How To Get Dog Poop Off Your Shoes (And Never Have To Google This Again)

You didn't even notice the dog poop on your shoe at first. You walked in from the yard, crossed the living room, and sat down.

Then the smell hit. You checked the bottom of your shoe, and there it was, packed deep into every groove of the tread. Now it's on the rug too.

Take a breath. Here's how to fix it fast.

Step 1: Stop Walking And Take It Outside

Every step spreads it further. Take the shoe off right where you are, carry it outside, and leave it on the driveway or a hard surface away from the lawn.

Step 2: Scrape Off The Bulk

Use a stick, a plastic putty knife or an old butter knife. Scrape from heel to toe into a plastic bag. Toss the bag and the tool in the trash, or rinse the tool well.

Pro tip: If it's still soft, let it dry for an hour first. Dry poop flakes out of treads much more easily.

Step 3: Blast The Treads

Set your garden hose to the jet setting and spray into the grooves from different angles. For deep treads, scrub with an old toothbrush or stiff brush while you rinse.

Step 4: Wash And Disinfect

Scrub the sole with warm water and dish soap. Then spray with a household disinfectant or a diluted bleach solution on rubber soles, following the label. Let it sit a few minutes and rinse.

• Canvas or mesh sneakers: Spot clean the fabric, then check the care label. Many can go in the washer on cold in a laundry bag.
• Leather shoes: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap only. Skip bleach.
• Your carpet: Blot, never rub. Use an enzyme cleaner made for pet messes.

Step 5: Wash Your Hands

Dog poop can carry parasites and bacteria. Wash with soap and water when you're done, even if you wore gloves. We go deeper on what's actually in that mess in why dog poop is a bigger health risk than you think.

And If It Was The Lawn Mower...

Running over a pile is its own nightmare. It sprays across the lawn, your legs and the side of the house, and it cakes into the mower wheels and deck.

Turn the mower off and disconnect the spark plug before cleaning. Scrape the wheels, then hose out the deck from a safe angle and wear gloves — or follow our full step-by-step guide on what happens when you mow over dog poop and how to sanitize your mower. According to the CDC and EPA, prompt cleanup and handwashing are the best ways to stop dog waste bacteria from spreading indoors.

Then do yourself a favor and make sure it never happens again.

The Real Fix: Stop Stepping In It

Every one of these steps is a cleanup for a problem that didn't need to happen. A yard that gets scooped every week means no surprises in the grass, no ruined sneakers, and no mower spray. If you're wondering what "every week" should actually look like, start with how often should you actually scoop.

Scoop Dog is a local, Army veteran-owned pooper scooper service. Every week, we:

• Walk your whole yard in a grid, fence line to fence line
• Bag every pile and haul it away
• Latch your gate and text you a photo when we're done

Weekly service starts at $14.99 a week. Mow day on Friday? We'll scoop before it. No contracts, and our Spotless Yard Guarantee covers every visit. Neighbors in Zephyrhills can book our pooper scooper in Zephyrhills, FL.

Get your free instant quote

About the Author

Tiffani, Owner of Scoop Dog

U.S. Army veteran and Zephyrhills dog mom to Luna and Snickers. Tiffani personally scoops yards and walks dogs across Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Land O' Lakes, San Antonio, Dade City, Lutz, New Tampa and Plant City, and writes every guide from what she sees in local backyards each week. Read her story.