of going at it with brute force.
• Leaving solids behind – If you don’t fully remove the gunk first, your soap just spreads it around. Use a spoon or paper towel to gently lift it off.
• Wearing shoes before they’re fully dry – Damp fabric traps bacteria, and if you start walking, you’ll press odors in deeper. Let them dry completely before lacing up again.

Prevention tip: Regular yard cleanups make poop mishaps far less likely. With Poo Squad’s pooper scooper pros on your side, you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time stepping with confidence.

What If the Smell Won’t Go Away?

Sometimes, despite all your scrubbing and soaking, that stink still lingers. Don’t worry, you’ve still got options.

• Soak overnight in enzyme solution to break down hidden organic matter deep in the fabric. Repeat if necessary, especially for mesh or foam soles.
• Seal in a plastic bag with baking soda for 24 hours. It helps absorb stubborn odors without adding more moisture.
• If your shoes are still smelly after multiple treatments, especially mesh or knit sneakers, it might be time to call it. Some materials just hold onto waste longer than they should.

Poo Squad helps you stop the stink before it starts. Our dog poop pickup service is a game-changer for busy families tired of tracking mess inside.

The Hidden Danger: Why Dog Poop on Shoes Is More Than Gross

Stepping in it is bad. Bringing it inside? That’s worse.

Dog poop isn’t just a stinky nuisance, it’s a serious health hazard. According to our crew at Poo Squad, just 1 gram of dog poop contains over 23 million coliform bacteria. That’s not something you want near your kitchen floor, kids’ toys, or car upholstery.

• Bacteria spreads indoors via your shoe soles, especially if you don’t deep clean after stepping in it.
• If you’ve got toddlers or crawling babies, they’re coming into close contact with contaminated surfaces.
• You’re not just tracking it on carpet, you’re dragging it into vehicle mats, HVAC vents, and pet beds.

Pro Insight: We sanitize every tool between yards to avoid spreading bacteria from one home to the next. That same care should go into how you treat your own shoes after an accident.

The takeaway? 

Don’t treat dog poop like dirt, it’s a biohazard. A proper cleanup isn’t overkill, it’s basic safety.

From a Pooper Scooper Pro: Pro Tips from Poo Squad

After thousands of yards, we’ve seen (and smelled) it all. When it comes to cleaning up dog poop, especially from shoes, the details matter.

• Sanitize your shoes like we sanitize our scooping tools. A quick rinse isn’t enough. Use enzyme sprays or diluted peroxide to kill bacteria and eliminate odors.
• Never store poop-covered shoes indoors. Tossing them in the garage or entryway just invites the stink to spread. Clean them outside, then let them dry in the sun.
• Wearing bright orange shoes at the park? You’d be surprised how often it helps spot those dreaded piles before it’s too late. (Yes, we’re partial to orange.)
• Act fast, but not too fast. Trying to clean poop while it’s still warm just makes a bigger mess. Let it crust up slightly for easier removal.

We like to say, “We take a lot of crap from our customers… and we love it.” But trust us, keeping that crap off your sneakers is even better.

Dog Poop on Shoes: Myths People Still Believe

Let’s clear the air, literally and figuratively. When it comes to stepping in it, bad advice spreads faster than the smell.

1. Just hose it off.”
   A rinse won’t cut it. Water alone doesn’t kill bacteria, especially the kind lurking in mesh soles and stitching.

2. “It’s a free fertilizer.”
   Wrong again. Dog poop isn’t compost, it’s acidic and full of pathogens. It kills grass and contaminates the soil.

3. “Soap is enough.”
   Basic soap misses the real mess. You need enzyme cleaners that break down the organic matter and eliminate odor-causing bacteria.

4. “Smell means it’s clean.”
   Just because your shoes don’t stink doesn’t mean they’re safe. Bacteria can survive long after the odor fades, especially in fabric and foam soles.

When in doubt, treat dog poop cleanup like the biohazard it is, and skip the myths for methods that actually work.

Need Help? Poo Squad Has Your Back (and Your Soles)

Tired of stepping in dog poop in the first place? Skip the mess altogether. Poo Squad offers elite sanitation services, bright-orange visibility, and automated alerts so you always know we’re on-site. Every visit ends with a poop report card, because your dog’s health and your clean shoes both matter.

Don’t Just Clean Your Shoes, Clean Your Peace of Mind

If you’ve stepped in dog poop, it’s frustrating, but it’s fixable. Use these proven pro methods to clean, sanitize, and protect your shoes and your home. And if you’re tired of playing backyard detective, We do the dirty work, so you don’t have to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you clean dog poop off suede shoes?

Yes, but carefully. Blot gently with a 1:1 vinegar and water solution using a microfiber cloth. Avoid soaking suede, as it can damage the texture. Let air-dry, then use a suede brush to restore softness.

What’s the best enzyme cleaner for dog poop?

Enzyme cleaners designed for pet stains work best. Look for ones labeled for protein-based messes. These break down organic matter deep in the shoe material, especially useful for mesh or fabric sneakers.

Are there shoes that are easier to clean if you have pets?

Absolutely. Rubber soles, Crocs-style clogs, and waterproof boots are all great choices. They rinse clean, don’t absorb odors, and some are even top-rack dishwasher safe (if poop-free first!).

Can you permanently remove the smell?

Yes, with the right process. Use enzyme treatments and let shoes fully dry in sunlight. For persistent odor, soak soles in diluted hydrogen peroxide and repeat enzyme applications.