1. Rotate Your Shoes
The simplest way to eliminate shoe odor is to rotate your shoes and not wear the same pair every day. Allow your shoes to air out and breathe, taking a break from the constant wear. This will prevent them from easily developing an unpleasant smell.
2. Use Shoe Deodorizer
If you’re short on time, invest in a shoe deodorizer spray. These sprays contain enzymes that attract and trap the bacteria and dirt that cause shoe odor, leaving your shoes smelling fresh.
3. Baking Soda to the Rescue
Baking soda isn’t just for baking; it’s also a powerful cleaning agent. Its odor-absorbing properties can eliminate that musty shoe smell. Simply sprinkle some into your shoes and let it sit overnight. Give your shoes a good shake before wearing them, and consider doing this regularly for best results.
4. Freeze Them Out
Did you know that cold temperatures can also eliminate shoe odor? Place each shoe in a separate ziplock bag and seal tightly. Pop them into the freezer overnight, and the cold will kill the odor-causing mold and bacteria.
5. Odor-Fighting Insoles
Choosing insoles with odor-fighting properties is another effective way to eliminate shoe odor. You can take your shoes off at any time without worrying about that musty smell, and you won’t have to constantly clean your shoes.
6. Use Dryer Sheets
If your shoes have a strong odor due to absorbed foot sweat, it’s time to use dryer sheets. In addition to not wearing the shoes frequently to allow the sweat to evaporate, place a dryer sheet in each shoe to absorb moisture and prevent musty smells.
7. Alcohol-Soaked Cotton Balls
Even if your favorite shoes can’t be washed, this method will quickly eliminate odors. Soak cotton balls in alcohol until they’re saturated, then stuff them into your shoes. Let the alcohol evaporate and neutralize the odor. The alcohol will kill odor-causing bacteria and evaporate on its own, so you won’t need to wash the shoes afterward.
8. Citrus Power
If you prefer a more natural approach, try using orange or lemon peels. The oils in the peels will freshen your shoes, and you can simply remove the peels when you’re done.
9. Essential Oils
Add a few drops of lavender or your favorite essential oil to your shoes. These oils are natural bacteria killers and will leave your shoes smelling wonderful, just like perfume.
10. Regular Washing
For stinky, dirty sneakers, regular washing is a must. Place your sneakers inside a pillowcase, tie it shut, and wash them in the machine with cold water (5–10°C). Then, let them air-dry.
11. Cat Litter to the Rescue
Using cat litter to absorb shoe odor is a clever trick. Just remember to use new litter and adjust the amount to fit your shoe size. Place the litter in a pair of tights, tie them shut, and leave them in your shoes overnight to absorb the musty smell.
12. Vinegar to the Rescue
Vinegar is a quick fix for smelly shoes. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, pour the solution into a spray bottle, and spritz it all over your shoes. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then sprinkle baking soda inside and leave it overnight to absorb any remaining odors and vinegar smell.
13. Black Tea Bags
Don’t throw away those used tea bags, especially black tea! After brewing, place the tea bags in your shoes for an hour. The tannins in the tea will kill odor-causing bacteria. Then, blot the remaining tea and let your shoes dry.
14. Cornstarch Power
Mix equal parts baking soda, cornstarch, and baking powder. Pour the mixture into a pair of tights, tie them shut, and leave them in your shoes overnight to absorb the odors.
15. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are another excellent natural odor absorber. Pour used coffee grounds into a pair of tights, making sure they fit your shoe size. Tie the tights shut and place them in your shoes overnight to absorb the odors.
By An Nhien – Vietnamnet
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