There are only a few things more embarrassing than a pair of smelly shoes. Fortunately, however, eliminating the bad smell from shoes is a very simple and fast operation. All you need is a couple of tablespoons of baking soda. Since the baking soda must be left to act inside the smelly shoes for at least a few hours, it is best to operate in the evening or when you plan to wear a different pair of shoes.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using Baking Soda
Step 1. Use at least one tablespoon of baking soda for each shoe
You need to use enough to fully cover the insole of the shoe. If the shoes are large, you may need more than one tablespoon each.
Step 2. Shake the shoes to distribute the baking soda along the insole
Tilt them forward and backward to distribute the powder evenly, from heel to toe. You can also shake them sideways to push the powder to the sides, but be careful that the baking soda does not spill; it should only be used inside the shoes so as not to risk damaging them.
Step 3. Let the baking soda sit for a few hours or, better yet, overnight
If the shoes are very smelly, it can take up to 24 hours for the baking soda to take effect. During this time, the dust will absorb the bad smell. It will also kill the bacteria that cause it.
Step 4. Throw away the baking soda
When time runs out, move your shoes close to the trash can or sink and turn them upside down. Tap and shake them to release the dust. Don't worry if there are some residual bicarbonate grains left inside the shoes, they can't harm you. If you want to make sure you've got rid of them all, you can use a vacuum cleaner.
Step 5. Repeat the treatment if necessary
In case odor is a frequent problem, you can repeat the operation once a week. However, if the shoes are made of leather, it is better not to use baking soda regularly: over time it could ruin the leather, making it dry and crumbly.
If the shoes are made of leather, the best solution to get rid of the bad smell is to keep them in a well-ventilated place so they can get some air. Alternatively, you can put a scented dryer sheet inside your shoes when you're not using them to keep them cool
Method 2 of 4: Use Baking Soda in Combination with Essential Oils
Step 1. Pour 2 tablespoons of baking soda into a small bowl
If you prefer, you can use a jar with a wide mouth. Generally, this amount of bicarbonate is sufficient, but if the shoes are very large it is better to double the doses.
Step 2. Add 5 drops of essential oil to perfume the shoes
Unlike baking soda, essential oils are unable to absorb bad odors, but they have the ability to deodorize shoes. Choose a refreshing fragrance; the best options include essential oils from:
- Citrus fruits;
- Lavender;
- Peppermint;
- Melaleuca (tea tree);
- Pine and cedar.
Step 3. Stir the mixture with a fork
If you used a jar, just plug it and shake it. Keep stirring or shaking until there are no more lumps.
Step 4. Dose a spoonful of baking soda for each shoe
Pour it on the insole, at the height of the heel. It might seem like too much, but it's best not to skimp on quantities. If you don't use enough baking soda, the bad smell won't go away.
Step 5. Tilt the toe of the shoe down to slide the baking soda forward
Do not rub it with your hands against the insole, or you will have a hard time removing it after it takes effect. Simply tilt the shoe forward, backward and sideways to distribute the powder evenly across the entire insole.
Step 6. Let the baking soda and essential oil sit for several hours
The ideal is to leave them inside the shoes for a whole night or even for 24 hours. The amount of bad smells absorbed increases in proportion to the waiting time.
Step 7. Throw away the baking soda
When the time runs out, place your shoes near the trash can or sink and turn them over to release the baking soda. Tap and shake the shoes to empty them. Don't worry if there are some remaining bicarbonate grains left, they can't harm you. If you want to be sure you've got rid of them all, you can use a vacuum cleaner.
Step 8. Replicate the treatment as needed
You can repeat the process even once a week, however keep in mind that essential oils are expensive, so in order not to negatively affect your wallet, it is best to carry out the complete treatment once a month and, in the meantime, use only the baking soda.
Method 3 of 4: Shoe Deodorant
Step 1. Get two long-standing socks
You can use two old socks that you no longer wear; they are fine even unpaired, the important thing is that they are clean and free of holes.
Step 2. Pour a couple of tablespoons of baking soda into each sock
Then shake it gently to let the baking soda slide up to the tip.
Step 3. Tie a piece of string or ribbon around the socks to seal the baking soda inside
You can also use a rubber band. Push the baking soda to the tip and place the string or rubber band right after the bulge.
Step 4. Slip a sock into each shoe
The baking soda will absorb the bad smell and the fabric will act as a protection to prevent the grains from leaking into the shoes. That way, you won't have to vacuum to get them clean again.
Step 5. Leave the baking soda on overnight
You can leave the socks in your shoes even for a couple of days. During this time, the baking soda will absorb all bad odors.
Step 6. Remove the socks from the shoes and put them on again
Keep in mind that the baking soda will lose its effectiveness over time. As it absorbs bad odors, it will no longer be able to deodorize shoes. It is likely that after a couple of months it has lost its effectiveness, at which point you will have to empty your socks and fill them with more baking soda.
Method 4 of 4: Deodorize your sandals and flip flops
Step 1. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on your smelly flip flops or sandals
To avoid soiling the floor, place your shoes on a sheet of newspaper. The base of the footwear, the one that is normally in contact with the foot, must be covered with a thick layer of bicarbonate. Leave it on for 24 hours, then shake your shoes and, if necessary, use a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth to remove the last residues of bicarbonate.
Step 2. Deodorize the sandals by placing them in a plastic bag along with the baking soda
Put the sandals in the bag and then add 100g of baking soda. Seal the bag with string and then shake it. Allow 24-48 hours to pass, then remove the sandals from the bag and gently tap the two soles against each other to remove the baking soda.
- You can also use baking soda on leather sandals, but do it only sporadically, otherwise they could get damaged; baking soda tends to dry out this material.
- The ideal is to use a bag with a zip closure to prevent the baking soda from spilling out as you shake it.
Step 3. Clean dirty and smelly flip flops with a water and baking soda paste
In addition to removing dirt, this mixture will also eliminate bad odor. Pour the baking soda into a bowl and add the water little by little, until it forms a paste. Rub the mixture into the flip flops using an old toothbrush. Wait 5 minutes, then rinse them with clean water and let them air dry before wearing them again.
- You can also use an old nail brush.
- If the flip flops are still smelling, repeat the process using salt water. Salt has natural deodorant properties. Epsom salts are also effective in neutralizing bad odors.
Step 4. If your flip flops are rubber, soak them in water and baking soda
Fill a basin with 10 parts of water and 1 part of baking soda. Stir the water with your hands to dissolve the baking soda, then dip your flip flops. Leave them to soak for at least 12 hours or, better yet, for a couple of days. When the time runs out, take them out of the water and let them air dry.
- You can also use this method to clean rubber sandals, as long as they can be wet and washed.
- If the flip flops float, hold them below the surface of the water using a weight, such as stones or a jar.
- Turn the flip flops upside down so that the part generally in contact with the foot is completely immersed in the water, since it is the one that absorbs bad smells.
Advice
- Always wear socks with closed shoes: they will absorb sweat and bacteria responsible for the bad smell. Use a clean pair of socks every day.
- Do not use the same pair of shoes for more than two consecutive days.
- Air the shoes after wearing them. Loosen the strings and pull out the tab. Leave them outside, preferably in the sun (unless they are made of leather, as this could damage them).
- Keep your shoes in a well-ventilated place when you're not wearing them. A closet is not the best place because it traps bad smells and, if there are clothes, the fabrics could also absorb them. If you are forced to keep shoes closed in a closet, at least leave them exposed to the air for a few hours after wearing them.
- The dryer sheets make the shoes smell good and seem to have the ability to absorb bad smells. Slip one into each shoe after putting them on.
- If the odor doesn't go away, consider putting your shoes in the freezer. Close them in a bag and make sure it is tightly sealed. Leave them in the freezer for 24 to 48 hours so that the cold has time to kill the bacteria responsible for the bad odor.
- Crumple up a newspaper page to slip into each shoe. The paper will absorb the sweat and moisture that cause the bad smell.
Warnings
- If the shoes are made of leather, do not use baking soda too frequently as it may damage them, making the leather hard, dry and brittle.
- Some shoes may need a more intense cleaning and in some cases it is impossible to get rid of the bad smell. If necessary, you can try scrubbing the inside with disinfectant alcohol.
- These methods do not offer a permanent solution; after a few days the bad smell will return.
