12 Easy Ways to Remove Odor from Shoes

Eliminate unpleasant smells using these simple and inexpensive solutions.

You've likely experienced odor coming from your favorite pair of shoes at one time or another. It’s especially the ones you wear the most often that are susceptible to smells, thanks to the layers of sweat and bacteria that build up over time. In some cases, a chronic foot condition could be contributing to shoe odor, which is something to be addressed with a podiatrist. But, for the most part, shoe odor is something that can be easily eradicated with ingredients or items you likely have around the house already.

Try out the following methods (most of which are all-natural!) to remove odor from shoes. Plus, learn preventative habits to keep your kicks smelling fresh, no matter how often you wear them.

Related: 7 Ways to Banish Common Household Odors for a Fresher Home

1. Baking Soda

Chances are, you already know how effective baking soda is for removing residue on surfaces, unclogging the shower drain, and pre-treating fabric stains. But it’s also an excellent odor absorber. (That’s why it’s also recommended to leave a box of baking soda in the refrigerator so it stays smelling fresh!) When it comes to shoes, simply sprinkle some baking soda inside of them and let it sit overnight. In the morning, shake the shoes out thoroughly before wearing them again.

You can concoct an even more potent deodorizer by combining baking soda with baking powder, cornstarch, and a few drops of your essential oil of choice. Divide the mixture among two unused coffee filters, tie up the ends, and place a homemade sachet into each shoe. Again, allow the baking soda to work its magic overnight and you’ll wake up them smelling significantly better than before.

Related: How to Clean White Shoes (No Matter the Material)

2. Vinegar

Like baking soda, white vinegar is a smart choice for tackling tough messes around the house and removing stains on laundry day. And while it’s frequently used in conjunction with baking soda, vinegar alone will successfully sanitize shoes. Blend equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and generously apply the solution to the insides of your stinkiest pairs. Make sure they’re fully dry before putting them on again and repeat the process as often as needed, even after every wear if you’d like.

One safety consideration to keep in mind is that vinegar should never be mixed with bleach as it will form toxic fumes. So, if you just used bleach to clean around the outside soles of your shoes, for example, hold off on using vinegar as a deodorizer.

Related: How to Clean Suede Shoes Without Wrecking Their Velvety Texture

3. Rubbing Alcohol

This is another example of putting a basic household essential to work. Rubbing alcohol can clean multiple items and surfaces while also serving as an odor-neutralizer and bacteria-eliminator. Spritz it directly into smelly shoes and leave them to air out so the alcohol evaporates.

Related: Homemade Cleaners You Can Make with Ingredients from Your Pantry

4. Sunlight

We recommend leaving shoes outside to dry after using the vinegar or rubbing alcohol methods. But on a sunny day, you can try solely using the sunshine to abolish smells. Since moisture from sweat or the elements is one of the leading causes of shoe odor, the warm sun will help dry them at a quicker rate. Plus, UV light acts as a natural deodorizer so you get a one-two punch without spending a dime.

5. The Freezer

An alternative technique to eliminate shoe odor without having to apply anything is by freezing the bacteria that live in them. To keep your frozen foods from coming into contact with shoes, place them in a plastic bag first and then leave them in the freezer overnight. Remove them the next day and allow them to defrost before wearing them again.

6. Bar Soap

If you have extra bars of soap sitting in your linen closet, you’re in luck. Take two open (but fully dry) bars and place them directly inside a pair of shoes. Not only will they absorb less-than-lovely smells, they’ll also leave a clean scent behind. Note that you’ll probably want to store these soaps separately and designate them to the sole task of removing shoe odor, as it's not exactly hygienic to use them to wash your hands after they’ve been sitting in sweaty shoes.

Related: How to Clean Converse Shoes

7. Activated Charcoal

Using activated charcoal is an underrated odor-neutralizing strategy. It’s what is commonly used in water filtration systems and will work to deodorize the fridge just as well as baking soda. You can find small charcoal bags, some designed specifically to fit inside shoes, at a variety of home goods or improvement retailers and most will last up to two years. Pop a couple into your mustiest pair of sneakers to absorb smells whenever you’re not wearing them.

8. Newspaper

You might already be used to repurposing newspapers to make your mirrors and windows shine sans streaks, but you can also use them to slay shoe smells once you're done reading your favorite section. Crumple up a few pages and stick them inside your shoes for a day or so. The paper will work to soak up excess moisture and offensive odors.

9. Dryer Sheets

If you’ve recently decided to switch to using dryer balls, don’t toss your dryer sheets just yet. Sure, you can use them to get rid of static cling or to dust baseboards. But you can also place a sheet inside each shoe that’s been stinkier than usual. Dryer sheets will absorb the bad smells but, like soap, will leave a nice scent behind.

Related: How to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine (Without Damage)

10. Essential Oils

You're already aware that you can mix essential oils with other ingredients, such as baking soda, to eliminate shoe odor. But you can just as easily place a few drops of oil onto cotton balls and leave them in your shoes overnight. Not only are many essential oils known to be anti-fungal, some—like tea tree and clove—are really beneficial in neutralizing smells as well.

11. Kitty Litter

Using litter to keep icy sidewalks and stoops safe or to dry out paint before disposing of it are two good reasons to keep it in the house, even if you don't have a cat—but it can also work to get rid of shoe odor! Scoop some cat litter into mismatched socks that you’ve been hanging onto, knot or tie the openings, and then leave them in your shoes overnight. The material will absorb smells just like it does in the litter box.

Related: How to Remove Salt Stains from Shoes

12. Deodorizers

Wanna skip the DIY methods and head straight for the stuff specifically designed for fighting shoe odor? You can always choose to use commercial deodorizers such as spays and sneaker balls that can be found in most shoe stores.

How to Prevent Shoe Odor in the First Place

Wear socks: Going sock-less is one of the quickest ways to invite your shoes to smell. Whenever feasible, wear breathable socks that wick away sweat and keep the insides of your shoes as dry as possible. Wear a fresh pair of socks each day in a row and remove your socks and shoes immediately after a workout or long walk.

Replace the insoles: If you can’t part with shoes you’ve had forever, or don’t want to invest in new ones, replacing their insoles is an inexpensive solution. A lot of shoe odor lies in the insoles so swapping the old one out for a fresh pair can drastically help keep them smelling fresh.

Alternate shoes regularly: Avoid putting the same shoes on each day, if possible. This gives your shoes time to air out or be cleaned in between wearings.

Apply foot powder: Those prone to sweaty feet may benefit from using a moisture-absorbing powder on them before putting shoes on. This will give you an added layer of protection on top of following good hygiene habits.

Keep your feet clean and dry: As mentioned, if you have chronic foot issues, it’s important to consult with your doctor. In general, however, everyone can benefit from keeping their feet clean and, just as importantly, dry. Thoroughly wash them in the shower or bath, making sure to get in between your toes, and allow them to fully dry off before putting on socks or shoes.

Related: This Free Hack Was a Total Game-Changer to Dry My Machine-Washed Shoes

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