Smelly socks in a laundry basket

Smelly socks are socks that have acquired a strong odour due to prolonged wearing. Their odour, which is complex and remains the object of study, is a mixture of ammonia, fatty acids (in particular, isovaleric acid),[1] and lactic acid.[2]

Odorous socks are a strong attractant for some animals, including dogs and mosquitos. They have proven useful in controlling the behaviour of these animals.

Although the odour of smelly socks is often associated with feet, it arises independently of contact with human feet in various foodstuffs such as dairy products, cheeses, sausages and fish sauce, and is naturally present in several plants.[3][4][5][6] The smell has also been noted in building and automotive air treatment systems, where it is described as "jock socks odour" or "dirty socks syndrome".

Several technologies have been developed to incorporate materials into sock textiles which reduce or eliminate the strong smell.

Analysis

Compounds which cause socks to smell intensively include:[7]

  1. butyric acid, which smells like rancid butter
  2. dimethyl disulphide, which smells like onions
  3. dimethyl trisulphide
  4. 2-heptanone, which smells like bananas
  5. 2-nonanone, which smells like fat, fruit or flowers
  6. 2-octanone, which smells like apples

Air contamination

The intense smell commonly results from bacterial action upon sweat which accumulates due to confining footwear.[8] It has also presented itself as a problem among users of prosthetics.[9]

Smelly socks may be a source of air contamination in aircraft and dwellings.[10][11] Their distinctive odour is commonly used as a reference.

A 1996 Popular Mechanics article describes "jock socks odour" complaints as one of the magazine's most frequent queries with regard to automotive air conditioning systems, attributing it to fungal growth within the auto.[12] The term "Dirty Sock Syndrome" is used to describe unpleasant odours that arise in building heating and cooling systems.[13][14] High-efficiency heat pumps in the southeastern US have been noted as frequent offenders.[15]

Medical aspects

The odour is a diagnostic feature of a serious medical condition, Isovaleric acidemia.

A widespread consumer perception of the odour in the medication metformin, frequently used to treat Type 2 diabetes, may have contributed to patient refusals of the treatment.[16]

A test of olfactory abilities deemed useful in Japan employs detection of "sweaty socks", along with two other odours, as a useful metric of these abilities.[17]

When fresh, alkyl nitrites or "poppers", smell fruity, but when stale their aroma seems like smelly socks.[18]

Solutions

Several technologies have been developed to address the problem by modifying the composition of sock materials. In February 1997, The Daily Mirror reported that a new fabric had been invented by British scientists to eliminate smelly socks.[19] Disinfectant treatments such as silver nanoparticles may be applied to socks to prevent them from smelling.[20] The United States Air Force Academy issued a 2009 request to vendors that included socks incorporating antimicrobial silver yarn technology.[21] This technology has encountered some opposition; a study conducted by researchers at Arizona State University examined the possibility that the silver particles could be released when the socks were washed, posing environmental concerns.[22] In 2000, the University of California announced a joint venture with private companies to develop socks that would reduce the problem by incorporating halamine compounds, a relatively stable form of chlorine.[23] In 2005 Dow Corning proposed the incorporation of alkoxysilanes as a preventive measure.[24]

Researchers reported, in 2011, on a technique to permanently block the development of pathogenic germs, which can cause odour in socks and other clothing.[25] A team led by Jason Lockli of the University of Georgia reported in the American Chemical Society's Applied Materials and Interfaces that the anti-microbial treatment of "smelly socks" could "offer low cost protection for healthcare facilities, such as hospitals."[25]

Animal attraction

In a study of the odours most likely to attract mosquitos, smelly socks were found to be the most effective, topping the list along with Limburger cheese.[26] Their strong odour will also attract other dangerous wild animals such as bear.[27]

Because this smell is so effective at attracting mosquitos, its use has been explored for mosquito control in places where malaria is prevalent.[28] An imitation foot odour has been synthesised at the University of Wageningen. The synthetic odour is then used to bait traps which attract the mosquitos and so divert them from biting people. The synthetic mixture of ammonia, fatty acids, and lactic acid is effective but not as good as real sweaty socks. The composition of the authentic smell is still being analysed to determine the remaining active ingredients.[2] A project in Kenya funded by Grand Challenges Canada and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation involves harvesting smelly sock odour with cotton pads that are then used to bait traps.[28]

The East African jumping spider or vampire spider preys upon mosquitos which have fed upon blood. It is attracted to the same smell for this reason and this has been demonstrated using an olfactometer which was loaded alternately with clean and smelly socks.[29]

Dogs are strongly attracted to the scent of socks that have been worn by humans. They may self-medicate themselves during attacks of separation anxiety by focusing on these items.[30] The attraction is used in dog training, where the odorous socks may serve as a distractant or as a lure during crate training.[31][32]

Animal repelling

Smelly socks have been used to repel deer. Benefits include they are cheap and accessible, require little effort to put out each morning, and are quite effective at keeping deer out of one's flower garden.[33]

Artistic use

The smell of dirty socks was the most unpleasant of the smells provided in the movie Polyester which featured Odorama in the form of scratch and sniff cards.[34]

At Fort Siloso in Singapore, the liquid scent of smelly socks is part of the exhibition which provides tourists with a sensory impression of its historical use during WW2.[35]

Botany

Smelly Socks Grevillea

The plant White Plume Grevillea has long white flowers whose stink resembles that of smelly socks, causing the plant to be known as "Smelly Socks Grevillea" or "Old Socks".[36] Another plant with a similar smell and name is Clary Sage.[37] The herb valerian has a musty smell of this sort too.[38] Mushrooms of the genus Amanita often have a strong odour which may also seem like that of smelly socks.[39]

Fetishism

Some people experience erotic arousal from smelling well worn socks as a fetish.[40][41] It is one of the most widespread forms of olfactophilia. In a 1994 study, 45% of those with a foot fetish were found to be aroused by smelly socks.[42] Those aroused by smelling socks may be aroused only by a certain type of sock, those worn by a particular person or type of person, or in specific scenarios, such as being dominated or instructed to smell socks.

Folk medicine

Smelly socks are favoured for use as a component in the making of powerful charms or spells, especially in voodoo or magic of African origin.[43][44] They may be worn around the neck as a cure for a cold.[45]

Marketing

Smelly socks were used as the basis for a marketing campaign for British Knights sneakers. Viewers were invited to send in their socks which would then be assessed for smell by a panel of judges which included a dog.[46]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "In Short: Taste & Smell". Johns Hopkins University. Archived from the original on 2013-10-16. Retrieved 2010-07-08.
  2. 1 2 Kent Mensah (21 June 2010), "Smelly socks to fight malaria", Africa News, archived from the original on 27 June 2010, retrieved 7 July 2010
  3. ↑ Stephanie Clark; Michael Costello; Floyd Bodyfelt; MaryAnne Drake (2008), The sensory evaluation of dairy products, シュプリンガー・ジャパン株式会社, p. 114, Bibcode:2009sedp.book.....C, ISBN 978-0-387-77406-0, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2021-12-04
  4. ↑ Patrick F. Fox; P. F. Fox; Timothy M. Cogan; Timothy P. Guinee (2000), Fundamentals of cheese science, Springer, p. 220, ISBN 978-0-8342-1260-2, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2021-12-04
  5. ↑ Yiu H. Hui; Y. H. Hui (2004), Handbook of food and beverage fermentation technology, CRC Press, p. 408, ISBN 978-0-8247-4780-0, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2021-12-04
  6. ↑ Pham, A.J.; Schilling, M.W.; Yoon, Y.; Kamadia, V.V.; Marshall, D.L. (2008), "Characterization of Fish Sauce Aroma-Impact Compounds Using GC-MS, SPME-Osme-GCO, and Stevens' Power Law Exponents", Journal of Food Science, 73 (4): C268–74, doi:10.1111/j.1750-3841.2008.00709.x, PMID 18460121
  7. ↑ Chamila J. Denawaka, Ian A. Fowlis, John R. Dean (18 March 2016), "Source, impact and removal of malodour from soiled clothing", Journal of Chromatography A, 1438: 216–225, doi:10.1016/j.chroma.2016.02.037, PMID 26898151{{citation}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ↑ Active Interest Media, Inc (Sep 1998), "Toxic Sock Syndrome", Backpacker, 26 (171): 24, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2016-09-25
  9. ↑ "A Study of the Development and the Deordorizing Capability of Metal Phthatalocyanine Processed Stump Socks for Amputees" (PDF). Kobe University School of Medicine. Retrieved 2010-07-08.
  10. ↑ Susan Michaelis (2007), Aviation Contaminated Air Reference Manual, ISBN 978-0-9555672-0-9
  11. ↑ Randy Blume (1999), Crazy in the cockpit, p. 19, ISBN 978-0-7894-2572-0, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2016-09-25
  12. ↑ Popular Mechanics Nov 1996, Popular Mechanics, 1996, p. 115, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2021-12-04
  13. ↑ "A New Solution Found for Dirty Sock Syndrome". The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration NEWS. Archived from the original on 2023-02-04. Retrieved 2010-07-09.
  14. ↑ "HETA 98-0300-2723 Dollar General Store Prestonsburg, Kentucky" (PDF). Centers for Disease Control. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2023-02-04. Retrieved 2010-07-14.
  15. ↑ "Popular Science Mar 1991", The Popular Science Monthly, Popular Science: 44, 1991, ISSN 0161-7370, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2021-12-04
  16. ↑ "Regimens: Pungent Pills". New York Times. 2010-02-15. Archived from the original on 2021-08-20. Retrieved 2010-07-07.
  17. ↑ Shiga, Hideaki; Miwa, Takaki; Tsukatani, Toshiaki; Kinoshita, Yayoi; Saito, Sachiko; Kobayakawa, Tatsu; Deguchi, Yuichi; Furukawa, Mitsuru (2007), "Olfactory Disturbance Screening with the Odor Stick Identification Test (OSIT-J) in Executive Checkups", Nippon Jibiinkoka Gakkai Kaiho, 110 (8): 586–91, doi:10.3950/jibiinkoka.110.586, PMID 17874540, archived from the original on 2018-10-30, retrieved 2019-09-05
  18. ↑ Substance Use and Misuse: Nature, Context, and Clinical Interventions Archived 2023-02-04 at the Wayback Machine. G. Hussein Rassool. Wiley-Blackwell, 1998. ISBN 0-632-04884-0. p.48
  19. ↑ The Mirror, February 1997, Smelly socks get the boot.
  20. ↑ Roger Highfield (25 Jun 2003), Slivers of silver solve the problem of smelly socks, The Daily Telegraph, archived from the original on 20 August 2021, retrieved 4 April 2018
  21. ↑ "USAF Academy Cadet Socks". Federal Business Opportunities. Archived from the original on 2018-12-15. Retrieved 2010-07-14.
  22. ↑ "Nanotechnology Law Report" (PDF). Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP. p. 5. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2011-07-14. Retrieved 2010-07-08.
  23. ↑ "New Invention Creates Odor-Free Socks, Infection-Fighting Scrubs". University of California. 2000-10-03. Archived from the original on 2016-01-15. Retrieved 2010-07-14.
  24. ↑ "A New, Durable Antimicrobial Finish for Textiles" (PDF). texbac.de. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-09-24. Retrieved 2010-07-14.
  25. 1 2 Moskvitch, Katia (July 7, 2011). "New solution can help 'permanently get rid of germs': A new anti-microbial treatment that can make clothing - including smelly socks - permanently germ-free has been developed by US scientists". BBC News. BBC. Archived from the original on September 24, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2011.
  26. ↑ L. Patricia Kite (2001-01-01), Insect Facts and Folklore, ISBN 978-0-7613-1822-4
  27. ↑ Dave Smith (2006), Backcountry Bear Basics: The Definitive Guide to Avoiding Unpleasant Encounters, p. 119, ISBN 978-1-59485-028-8, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2016-09-25
  28. 1 2 Dixon, Robyn (August 14, 2011). "Smelly socks could help curb malaria". Los Angeles Times. Johannesburg. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
  29. ↑ Victoria Gill (16 February 2011), Mosquito-eating spider likes smelly socks, BBC, archived from the original on 8 April 2012, retrieved 22 May 2011
  30. ↑ Steven R. Lindsay (2001), Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training: Etiology and assessment of behavior problems. Volume 2 of Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, John Wiley & Sons, p. 108, ISBN 978-0-8138-2868-8, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2021-12-04
  31. ↑ Victoria Schade (2009), Bonding with Your Dog: A Trainer's Secrets for Building a Better Relationship, John Wiley and Sons, p. 99, ISBN 978-0-470-40915-2, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2021-12-04
  32. ↑ Dan Rice (2001), Big dog breeds, Barron's Educational Series, p. 28, ISBN 978-0-7641-1649-0, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2021-12-04
  33. ↑ Conners, Maureen (August 5, 2001). "Not even the deer like old, smelly socks". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2010-07-07.
  34. ↑ Jim Drobnick (2006), The smell culture reader, p. 360, ISBN 978-1-84520-213-2, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2016-09-25
  35. ↑ Muzainia, Hamzah; Teob, Peggy; Yeoh, Brenda S. A. (2007), "Intimations of postmodernity in dark tourism", Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, 5 (1): 28–45, doi:10.2167/jtcc082.0, S2CID 145471921
  36. ↑ Don Burke (2005-11-01), The complete Burke's backyard, ISBN 978-1-74045-739-2, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2016-09-25
  37. ↑ Rosemary Alexander (2009-05-27), The Essential Garden Design Workbook, p. 210, ISBN 978-0-88192-975-1, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2016-09-25
  38. ↑ Pamela Hirsch (2001-05-01), The traveler's natural medicine kit, pp. 116–7, ISBN 978-0-89281-947-8, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2016-09-25
  39. ↑ William C. Roody (April 2003), Mushrooms of West Virginia and the Central Appalachians, p. 50, ISBN 978-0-8131-9039-6, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2016-09-25
  40. ↑ Bartele Santema (2005), "Smelly socks", Bule gila, p. 142, ISBN 978-979-3780-04-7, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2016-09-25
  41. ↑ Stefan Bechtel; Larry Stains; Laurence Roy Stains (1996), Sex, p. 12, ISBN 978-0-87596-299-3, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2016-09-25
  42. ↑ Patricia B. Sutker; Henry E. Adams (2001), Comprehensive handbook of psychopathology, p. 762, ISBN 978-0-306-46490-4, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2016-09-25
  43. ↑ Lynn Maria Hudson (2002), The making of "Mammy Pleasant": a Black entrepreneur in nineteenth-century, pp. 68–69, ISBN 978-0-252-02771-0
  44. ↑ Timothy Michael Olney (2003), Life Positive, p. 92, ISBN 978-0-9719079-0-4, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2016-09-25
  45. ↑ T. K. Pratt (1996-11-19), Dictionary of Prince Edward Island English, p. 77, ISBN 978-0-8020-7904-6, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2016-09-25
  46. ↑ Eric Yaverbaum; Robert W. Bly; Richard Kirshenbaum; Ilise Benun (2006-05-12), Public Relations for Dummies, p. 184, ISBN 978-0-471-77272-9, archived from the original on 2023-02-04, retrieved 2016-09-25
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