How To Get Rid Of Smelly Shoes (Quick Methods, Causes, And Prevention Tips)

Smelly shoes is a common problem, but there are simple and quick ways to remove smell from shoes without the hassle of washing. Whether you’re dealing with bad shoe odor or just want to avoid smelling shoes, these easy tips can help you get rid of smelly shoes instantly.

Below, we’ll cover the main causes of shoe smell and provide remedies and prevention tips to keep your shoes fresh for longer.

How To Get Rid Of Smelly Shoes

Smelly shoes is a common problem, but the solution is often right at home. Here’s a quick overview of methods to remove odor and keep shoes fresh.

Quick Methods to Eliminate Shoe Odor

Baking Soda – Sprinkle some baking soda inside your shoes and leave it overnight. It’s a powerful odor neutralizer that absorbs moisture and leaves shoes smell-free.
Vinegar Spray – Mix equal parts of vinegar and water, then spray it inside your shoes. Vinegar fights bacteria that cause the bad smell. Allow the shoes to air-dry for instant freshness.
Essential Oils – Add a few drops of essential oil (like tea tree or lavender) to a cotton ball and place it in your shoes. It not only smells great but also has antibacterial properties.

Deodorizing Insoles for Long-Term Freshness

Investing in deodorizing insoles can help keep your shoes fresh over time. These insoles are designed to absorb moisture and eliminate odor with every use, making them a reliable, long-term solution.

Professional Products and Remedies

While household remedies work wonders, there are also professional products like shoe sprays and odor-absorbing bags designed to keep shoes odor-free. These are great for instant results and are ideal for persistent odors.

Can Vinegar And Baking Soda Remove Shoe Odor?

Yes, vinegar and baking soda are effective in removing shoe odor. Here’s how they work:

Vinegar neutralizes bad smells, and baking soda absorbs moisture and odors.
Baking soda helps remove bad smells by absorbing the odor-causing particles.
Vinegar works as a natural disinfectant to kill bacteria that contribute to the bad smell of shoes.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes to absorb odor. Let it sit overnight.
Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Spray the vinegar solution inside the shoes lightly.
Allow the shoes to air dry completely before wearing them again.

Potential Downsides:

Repeated use of vinegar and baking soda may cause damage to certain shoe materials, especially delicate fabrics or leathers.

How To Remove Smell From Shoes Instantly

Smelly shoes can be frustrating, but there are easy and effective methods to quickly remove the odor. Here are some of the best smelly shoes remedies:

Baking Soda: Simply sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes and leave them overnight. It absorbs moisture and neutralizes bad shoe smells.
Tea Bags: Place a couple of tea bags inside your shoes to fight shoe odor. The tea bags absorb moisture and help eliminate unwanted smells.
Essential Oils: A few drops of essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus on cotton balls placed in shoes can instantly freshen them up and eliminate bad smells.

Combining Remedies for Extreme Cases

Sometimes combining these methods provides the best results. For instance, use baking soda for absorption, followed by essential oils for a pleasant fragrance. If you want to stop shoes from smelling, this combination works wonders.

Does Freezing Shoes Help With Odor?

Freezing your shoes can indeed be an effective method to remove odor without washing. Odor in shoes is often caused by bacteria thriving in dark, damp environments.

Freezing can help kill bacteria, as the cold temperatures disrupt their growth cycle, ultimately reducing the smell. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use this method safely and effectively.

Steps for Safely Freezing Shoes

To ensure your shoes remain undamaged during the freezing process, follow these steps:

Clean the Shoes First: Quickly wipe off any surface dirt. This keeps unwanted debris from sticking during freezing.
Use a Sealed Plastic Bag: Place each shoe in a resealable plastic bag. This prevents moisture from getting inside the shoes and stops odors from spreading to other items in the freezer.
Freeze Overnight: Leave the shoes in the freezer for at least 8-12 hours. This gives the cold time to kill bacteria and reduce odor effectively.
Air Dry After Freezing: Remove the shoes from the freezer and take them out of the bags. Let them air out for a few hours before wearing them. This helps any remaining smell dissipate.

Best Types of Shoes for Freezing

Not all shoes respond well to freezing. Leather and suede shoes can become damaged by moisture buildup, so it’s best to avoid freezing them.

This method works best with athletic shoes, casual sneakers, and other shoes made of synthetic or mesh fabrics. These materials are more resilient to cold and will maintain their structure after freezing.

Best Ways To Prevent Shoes From Smelling

Shoe odor can be a persistent problem, but with a few preventive steps, you can keep your shoes smelling fresh. Here are some effective methods to ensure your shoes stay odor-free, from drying techniques to storage tips.

Dry Your Shoes Properly: After each wear, especially if they’ve gotten wet, leave your shoes in a well-ventilated area. Avoid storing damp shoes in closed spaces, as this encourages bacterial growth.
Store Shoes in a Breathable Environment: Storing your shoes in breathable materials like mesh bags or shoe racks helps avoid shoe smell by allowing airflow.
Alternate Your Shoes: By alternating shoes every day, you give each pair a chance to dry out fully, which stops a shoe from smelling. Having multiple pairs also extends each shoe’s lifespan, keeping them fresher for longer.
Use Breathable Materials: When choosing shoes, prioritize breathable materials like mesh or leather. These materials allow air to circulate, reducing the risk of trapped moisture, which is essential for how to avoid smelling shoes.
Go Sock-Free (Odor-Free) Tips: If you prefer not to wear socks, sprinkle a bit of baking soda or shoe powder into the shoe before wearing. This smelly shoe remedy absorbs moisture and keeps the interior of your shoes dry and odor-free. Alternatively, using odor-neutralizing insoles can help with how to reduce shoe smell.

What Causes Shoe Smell

Shoe odor is a common issue caused by biological factors such as bacterial growth and moisture buildup. When feet sweat, especially in closed or non-breathable shoes, they create a moist environment perfect for bacteria and fungi to thrive.

These microorganisms release gases as they break down sweat and dead skin cells, resulting in a bad smell.

Biological Causes of Shoe Odor

Bacterial Growth: Sweat provides moisture that bacteria use to grow. As bacteria multiply, they release volatile compounds that contribute to the unpleasant odor.
Moisture: Closed shoes or shoes made of synthetic materials trap sweat and moisture, creating a humid environment. This trapped moisture is what primarily fuels the odor-causing bacteria.

Types of Shoes Prone to Odor

Certain shoes are more prone to developing a smelly odor due to their material and design:

Sneakers and athletic shoes: Since they are often worn for physical activities, they are more likely to accumulate sweat and moisture.
Closed-toe shoes made from synthetic materials: These materials don’t allow air to circulate, trapping moisture inside.
Casual shoes with limited breathability: Designs that don’t allow airflow contribute to excessive moisture.

Common Practices That Worsen Shoe Smell

Several habits can make shoe odor worse, including:

Wearing the same shoes daily without allowing them to dry out completely.
Skipping socks or wearing synthetic socks, which can trap moisture and bacteria.
Improper storage of shoes in closed, damp spaces, encouraging bacterial growth.

Cabuks provides high-quality footwear options from trusted brands that offer breathable and odor-resistant materials for your comfort.

How Can You Remove Odor From Leather Shoes?

Leather shoes are a staple in many wardrobes, offering both style and durability. However, keeping them odor-free requires specific care methods that avoid damaging the leather.

Here’s a guide on how to remove odor from leather shoes without compromising their quality:

Use Leather-Friendly Deodorizers: Specialized deodorizers are designed to remove bad smells from shoes without affecting the leather. Choose genuine products that are on leather to keep them fresh and odor-free.
Vinegar Solution for Deeper Odor Issues: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar, then lightly dampen a cloth and wipe the shoe interior. Avoid soaking the leather to prevent staining. After applying, let the shoes air dry completely before wearing them again.
Regularly Air Out Your Shoes: One of the best ways to stop leather shoes from smelling is to air them out frequently. After wearing, place your leather shoes in a ventilated area to dry out.
Keep Shoes Clean: Finally, keeping leather shoes clean by gently wiping the insides with a damp cloth helps prevent odor buildup. Regular cleaning helps remove bad smell from shoes and maintains their quality.

Are Smelly Shoes Normal And Should You Throw Them Away?

Yes, smelly shoes are completely normal! Most people experience shoe odor due to sweat, bacteria, or wearing shoes in humid conditions. The good news is that there are many ways to remove smell from shoes without needing to throw them away.

Eco-Friendly Disposal Options

Instead of throwing shoes away, consider donating them if they’re still in wearable condition. Many charities or recycling programs can give your shoes a second life, reducing waste.

Cabuks, a multivendor footwear marketplace, offers shoes from trusted and verified brands—a great place to find fresh replacements while considering eco-friendly options.

How Can You Remove Smelly Odor From Slippers And Sandals?

Open footwear like slippers and sandals can be prone to developing unpleasant odors. Unlike closed shoes, they need different methods for odor removal due to their open design, which exposes them to more environmental factors. Here are some effective tips to remove smell from shoes without compromising their structure or material.

Use Baking Soda to Neutralize Odors: Baking soda is an excellent smelly shoes way that absorbs odors effectively. Use a small amount of baking soda inside your slippers or sandals and leave it overnight. This method works quickly, making it good solution for if you’re looking for how to remove smell from shoes instantly.
Vinegar Solution for Deep Cleaning: The vinegar helps to neutralize odors without leaving any residue, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your footwear. This method is especially useful for removing bad smell of shoes from materials like leather and fabric.
Essential Oils for Freshness: apply a few drops of essential oil (such as tea tree or lavender) to the soles. Essential oils have antibacterial properties, which help reduce bacteria and prevent future odor buildup.
Wash as Needed: Use a good detergent and scrub with a soft brush, then let them air dry. This method is highly effective for how to get rid of smelly shoes without damaging the material.

Benefits of Odor Removal for Open Shoes

Removing odors from your slippers and sandals not only keeps your footwear fresh but also prolongs their lifespan. Consistent care can help reduce shoe smell and make sure that Cabuks footwear is comfortable to wear for any occasion.

If you’re looking for more tips on how to avoid shoe smell, Cabuks offers diverse options of sandals and slippers made from quality materials that are easier to maintain.