Smelly shoes are a common problem that can be both embarrassing and uncomfortable.
Whether it's due to sweat, bacteria, or simply wearing them for too long, shoes can develop unpleasant odors over time.
Fortunately, there are easy and effective ways to clean and deodorize your shoes, making them fresh and pleasant to wear again.
The Causes of Smelly Shoes
Sweat and Bacteria
The primary cause of smelly shoes is sweat, which provides a breeding ground for bacteria.
Poor Ventilation
Materials that don't breathe well, like certain synthetic fabrics, can contribute to a buildup of sweat and odors.
Inadequate Drying
If shoes aren't allowed to dry thoroughly between wears, the moisture remains trapped, leading to persistent odors, particularly in athletic shoes.
How to get rid of smelly shoes?
The shoes have just been worn for a few days and are not very dirty, but they smell bad. You can remove the bad smell quickly from the shoes without washing them.
Baking Soda
- Remove Insoles and Laces: Take out the insoles and laces from your shoes.
- Sprinkle Baking Soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside the shoes, covering the entire interior. Let it sit overnight to absorb odors.
- Shake Out Baking Soda: The next day, shake the baking soda from the shoes.
Vinegar
- Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the interior of the shoes lightly with the vinegar solution.
- Air Dry: Allow the shoes to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area.
Tea Leaves
Wrap some dry tea leaves in a paper towel, fold the paper towel, put it in your shoe, and leave it overnight.
Food desiccant
Take a pack of desiccant and put it directly into the smelly shoes, place it in a ventilated place, and Leave it overnight.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a powerful odor absorber. Place a small bag of activated charcoal inside each shoe and leave it overnight to absorb odors.
Onion And Garlic Skins
Collect all the peeled garlic or onion skins and put them directly in your shoes, leave it overnight to absorb odors.
Essential Oils
Add a few drops of essential oils to a cotton ball and place it inside the shoes overnight.
How to wash smelly shoes?
Sometimes, shoe odors can be persistent and difficult to remove, You Might Need Deep and Thorough Cleaning.
Hand Washing
- Prepare Cleaning Solution: Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water.
- Scrub the Shoes: Use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to scrub the inside and outside of the shoes with the cleaning solution.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the shoes with clean water and allow them to air dry completely.
Machine Washing
- Check Labels: Ensure that your shoes are machine washable. Most athletic shoes can be washed in a machine, but delicate materials like leather and suede should be hand-washed.
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Protect the Shoes: Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect them during the wash cycle.
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Use Gentle Cycle: Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
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Air Dry: Do not put shoes in the dryer. Allow them to air dry completely.
How to fix smelly shoes overnight?
Baking Soda
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside each shoe.
Let it sit overnight to absorb moisture and odor.
Shake out the excess baking soda in the morning.
Dryer Sheets
Place a dryer sheet inside each shoe.
Leave them overnight to help neutralize odors.
Tea Bags
Place a few unused tea bags inside each shoe.
Let them sit overnight to absorb moisture and odors.
Vinegar and Water Spray
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Lightly spray the inside of your shoes.
Allow them to air dry overnight.
Activated Charcoal
Place activated charcoal sachets inside each shoe.
Leave them overnight to absorb odors.
Essential Oils
Add a few drops of essential oil (like tea tree or lavender) to a cotton ball.
Place the cotton balls inside the shoes overnight for a fresh scent.
Freezing:
Place your shoes in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer overnight.
The cold temperature can kill odor-causing bacteria.
How to prevent your shoes from getting smelly?
To prevent future shoe odors, consider the following tips:
Keep your feet clean
Wash your feet every day, dry them thoroughly, and make sure your feet are completely dry before wearing shoes.
Choose shoes with good breathability
Choosing shoes with good breathability can help keep your feet dry and reduce the possibility of sweat being retained inside the shoes.
Rotate Shoes
Wearing the same pair of shoes every day can lead to persistent odors. Rotate between at least two pairs to allow each to dry out completely.
Wash and dry your shoes regularly
Learning to wash and dry your shoes regularly is one of the effective ways to effectively avoid the breeding of shoe odors.
Proper Shoe Storage
Cool, Dry Place: Store shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Shoe Racks: Use shoe racks to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.
How to disinfect smelly shoes?
Disinfecting smelly shoes involves killing bacteria and fungi that cause odors.
Using Alcohol-Based Sprays
Isopropyl alcohol is a powerful disinfectant that can kill bacteria and eliminate odors.
Fill a spray bottle with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Lightly spray the inside of the shoes, focusing on areas with the most contact.
Allow the shoes to air dry completely.
White Vinegar Solution
White vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer.
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Spray the inside of the shoes generously.
Let the shoe air dry completely.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a strong disinfectant that can kill bacteria and fungi.
Pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide into the shoes.
Swirl it around to cover the interior.
Pour out the excess and allow the shoes to air dry completely.
Ozone Treatment
Some professional cleaning services offer ozone treatment, which uses ozone gas to kill bacteria and neutralize odors.
UV Light Treatment
UV light can kill bacteria and eliminate odors. Some shoe dryers come with UV light features.