How To Remove Smells From Shoes: And When To Seek Help

Let’s be real, nobody wants to be the person with the stinky shoes. Whether it’s a locker room funk or a lingering scent in your hallway, shoe odor is frustrating.

The good news? It is totally normal. Sweat gets trapped inside your footwear, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi ⁽¹⁾. Once that bacteria starts feeding, the smell follows.

Fortunately, you don’t have to toss your favorite kicks. We have rounded up 14 proven methods to neutralize odor and keep your feet fresh.

How To Remove Smell From Shoes

The most thorough method involves washing the shoes entirely. This works best for canvas, nylon, polyester, and cotton sneakers because it removes the sweat deep in the fibers.

• Time: 1-2 hours.
• Difficulty: Easy.

What You’ll Need

• Washing machine.
• Soft-bristled brush.
• Mild laundry detergent.
• Bowl and large basin.
• Mesh laundry bag.
• Towels.

1. Remove Excess Dirt

Scrub the dry shoes gently with a brush to knock off caked-on mud or dust. Clap the soles together outside to shake loose any debris caught in the treads.

2. Soak Laces and Soles

Take out the laces and the removable insoles. Place them in a basin with a mixture of warm water and a teaspoon of detergent.

Let them soak for about 20 minutes to lift odors. If they are really funky, give them a light scrub with your brush. Rinse them thoroughly and set them aside to air dry.

3. Wash the Shoes

Place your shoes inside a mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase tied shut. Put them in the washer.

Add two old towels to the drum; this balances the load and stops your shoes from banging loudly against the sides. Use cold water, a gentle cycle, and a small amount of mild detergent.

4. Air Dry

Never put shoes in the dryer. The heat can warp the glue and rubber. Instead, place them in a breezy, shaded spot. Stuff them with paper towels to help them hold their shape while they dry.

How To Remove Smell From Shoes Without Washing

If you cannot wash your shoes, or you just need a quick fix, we have you covered. These 13 home remedies use common household items to neutralize the funk without soaking your sneakers.

With Vinegar

Vinegar is an acid that creates an environment where bacteria cannot survive. It is excellent for sanitizing the interior of a shoe.

1. Mix: Combine equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray: Mist the inside of the shoes. Do not soak them; just aim for a light coating.
3. Dry: Wipe the interior with a clean cloth after 10 minutes and let them air dry completely.

With Baking Soda

Baking soda is the classic odor absorber. It draws moisture and smells out of the fabric. Note: Avoid this on leather, as it can dry out the material.

1. Sprinkle: Pour a generous amount of baking soda into the offending shoes.
2. Wait: Let it sit for at least 24 hours.
3. Clean: Dump the powder in the trash and vacuum out the leftovers.

With Sunlight

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are natural bacteria killers ⁽²⁾. If your shoes are damp and musty, put them outside in direct sun for a few hours.

However, if you have suede shoes or leather, keep them in the shade. Direct sun can fade and crack natural skins.

With Essential Oils

Essential oils mask odors and fight bacteria simultaneously. You can drop them directly onto the insoles or mix them with your vinegar spray.

1. Select: Choose strong oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, or clove.
2. Apply: Put a few drops on a cotton ball.
3. Wait: Tuck the cotton ball into the toe of the shoe and leave it overnight.

With a Bar of Soap

This is an old-school trick. The soap creates a clean scent and the porous texture absorbs some odor. Simply drop a dry bar of soap into each shoe and leave it overnight.

Just make sure you don’t use that specific bar for showering afterward!

In the Freezer

You might hear people say freezing kills bacteria. Technically, it just puts them to sleep. However, this method can reduce the smell temporarily if you need a quick fix before a night out.

1. Bag it: Put your shoes in a sealed gallon-sized Ziploc bag.
2. Freeze: Leave them in the freezer overnight.
3. Thaw: Let them warm up naturally. Combine this with another method, like baking soda, for better results.

With Kitty Litter

Clean kitty litter is designed to absorb moisture and neutralize heavy odors. It works perfectly for sneakers.

1. Fill: Pour clean litter into two old socks and tie them shut.
2. Place: Stuff the socks into your shoes.
3. Wait: Leave them overnight to draw out the moisture.

With Citrus Peels

Don’t throw away your orange or lemon peels. The natural oils in the skin have a pleasant, fresh scent that can combat musty odors.

Place fresh peels inside your shoes for 24 hours. It won’t kill heavy bacterial infestations, but it works well for a light refresh.

With Rubbing Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol is a powerful disinfectant. It kills the bacteria causing the smell almost instantly.

1. Prepare: Fill a spray bottle with 70% rubbing alcohol.
2. Spray: Mist the inside of the shoes lightly.
3. Dry: Let them air dry. Alcohol evaporates quickly, so this is a fast method.

With Tea Bags

Black tea contains tannins, which are effective at killing bacteria and reducing sweating ⁽³⁾.

1. Activate: Steep a few tea bags in boiling water for 5 minutes.
2. Cool: Remove the bags and let them cool completely.
3. Apply: Place the damp bags in your shoes for an hour.
4. Dry: Remove bags and wipe away any excess liquid.

With Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, which is great at neutralizing odors rather than just masking them ⁽⁴⁾.

Fill two socks with dry, unused coffee grounds and tie off the ends. Stuff them into your shoes and leave them overnight. In the morning, your shoes will smell like your favorite cafe.

With Newspaper

If your shoes smell because they are damp, newspaper is your best friend.

Crumple up black-and-white newspaper and stuff the shoes tightly. The paper absorbs moisture rapidly. Change the paper every few hours for really wet shoes until they are dry.

With Odor Removers

Sometimes home remedies aren’t enough. If you want a dedicated product, here are the best options for different needs:

• FunkAway Odor: Best for heavy-duty sports gear. This utilizes a specialized compound to break down odor molecules rather than just perfuming them. It is aggressive on sweat smells.
• Rocket Pure Foot & Shoe Deodorizer Spray: Best natural option. It uses mint and eucalyptus oils to cool and deodorize. It is great for runners who want to spray their feet and their shoes.
• NonScents Shoe Deodorizer: Best for low-maintenance people. These are pouches you simply leave in your shoes when you aren’t wearing them. They work continuously to keep the air inside the shoe fresh.
• Lumi Outdoors Natural Shoe Deodorizer: Best maximum strength natural spray. If you hate chemical smells but have a serious odor problem, this extra-strength essential oil blend hits hard.
• Air Jungles Odor Deodorizer Balls: Best budget option. These small balls fit anywhere, including gym bags and lockers. Just twist to open the vents and toss them in.

How To Prevent Shoes From Smelling

Removing the smell is half the battle; keeping it away is the other. Incorporate these habits to stop the stink before it starts.

• Rotate your footwear: Give your shoes a 24-hour break between wears. This allows the material to dry out completely.
• Choose the right socks: Cotton holds moisture against the skin. Switch to wool or synthetic wicking blends to keep feet dry.
• Wash your feet: It sounds obvious, but a quick rinse isn’t enough. Scrub your feet daily with soap, specifically between the toes.
• Use absorbent insoles: Charcoal or cedar insoles can manage moisture levels inside the shoe while you walk.
• Store correctly: Keep shoes in a cool, ventilated area. A dark, humid closet is a bacteria factory.

What To Do About Sweaty Feet

If your shoes smell, it is usually because of sweat. While some foot sweat is normal, excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis) can be a challenge.

Doctors recommend washing feet daily with antibacterial soap. Dry them thoroughly afterwards; fungus loves damp toes. You can also apply an antiperspirant directly to the soles of your feet before bed to block sweat ducts.

Finally, hydration matters. Drinking plenty of water helps regulate your body temperature, preventing your body from needing to sweat as much to cool down.

FAQs

Why Do My Shoes Smell So Bad?

Shoe odor is caused by bacteria and fungi growing in warm, damp environments. Your feet sweat into the shoe material, and the bacteria consume the sweat and dead skin cells, releasing foul-smelling gases as a byproduct.

Does Freezing Shoes Actually Kill Bacteria?

Freezing shoes does not kill bacteria; it only makes them dormant. The smell will disappear while the shoes are frozen, but once they warm up and you start sweating in them again, the bacteria will reactivate and the smell will return.

Can I Put Leather Shoes In The Washing Machine?

No, you should never put leather, suede, or vinyl shoes in the washing machine. The water can warp the shape, and the agitation can crack the material. Stick to hand cleaning or using dry methods like baking soda for these materials.

How Often Should I Wash My Sneakers?

To prevent odors, wash your sneakers once every two weeks if you wear them daily without socks. If you wear socks and rotate your shoes, washing them once a month or when visible dirt appears is sufficient.

Adieu, Odors!

You now have the toolkit to banish bad smells for good. Whether you choose the deep clean of a washing machine or the quick fix of a vinegar spray, you don’t have to live with the embarrassment of stinky shoes.

Remember that prevention is your best defense. Rotate your shoes, wear wicking socks, and keep your feet clean.