How To Remove Bad Smell From Shoes at Home Remedies

Are you tired of dealing with stinky shoes that seem to repel everyone around you? Do you feel embarrassed to take off your shoes in public places? Whether you’re a gym rat or have a case of sweaty feet, bad smells in shoes can damper any situation. Fear not, for we have the perfect solution to your problem: home remedies that will eliminate those pesky bad odors once and for all.

Moreover, spending a fortune on expensive shoe deodorizers or sprays is unnecessary. Instead, try these tried-and-true methods using everyday household items that will leave your shoes smelling fresh and clean.

From baking soda to tea bags to vinegar, these remedies are effective, environmentally friendly, and affordable. Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to natural solutions that will not only eliminate bad smells but also improve the overall health of your feet.

So, lace up your shoes, and let’s dive into shoe deodorizing with a witty and professional tone that will make you smile and learn simultaneously. Get ready to say goodbye to bad smells and hello to happy, healthy feet!

12- ways How To Remove Bad Smell From Shoes at Home Remedies

We all know that the smell emanating from our shoes can be unpleasant, especially if we have been wearing them for long periods.

Sweat and bacteria can cause a bad odor and even fungal infections, creating a pungent and unpleasant smell that can be hard to eliminate. Fortunately, a few home remedies can help remove bad smells from shoes.

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is an effective odor absorber and deodorizer that can neutralize bad smells from shoes.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. 1. Start by removing any debris or dirt from your shoes. You can use a brush or cloth to do this.
   2. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda into your shoes, covering the entire inside of the shoe.
   3. Gently shake your shoes to distribute the baking soda evenly.
   4. Let the baking soda sit in your shoes for at least a few hours or overnight to absorb the bad odor.
   5. Once the baking soda has done its job, shake out the excess powder and wipe down the inside of your shoes with a clean cloth.

2. Tea Bags

Tea bags contain tannins that can neutralize bad odors and help keep your shoes smelling fresh.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. 1. Start by choosing your favorite tea bags. Black tea, green tea, and peppermint tea are all great options for removing bad smells from shoes.
   2. Place the tea bags inside your shoes, one in each, and leave them overnight.
   3. Remove the tea bags and loose tea leaves from your shoes in the morning.
   4. Your shoes should now smell fresher and more pleasant.

3. Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer that can help kill bacteria that cause bad smells.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. 1. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
   2. Spray the solution inside your shoes, covering the entire inside.
   3. Let your shoe air dry completely, preferably in a well-ventilated area.
   4. Once your shoes are dry, the vinegar smell will dissipate, and your shoes should smell fresher and cleaner.

4. Charcoal

Charcoal is a natural odor absorber that can help remove bad smells from shoes. Here are the steps to follow:

1. 1. Purchase activated charcoal or charcoal sachets.
   2. Place a few pieces of charcoal or sachets inside each shoe.
   3. Leave the charcoal in your shoes overnight or for several hours.
   4. Remove the charcoal from your shoes and enjoy fresher-smelling shoes.

5. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a natural acid that can help kill bacteria and neutralize bad odors. Here are the steps to follow:

1. 1. Mix equal parts of water and lemon juice in a spray bottle.
   2. Spray the solution inside your shoes, covering the entire inside.
   3. Let your shoe air dry completely, preferably in a well-ventilated area.
   4. Once your shoes are dry, the lemon smell will dissipate, and your shoes should smell fresher and cleaner.

6. Baking soda and cornstarch

To create a highly effective shoe deodorizer, combine ¼ cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of baking powder, and ½ cup of cornstarch in a mixing bowl.

Once thoroughly blended, either fill a pair of cotton socks with the mixture or evenly sprinkle the mixture into each shoe.

Allow the mixture to sit overnight, allowing ample time for the deodorizing agents to neutralize unpleasant odors.

Consider incorporating several drops of your favorite essential oil to add a touch of personalization to the deodorizing process.

This step will provide a pleasing scent while simultaneously refreshing your shoes.

7. Essential oils

Essential oils, such as tea tree, clove, and cedarwood, are highly regarded as natural deodorizers with antifungal properties.

Research suggests that clove essential oil has potent antimicrobial activity and can effectively inhibit bacteria growth on the feet, thereby eliminating odor.

Combined, these oils act as a triple threat, fighting bacteria, neutralizing odor, and leaving a pleasant scent.

Add a few drops directly into your shoes to use essential oils and allow them to air out.

Mix essential oils with other natural remedies, such as baking soda or vinegar, to create a potent deodorizing solution.

This will help neutralize unpleasant odors while leaving behind a refreshing fragrance.

8.   Good Foot Hygiene

Maintaining good foot hygiene is crucial when it comes to eliminating shoe odor. Firstly, it’s essential to take extra care when cleaning your feet.

Be sure to apply soap or a cleanser between each toe and across the sole of your foot and rinse thoroughly. Trust us; your feet will thank you.

But that’s not all. Here are a few more foot hygiene tips to combat unpleasant shoe odors:

• • Avoid wearing socks more than once between washings. The longer you wear them, the more bacteria and sweat accumulate, leading to smelly shoes.
  • Change out of your socks and shoes immediately after a workout to prevent any unwanted smells from lingering and getting trapped.
  • After cleaning your feet, make sure to dry them completely. Any residual moisture can lead to bacterial growth and unwanted odors.
  • Give your feet a break by going shoeless and sockless whenever possible. This allows your feet to air out and reduces the buildup of sweat and bacteria.

By implementing these tips and practicing good foot hygiene, you can bid farewell to shoe odor and say hello to fresh-smelling feet.

9.   Check your Insoles

Believe it or not, the culprit behind your smelly shoes might be your insoles. If you’ve been rocking the same pair for years, it’s probably time for an upgrade.

Old insoles can become a breeding ground for bacteria and sweat, creating an unpleasant odor that can linger in your shoes.

Luckily, the solution is simple: replace your insoles! You might be surprised by how much of a difference a fresh pair can make.

So, wave goodbye to those old, stinky insoles and say hello to a fresher, more comfortable shoe experience.

Read More on How To Remove Chewing Gum From Clothes

How To Fix Smelly Shoes Overnight

If you’re dealing with smelly shoes and need a quick fix, here’s how you can try to fix them overnight:

1. Use Baking Soda: Baking soda is a great natural deodorizer that can absorb moisture and eliminate odors. Mix ¼ cup of baking powder and ½ cup of cornstarch. Put the mix in cotton socks, sprinkle the mixture in both shoes and leave overnight. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for an extra scent booster.
2. Use Cat Litter: Cat litter is another great option for absorbing moisture and odors. Place a few tablespoons of cat litter in socks and tie them off. Place the socks inside your shoes and leave them overnight.
3. Use Dryer Sheets: Dryer sheets can help mask unpleasant odors and leave your shoes smelling fresh. Place a dryer sheet in each shoe and leave it overnight.
4. Use Alcohol: Rubbing alcohol can help kill bacteria and eliminate odors. Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water, then spray the solution inside your shoes. Allow the shoes to dry completely overnight.

Tips and Tricks to Prevent Bad Smells in Shoes:

1. Rotate Your Shoes: Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes day after day. Rotating your shoes allows them to air out and reduces the buildup of sweat and bacteria.
2. Wear Breathable Shoes and Socks: Shoes and socks made from breathable materials such as cotton, wool, or mesh allow for better air circulation, reducing the risk of sweat buildup and odors.
3. Use foot powder – Applying foot powder can absorb moisture and neutralize bad odors.
4. Keep your shoes dry – Always let them dry completely before wearing them again. Avoid wearing wet shoes or storing them in damp areas.
5. Let Your Shoe Air Out: Give them time to air out after wearing your shoes. This allows sweat and moisture to evaporate, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and odor.
6. Use Odor Absorbing Inserts: Inserts such as activated charcoal, cedar chips, or baking soda can help absorb moisture and prevent odors from developing. Place them in your shoes when you’re not wearing them.
7. Wash Your Feet Regularly: Good foot hygiene prevents shoe odor. Make sure to wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly.
8. Use Tea Bags: Tea bags are a natural deodorizer and can help absorb moisture and odors. Place a few tea bags in your shoes and let them sit overnight.
9. Freeze Your Shoes: Freezing your shoes can kill bacteria and prevent odors from developing. Place your shoes in a plastic bag and freeze them for a few hours.
10. Avoid Wearing Shoes Without Socks: Going sockless in shoes can increase sweat and bacterial growth, leading to unpleasant odors. Try to wear socks with your shoes to absorb sweat and reduce odors.
11. Clean Your Shoes: Regularly cleaning your shoes can help prevent odors from developing. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside of your shoes and allow them to dry completely.
12. Store Your Shoes Properly: Proper storage can help prevent moisture buildup and odors. Avoid storing your shoes in a damp or humid area, and keep them in a well-ventilated space.

Read More about How To Remove Ink Stains From Clothes Home

What Causes Shoes to Smell and How Can You Remove the Odor?

Shoe odor is a common problem caused by a variety of factors. Foot odor is primarily caused by sweat, which can accumulate inside shoes, creating a damp and warm environment that promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms then break down the sweat and release an unpleasant odor.

The type of shoes worn and the materials they are made of can also contribute to odor. Shoes made of synthetic materials may not allow proper ventilation, trapping sweat and leading to bacterial growth.

Wearing shoes for extended periods without allowing them to dry or air out can also promote odor.

Do freezing shoes remove the odor?

Freezing shoes is one method that some people use to try to remove odor from their shoes. The idea behind this method is that the cold temperatures will kill the odor-causing bacteria in the shoes.

While some evidence suggests that freezing shoes can help reduce odor, it’s important to note that they may not work for all types of odor. Additionally, it’s important to thoroughly clean your shoes before freezing them to remove any dirt, grime, or other debris contributing to odor.

To freeze your shoes, clean them thoroughly and allow them to dry completely. Then, place them in a plastic bag and seal them tightly. Place the bag in the freezer for at least 24 hours. After this time, remove the shoes from the freezer and let them thaw completely before wearing them again.

While freezing your shoes may be a helpful method to reduce odor, it’s not a substitute for good foot hygiene and regular cleaning of your shoes.

Read More on How To Remove Stains From Leather

Why do my shoes smell even after washing?

There are several reasons why your shoes may still smell even after washing them:

1. Not washing them properly: If you don’t clean your shoes, the odor-causing bacteria may not be completely removed.
2. Using the wrong cleaning products: Using the wrong cleaning products or not using enough can also result in residual odor in your shoes.
3. Not drying them completely: If you don’t allow your shoes to dry completely after washing, the moisture can create an environment where bacteria thrive, resulting in a lingering odor.
4. Old shoes: Over time, shoes can accumulate bacteria and sweat, leading to persistent odors even after washing.Underlying medical conditions: In some cases, persistent foot odor may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) or a fungal infection.

However, to address the issue of persistent shoe odor, it may be necessary to try multiple approaches, such as using home remedies, changing your foot hygiene habits, and using odor-eliminating products.

If the problem persists despite your efforts, it may be worth consulting a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

How do you get the smell out of shoes without washing them?

If you want to get the smell out of your shoes without washing them, there are several effective methods you can try:

1. Baking Soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside your shoes and leave it in overnight. The baking soda will absorb the odor, leaving your shoes smelling fresh. Be sure to shake out the baking soda in the morning before wearing your shoes.
2. Tea Bags: Place unused tea bags inside your shoes and leave them in overnight. The tea bags will absorb the odor, leaving your shoes smelling fresh. This works especially well with black tea bags.
3. Charcoal Bags: Activated charcoal bags are another effective option for absorbing odors. Place a bag in each shoe and leave them overnight.
4. Essential Oils: Place a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and place the cotton ball inside each shoe. Essential oils like tea tree oil, lavender, and peppermint are all great options for eliminating odors.
5. Freezing: Put your shoes in a plastic bag and the freezer overnight. The cold temperature will kill odor-causing bacteria, leaving your shoes smelling fresher.

Always air out your shoes after using these methods to ensure they are completely dry before wearing them again.

Take away on How To Remove Bad Smell From Shoes at Home Remedies

In conclusion, If you’ve ever experienced the unpleasant odor of smelly shoes, you know how embarrassing and frustrating it can be.

Fortunately, you can try several home remedies to eliminate shoe odor and prevent it from returning.

Many ways to tackle smelly shoes exist, from good foot hygiene to natural deodorizers like baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils.

Don’t forget to check your insoles and give your shoes time to air out between wears. And if all else fails, consider freezing your shoes overnight to kill odor-causing bacteria.

With these tips and tricks, you can say goodbye to smelly shoes and hello to fresh, odor-free feet!