Shoes tend to smell easily, especially when walking for a long time during the day. Bad smell can be an embarrassing problem, but buying a new pair of shoes can be expensive. Fortunately, there are many ways to eliminate the stench of old shoes. You can try washing them by hand or in the washing machine, or using tools and ingredients that help remove the odor, such as deodorant slips for the dryer or orange peel. To prevent the problem from happening again and to keep bad smells at bay, it is best to always wear socks and use a scented foot powder.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Wash Your Shoes
Step 1. Wash them with boiling water and bleach
You can put them in the washing machine: in this case it is best to try to eliminate bad smells in advance using commonly used cleaning products. One option is the combination of boiling water and bleach. You will simply need a kettle, sink and water and bleach.
- Fill the kettle with water and bring it to a boil. Put your shoes in the sink.
- Pour the boiling water directly into your shoes, one at a time, then add a small dose of bleach.
- Wait a few minutes for the solution to take effect, then completely empty your shoes. The bleach should have killed the bacteria that cause the bad smell.
Step 2. Use a cleansing mixture made from vinegar and baking soda
This option allows you to remove odors using simple ingredients found in the kitchen: wine vinegar and baking soda. In addition, you will need a sink large enough to hold both shoes.
- Pour a generous amount of baking soda into each shoe, then add 250 ml of vinegar to each. At this point an effervescent reaction will be created.
- Let the foamy solution sit for about 15 minutes.
Step 3. When finished, wash them in the washing machine
After applying the cleaning solution described above, you can help eliminate odors further with a machine wash. You will need a pillowcase and your usual laundry detergent.
- If possible, remove the laces from your shoes before you start washing them.
- Slip the shoes into the pillowcase, then put it in the washing machine drum.
- Use a standard wash cycle and hot water. Do not skimp on the quantities of detergent to better fight bad odors. If the shoes are white, you can consider adding some bleach.
- If the smell is intense, it may take more than one wash cycle to get rid of it. If, once they are dry, you are not satisfied, run another cycle in the washing machine.
- Shoes should be allowed to air dry naturally. The dryer could cause them to shrink or damage them.
Part 2 of 3: Remove Odor Without Washing Them
Step 1. Try using a black tea bag
Black tea contains tannins, substances that can help eliminate odors. Putting a black tea bag into each shoe could help you remove bad odors by killing bacteria.
- Before putting the bags in your shoes, you need to immerse them in boiling water. Once wet, remove them from the water and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Slip a sachet into each shoe, then let the tannins work for an hour.
- Remove the bags from your shoes and pat them dry with kitchen paper. Smell them to see if the odor has diminished.
Step 2. Use cat litter
Cat litter is generally scented with deodorant substances. Make sure you use one that is formulated to easily absorb unwanted odors.
- Insert the clean sand inside the footwear. Leave it on overnight or until you notice the odor is gone.
- Remove every last grain of sand from your shoes. By shaking them you should be able to almost completely eliminate it. If necessary, you can remove the last residue with a paper towel.
Step 3. Use the deodorant slips for the dryer
They are formulated to perfume clothing fabrics, so you can also use them for shoes without risking damaging them. The use is very simple: just insert them inside the shoes and then wear them as you normally do. The shoes will absorb the scent emanating from the deodorant sheets, so unpleasant odors will be masked.
Throw away the notes after using them to perfume shoes. You will have to use new ones every time
Step 4. Put the shoes in the freezer
The cold can help remove some of the bad smells. Seal each in a food bag, then place them directly in the freezer. Remember that low temperatures can ruin your shoes, so it's very important to wrap them in a bag before storing them in the freezer.
- Leave them in the freezer until the next morning. The cold should be able to kill the bacteria responsible for bad odors.
- Wait for them to thaw completely before wearing them again. This method should be able to eliminate - or at least reduce - unwanted odors.
Step 5. Fill them with orange peel
The fresh scent of citrus fruits can help partially eliminate bad odors. In addition, the orange fragrance will be felt for a long time. Insert several orange peels into each shoe, then let them sit overnight. The next morning the shoes should have a fresh and pleasant scent.
Step 6. Use a pair of socks and some coffee beans
Pour about 200g of coffee beans into an old pair of short socks (100g for each sock), then tie a knot at the top to lock them inside. Slip the socks into your shoes, then wait through the night. The coffee beans are supposed to remove bad odors.
Step 7. Try using white wine vinegar
Pour 250ml in each shoe; a mild effervescent reaction could be triggered. Let the vinegar sit for 15 minutes, then rinse your shoes carefully. Bad smells should be at least reduced.
Step 8. Use baking soda
Even on its own, baking soda can help neutralize unpleasant odors. All you have to do is sprinkle a small amount on your shoes and leave it on until the following day. The next morning, the problem should be resolved, at least in part.
Step 9. Eliminate odors with denatured alcohol
Again, the aim is to kill the bacteria responsible for the bad smell. Rub the alcohol carefully inside the shoes, being very careful to avoid the external parts.
When finished, put your shoes out in the fresh air. Wait until they are completely dry
Part 3 of 3: Preventing the Return of Bad Smells
Step 1. Wash your feet
Keeping your feet clean reduces the likelihood of bad odors moving into your shoes. Skin bacteria can multiply easily, so you should remember to wash your feet carefully when taking a shower.
- Soap them well. Rub them in all their parts, dwelling more in the areas where dirt tends to accumulate. When finished, rinse them thoroughly.
- After your shower, remember to dry them thoroughly.
Step 2. Try not to wear the same pair of shoes for two consecutive days
It is important that they have time to dry completely between uses. When they are humid, they become more vulnerable to odor-causing bacteria. Wear them in rotation.
Step 3. Use the scented foot powder
In addition to keeping them cool, it can help keep sweating in check. Less sweat means less risk of odors building up in your shoes. Try sprinkling some scented powder on your feet every day before putting on your footwear.
Step 4. Use the socks
They allow you to create a barrier between your feet and shoes. You should wear a clean pair every day. Always using socks can prevent bad odors from forming in your shoes.
