How To Remove Odor From Sandals: 8 Methods

Sandals are the ultimate summer staple. They are breathable, water-resistant, and go with just about every outfit. But there is a downside. Sandals catch dirt, sweat, and dead skin. Eventually, that combination creates a serious stink.

If your favorite slides or gladiators smell sour, do not toss them just yet. You can salvage smelly shoes with a few household ingredients. We tested these methods on our own footwear to see what actually works.

Whether you rock Birkenstocks, Tevas, Crocs, or leather slides, we have a solution for you. Here is how to remove odor from sandals and keep them fresh all summer.

Why Do My Sandals Smell?

The short answer is bacteria. When you wear sandals without socks, your sweat mingles with dead skin cells and dirt. This creates a feast for bacteria. As they feed, they release gases that smell bad.

Here are the specific culprits contributing to the funk:

• Sweat and moisture: Feet contain more sweat glands than any other part of the body. When that moisture gets trapped in the footbed, bacteria thrive. If you wear antibacterial soaps or use antiperspirant on your feet, you can limit the moisture source.
• Dead skin buildup: We shed skin constantly. In closed shoes, socks catch this. In sandals, that organic matter gets ground into the soles. This buildup rots over time and causes odors.
• Improper drying: If you wear sandals to the beach or lake, they get soaked. If they do not dry 100 percent before you wear them again, mold and mildew can grow in the crevices.
• Product residue: Sunscreen, bug spray, and body lotion transfer from your legs to your shoes. This sticky residue traps dirt and bacteria against the material.
• The material: Synthetic materials like rubber or low-quality plastic are not porous. Sweat sits on top rather than evaporating. Natural materials like cork and leather breathe better but require more care.

How To Remove Odor From Sandals

Ready to deodorize? We have compiled eight effective ways to refresh your footwear. We recommend starting with the least abrasive method and working your way up for stubborn smells.

With Baking Soda and Vinegar

This is the gold standard for DIY cleaning. The acidity of the vinegar cuts through grime, while the baking soda acts as a mild abrasive and deodorizer.

1. Prep the shoe: Wipe the sandals with a damp cloth to remove loose dirt.
2. Mix the paste: Combine one part baking soda with two parts distilled white vinegar. It will fizz. Mix until you have a paste.
3. Scrub: Use an old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to apply the paste. Scrub in small circles, paying attention to the toe and heel areas.
4. Wait: Let the paste sit on the sandals for at least a few hours, ideally overnight.
5. Rinse: Wipe away the dried paste with a clean, damp cloth.
6. Dry: Let the shoes air dry completely in a cool, shaded spot.

With Essential Oils

If you want to kill bacteria and leave a pleasant scent, essential oils are powerful. Tea tree oil is particularly effective because it is naturally antifungal and antibacterial.

1. Choose your oils: Grab tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, or clove leaf oil. You can use one or a blend.
2. Apply: Put a few drops of oil onto a cotton ball. Rub it thoroughly over the footbed and straps.
3. Rest: Let the oils soak in and dry overnight. Do not rinse them off.

With Soap and Water

Sometimes simple is best. This method works wonders for waterproof materials like rubber flip-flops, Crocs, or Tevas. Do not use this on suede.

1. Pre-rinse: Rinse loose mud off the sandals in the sink or with a hose.
2. Mix: Fill a bucket or sink with warm water and a teaspoon of dish soap (like Dawn).
3. Scrub: Dip a soft brush or cloth into the soapy water. Scrub the sandals vigorously. If you have strappy sandals, slide the straps back and forth to clean hidden areas.
4. Rinse: Rinse with cool water until no soap bubbles remain.
5. Dry: Towel dry them immediately, then let them air dry away from direct heat.

With UV Rays (Sunlight)

UV rays are a natural disinfectant. Sunlight kills mold and bacteria effectively. However, this method requires caution.

High heat can shrink memory foam and warp rubber. Intense UV rays can also fade leather and dry it out. Use this method for short bursts only.

Place your clean, damp sandals outside in direct sunlight for 30 to 60 minutes. This is usually enough time to zap surface bacteria without melting the glue in your shoes.

With Antifungal Powder

If the smell is persistent, you might be dealing with a fungal issue (like athlete’s foot) rather than just dirty shoes. Medicated powders treat the source of the problem.

Here are a few top-rated options:

• Dr. Scholl’s Odor-X Antifungal Spray Powder: This product absorbs wetness and destroys odors instantly. It is great for daily maintenance. spray it on your feet before putting your shoes on.
• Medline Remedy Phytoplex Antifungal Powder: This contains miconazole nitrate to treat fungal infections. It is helpful if you have itching or burning associated with the odor.
• Comfort Zone Miconazorb Antifungal Powder: A talc-free option that targets moisture and fungal growth. It helps keep the footbed dry, which prevents new smells from forming.

With Pantry Staples

You can make a DIY shoe deodorizer using items already in your kitchen. These methods are great for maintenance between deep cleans.

• Citrus peels: Place fresh lemon, lime, or orange peels directly on the footbed overnight. The citrus oils help cut through the funk and leave a fresh scent.
• Rubbing alcohol spray: This is a favorite quick fix. Fill a small spray bottle with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and water (1:1 ratio). Spray the sandals generously. The alcohol kills bacteria on contact and evaporates quickly.
• Coffee grounds: Put dry, unused coffee grounds into an old sock or stocking. Tie it off and place it on the sandal. Coffee acts as a carbon filter to absorb bad smells.
• Vanilla extract: Put a few drops of vanilla on a paper towel and stuff it inside the sandal. It won’t kill bacteria, but it masks odors effectively for a day or two.

With Dryer Sheets

If you are traveling and don’t have cleaning supplies, use a dryer sheet.

1. Wipe: Scrub the footbed firmly with the dryer sheet. The texture helps remove surface grime.
2. Wrap: Wrap the sheet around the sandal or stuff it under the straps and leave it overnight. The sheet absorbs odors and transfers its fragrance to the shoe.

In the Freezer

Freezing your shoes is a popular hack. While it does not kill all bacteria (some just go dormant), it can reduce the smell temporarily without using chemicals.

1. Bag them: Place your sandals in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Seal it tight so your ice cream doesn’t taste like feet.
2. Freeze: Leave them in the freezer for 12 to 24 hours.
3. Thaw: Take them out and let them come to room temperature naturally. Do not wear them while frozen, as materials become brittle in the cold and can crack.

How To Get Smells Out of Different Sandals

Not all materials are created equal. Using the wrong cleaner can ruin the finish of your favorite summer shoes. Here is how to handle specific types.

Rubber and EVA (Crocs/Flip-Flops)

Rubber is durable and water-resistant. You can be aggressive here. The baking soda and vinegar method is perfect.

You can also toss many rubber sandals right in the washing machine. Use cold water and a gentle cycle. Air dry them afterwards; never put rubber shoes in the dryer.

Leather Sandals

Leather needs moisture to stay flexible, but too much water causes rot. Avoid soaking leather sandals.

Instead, use a damp cloth with a tiny amount of vinegar to wipe down the footbed. If the leather smells, sprinkle dry baking soda on it and let it sit dry overnight. Vacuum or brush it off in the morning.

For longevity, apply a leather conditioner after cleaning to keep the material soft and prevent cracks where bacteria can hide.

Memory Foam

Memory foam acts like a sponge. If you soak it, it takes forever to dry, which leads to mildew.

Clean memory foam with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not submerge them. If they are machine washable (check the label), use a mesh bag and air dry them in a breezy spot. Avoid direct sun, as heat degrades the foam quickly.

Birkenstocks (Cork)

Cleaning Birkenstocks requires care to protect the cork sealant.

For the suede footbed, use a suede brush to loosen dirt. If they stink, wipe them with a cloth dampened with white vinegar. Let them dry completely out of the sun.

If the cork looks dry or is crumbling, apply a cork sealer. This prevents sweat from soaking deep into the sole where you can’t reach it.

How To Keep Sandals From Smelling

Stop the stench before it starts. A little maintenance goes a long way in extending the life of your footwear.

• Rotate your shoes: Never wear the same pair of sandals two days in a row. They need at least 24 hours to dry out completely. If you wear them daily, moisture accumulates deep in the material.
• Exfoliate your feet: Dead skin buildup on the shoe is a major odor cause. Scrub your feet with a pumice stone or foot scrub in the shower to minimize shedding.
• Use foot deodorant: Apply a foot deodorant spray or antiperspirant stick to the soles of your feet before putting shoes on.
• Storage matters: Store sandals in a ventilated area. Do not pile them in a dark closet or leave them in a hot car. Airflow is your friend.
• Check your zinc intake: Some studies suggest a zinc deficiency can contribute to body odor ⁽¹⁾. Consult your doctor about supplements if foot odor is a chronic issue for you.
• Newspaper trick: After wearing your sandals, stuff them with crumpled newspaper. The paper absorbs residual moisture and odors while the shoes sit in your closet.

FAQs

How Can I Deodorize My Shoes Fast?

The fastest method is rubbing alcohol. Fill a spray bottle with 70% isopropyl alcohol and mist the sandals heavily. It dries in minutes and kills odor-causing bacteria instantly.

How Do You Disinfect Sandals From a Thrift Store?

Thrifted shoes need a deep clean to prevent fungal infections. We recommend a two-step process.

1. Scrub: Use warm soapy water and a stiff brush to remove all visible dirt from the soles and straps.
2. Sanitize: Once dry, wipe the entire shoe with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol or a specialized shoe disinfectant spray. Let them air dry in the sun for 30 minutes for an extra UV bacteria kill.

Can You Put Sandals in the Washing Machine?

It depends on the material. Rubber, canvas, and synthetic nylon sandals (like Tevas) usually handle the washer fine. Use a mesh bag, cold water, and a gentle cycle. Never machine wash leather, suede, cork, or embellished sandals with rhinestones.

How Long Does It Take for Baking Soda To Remove Odor?

Baking soda needs time to neutralize acids and absorb moisture. While 2 to 3 hours helps, we recommend leaving the baking soda paste (or dry powder) on the sandals for 12 to 24 hours for the best results.

Does Hydrogen Peroxide Help With Smelly Shoes?

Yes. Hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant. However, it acts as a mild bleach and can discolor dark fabrics or leather. Only use this on white, rubber, or color-safe synthetic sandals.

Why Do My Sandals Smell Like Vinegar?

If your sandals smell like vinegar but you haven’t cleaned them with it, the culprit is likely sweat bacteria. Bacteria that consume sweat often release propionic acid, which has a distinct vinegar-like or cheesy odor. An antibacterial treatment (like alcohol or tea tree oil) is needed to fix this.

Can I Use Bleach to Clean Sandals?

We generally advise against bleach. It is harsh and can eat away at glues, degrade rubber, and ruin colors. If you must use it on white rubber slides, dilute it heavily (one tablespoon per gallon of water) and rinse thoroughly.

No More Stinky Sandals

Summer is too short to worry about foot odor. By using household staples like baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils, you can keep your favorite slides fresh all season long.

Remember, the key is consistency. Rotate your shoes, keep your feet clean, and tackle moisture as soon as you take your sandals off.

Try one of these methods today. If the first one doesn’t knock out the smell entirely, combine it with a second method for a double-dose of freshness.