Are your most cherished pairs of shoes starting to smell bad? You should not be concerned, as you are not the only one! Numerous people experience the problem of shoe odour. However, you can easily deal with it and even prevent it, thanks to some effective methods. In this blog, we shall review the simple homemade methods for how to deodorize shoes and how to ensure they do not come back. Excited enough? Let’s get started then!
Why Do Shoes Smell?
To begin with the solutions, first, let us understand the reasons for the odour in shoes. Most foot odour originates from sweating or bacteria. Sweaty or hot feet in shoes or any other form of footwear cause the closure of the boots and absorb moisture. Thus promoting the growth of these bacteria due to the warm, moist environment. The breakdown of sweat by these bacteria creates disgusting smells. Other factors, such as anxiety, bad eating habits, and some diseases, lead to increased sweating. Hence even worsening the condition of the foot and the shoe. Now that you know why shoes smell, its time to tackle the age-old query of how to deodorize shoes.
Effective Ways to Deodorize Shoes and Keep Them Fresh
If you are an athlete, a hiker, or simply a person who enjoys taking long walks, you would agree that shoes tend to produce a foul odour at one time or another. Here are some of the most efficient and eco-friendly remedies for how to deodorize shoes. These methods will eliminate unpleasant smells and help maintain freshness for longer periods.
1. Baking Soda
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The best way to deodorize shoes is to use baking soda. Baking soda serves as an old remedy for freshening up shoes. This is because of its natural ability to neutralize odours and its antibacterial properties. Here are two easy ways on how to deodorize shoes with baking soda efficiently:
Direct Sprinkle Method: Generously sprinkle baking soda directly inside each shoe, ensuring that the entire insole is properly covered. You should do this at night so that by morning, the baking soda will have absorbed all the gases and bacteria. The following morning, simply shake off the excess baking soda. Shoes should smell much healthier and fresher after this process.
Baking soda method: This is an easy and mess-free method. Get an old sock, pour a couple of tablespoons of baking soda into it, tie it, and tuck it in each shoe. This arrangement will act like a small deodorizing pouch that you can reuse. Just keep it inside the shoes overnight and take it out the next morning.
Tip: Although baking soda shoe deodorizer does work, overusing it can make leather shoes brittle. To keep the integrity of the material, apply this type of method to leather shoes.
2. White Vinegar Spray
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Another effective DIY shoe deodorizer spray that possesses antimicrobial properties is white vinegar. It eliminates the bacteria that lead to bad odours and refreshes the insides of shoes. Here’s how to prepare a simple spray using
vinegar:
Prepare the mixture: In a clean spray bottle, mix equal amounts of water and white vinegar.
Spray and Air Dry: Spray the inside of the shoes using the prepared liquid and place them in a dry and ventilated area. It is worth noting that the smell of vinegar is short-lived, and your shoes will not have an odour afterwards.
Tip: While using white vinegar deodorize shoes naturally, it can cause harm a tiny bit if used consistently. Especially if the surface to be cleaned is fabric or any synthetic material. Keep vinegar to a minimum on leather footwear to avoid damage.
3. Essential Oils
To naturally deodorize shoes, simply use essential oils. It is a well-known fact that essential oils not only smell nice but also serve other functions such as antibacterial and antifungal actions. Plus, they remove the smell from shoes. Oils such as tea tree oil, clove oil, lavender oil, and cedarwood oil are particularly effective for deodorizing shoes. This is a great remedy for shoe smell.
Cotton Ball Method: Take a cotton ball and liberally apply your chosen essential oil. Place the cotton inside each shoe, and wait until the next morning before removing it.
Essential Oil Spray: In a spray bottle, combine a few drops of essential oil with water and gently spray the interior section of your shoes.
Tip: Essentials are heavy, so consider going light on the first use. You can always add more as needed, but avoid overusing oils that can bleed or damage soft materials.
4. Bar Soap
Another homemade shoe deodorizer is to use a bar of soap. You can deodorize shoes using a bar of soap that absorbs bad odours and leaves a light smell behind. Simply place a bar of soap in each shoe. Just insert a bar of soap in each shoe and let it stay overnight. It will absorb all the smell and release its pleasant scent, acting as a natural air freshener.
Tip: Choose a soap with a fragrance that you adore, as that fragrance will permeate the shoes you wear. Most people prefer soaps flavoured with lavender, citrus, or mint. It's quite literally the best way to get smell out of shoes.
5. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can also act as a homemade deodorizer for shoes. It eliminates bacteria that cause odour and absorbs moisture in shoes to stop the growth of more bacteria.
Wipe with Rubbing Alcohol: Soak a cotton ball or cloth in some rubbing alcohol and wipe the interior of your shoes. This helps to remove any bacteria quickly, allowing you to put on your shoes shortly after.
Caution: Rubbing alcohol works well with most types of shoes. But it may damage weak or colour-rich old shoes, as some colours tend to fade.
Additional Strategies to Keep Your Shoes Fresh and Odor-Free
1. Replace Worn-Out Insoles
The question is: how to get rid of shoe smell? But why does it happen so often to some people? Over time, insoles soak up moisture and unpleasant smells, causing a buildup of germs. If you have been wearing them for several months, consider changing the insoles. Choose anti-bacterial and activated charcoal-infused soles to help combat smelly issues. Charcoal also promotes air circulation in the shoes. Thus minimizing unpleasant scents emitted from your feet.
2. Rotate Your Shoes Regularly
Another method to fix shoe smell is to rotate them regularly. Wearing the same pairs of shoes daily does not allow them to dry properly after use. This leads to a buildup of smell over time. To maintain your shoes in good condition, change pairs as much as you can. Allowing shoes to stay unused for a minimum of 36 hours aids in the drying process. Thus preventing bacterial growth and prolonging their lifespan.
3. Use Shoe Deodorizer Sprays
If you have a shoe deodorizer spray at home, it can be very helpful. These sprays contain recommended antibacterial agents that eliminate odours around shoes instantly upon spraying. Choose one that can be used on any surface. This includes leather and cloth, to avoid damaging your most treasured pairs.
4. Freeze Your Shoes to Kill Bacteria
Most germ- and odour-causing bacteria cannot withstand extreme cold. You may try ice as a natural way to kill germs in your shoes every night. First, place each shoe in a plastic bag. Then, keep them in the freezer for around 8–12 hours or more. Ensure that the shoes are completely dry and thawed before wearing them again. Freezing minimizes smell, making this approach helpful for the hygiene of your shoes and for wearing them later.
5. Freshen with Dryer Sheets
You can insert scented dryer sheets into your shoes to keep them refreshed. Most dryer sheets are designed to mask smells and produce a fresh, clean scent afterwards. This makes them ideal for shoe placement. Put a dryer sheet in each shoe and leave them overnight. Change these sheets periodically or introduce them to footwear whenever long-term storage is needed. This will prevent unpleasant odours and ensure that the shoes remain fresh the next time you wear them.
6. Sprinkle Baking Soda for All-Natural Freshness
Baking soda works as a deodorant that effectively reduces moisture and moisture-related smells. Sprinkle a good quantity of powder into the shoes, particularly around the toe area. Avoid wearing the shoes for a few hours, and then shake out the fresh baking soda. This handy trick is effective for all kinds of shoes, but canvas shoes benefit the most.
7. Consider Shoe Odor-Absorbing Bags.
An odour-absorbing bag is a must-have in any deodorize shoe closet. It is filled with bentonite clay, activated charcoal, or other natural substances. These substances act as a simple fix for shoe odour. Just take one bag, insert it into each shoe when you are not wearing them, and voila. These bags are reusable and last for several months. Such longevity makes them an environmentally friendly and practical way to freshen up your shoes.
8. Dry Shoes in the Sun
Dry your shoes in the sun. Sunlight is a natural cleanser that can destroy germs and moulds. Leave your shoes outside under the sun for a few hours (but do not leave them out too long to avoid dimming or spoiling). The UV rays and heat will help absorb moisture and limit the growth of microbes.
9. Foot Hygiene
Some of the common shoe odour solutions can start with putting your feet’ healthiest practices in check. Ger the feet clean to bar the growth of bacteria, which will in turn make socks that will not smell over time. Following are a few of the helpful hygienic practices:
Wash and Dry Feet Daily: The unending fight against bacteria and fungus builds up on the surface of individuals’ feet. All thanks to the persistence of using walls and floor regions.
Use of Foot Powder or Foot Antiperspirants: The use of foot powder or a foot antiperspirant is used to help control moisture and reduce bacteria that cause odours. It especially works when it's formulated.
Use of Breathable Socks: Prefer wearing hygiene socks made up of cotton or wood, etc. These socks are used because they are drier, produce less odour, and keep your foot refreshed. Discard socks within a day to keep the foot hygienic for the next use.
As a result of foot hygiene, you will not have to worry about shoe odour. This is because you will eradicate its origin and keep your hands and feet healthy for a long time. Now that's how to deodorize shoes instantly.
Wrapping Up!
With only a few easy-to-implement methods, pungent foot gear will become a thing of the past. From baking powder to basic spices, various economical ways exist to remove unpleasant smells from footwear. Not only that, they also help maintain a pleasant scent. For avid shoe wearers, use these strategies wisely to keep your foot gear in the best shape ever!
Ever wish you could keep your shoes smelling fresh all day? Avail yourself of high-quality leather and fabric shoes at Barismil, and let odour-free shoes be a thing of the past!
FAQs: Common Questions on How to Deodorize Shoes Instantly
How to Prevent Shoes from Smelling?
To avoid a buildup of moisture inside your shoes, maintain proper hygiene of your feet. Ensure they stay dry at all times. Wear socks made of moisture-wicking material, and give your shoes time to dry after every use. In this case, using an antibacterial spray and changing the insoles periodically can also help.
Why do my Shoes Smell like Cat Pee?
Insect pests are not the only parasites responsible for foul odours from shoes. It also occurs if your shoes smell like cat pee. The internal fabric or bacterial overgrowth between the inner lining is likely the cause. You can remove the offensive smell using rubbing alcohol or vinegar.
How to get cat pee smell out of shoes?
Combine equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spray it inside the shoes, and then allow the shoes to dry naturally. Adding some baking soda inside the shoes may also help absorb lingering odours.
How to get Gas Smell off Shoes?
Soak up the affected area with water and add baking powder until it becomes a thick paste. After a few hours, brush the paste off and repeat if necessary. Alternatively, a vinegar spray may also work to eliminate the odour.
How to Remove smell from Shoes Instantly?
Using rubbing alcohol or white vinegar in your shoes can help eliminate the odour within seconds. When needed, deodorizer sprays can also do the job of getting rid of the odour immediately.
How Long Does it take Baking Soda to Deodorize Shoes?
For the best results, allow the shoes to be filled with baking soda overnight. This will effectively absorb any moisture and bad smells in the shoes.
