DEAR HARRIETTE: My home has been overtaken by the stench from my husband's ratty workout sneakers. He has had these sneakers since college, and he refuses to get rid of them. It's disgusting, and all of my pleas to put them in a box or gym bag have been ignored. I have tried plugins, scented candles and air fresheners, but years of stench have overpowered the house.
I think my husband has such a strong connection to his old workout clothing from college because he secretly hopes it'll help him get back to the shape he was in. I don't want to stage an intervention over smelly sneakers, but I do want to get past this phase of coming home to a reeking house. -- Stinky Sneaks, Bowie, Maryland
DEAR STINKY SNEAKS: Put the sneakers in the wash with strong detergent and bleach. Do not put anything else in with them unless you have other smelly workout clothes that match the sneakers. This should clean them and also rid them of odor. There is an outside chance that you will need to wash them more than once. The sneakers will get cleaner and may show a little more wear because of the washing machine, but ultimately you may reach a compromise.
Beware: Your husband may not be happy, but you can point out that at least you didn't throw them away!