Stinky shoe odor is one of the most unpleasant things you can deal with. It is embarrassing to take off your shoes in public and feel self-conscious about the smell.

The good news is, there are hacks that can help you prevent and ward off stinky shoe odors. Here are six hacks to consider:.

1. Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is an odor neutralizer and can eliminate bad smells, including those in your shoes. It acts by absorbing moisture, which is often the source of shoe odors. Sprinkle some baking soda in your shoes and let it sit overnight.

You can shake out the baking soda in the morning and your shoes will smell better. Alternatively, you can put baking soda in a cloth and knot it, then put it in your shoes for a few hours.

2. Use Cat Litter

Believe it or not, cat litter can help to deodorize your shoes. It absorbs moisture and can eliminate bad smells. You need to place some clean cat litter in a pair of old socks and put the socks in your shoes.

Leave the socks in your shoes for a few hours or overnight and the cat litter will absorb the odor. Remove the socks and dump the litter in the trash.

3. Use Tea Bags

Tea bags can also help you eliminate bad smells from your shoes. They have a natural deodorizing effect and can help to absorb moisture. Use dry tea bags and place them in your shoes for a few hours or overnight.

Remove the tea bags in the morning and your shoes will smell better. You can also use fresh or used tea bags or even coffee grounds.

4. Freeze Your Shoes

Freezing your shoes is another way to eliminate bad smells. It kills bacteria that cause shoe odor and also eliminates moisture. Place your shoes in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer for a few hours.

Remove them from the freezer and let them thaw for a few hours. Your shoes will smell better after thawing and the odor will be gone.

5. Use Essential Oils

Essential oils have a natural deodorizing effect and can help to eliminate bad smells. You can use any essential oil of your choice, but tea tree oil and lavender oil are recommended for their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil such as olive oil or almond oil and rub the mixture on the inside of your shoes. You can also add a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle with water and spray the inside and outside of your shoes.

6. Allow Your Shoes to Dry Completely

Moisture is often the source of shoe odor, so make sure your shoes dry completely before wearing them. After wearing your shoes, remove the insoles and place them in a dry and well-ventilated area.

You can also stuff your shoes with newspaper, which will absorb moisture and help to dry them faster. Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day and rotate them to allow them to dry completely between wears.

Conclusion

These are some of the best hacks you can use to eliminate bad smells from your shoes. They are easy to implement and effective. Try them out and enjoy odor-free shoes.