Shoe odor is a common issue that many people face. It can be quite embarrassing, especially if you're visiting someone's home with a no-shoe policy or if your partner or kids are nearby. The smell often comes from sweat, bacteria, and grime that accumulate in the dark corners of your shoes where fresh air rarely reaches.
While it might be tempting to throw your shoes away, there are several effective methods to eliminate the odor and bring your shoes back to their fresh state. These methods go beyond just masking the smell with sprays or leaving them in the sun. Instead, they target the science behind why your shoes smell in the first place.
Baking Soda: Natural Odor Neutralizer for Shoes
Baking soda is a tried-and-true method for eliminating shoe odor. Its scientific name, sodium bicarbonate, makes it a mild alkaline that neutralizes acids and produces carbon dioxide gas through a chemical reaction. This helps to eliminate the acidic byproducts created by bacteria in your shoes. To use baking soda, sprinkle it directly onto your shoes, making sure to cover the entire insole. Shake the shoe around to distribute the baking soda evenly and leave it for 24 hours. Then, shake the shoes off upside down over the bin.
White Vinegar Spray: Odor Buster for Shoes and Feet
White vinegar is another effective solution for removing shoe odor. It is a diluted solution of acetic acid, which can kill bacteria that cause bad smells. To use it, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray your shoes both inside and out, then place them in direct sunlight to dry. You can also use vinegar on your feet by soaking them in a bowl of water mixed with vinegar for 15 to 20 minutes.
Essential Oils: Freshen Up Those Kicks
Essential oils like tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint have antibacterial and antifungal properties. They can help mask the odor temporarily and reduce bacteria and fungus. However, they won't eliminate the bacteria deep within the insole or fabric. A few drops of oil on a cotton ball or tissue stuck into the shoe overnight can freshen things up. You can also make a diluted spray from essential oils mixed with water and mist the inside of your shoes lightly.
Charcoal Insoles: Odor Absorbing Shoe Inserts
Charcoal insoles are an excellent way to absorb odor and moisture. Activated charcoal has an ultra-porous structure that traps odor molecules and creates a less friendly environment for bacteria. Products like Zorpads and other brands use activated charcoal to fight odor and wetness throughout the day. Simply slip a pair of charcoal insoles or deodorizer bags into your shoes and let them absorb for up to 48 hours.
Freezing Method: A Quick Way to Hit Pause on Odor-Causing Bacteria
Freezing your shoes can help weaken bacteria and slow down their activity. Place the pair in an airtight plastic bag and leave them in the freezer overnight. When you take them out the next morning, allow them to warm up naturally and fully dry before wearing them again. This method doesn't tackle the bacteria long-term but can provide a quick fix.
Use Steam: Blast Away the Microbes
Steam is an effective tool for reducing microbial load inside your shoes. High heat disrupts the structure of many bacteria and fungi, making it useful for smelly shoes caused by trapped sweat. Use a handheld steamer, garment steamer, or the steam burst function on your iron. Hold the steam source a few inches away from the inside of your shoes and give each area a slow, thorough pass.
Spray Disinfectants or Rubbing Alcohol to Kill Off Odor-Causing Bacteria
Disinfectant sprays and rubbing alcohol can target the bacteria at the root of your smelly problem. Commercial disinfectant sprays break down the cell walls of bacteria and fungi, while rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, dries out microbes, and disrupts their ability to survive. Apply these products to the inside of your shoes and allow them to dry completely in a well-ventilated area.
Use Deodorizers and Odor Removers
Commercial deodorizers and odor removers are specifically formulated to neutralize stubborn compounds that cause shoe odor. Look for products containing antimicrobial agents, moisture absorbers, and freshening scents. These products can be applied as sprays, powders, or inserts to keep your shoes fresh.
Use Foot Powders or Cornstarch: Keep Feet Dry and Odor-Free
Foot powders and cornstarch can help control moisture and prevent odor. They absorb sweat and neutralize odor-causing acids on contact. Sprinkle a small amount onto clean, dry feet before putting on socks or shoes. You can also shake a light layer directly into your shoes to help them stay fresher throughout the day.
Use a Laundry Sanitizer on Washable Shoes
For washable shoes, using a laundry sanitizer can help kill bacteria and odor-causing microbes. Follow the care label instructions and use a cold, gentle cycle to avoid damaging the materials. Let the shoes air dry completely after washing.
Leverage a Mild Solution of Hydrogen Peroxide
A mild hydrogen peroxide solution can effectively eliminate shoe odor. It breaks down into water and oxygen as it reacts with organic material, killing the odor-causing microbes. Use a diluted 3% solution and mist inside each shoe. Let them air dry and perform a spot test first to check for sensitivity.
Embrace Technology and Try a UV Shoe Sanitizer
UV shoe sanitizers use ultraviolet-C (UVC) light to disrupt the DNA of microbes, helping to reduce bacteria responsible for lingering smells. Place the devices into your shoes, switch them on, and let the light do the work. These devices can be effective but are not the most affordable option.