Quieting squeaky sneakers

Ellen: I have a gently worn pair of black Skechers gym shoes. For the past six months or so they have produced a very noticeable and embarrassing squeak while walking on any surface. They have not been soaked in water. I saw an article online about using baby powder to remove any moisture and thus removing the “squeak.” Is baby powder the only way?

— Barb M.

Dear Barb: Your shoes don’t have to be “soaked” to squeak. Even stepping in a puddle could have caused your problem — especially since your sneakers were quiet at first, then started to make the annoying noise. There are plenty of possible solutions besides baby powder, though I have used the powder ploy with success. Sprinkle it under the removable inner sole that most gym shoes have. (If no inner sole, sprinkle it inside the shoe anyhow.) The following are other solutions.

If the squeak sounds like it’s coming from friction with the floor (especially wood floors), slightly rough up the soles with sandpaper. If it’s not a floor squeak that bothers you, try the following.

Rub a thin layer of Vaseline (petroleum jelly) beneath the insole.

Throw shoes in the dryer on low for five to 10 minutes with a sponge moistened with fabric softener.

Try placing a dryer sheet under the insole (insole friction might be the culprit).

WD-40 is a solution for lots of household problems, including this one. Soak the corner of a rag, washcloth or cotton ball with WD-40 and apply to the outside sole area (not the bottom of the shoe) but use it only on the rubber part, not suede!

The little silicon gel packets you find in your new purse or inside new shoes are there to absorb moisture and sweat. Toss them inside the shoes for a day or two. Don’t have any? Buy them on amazon.com for $8 and up.

If none of those work, try replacing the laces, which could be rubbing against the eyelets and causing the squeak.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: In my job with little children, I raise my arms often. I notice that many of my shirts have white armpit streaks because of deodorant. I love my deodorant and have been using it for decades. Do all deodorants cause white marks on shirt armpits? How about the ones marked as “invisible”? I would appreciate any guidance on what kind of deodorant I should use that won’t create these marks. And any recommendations on getting rid of those white marks that are already on many of my shirts?

— Jen R.

Your white streaks might be caused by aluminum in your deodorant. Readers tell me switching to all-natural or aluminum-free deodorants eliminates future white streaks. There also are easy fixes to remove existing streaks. Rub the area with wet wipes, a dryer sheet, pantyhose, a nylon sock, foam from a dry cleaner hanger, a dry or slightly moist sponge or even a washcloth or towel corner, dry or slightly moistened.

Also check for white streaks on other parts of garments you’ve put on over your head. If possible, put on the deodorant after you’ve wrestled the shirt, dress or sweater on.

You didn’t ask about this, but if you’ve got clothing with yellow underarm perspiration stains — a tougher problem — soak in white vinegar mixed with warm water in a 1-to4 ratio. Or apply a paste of baking soda and water (1-to-3), rub into the stain, let sit for a few hours then wash as usual. Test on a hem or other inconspicuous spot first.

Send your questions, rants, tips, favorite finds — on style, shopping, makeup, fashion and beauty — to answerangelellen@gmail. com.

DREAMSTIME Dear Jen: