Make your shoes smell great again
11.3.2020
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Manuel Wenk
My problem: smelly sportswear. The solution: SmellWell. How a small pillow solved my problem.
You know that moment? You worked out during your lunch break, now you're back in the office. And the essence of your lunchtime exertions emerges from your sports bag. It smells. Your work colleagues give you pitying looks or wrinkle their noses. "Something or someone stinks here," you hear from behind. Tempi passati.
Smell great again
I've left those moments behind me. Not that I don't still regularly sweat all over myself. But some time ago, I discovered a product that absorbs my essences
SmellWell has developed the little colourful cushions to provide a lasting solution to the problem of smelly shoes and sports equipment. They are available in eight designs. One of the main components is activated charcoal, which has been used for centuries as a natural method of purifying water and air. SmellWell uses activated charcoal made from bamboo. This absorbs bad odours and neutralises them. As bamboo grows back quickly, cutting down the plants does not jeopardise the population. Bamboo is therefore considered a renewable, sustainable raw material.
The other ingredients are salts and minerals with hygroscopic properties. They bind moisture. The inner pocket of the cushions is made of non-woven fabric, which functions like a membrane. On the one hand, the inner components are held together, while on the other, the non-woven fabric ensures that moisture is transported from the shoe or sports equipment into the cushions. The outer bag is made of recycled microfibre and printed with environmentally friendly ink. The cushion lasts indefinitely in its original packaging. Once opened, it spreads its olfactory and antibacterial effect for around six months.
Fresh bag
After the pillow is before the bag. It should have the same properties. It absorbs odour and moisture and is also designed to prevent the growth of bacteria. According to SmellWell, the market launch is planned for this summer.
First impression
I recently bought my first small cushions and am satisfied so far. However, there is one fly in the ointment: disposal. When they give up the ghost, I'm supposed to dispose of them with the regular waste. So the bamboo ends up in the rubbish bin. I would like to see more sustainability here. Keyword circular economy. However, it should be possible to "bake" the SmellWells in the oven at around 70 degrees. This would at least give them back their ability to absorb moisture. I'll try that out when my pillows go flat.
Don't give up now. You've snooped through one of my texts. More are waiting for you here.
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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