How to Get Rid of Shoe Smell: Easy & Effective Home Tips

No matter how stylish your sneakers or boots are, nothing ruins the look quicker than a lingering bad odour in shoes. It is a common issue for fashion enthusiasts who rotate pairs daily, attend events or walk long hours. If you’ve been wondering how to get rid of shoe smell without tossing your favourite pair, there are reliable home remedies and practical habits that work.

Below, you’ll find effective ways to remove smell from shoes, prevent stinky shoes from returning, and even freshen up your collection with quick fixes.

Why Do Shoes Smell?

Understanding the cause makes solving the issue easier. Feet have thousands of sweat glands. Sweat itself doesn’t smell, but when it mixes with bacteria trapped in shoe fabric, it creates that unmistakable stench. 

Add in closed environments, damp socks, or old insoles, and you have a breeding ground for strong odour.

Other factors like synthetic uppers that trap sweat and not giving shoes enough drying time can make the problem worse. Wearing the same pair daily without rotation also multiplies the risk.

Knowing this makes it clear why focusing on both moisture control and bacteria is essential when looking for a smelly shoes solution.

Practical Home Remedies for Smelly Shoes

Here’s how to get rid of shoe smell using simple items that are likely already in your home.

1. Baking Soda Magic

Baking soda is one of the easiest natural deodorising options. Sprinkle a tablespoon inside each shoe and leave overnight. By morning, the powder absorbs moisture and odour. Shake it out before wearing. It works well if you need a quick shoe smell remover without buying special products.

2. Vinegar Spray

Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz the insides of your shoes and let them dry completely. Vinegar neutralises bacteria and works like a natural shoe odour remover spray. Use it after gym sessions or long walks to freshen pairs instantly.

3. Essential Oils Boost

Tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus oils carry antibacterial properties. Add a few drops to cotton balls or tissues, place them inside the shoes, and leave overnight. It not only removes smell from shoes but also leaves a pleasant scent behind.

4. Sunshine & Fresh Air

Sometimes the simplest fix is exposure. Put shoes in direct sunlight for a few hours. The UV rays reduce bacteria, while airflow clears trapped dampness. It is an underrated yet effective stinky shoes remedy.

5. Soap Bar Trick

Place a dry bar of soap inside each shoe and leave it overnight. Soap absorbs bad odour in shoes while releasing its own clean fragrance. A no-fuss smelly shoes solution for everyday footwear.

6. Freezer Method

Seal shoes in a plastic bag and place them in the freezer overnight. The cold temperature kills bacteria responsible for odour. Allow them to return to room temperature before wearing. It works well on stinky shoes that need urgent refreshing.

7. Tea Bags for Absorption

Drop orange peels or lemon zest into your shoes overnight. The citrus oils lightly mask odour while leaving a refreshing scent. However, it is not a long-term solution.

Lifestyle Fixes That Work Long-Term

If you want to know how to get rid of shoe smell permanently, habits matter as much as remedies.

Rotate Shoes

Avoid wearing the same pair every day. Giving shoes 24 hours to air out naturally prevents bacteria build-up.

Wear the Right Socks

Cotton and wool blends wick away moisture, reducing the chance of bad odour in shoes. Avoid going sockless, as direct sweat transfer makes the problem worse.

Clean Feet Regularly

Good hygiene means fewer bacteria entering shoes in the first place. Wash and dry feet thoroughly, especially between the toes.

Replace Insoles

Old insoles trap sweat and bacteria. Swap them for fresh ones, preferably antimicrobial or ventilated designs. It is one of the most overlooked yet powerful ways to get rid of smelly shoes.

For leather or formal shoes, cedar shoe trees are highly effective. They not only absorb sweat and odour but also preserve the shoe’s shape.

Use Shoe Fresheners

Commercial shoe freshener balls or sachets keep shoes dry and odour-free. For those who like quick solutions, a shoe odour remover spray is also effective after workouts or long days.

Professional-Grade Options

While DIY fixes work, sometimes stinky shoes need a stronger and longer-lasting solution:

Shoe Deodoriser Sprays: A targeted shoe odour remover spray eliminates bacteria and odour instantly. Travel-friendly and safe on most materials, they’re a step above temporary fixes.

Cedar Inserts: As mentioned earlier, cedar works naturally against odour while keeping the structure intact in leather shoes.

Sneaker Care Kits: Combo cleaners with deodoriser not only refresh the smell but also remove dirt and stains.

Extra Tips for Persistent Shoe Odour

Cornstarch or Talcum Powder: Works like baking soda to absorb sweat.

Charcoal Bags: Natural odour absorbers that last for months.

DIY Inserts: Fill socks with baking soda, tie them up, and leave inside shoes overnight. Works as a reusable shoe smell remover.

How to Avoid Shoe Smell Before It Starts

While remedies fix the issue, prevention ensures it doesn’t return. Here’s how to prevent shoes from smelling in the first place:

1. Dry shoes completely before storage.
2. Avoid storing in closed cupboards without ventilation.
3. Change socks daily. Fresh socks equal fresher shoes.
4. Choose breathable footwear materials like canvas or mesh when possible.

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Recap

If you’ve been searching for how to get rid of shoe smell, the solution lies in tackling bacteria and moisture together. Baking soda, vinegar spray, essential oils, soap, and sunshine are powerful home fixes. Freezing pairs, using shoe odour remover spray, or replacing insoles gives added reinforcement. For fashion enthusiasts, keeping shoes odour-free ensures your style remains sharp and confident, without unpleasant distractions.

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FAQs

How do I remove the smell from shoes instantly?

For a quick fix, sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes and leave it for a few hours, or use a shoe odour remover spray. Both absorb and neutralise odour fast.

Can I use the washing machine?

Some fabric shoes like canvas sneakers can be machine-washed. But always check the care label. Leather or suede shoes should not go in the washer. Use vinegar spray or a shoe freshener instead.

What’s the best smelly shoes solution for gym sneakers?

After workouts, air them out immediately, spray with a vinegar-water mix, or use a shoe odour remover spray. Keeping an extra insole set for rotation also works well.

How can I prevent bad odour in shoes in the first place?

Always wear clean, moisture-wicking socks, dry shoes completely before storing, and rotate pairs regularly. Using a shoe smell remover sachet or freshener helps keep them odour-free longer.