The Ultimate Guide to Eliminating Shoe Odor: 15 Easy Tips and Tricks That Really Work

How do you get rid of stinky shoes that can't be washed? Check out these 15 incredibly easy ways to eliminate shoe odor. Whether they are canvas, leather, or sneakers, your shoes will be smelling fresh in no time!

0
55

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

You may also like

The Ultimate Guide to Sparkling Clean: Transform Your Yellow-Stained Sink with a Common Household Powder

To effectively clean your bathroom sink, you can utilize a few household staples that will leave your sink sparkling and germ-free.

“The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Grapes: A Sparkling Clean Promise”

Introducing the ultimate guide to washing grapes: forget rinsing with plain water, or attempting to clean them with salt or flour. It’s time to unlock the true potential of grape-washing with not one, but two secret ingredients that will revolutionize the way you prepare this fruit. Prepare to be amazed as we unveil the ultimate duo for pristine grapes!

The Ultimate Fish Marinade: A 2-Minute Soak for the Perfectly Flavored Fish

By marinating the fish in this special liquid for just 1-2 minutes, you’ll be guaranteed tender, flavorful, and sweet-smelling flesh that’s free from any fishy odor. It’s a simple trick that not many people know about, but it’s sure to elevate your fish dishes to the next level.

The Magic of Fabric Softener: A Simple Solution for Household Problems

These two seemingly unrelated things are a match made in heaven when it comes to tackling household woes.

The Ultimate Guide to Mattress Cleaning: A Hassle-Free Approach

If you’re dealing with a small stain, fret not! You can easily tackle it without resorting to washing your mattress. The best part? The cleaning tools and ingredients are likely already in your home.