Our shoes go through a lot: walking, running, exercise, and even just daily wear and tear. All this use can cause them to smell less-than-fresh. Luckily, there are many ways to keep shoes odor-free without having to buy special products.
In this article, we will share 30 easy tips to help you keep your shoes smelling fresh and clean.
Tips for General Shoe Care
Before we dive into specific tips for combating shoe odor, let’s talk about some general shoe care advice that can help prevent smelly shoes in the first place:.
1. Rotate Your Shoes
Wearing the same pair of shoes every day can lead to a buildup of sweat and bacteria that causes odor. Rotate your shoes and give them time to air out between wears.
2. Dry Your Shoes Thoroughly
If your shoes get wet, make sure to dry them completely before wearing them again. Moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria that causes odors. Stuffing them with newspaper or using a shoe dryer can speed up the drying process.
3. Store Your Shoes Properly
Storing your shoes in a dark, damp place can cause them to develop mold, which leads to bad odors. Keep your shoes in a well-ventilated area, like a closet with a fan or open shoe rack.
Tips for Cleaning and Deodorizing Shoes
Now let’s get into some specific tips for cleaning and deodorizing your shoes:.
4. Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can help neutralize bad smells. Sprinkle some baking soda inside your shoes and let it sit overnight before shaking it out.
5. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils like lavender, tea tree, and peppermint can help mask shoe odor and leave a pleasant scent. Mix a few drops with water and spray the inside of your shoes before wearing.
6. Use Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural odor neutralizer and can help kill bacteria. Mix equal parts water and vinegar and spray the inside of your shoes. Let them dry completely before wearing.
7. Freeze Your Shoes
Freezing your shoes can help kill the bacteria that causes odor. Put your shoes in a plastic bag and leave them in the freezer overnight. Take them out and let them thaw before wearing.
8. Use Charcoal
Charcoal is a natural deodorizer that can help absorb smells. Put a small bag of activated charcoal in your shoes and let it sit overnight.
9. Use Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural disinfectant and can help kill bacteria that causes odor. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water and spray the inside of your shoes. Let them dry completely before wearing.
10. Use Tea Bags
Tea bags are a natural deodorizer that can help neutralize bad smells. Put a couple of dry tea bags in your shoes and let them sit overnight.
11. Use Cat Litter
Cat litter is a natural deodorizer that can help absorb moisture and neutralize bad smells. Put some fresh, unused cat litter in a sock and tie it closed. Leave it in your shoes overnight.
12. Use Cornstarch
Cornstarch can help absorb moisture and neutralize bad smells. Sprinkle some cornstarch inside your shoes and let it sit overnight before shaking it out.
Tips for Specific Types of Shoes
Finally, let’s talk about some specific tips for certain types of shoes:.
13. For Running Shoes
Running shoes are often subject to intense sweating, which can lead to odor. After each run, remove the insole and let it air out. To clean the rest of the shoe, use a mixture of water and vinegar or baking soda.
14. For Leather Shoes
Leather shoes should be cleaned with a damp cloth and then dried thoroughly. Apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and prevent odor from developing.
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15. For Suede Shoes
Suede shoes should be brushed with a suede brush to remove dirt and debris. Use a mixture of water and white vinegar to clean the shoe, then let it dry completely before brushing again.
16. For Sandals
Sandals are often subject to sweaty feet, which can lead to bad odors. Use a mixture of water and vinegar to clean the straps and footbed, and make sure to let them dry completely before wearing.
17. For High Heels
High heels often have tight, enclosed spaces that can trap bacteria and cause odor. Use any of the methods mentioned above to deodorize your high heels, and also consider using a shoe tree to help them keep their shape.
18. For Flip Flops
Flip flops are often made of rubber or plastic, which can cause odor to develop. Use a mixture of water and vinegar or baking soda to clean the footbed, and let them dry completely before wearing again.
19. For Canvas Shoes
Canvas shoes can be washed in a washing machine with gentle detergent. Afterwards, hang them to dry and make sure the insoles are removed so they can dry completely.
20. For Slip-On Shoes
Slip-on shoes often have little ventilation, which can lead to odor. Use any of the methods mentioned above to deodorize your slip-on shoes, and also consider using a shoe tree to help them keep their shape.
21. For Boots
Boots often have multiple layers that can trap sweat and bacteria. Remove the insole and use a mixture of water and vinegar or baking soda to clean the inside.
22. For Athletic Shoes
Athletic shoes are often worn for intense exercise, which can cause odor to develop quickly. Use any of the methods mentioned above to deodorize your athletic shoes, and also consider removing the insole after each use to air it out.
23. For Casual Shoes
Casual shoes can be deodorized using any of the methods mentioned above. However, be sure to check the care instructions before washing them in a machine or using certain cleaners.
Tips for Maintaining Freshness
Now that you know how to combat shoe odor, here are some tips for maintaining freshness:.
24. Use Foot Powder
Using a foot powder can help absorb moisture and prevent odors from developing in the first place.
25. Keep Your Feet Clean
Washing your feet regularly and making sure they are completely dry before putting on shoes can help prevent bacteria from growing.
26. Wear Socks
Wearing socks can help absorb sweat and prevent it from soaking into your shoes.
27. Use Shoe Trees
Using shoe trees can help shoes keep their shape and prevent odors from developing by allowing them to air out fully.
28. Air Out Your Shoes
After each wear, remove the insole and let your shoes air out completely before wearing them again.
29. Use Odor-Eliminating Insoles
There are many insoles available that are specifically designed to eliminate odors and absorb moisture.
30. Replace Old Shoes
If you’ve tried all of the above methods and your shoes still smell bad, it may be time to replace them. Shoes that are old and worn down may be beyond repair.
Conclusion
With these 30 easy tips, you can keep your shoes odor-free and fresh-smelling. Remember to rotate your shoes, dry them thoroughly, and store them properly.
Use baking soda, essential oils, vinegar, or any of the other methods mentioned above to clean and deodorize your shoes. And finally, maintain freshness by using foot powder, keeping your feet clean, and replacing old shoes when necessary.
