We’ve all been there – you slip on your favourite running shoes or sneakers, only to be hit with a wave of pungent odour. Keeping your shoes stink-free is easier than you think. From simple hacks to clever products, we’ve got the inside scoop on how to keep your shoes fresh and odour-free. In this article, we’ll share our top 10 tricks to banish shoe stink for good, so you can focus on what really matters – hitting the pavement in comfort and confidence!
1. Baking soda
Baking soda is a potent solution for smelly shoes! Sprinkle a generous amount into the shoe and let it sit overnight. Simply dump out the powder in the morning for fresh-smelling shoes. Note: Use caution with leather shoes, as repeated applications can cause dryness. Alternatively, create your own reusable shoe deodorizers by filling old socks with 2 tablespoons of baking soda, tying them up, and inserting them into your shoes overnight. Remove in the morning and enjoy fresher shoes!
2. Fabric softener sheets
Banish sneaker stench with a powerful solution! Simply insert a new dryer fabric softener sheet into each shoe overnight to neutralize odours. Don’t forget to remove them before wearing them. This trick also works wonders for deodorizing gym bags and other storage spaces. Just drop a dryer sheet in and let it work its magic until it’s time for a replacement.
3. Salt
Keep your canvas shoes fresh and dry with a simple trick! Sprinkling a pinch of salt inside your shoes can work wonders in absorbing moisture and eliminating odours, especially during warm weather when socks are optional. Give it a try to keep your shoes smelling sweet!
4. Essential oils
Give your shoes a refreshing boost with the power of essential oils! Add a few drops of eucalyptus, clove, or tea tree oil directly into your shoe for an invigorating scent. Alternatively, drip the oil onto a paper towel or tissue and leave it in your shoe overnight for a subtle, fragrant treat.
5. Rubbing alcohol
Eliminate shoe stench and disinfect at the same time with a simple solution! Pour rubbing alcohol onto the affected area of your shoes to neutralize odours and kill bacteria. This natural deodorizer is a quick and effective way to freshen up your footwear.
6. Black teabags
Steep your shoes in freshness with a simple tea bag trick! Soak a tea bag in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then let it cool. Place the tea bag in your shoe for an hour to harness the antibacterial power of tannins, which will help eliminate odour-causing bacteria. Remove the tea bag, wipe away any excess moisture, and enjoy fresher shoes!
7. Baby powder
Stay one step ahead of shoe stink with a simple preventative trick! Apply baby powder to your feet before putting on your shoes to help absorb moisture and reduce sweat, keeping your shoes fresh and odour-free all day long.
8. Cat litter
Think outside the box with this unconventional shoe deodorizing hack! Utilize the absorbent and deodorizing properties of cat litter to freshen up your shoes. Simply line the bottom of your shoes with cat litter, let it sit overnight, and then discard and wipe clean with a damp cloth for a surprisingly effective shoe refresh!
9. Freeze them
When all else fails, give your shoes the cold shoulder! If stubborn odours persist, try freezing your shoes overnight to kill the bacteria causing the stench. Simply seal your shoes in a plastic bag and pop them in the freezer. By morning, the bacteria should be gone, and your shoes should be fresh and odour-free!
10. Machine wash
Give your dirty shoes a deep clean with a spin cycle! If your shoes are filthy inside and out, try washing them in a washing machine. This method works particularly well for sneakers. However, be cautious when drying – if you don’t have a shoe dryer attachment, it’s best to air dry to avoid damaging your machine.
With these 10 simple and effective tricks, you can bid farewell to stinky shoes for good! From natural deodorizers like baking soda and tea bags to clever hacks like freezing and dryer sheets, there’s a solution for every shoe type and odour level. By incorporating one or more of these methods into your shoe care routine, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh, clean shoes all year round. So go ahead, give your shoes the tender loving care they deserve, and say goodbye to embarrassing foot odour for good!
