Tips for Quickly Removing Footwear Odors and Cleaning Sneakers

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   Utilize baking soda to eliminate odors Put a couple of tablespoons of baking soda into 2 socks or 2 coffee filters. Set your shoes out overnight with one in each. A morning removal of the baking soda and subsequent disposal is required. [1]

   • As a natural odor absorber, baking soda is a great tool for freshening up stinky footwear.
   • Need a new fragrance to cover up that odor? Place some baking soda in each of your shoes, and then add a few drops of your preferred essential oil to each.
   • Have no baking soda Instead of using newspaper, you can use kitty litter.

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   Use diluted white vinegar to clean your shoes. Combine equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. To treat the inside of your shoes, simply spray the solution in and let it dry overnight. [2]

   • You can also use vinegar to combat odors naturally. To effectively combat foot odor over time, you should use your vinegar solution every time you remove your shoes.

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   Utilize a disinfectant spray to wipe out bacteria and other germs. Shoe odor is caused by bacteria, which can be eliminated with a disinfectant spray. Apply a disinfectant spray to the inside of your shoes and let them air dry for the night. [3]

   • Shoes should be allowed to air out before being worn again. Wet shoes will only add to the unpleasant odor.
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   You can prevent mildew from forming on your shoes by freezing them overnight. Put both shoes in a large resealable plastic bag, then press out as much air as possible. You should freeze the shoes overnight, then let them thaw out completely before putting them on. The bacteria responsible for the odor will be killed off by the freezing temperatures, leaving you with fresher-smelling shoes. [4]

   • Though it works great in the short term, experts warn that putting your shoes in the freezer can actually hasten their deterioration.

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   You should just leave your shoes out in the open. Shoes can be disinfected and given a new lease on life by exposing them to the sun's UV rays. Drop your footwear outside in the sun for as long as you can. To avoid any mishaps, bring them inside before the rain begins. [5]

   • Your shoes' color may fade if exposed to direct sunlight, so store them in the shade to preserve their like-new appearance.
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   Stuff dryer sheets into your shoes and leave them there overnight. Since dryer sheets are designed to eliminate odors, they can also be used to deodorize shoes. Put a dryer sheet in each pair of shoes and leave them alone for the night. The next day, when you pull out the dryer sheets, you'll see a dramatic difference. [6]

   • Keep your shoes smelling fresh by replacing the dryer sheet daily and discarding the used one.

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   It's time to take out the insoles and give them a good washing to get rid of that stale smell. The insoles (or the stuff you're actually stepping on) of most shoes, and especially sneakers, are the primary source of foot odor. If the insoles of your shoes are removable, you can wash them along with your regular laundry. Take them out of your shoes to air dry for a while. [7]

   • If your insoles still smell after washing, you may want to replace them. Even if you don't clean your sneakers in any other way, putting in new insoles will make a huge difference in how they smell.

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   To remove persistent odors, try using a paste made from baking soda and vinegar to scrub your shoes. Mix 1 tbsp (14 g) of baking soda, 1 tbsp (US) of water, and 1 tbsp (US) of white vinegar in a small bowl. Apply the paste to the inside and outside of your shoes with a toothbrush and let them dry in the sun. Tap your shoes softly to dislodge the paste, and use a paper towel to wipe out the interior if necessary. [8]

   • As effective as each ingredient is on its own, the combination of baking soda and vinegar is even more potent. When you mix your ingredients, a little fizzing is normal and indicates that they are doing their job.

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   If all else fails, try washing your shoes in the washing machine. You should take out the insoles and tie the laces together (to prevent them from getting tangled) before washing the shoes. Put detergent in cold water and clean your shoes, then let them dry naturally. [9]

   • If you can, use cold water rather than hot. Cleaning your sneakers in hot water is rough on them and can even fade the color.
   • One wash cycle may not be sufficient if your shoes have a strong odor. To eliminate the odor for good, wash your shoes in cold water twice.

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   Your daily shower ritual should include foot washing. Avoid having unpleasant odors transfer to your shoes by keeping your feet clean. In order to prevent the rapid growth of bacteria on your feet, it is important to regularly wash them in the shower. [10]

   • Soap your feet and relax. Rinse them with water after a thorough scrubbing, paying special attention to any particularly dirty areas.
   • It's important to pat your feet dry after you get out of the shower. Fungus, the source of an unpleasant odor, thrives in humid environments like wet feet.

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   Do not wear the same shoes for more than two days in a row. Please allow ample time for your shoes to air out. It's recommended that those who regularly wear sneakers have multiple pairs on hand to avoid wearing the same pair for too many days in a row. Each set can air-dry in their own time. [11]

   • Allow at least a day for your shoes to air out before putting them back in use.

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   Put on socks that can absorb sweat Cotton and wool socks are ideal for wicking away perspiration and moisture. Never wear sneakers without socks, and if your socks get wet or sweaty during the day, change them. [12]

   • Don't wear the same pair of socks twice or any pair that has been worn before, as this can cause your shoes to smell even worse.

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   Avoid excessive foot sweat with the help of foot powder. Foot powder works by soaking up sweat, which in turn helps control odor. Before putting on your shoes every day, sprinkle some foot powder on your feet and in them. [13]

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