One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your shoes smelling fresh is by using baking soda. This common household ingredient is excellent at absorbing odors.

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Just sprinkle some baking soda inside your shoes and let it sit overnight. The next day, shake out the baking soda and enjoy the fresh smell of your shoes.

You can also put baking soda in a pair of socks and place them inside your shoes when you’re not wearing them to prevent odors.

Tip 2: Use Fabric Softener Sheets

Fabric softener sheets aren’t just for your laundry. They work wonders at keeping shoes smelling fresh too.

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Simply place a fabric softener sheet in each shoe and leave them overnight. The fabric softener will help eliminate odors and leave your shoes smelling fresh and clean.

This is especially useful for sports shoes or sneakers that tend to accumulate sweat and odor more easily.

Tip 3: Use Tea Bags

Tea bags are not only great for brewing a hot cup of tea, but they can also help freshen up your shoes. The tannins found in tea have natural deodorizing properties that can neutralize bad odors.

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Place a few used tea bags in your shoes and let them sit overnight. The tea bags will absorb any unwanted smells and leave your shoes smelling fresh. You can use any type of tea, but black tea works particularly well due to its higher tannin content.

Tip 4: Use Charcoal

Activated charcoal is highly effective at absorbing odors and is often used in air purifiers. Luckily, it can also be used to freshen up your shoes.

Related Article 6 hacks to ward off stinky shoe odors

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Place a few pieces of activated charcoal in a pair of socks, tie them up, and place them inside your shoes. The charcoal will absorb any unpleasant odors, leaving your shoes smelling clean and fresh.

Just make sure to use activated charcoal specifically, as regular charcoal briquettes used for grilling won’t have the same deodorizing effect.

Tip 5: Freeze Your Shoes

If your shoes have a particularly stubborn odor, freezing them can be an effective method to eliminate the smell.

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Place your smelly shoes in a plastic bag and seal them tightly. Put them in the freezer and leave them overnight. Freezing kills the odor-causing bacteria and eliminates the smell.

However, be aware that freezing may not be suitable for all types of shoes, so make sure to check if this method is safe for your particular pair.

Tip 6: Proper Shoe Care

Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your shoes smelling fresh. By taking proper care of your shoes, you can avoid odors altogether.

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Make sure to air out your shoes after wearing them for a long time. Remove the insoles if possible, and let them dry completely before putting them back in. This allows any moisture to evaporate, preventing odor-causing bacteria from thriving.

Additionally, regularly cleaning your shoes and using products designed to eliminate odors, such as shoe deodorizers or sprays, can help keep them smelling fresh.