Tired of the light but persistent smell that comes from shoes and feet? Foot stench, better defined as plantar bromhidrosis, can be caused by several factors: excessive use of the same pair of shoes, bacterial or fungal infections, or, among other things, lack of exposure to air. Read on to learn how to get rid of bad smell from shoes.
Steps
Method 1 of 9: Choosing the Right Shoes
Step 1. Wear shoes that fit your size
When they don't fit comfortably, your feet can sweat more than usual (aside from the incredible discomfort). Measure before you buy a pair of shoes, and don't hesitate to see a podiatrist if your feet start to hurt.
Step 2. Opt for footwear made from breathable fabrics
This is not new, but keep in mind that the breathable materials reduce sweating and bad smells unlike the synthetic ones that do not favor the dispersion of humidity outside. The most breathable ones are:
- Cotton;
- Linen;
- Skin;
- Hemp.
Method 2 of 9: Change Shoes
Step 1. Alternate
Don't wear the same pair for two days in a row. In this way, they will be able to breathe before being worn again.
Step 2. Put them in the air
Feet need to breathe, but shoes need air too. Do not hesitate to leave them outside on beautiful and sunny days. Give them some respite!
Step 3. Keep them out
In winter, put your smelly shoes in the car. Leave them there for a couple of days, including overnight. Then, before using them again, let them warm up slowly to room temperature.
Method 3 of 9: Maintain Personal Hygiene
Step 1. Wash your feet every other day
If the cause of plantar bromhidrosis is a bacterial or fungal infection, you may want to address the cause of the problem. Every day when you shower, apply a good dose of shower gel to your feet.
If you use soap every day, they can dry out and crack. In this case, moisturize them after you shower and try washing them every other day
Step 2. Apply the deodorant
It might sound odd, but keep in mind that your feet also sweat. Buy a stick deodorant to use on your feet only and apply it every morning.
Method 4 of 9: Using Talc
If your feet start to give off an unpleasant odor when they sweat, an excellent solution to prevent them from getting wet (as well as taking in air) is to use talcum powder. It has a pleasant, yet light fragrance and can inhibit plantar sweating.
Step 1. Apply talcum powder to your feet
Then, put on your socks.
Step 2. Put it in your shoes too
Then put on your shoes.
Method 5 of 9: Using Baking Soda
Step 1. Deodorizes using baking soda
Pour some into your shoes every night when you take them off. Before putting them back in the morning, take them out and tap the soles to get rid of excess dust.
Method 6 of 9: Using the Frost
Step 1. Eliminate the unpleasant odor in cold weather
Put your shoes in resealable freezer bags (one for each shoe, if needed) and leave them in the freezer overnight. The cold should kill any fungus or bacteria responsible for the bad smell.
Method 7 of 9: Using Socks
Step 1. Wear socks if you can
Made with breathable cotton, they help absorb some of the moisture from your feet, keeping your shoes cleaner.
- If you wear ballet flats or high-heeled shoes, opt for ghosts. They should be shaped and, therefore, cover only the back of the heel, the sides, the sole of the foot and the front of the toes.
- Use running socks. They are manufactured using "moisture wicking" technology to keep feet dry.
Method 8 of 9: Using Insoles and Interior Coatings
Step 1. Use cedar slabs or slices
Cedar has antifungal properties and is often used to deodorize clothes. You can leave the insoles in your shoes, while the slices are inserted at night and removed in the morning.
Step 2. Use the anti-odor insoles
You can adapt them to the size of the foot by cutting them and choosing them according to the color. They are perfect for sandals, pointy shoes or high heels.
Secure the insole with a few strips of double-sided tape or a drop of elastic glue. That way, it will stay in place, but it will be easy to remove
Step 3. Use a silver lining
Insoles containing silver are antimicrobial and can inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Step 4. Use the clothes for the dryer
Just put them in your shoes before putting them on. They immediately neutralize bad odors.
Method 9 of 9: Wash Your Shoes
Step 1. Prepare them for a bath if they are washable
Throw them in the washing machine or soak them in soapy water for a gentler clean. Remember to mainly clean the inside (even the insole) and make sure they are completely dry before using them again.
Advice
- Avoid puddles when it rains, otherwise your shoes will take on a rotten smell. The same goes for mud.
- Another way to get rid of the bad smell is to put talcum powder in your shoes. Clothes for the dryer are fine too.
- Wash your feet and dry them well before putting on your shoes. This way, your footwear will last longer.
- Calluses often retain the smell of sweat even after a shower, so gently remove them with the pumice stone.
- Try the orange peel. At the end of the day, put a few freshly cut slices in your shoes until morning and the bad smell should go away.
- If you wash white socks with bleach, you will get rid of bacteria and fungi.
- There are spray products on the market to spray into shoes. Follow the instructions in order to use them correctly.
- A shower always helps! Do this every night and wash your feet. Sometimes, it's not the shoes' fault.
- Use a germicidal ultraviolet radiation device every day to kill the bacteria inside your shoes. This is especially important if you are not wearing socks.
- Put the tea bags in your shoes. They are really effective.
Warnings
- Do not put your shoes in the dryer! They can deform.
- Cold does not kill bacteria and fungi. They can easily freeze and thaw without dying.
- Many shoes can be washed in the washing machine or by hand. Make sure they are completely dry before using them again.
