Stinky shoes and insoles are common but unpleasant. Thankfully, there are numerous DIY tricks to make your shoes smell as good as new. If you're ready to oust the odor, read on for our comprehensive guide!
1. Sprinkle Baking Soda
Baking soda is a well-known odor neutralizer that kills bacteria. Follow these steps:
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Sprinkle Inside: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside the shoes.
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Let It Sit: Leave the baking soda in the shoes overnight.
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Remove: In the morning, shake the baking soda out or use a small vacuum to remove it.
For insoles, remove them and place them in a large plastic bag with baking soda. Shake the bag and let it sit overnight. Wipe off the baking soda with a clean cloth.
2. Spray with Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. Here’s how to use it:
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Mix Solution: In a spray bottle, mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar.
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Spray: Lightly mist the interior of the shoes.
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Air Dry: Let them air dry thoroughly for about 30 minutes.
To treat removable insoles, soak them in a mixture of one part hot water and two parts distilled white vinegar for several hours, then air dry.
3. Clean the Insoles
If your insoles are removable, cleaning them separately can significantly reduce odor:
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Prepare Mixture: Mix equal parts water and detergent in a small bowl to make a paste.
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Scrub: Remove the insoles and gently scrub them with a cloth dipped in the paste.
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Rinse and Dry: Rinse with cold water and let them air dry completely, preferably in the sun.
Machine Wash: Place the insoles in a pillowcase or delicate laundry bag and wash them on a delicate cycle with regular laundry detergent. Air dry afterward.
4. Air Out in the Sun
For mild odors, fresh air and sunlight can work wonders:
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Place Shoes Outdoors: Leave your shoes by an open window or outdoors in a protected area.
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Duration: Let them sit for a day or two.
The sun’s UV rays will kill bacteria, and the fresh air will help eliminate odors.
5. Freeze the Shoes
Extreme cold can kill odor-causing bacteria:
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Bag and Freeze: Place your shoes in a clean freezer bag to prevent germs from spreading to food.
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Freeze Time: Leave them in the freezer for up to 48 hours.
This method is particularly effective for shoes or insoles that have become wet.
6. Use Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets are a simple and inexpensive way to deodorize shoes:
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Insert Sheets: Place one or two dryer sheets inside each shoe.
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Leave Overnight: Let them sit overnight to soak up any bad smells.
Alternative: Fabric softener sheets can also be used.
7. Stuff with Newspaper
Newspaper absorbs excess moisture and odors:
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Crumple Newspaper: Create balls of old newspaper.
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Stuff Shoes: Place the newspaper inside your shoes.
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Leave Overnight: Let the paper sit inside the shoes overnight.
Extra Freshness: Add a few drops of an essential oil like vanilla to the newspaper for a refreshing scent.
8. Treat with Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a strong disinfectant and odor remover:
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Cotton Ball Method: Soak cotton balls in rubbing alcohol and place them inside your shoes. Leave them overnight.
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Spray Method: Pour rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle and mist the inside of your shoes.
9. Use Black Tea Bags
Black tea contains tannins, which have antibacterial properties:
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Boil Tea Bags: Boil two black tea bags for about three minutes.
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Cool and Place: Remove the bags, let them cool, and place them in your shoes for about three hours.
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Alternative: Use dry, unused tea bags overnight.
If the tea bag leaves a faint stain, scrub the spot with warm water and liquid laundry detergent while it’s still wet.
10. Use Cat Litter
Cat litter absorbs moisture and odors:
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Fill Socks: Pour cat litter into socks or pantyhose and place them in your shoes overnight.
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Direct Method: Alternatively, sprinkle clean litter directly into the shoes and dump it out in the morning.
Tip: A pet deodorizing spray can also work to eliminate tough shoe odors.
11. Add Orange Peels
Orange peels smell fresh and are great at soaking up foul odors:
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Insert Peels: Place orange peels inside your shoes overnight.
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Result: In the morning, enjoy citrus-scented shoes.
12. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils can mask any odors:
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Direct Application: Put three to five drops directly into each shoe.
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Newspaper Method: Put a few drops onto crumpled newspaper and let them sit overnight.
Recommended Oils: Eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, orange, and lemongrass. They have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Conclusion
Keeping your shoes odor-free doesn't have to be a daunting task. With these simple, effective methods, you can ensure your footwear always smells fresh. Regularly cleaning insoles, using natural deodorizers like baking soda and vinegar, and leveraging the power of sunlight, freezing, and essential oils can make a significant difference. Incorporate these practices into your routine, and you'll no longer have to worry about unpleasant odors following you around.
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