How to Get Rid of Odor in Boots: 9 Simple Hacks

Your boots carry you through mud, rain, and snow. We love them for their durability, but that heavy-duty wear often leads to a heavy-duty stench.

You don’t have to banish your favorite pair to the garage. We found the most effective ways to eliminate odor in boots so you can feel fresh every time you lace up.

How To Get Rid of Odor in Boots

There are plenty of ways to remove odors from your boots without buying expensive gadgets. Choose the method below that uses ingredients you already have in your pantry.

Make a Deodorizing Powder

You can create a powerful, eco-friendly powder to soak up sweat and neutralize acidity.

1. Mix the dry ingredients: Combine one cup of cornstarch, ½ cup of baking soda, and ½ cup of baking powder in a small bowl.
2. Add scent: Stir in five drops of essential oil. We recommend lavender or tea tree oil for their antibacterial properties.
3. Apply the powder: Sprinkle the mixture generously into your boots. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
4. Let it sit: Leave the powder inside for at least eight hours or overnight.
5. Clean it out: Dump the loose powder into the garbage and vacuum the inside of your boots to remove the rest.

This method freshens up your shoes and absorbs odors effectively.

DIY Vinegar Spray

If you prefer a liquid solution over a messy powder, vinegar is your best friend. This spray works on clothing, curtains, and furniture too.

1. Create the solution: In a spray bottle, mix ½ cup of water, ½ cup of distilled white vinegar, and 10 drops of tea tree oil.
2. Spray the boots: Mist the inside of your shoes lightly. Do not oversaturate the material.
3. Wipe and dry: After 10 minutes, wipe away any residue with a dry cloth and let them air dry completely.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a strong disinfectant that evaporates quickly. It cuts through bacteria without leaving your boots soggy for hours.

1. Prep the alcohol: Fill a spray bottle with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
2. Spray the interior: Lightly mist the inside of the boot.
3. Dry it out: Place the boots in a well-ventilated area to dry.

Use UV Rays

If you throw your boots in a dark closet immediately after wearing them, the moisture and bacteria get trapped. You need to let them breathe. Undo the laces, pull the tongues loose, and place them in a shady spot indoors or use a UVC lamp. The UV rays help kill bacteria and fungi ⁽¹⁾.

Replace the Insoles

Sometimes the boot itself is fine, but the insole has absorbed too much sweat to be saved. If you have scrubbed and sprayed to no avail, it is time to buy new insoles. You can find replacements at drugstores, shoe repair shops, or directly from the boot manufacturer.

Stuff With Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets are not just for laundry; they mask odors effectively in tight spaces.

1. Ball them up: Scrunch up two or three dryer sheets.
2. Insert into boots: Stuff them inside each shoe, ensuring they cover the toe area.
3. Wait: Leave them overnight to absorb the stale smell.
4. Remove: Take them out in the morning and check the scent.

The Teabag Test

Black tea contains tannins, which are effective at killing bacteria and absorbing odors. This is an excellent method for sweaty work boots or running shoes.

1. Add the bags: Place about five unused dry teabags in each boot.
2. Let them work: Leave the boots in a dry place overnight.
3. Remove: Take the bags out the next day. The tea leaves absorb the humidity effectively.

Kitty Litter

Cat litter is designed specifically to absorb moisture and neutralize harsh smells. It acts as a heavy-duty desiccant for your footwear.

1. Fill socks: Pour clean kitty litter into a pair of old socks and tie the ends (this prevents a mess inside the boot).
2. Insert: Place the litter-filled socks inside your boots.
3. Wait: Leave them overnight.
4. Remove: Pull the socks out in the morning. Your boots should be dry and odorless.

Citrus Peels

Fresh citrus peels contain essential oils that fight odor naturally. This works best for mild smells rather than deep-set stenches.

1. Peel the fruit: Use the skins of an orange, lime, lemon, or grapefruit.
2. Place in boots: Put the fresh peels inside the shoes and leave them overnight.
3. Discard: Remove the peels in the morning.

Commercial Products

If natural methods fail, you may need a dedicated commercial deodorizer. Sprays and balls specifically designed for sneakers usually contain strong antibacterial agents and moisture-absorbing compounds. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the product is safe for your specific boot material, especially suede or leather.

How To Prevent Odor in Boots

Prevention is easier than the cure. Follow these tips to stop the stink before it starts.

• Wear moisture-wicking socks: Always wear socks with boots. Wool or synthetic blends wick sweat away from your skin better than cotton, which holds moisture against the foot.
• Use cedar shoe trees: Insert cedar shoe trees immediately after taking your boots off. The wood absorbs moisture and imparts a pleasant, natural scent.
• Rotate your footwear: Avoid wearing the same pair of boots two days in a row. They need at least 24 hours to dry out completely between uses.
• Practice foot hygiene: Scrub your feet daily in the shower and ensure they are completely dry before putting on socks.
• Air them out: Never toss damp boots directly into a dark closet or box. Let them air dry in an open room first.

FAQs

Why Do My Boots Smell Bad?

Boots smell because bacteria thrive in warm, dark, and damp environments. When your feet sweat, the moisture gets trapped inside the thick material of the boot. This creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which release foul-smelling gases as they break down oils and dead skin ⁽²⁾.

Will Freezing My Boots Kill Bad Odors?

Freezing your boots is a temporary fix, not a cure. The extreme cold puts bacteria into a dormant state rather than killing it ⁽³⁾. Once the boots thaw and your warm feet heat them up again, the bacteria will wake up and the smell will return.

What Is the Best Odor Eliminator?

The best eliminator is a combination of airflow and a pH neutralizer. In our experience, airing boots out immediately after use and applying a baking soda powder or vinegar solution effectively kills the source of the smell rather than just masking it.

Can I Wash My Boots in the Washing Machine?

It depends on the material. Canvas or synthetic hiking boots can often be washed on a gentle cycle with cold water. However, you should never put leather, suede, or formal boots in the washing machine, as the water saturation and agitation will ruin the structure and finish. Always check the care label on the tongue of the boot first.

In Conclusion

Keep your feet dry, rotate your shoes, and tackle moisture the moment you get home. Your nose (and your family) will thank you.